Crispy Reuben Balls are one of those recipes I’m truly thankful to be sharing with you. Thank you for being here—because this is comfort food with a fun, irresistible twist. Right from the first bite, Crispy Reuben Balls deliver everything we love about a classic Reuben sandwich, wrapped up into golden, crunchy, poppable perfection. They’re bold, savory, cheesy, and completely addictive. If you love crowd-pleasing appetizers like this, don’t forget to subscribe so you can get recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox.
Overview of This Crispy Reuben Balls Recipe
This recipe takes all the iconic Reuben flavors—corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and creamy dressing—and transforms them into bite-sized snacks that are perfect for parties, game days, or just because. They’re crispy on the outside, melty on the inside, and anything but boring!!
Reasons to Love Crispy Reuben Balls
These little bites disappear fast, and for good reason. They’re easy to make, can be prepped ahead of time, and fry or bake up beautifully. They’re also a fun way to serve familiar flavors in a new, exciting form—guaranteed to impress guests.
What Do Crispy Reuben Balls Taste Like?
Each bite is rich and savory with a satisfying crunch. The corned beef is salty and hearty, the sauerkraut adds tang, and the Swiss cheese melts everything together. Dip them into a creamy Thousand Island–style sauce and it’s absolute magic.
Benefits of Making Reuben Balls at Home
Homemade means better flavor, fresher ingredients, and customizable seasoning. You control the crunch, the cheesiness, and the balance of flavors—plus, they’re far more affordable than ordering appetizers out.
Ingredients for Crispy Reuben Balls
- 1 cup cooked corned beef, finely chopped
- 1 cup sauerkraut, well drained and finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs or panko
- Oil for frying (or cooking spray if baking)
Optional Dipping Sauce
- Thousand Island or Russian dressing
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet or deep skillet
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Paper towels
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
You can swap corned beef for pastrami for a slightly smokier flavor. If you prefer a sharper bite, try adding a bit of grated sharp Swiss or Gruyère. Gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour work well too if needed.
How to Make Crispy Reuben Balls
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a bowl, mix corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined.
- Scoop mixture and roll into 1-inch balls.
- Place flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs into three separate bowls.
- Roll each ball in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
- For frying: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry balls in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden brown.
- For baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C), place balls on a greased baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake for 18–20 minutes, turning once.
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm with dipping sauce.
What to Serve with Crispy Reuben Balls
These are fantastic on their own, but they pair well with pickles, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. For parties, serve them alongside other appetizers like sliders or potato skins.
Tips for the Best Crispy Reuben Balls
- Make sure the sauerkraut is very well drained to avoid soggy balls.
- Chill the mixture for 20 minutes if it feels too soft to roll.
- Serve immediately for the best crunch and melty center.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crispiness. Freezing before frying also works great for make-ahead prep.
General Information
Reuben-inspired appetizers have become popular because they transform a beloved sandwich into shareable bites. These crispy balls capture all the classic flavors in a fun, modern way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Reuben Balls
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble and bread them, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Can I air fry Reuben balls?
Absolutely. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Do I have to use Swiss cheese?
Swiss is classic, but mozzarella or provolone can work in a pinch.
Conclusion
Crispy Reuben Balls are crunchy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—everything you want in an appetizer. They’re simple to make, endlessly snackable, and guaranteed to be a hit wherever you serve them.