Introduction
Transform the legendary Reuben sandwich into the ultimate bite-sized appetizer with these Crispy Reuben Bites. Each golden-fried ball is a perfect flavor package, bursting with savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and rich, melted Swiss cheese, all held together by a hint of creamy Dijon. These bites deliver the classic deli taste you love in an irresistibly crunchy, shareable format. They are the undisputed star of any appetizer spread and are guaranteed to be the first thing to disappear at your next party, game day, or casual get-together.
Recipe Quick-Look
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (+ 20 minutes chilling)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yields: About 24 bites (6 servings)
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked corned beef, finely shredded or chopped
- 1 cup sauerkraut, squeezed very dry and chopped
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 large eggs, beaten with a splash of water
- 11/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (recommended for extra crispiness)
- Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Create the Reuben Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded corned beef, dry sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Shape and Chill the Bites: Roll the mixture into uniform 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. For the best results, chill the balls in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. This helps them firm up and hold their shape perfectly during frying.
- Set Up the Breading Station: Prepare three shallow dishes. Fill the first with the flour, the second with the beaten eggs, and the third with the panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat for Maximum Crunch: Working with one ball at a time, first roll it in the flour to coat, then dip it completely in the egg wash, and finally, press it firmly into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring a thick, even coating. Return the breaded balls to the baking sheet.
- Fry to Golden Perfection: Heat about 2-3 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the Reuben bites into the hot oil in small batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are deep golden-brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried bites to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Variations & Customizations
- Baked Instead of Fried: For a lighter version, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the breaded balls on a baking sheet, spray them generously with cooking spray, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
- Add a Spicy Kick: Mix in finely chopped jalapeños or a teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce into the filling for a fiery twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and gluten-free panko-style breadcrumbs for the coating.
- Vegetarian Style: Substitute the corned beef with finely chopped, sautéed tempeh or seitan that has been seasoned with classic corning spices like coriander and mustard seed.
Serving, Storage & Dipping Sauces
Perfect Dipping Sauces While delicious on their own, these bites are even better with a dip. Try serving them with:
- Classic Thousand Island or Russian dressing
- Tangy Dijon or spicy brown mustard
- Creamy horseradish sauce
Make-Ahead & Storage
- To Make Ahead: Prepare and bread the bites, but do not fry them. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Fry directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
- To Store Leftovers: Store fried Reuben bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Why did my Reuben balls fall apart while frying? This can happen if the oil isn’t hot enough or if the balls weren’t chilled. Chilling helps solidify the filling, and hot oil immediately sears the outside, creating a crust that holds everything together.
- Can I use a different cheese besides Swiss? Yes, while Swiss cheese provides the classic Reuben flavor, Gruyère, provolone, or even a sharp white cheddar would also be delicious.
- Is it necessary to squeeze the sauerkraut dry? Absolutely. Excess moisture from the sauerkraut is the number one cause of a soggy filling, which can make the balls difficult to shape and fry. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible with your hands or by pressing it in a fine-mesh sieve.
Conclusion
Crispy Reuben Bites are a game-changing appetizer that packs all the bold, comforting flavors of a deli classic into one perfect mouthful. With a crunchy exterior giving way to a warm, cheesy, and savory center, they are a certified crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Easy to prepare ahead of time and incredibly satisfying, this recipe is sure to become a permanent fixture in your entertaining playbook.
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Crispy Reuben Balls
Savory bites of corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese, coated in a crunchy breadcrumb coating, these Crispy Reuben Balls are the perfect appetizer for any occasion. Fried to golden perfection, they deliver all the flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich in a convenient, bite-sized form.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
2 cups cooked corned beef, shredded
1 cup sauerkraut, drained and chopped
1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
Oil for frying
Instructions
Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded corned beef, chopped sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
Shape the Balls: Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Set Up the Breading Station: In one shallow dish, place the flour. In another dish, place the beaten eggs, and in a third dish, place the breadcrumbs.
Bread the Balls: Roll each ball first in the flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. Return the breaded balls to the baking sheet.
Fry the Balls: Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the Reuben balls in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Drain and Serve: Once fried, remove the balls from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve the Crispy Reuben Balls warm with additional Dijon mustard or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Make sure to cook the corned beef thoroughly before using it in this recipe.
Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
You can make these in advance and freeze them before frying. Fry directly from frozen when ready to serve.
Be sure to fry in batches to prevent overcrowding, which will ensure an even fry.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
