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For Reuben balls, you need the following main ingredients: - 1 cup cooked corned beef, chopped finely - 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and chopped - 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1 egg, beaten - Oil for frying To make the spicy dipping sauce, gather these ingredients: - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce (adjust for spice tolerance) - 1 teaspoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste Choosing fresh ingredients is really important. Here are some tips: - Corned Beef: Look for bright pink color and a firm texture. Avoid any gray spots. - Sauerkraut: Choose sauerkraut that smells fresh and tangy. The crunchier, the better! - Swiss Cheese: Pick cheese that feels moist and has a smooth surface. - Cream Cheese: Ensure it is soft and creamy. Check the expiration date. - Spices: Use fresh spices for the best flavor. Old spices lose their taste. These fresh ingredients will help you create the best Reuben balls. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. To start, gather all your ingredients. You will need cooked corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and cream cheese. Also, have garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, breadcrumbs, and one egg ready. In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, and softened cream cheese. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix everything well until combined. Once mixed, shape the mixture into small balls, about one inch wide. This should make around 12 to 15 balls. Roll each ball in breadcrumbs to coat them evenly. Place the coated balls on a tray and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This helps them firm up, making frying easier. Next, heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking. Carefully add the chilled Reuben balls to the hot oil. Fry them in small batches to avoid crowding. Cook each batch for 3 to 4 minutes. Look for a nice golden brown color on all sides. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the balls from the oil. Drain them on a paper towel to remove excess oil. This step ensures your Reuben balls stay crispy and delicious. While the Reuben balls cool, prepare the spicy dipping sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Sriracha sauce, and honey. Adjust the Sriracha to match your spice level. Add a pinch of salt and pepper for taste. Mix until smooth and creamy. Serve the hot Reuben balls with the spicy dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy this tasty treat! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To fry Reuben balls just right, heat your oil to medium. Use enough oil to cover the balls halfway. This helps them cook evenly. Fry in small batches to avoid crowding the pan. This keeps the heat steady. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they turn golden brown. Remember to flip them halfway for an even color. One common mistake is not chilling the balls before frying. Chilling helps them hold their shape. Another mistake is using too much oil. If the oil is too hot, the outside cooks fast, but the inside stays cold. Lastly, don’t skip the breadcrumbs. They give a nice crunch and keep the filling moist. To keep the filling moist, use cream cheese. It adds a rich texture. Mix the filling just until combined; overmixing can dry it out. You can also add a splash of broth or a bit more cream cheese if needed. This keeps the balls juicy and flavorful. {{image_2}} You can switch up the filling in your Reuben balls for fun. Try pastrami instead of corned beef for a twist. You can also use turkey for a lighter version. If you want a veggie option, use mushrooms and spinach. This keeps the dish fresh and exciting. While the spicy dipping sauce adds heat, other sauces can change the game. Consider a creamy ranch for a cool dip. A tangy garlic aioli also pairs well with the balls. For a zesty kick, try a chipotle mayo. These options keep your guests guessing and delighted. Reuben balls shine at parties. Serve them on a large platter with toothpicks. This makes them easy for guests to grab. Pair them with a variety of dipping sauces for choice. You can also add a side of pickles for extra crunch. These ideas make your dish the star of the show. After enjoying your Reuben balls, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge. They will last for about 3-4 days. Make sure they cool down before sealing. This helps keep them fresh. To reheat, use the oven for the best texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Reuben balls on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps them crispy and delicious. You can also use a microwave, but this may make them soggy. You can freeze Reuben balls for later. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a tray. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. After that, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge before reheating. This way, you keep the flavor and texture intact. If you want a different meat, try pastrami or roast beef. Both give a nice flavor. You can also use turkey or chicken for a lighter option. These meats work well with the sauerkraut and cheese, keeping that Reuben taste. To make these Reuben balls gluten-free, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. You can also use crushed gluten-free crackers or oats. Check that the corned beef and sauces you use are gluten-free too. This way, everyone can enjoy them! Yes, you can bake Reuben balls! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. They won’t be as crispy as fried ones, but they’ll still taste great. For the full recipe, check out the steps to make these delicious Reuben balls! We explored the key ingredients for tasty Reuben Balls, along with a spicy dipping sauce. I shared tips for selecting fresh ingredients and avoiding common mistakes. You learned preparation and cooking steps, plus creative twists for variations. Storage tips will help keep leftovers fresh. Remember, great Reuben Balls start with quality ingredients. Stay confident in your cooking, and enjoy making these fun bites for your next gathering.

Reuben Balls with Spicy Dipping Sauce

Indulge in a delicious twist on a classic with these Reuben Balls featuring a zesty spicy dipping sauce! Perfect for parties or game day, these bite-sized treats combine corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese for a flavor explosion. Ready in just an hour, they're sure to impress your guests. Click through to explore the full recipe and learn how to make this irresistible appetizer that's perfect for any occasion!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup cooked corned beef, chopped finely

1 cup sauerkraut, drained and chopped

1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1 egg, beaten

Oil for frying

For the Spicy Dipping Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce (adjust for spice tolerance)

1 teaspoon honey

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

    Once mixed, form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.

      Roll each ball in breadcrumbs and place them on a tray. Once finished, refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up the balls.

        In a deep frying pan, heat oil over medium heat until hot. Carefully add the Reuben balls, frying in batches for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown on all sides.

          Remove the Reuben balls from the oil and let them drain on a paper towel.

            For the spicy dipping sauce, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Sriracha sauce, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.

              Serve the Reuben balls hot, alongside the spicy dipping sauce for a perfect appetizer!

                Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4