A Fun, Bite-Sized Twist on the Classic Reuben Sandwich!
These savory, cheesy Reuben balls pack all the flavors of a Reuben sandwich—corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and spices—into crispy, oven-baked bites. Served with a tangy, spicy Thousand Island sauce, they’re the ultimate party appetizer or game-day snack!
📝 Ingredients
For the Reuben Balls:
- 1 lb ground beef or corned beef (finely chopped or shredded)
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained & chopped
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional, for authentic Reuben flavor)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Spicy Thousand Island Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp horseradish sauce (or prepared horseradish)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep & Preheat
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the Reuben Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine all Reuben ball ingredients.
- Mix well until fully incorporated.
3. Shape & Bake
- Roll into 1-inch balls (about 24 total).
- Place on baking sheet and bake 20–25 mins until golden and cooked through.
4. Make the Dipping Sauce
- Whisk all sauce ingredients in a bowl. Adjust heat (more hot sauce) or tang (more horseradish) to taste.
5. Serve!
- Arrange Reuben balls on a platter with sauce on the side.
- Garnish with extra caraway seeds or chopped parsley if desired.
🌟 Pro Tips
🔥 Crispy & Flavorful Tricks:
- For extra crunch, spray balls lightly with oil before baking.
- Use rye breadcrumbs for an authentic Reuben touch.
🍽️ Serving Ideas:
- Skewer with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
- Serve with pickles for a tangy contrast.
⏳ Make-Ahead & Storage:
- Freeze unbaked balls for up to 1 month (bake from frozen, +5 mins).
- Sauce keeps refrigerated for 1 week.
❓ FAQs
1. Can I use deli corned beef?
Yes! Chop it finely or pulse in a food processor.
2. Can I air-fry these?
Yes! 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 mins, shaking halfway.
3. Too salty?
Rinse sauerkraut before using if sensitive to salt.
4. Vegetarian version?
Swap beef for chopped mushrooms + smoked tofu.
5. Can I make them smaller?
Yes! Bake 15 mins for ½-inch cocktail-sized bites.
🍻 Final Thoughts
These Reuben balls are irresistibly savory, cheesy, and packed with flavor—perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, parties, or anytime you crave a Reuben in bite form!
“All the flavor of a Reuben, none of the sandwich mess!” 🎉
Tag your creations #ReubenBites
