Irresistible Reuben Balls: A Twist on a Classic Deli Favorite

Introduction

Hey there! I’m Jenny. I’m a wife, mom, and the passionate creator and food lover behind Recipes Cookery. Today, I’m excited to share with you a delightful twist on a classic deli favorite: Reuben Balls! These bite-sized morsels pack all the flavor of a traditional Reuben sandwich but are oh-so-much fun to eat. Perfect for party snacks or a cozy family dinner, they’re sure to be a hit.

Imagine crispy, golden balls filled with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and a hint of thousand island dressing. Sounds tempting, right? Let’s get started on this culinary adventure!

Ingredients

Gathering the right ingredients is crucial for making Reuben Balls that are full of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups corned beef, chopped
• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
• 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup thousand island dressing
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works great!)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Timing

Let’s talk timing! Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

With this quick timeline, you can have these scrumptious Reuben Balls ready in no time. Perfect for when unexpected guests pop by or when your family is just super hungry!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making our Reuben Balls!

Step 1: Prepare the Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, and thousand island dressing. Mix everything together until well combined. It’s going to smell amazing!

Step 2: Form the Balls

Using your hands, scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat this until you’ve used up all the mixture. This is where your little helpers can jump in! Kids love rolling things into balls. Just make sure they wash their hands first!

Step 3: Prepare for Frying

Set up a breading station. In one bowl, place the flour. In another, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, put the breadcrumbs. Roll each ball first in the flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. This will give them that crispy, golden exterior.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

In a large skillet, heat about an inch of oil over medium-high heat. You can check if the oil is ready by dropping a breadcrumb in. If it sizzles, you’re good to go!

Step 5: Fry the Balls

Carefully place the balls in the hot oil, a few at a time, making sure not to crowd the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown on all sides. Flip them as needed for even cooking. This is the hardest part—waiting for them to get all crispy and delicious!

Step 6: Drain and Serve

Once they’re golden, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve them warm with extra thousand island dressing for dipping. Yum!

Nutritional Information

Now, I know we all want to indulge a little, but it’s good to be aware of what we’re eating. Here’s a rough estimate for one Reuben Ball:

• Calories: 120
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 5g

Keep in mind that this can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. Enjoying food is what it’s all about, right?

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re looking to make these a bit lighter, I’ve got your back! Here are some healthier alternatives:

• Use lean turkey or chicken instead of corned beef.
• Opt for low-fat Swiss cheese.
• Try baking instead of frying! Just spray the balls with cooking spray and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes or until golden.
• Switch out the thousand island dressing for Greek yogurt mixed with some ketchup and spices.

These swaps can help you enjoy Reuben Balls with a little less guilt!

Serving Suggestions

How you serve your Reuben Balls can make a big difference. Here are some fun ideas:

• Serve with a side of crispy potato wedges for a complete meal.
• Pair with a fresh salad to balance the richness.
• Set up a dipping station with different sauces like ranch or spicy mustard.
• Use them as appetizers at your next party—your guests will love them!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best cooks make mistakes! Here are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not draining the sauerkraut properly can make your mixture too wet, resulting in soggy balls.
• Overcrowding the pan while frying can lead to uneven cooking.
• Skipping the breadcrumb coating will result in less crispy balls. Trust me, you want that crunch!

With these tips, you’ll be a Reuben Ball pro in no time!

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), here’s how to store them:

• Allow the balls to cool completely.
• Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes until heated through.

Freezing is also an option! Just freeze them before frying. When you’re ready to eat, fry them straight from the freezer. It’s like having a delicious surprise waiting for you!

Conclusion

So there you have it! Delicious, crispy, and oh-so-flavorful Reuben Balls that are sure to become a favorite in your home. They’re perfect for sharing with family and friends, or just enjoying during a cozy night in. I hope you have as much fun making them as I do!

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FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and form the balls a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to fry them.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes! Baking is a healthier option. Just spray the balls with cooking spray and bake at 400°F until golden brown, about 20 minutes.

What can I substitute for corned beef?

If you’re not a fan of corned beef, you can use cooked turkey, chicken, or even a meat alternative for a vegetarian option.

Are Reuben Balls gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour. Check your corned beef and dressing for gluten content too!

Final Thoughts

Thanks for joining me in this delightful culinary journey! I hope you enjoyed learning how to make these irresistible Reuben Balls. They’re perfect for any occasion, and there’s nothing like the joy of cooking with family. If you try this recipe, let me know how it goes! Happy cooking!