A Bite-Sized Nostalgic Comfort

There’s something about a Reuben sandwich that feels like home. The combination of tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Swiss cheese, and bold mustard brings back memories of family gatherings, Sunday lunches, and trips to the local deli. It’s one of those timeless flavors—hearty, comforting, and perfectly balanced.

Growing up, my grandfather had a deep love for Reuben sandwiches. Every weekend, we’d sit in a cozy diner, watching the world go by through fogged-up windows while he savored every bite of his favorite sandwich. But as much as I adored the flavors, I always found the sandwich a bit overwhelming—the layers stacked high, the bread sometimes too thick.

That’s where these Crispy Reuben Balls come in. They capture everything I love about a traditional Reuben but in a bite-sized, crispy, golden package. They are the perfect fusion of comfort food and party snack—easy to eat, packed with flavor, and impossible to stop at just one. Whether you’re making them for a game day spread, a family get-together, or just to satisfy a craving, these crispy, cheesy bites will quickly become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love These Reuben Balls

1. All the Classic Flavors in One Bite

These crispy bites deliver the perfect balance—the saltiness of corned beef, the tang of sauerkraut, the richness of Swiss cheese, and the hint of spice from mustard.

2. A Fun, Handheld Appetizer

Forget the mess of a sandwich. These easy-to-eat bites are perfect for parties, potlucks, or snacking while watching a game.

3. Crispy on the Outside, Gooey on the Inside

With a crunchy breadcrumb coating and a melty, cheesy center, every bite is an explosion of texture and flavor.

4. Easy to Make Ahead

You can prepare these in advance, store them in the fridge or freezer, and fry or bake them fresh when needed.

5. A Great Way to Use Leftover Corned Beef

If you have extra corned beef from St. Patrick’s Day or a weekend roast, these bites are the perfect way to repurpose leftovers into something exciting.

Ingredients – A Perfect Fusion of Flavor and Texture

For the Filling:

  • 2 cups cooked corned beef, shredded
  • 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and chopped
  • 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
  • ½ cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Breading:

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

Directions – From Mixing to Crunchy Perfection

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

  1. Mix corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a bowl until well combined.

Step 2: Shape the Balls

  1. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 3: Set Up the Breading Station

  1. In separate dishes, prepare flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Coat and Fry

  1. Roll each ball in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat in breadcrumbs.
  2. Fry in hot oil for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Drain on paper towels and serve warm with Dijon mustard or Thousand Island dressing.

Nutritional Breakdown – A Savory Indulgence

  • Calories per serving: 320 kcal
  • Protein: 14g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g

Tips for Making the Perfect Reuben Balls

1. Drain the Sauerkraut Well

Sauerkraut adds great tang, but too much moisture can make the filling soggy. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible before mixing it into the filling.

2. Chill Before Frying

Once you roll the balls, let them chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape and prevents them from falling apart in the oil.

3. Use Panko for an Extra Crispy Coating

Regular breadcrumbs work fine, but panko breadcrumbs give a lighter, crispier texture that makes every bite more satisfying.

4. Keep the Oil at the Right Temperature

Frying at medium heat (about 350°F) ensures the outside gets golden brown while the inside stays warm and gooey. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the cheese melts.

5. Serve with the Perfect Dip

These Reuben Balls are delicious on their own, but a good dip makes them even better. Try:

  • Thousand Island dressing for that classic Reuben sandwich flavor.
  • Dijon mustard for a bold, tangy kick.
  • Horseradish cream for a little extra spice.

FAQs – Everything You Need to Know

1. Can I Bake These Instead of Frying?

Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F, place the balls on a greased baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. For extra crispiness, lightly spray them with cooking oil before baking.

2. Can I Make These Ahead of Time?

Absolutely. You can:

  • Refrigerate uncooked balls for up to 24 hours before frying or baking.
  • Freeze them for longer storage—just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time when frying or baking.

3. What Can I Use Instead of Swiss Cheese?

If Swiss cheese isn’t your favorite, try:

  • Gruyère for a richer, nuttier flavor.
  • Monterey Jack for a milder, creamy taste.
  • Mozzarella for extra gooeyness.

4. How Do I Prevent the Filling from Leaking?

Make sure the filling is well mixed and properly chilled before rolling the balls. When breading, press the breadcrumbs firmly to create a sealed crust.

5. What’s the Best Oil for Frying?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. Avoid olive oil, as it has a lower smoke point and can burn easily.

6. Can I Make a Healthier Version?

Yes! Instead of frying, bake them or air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes. You can also use low-fat cheese and whole wheat breadcrumbs for a lighter option.

7. Can I Make a Vegetarian Version?

Definitely! Swap out the corned beef for:

  • Chopped mushrooms and caramelized onions for a rich, umami flavor.
  • Jackfruit or tempeh for a plant-based alternative.
  • Spinach and feta for a Mediterranean twist.

How to Serve These Reuben Balls

These crispy bites are incredibly versatile and pair well with different sides and dips. Here are some serving ideas:

  • Classic Appetizer Platter: Arrange them with other small bites like pretzels, stuffed mushrooms, and jalapeño poppers.
  • With a Light Salad: The richness of the Reuben Balls pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or coleslaw.
  • As a Sandwich Alternative: Serve them with mini rye bread slices and extra Thousand Island dressing for a deconstructed Reuben experience.
  • With a Side of Fries or Sweet Potato Wedges: Perfect for a pub-style meal at home.

Final Thoughts – Why You Need to Try These Reuben Balls

Some recipes just hit the spot, and this is one of them. These Crispy Reuben Balls are everything you love about a Reuben sandwich but in a fun, crunchy, bite-sized form. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a creative way to use up leftovers, or simply craving something indulgent.

Once you try them, you’ll understand why they’ve become a go-to appetizer in my kitchen. They bring together rich, savory corned beef, creamy melted cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and a crispy golden coating into one irresistible bite.

So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a snack that’s both nostalgic and exciting. Because sometimes, the best flavors come in the smallest, crispiest packages.

Happy cooking!