Reuben Balls: Crispy, Cheesy Bites You’ll Crave

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If you wander into my West Lafayette kitchen on a crisp afternoon, you might find the scent of tangy sauerkraut and sizzling corned beef dancing through the air as I test a new batch of Reuben balls. These crispy, cheesy bites take all the comforting flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich melty Swiss, savory corned beef, sharp sauerkraut and tuck them inside a crunchy coating perfect for parties, game days, or cozy evenings when you want something fun. If you love the taste of a Reuben but want a playful, easy-to-share version, these Reuben balls are the snack you didn’t know you needed.

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Why You’ll Love Making Reuben Balls

A Story From My Kitchen

I remember the first time I turned leftover corned beef into Reuben balls. It was the day after St. Patrick’s Day, and I had a fridge packed with corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese. I didn’t want another sandwich, so I decided to transform those flavors into something snackable, something that would crisp up beautifully while staying tender inside. Rolling the mixture into small balls, coating them, and watching them turn golden as they fried made me realize how much fun cooking can be, even on a slow afternoon.

Reuben balls are now a staple when we have friends over to watch a game or gather for a cozy evening in. They deliver everything you love about a Reuben sandwich but in a crispy, dippable form that feels festive and comforting. The tangy sauerkraut balances the creamy Swiss and the savory corned beef, while the crunchy coating adds a textural element that makes these bites impossible to resist.

For more cozy, shareable recipes that add fun to your gatherings, check out my crispy Reuben balls and creamy colby jack mac and cheese, perfect for game nights or comforting dinners.

Why Reuben Balls Are a Must-Try

Reuben balls are a great way to use up leftovers, add fun to gatherings, or make a unique appetizer for your next party. They are easy to prep in advance and can be baked or fried, giving you flexibility without sacrificing the classic Reuben flavors that make these bites so beloved.

Ingredients and How to Make Reuben Balls

What Makes a Good Reuben Ball

A good Reuben ball starts with quality ingredients. Use cooked corned beef (or pastrami if you prefer), chopped finely for easy mixing and even bites. Combine it with well-drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, a bit of cream cheese for binding, and a touch of Dijon mustard for tang. This mixture is what gives your Reuben balls the classic flavors while ensuring they stay creamy inside and crispy outside.

To avoid soggy Reuben balls, ensure your sauerkraut is drained and squeezed dry before mixing, and chill the formed balls before breading and cooking. This keeps the interior creamy without excess moisture, letting the exterior crisp beautifully.

For cozy meals that use up leftovers creatively, explore our chicken of the woods recipe and slow cooked beef stew for comfort-filled dinners that minimize waste.

Ingredients You Need

To make Reuben balls, gather:

• 1 cup cooked corned beef or pastrami, finely chopped
• ¾ cup well-drained sauerkraut
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 2 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs for breading

These ingredients create a flavorful, creamy interior while the breading crisps up for an irresistible crunch. You can air fry, bake, or deep fry them, depending on your preference.

In the next section, we will cover whether Reuben balls are better with pastrami or corned beef, and step-by-step instructions to ensure your Reuben balls are crisp, warm, and full of flavor every time.

Pastrami or Corned Beef, and Step-by-Step Preparation

Is a Reuben Better with Pastrami or Corned Beef?

Traditionally, Reubens use corned beef for its savory, tender texture and classic salt-cured flavor. However, pastrami adds a smoky, peppery depth that many people love in Reuben balls, giving them a slightly different character while maintaining the iconic Reuben taste. If you prefer a milder, classic flavor, use corned beef. If you want a smoky twist with spice, try pastrami. Both work beautifully, allowing you to customize your Reuben balls to your taste or what’s available in your fridge.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Reuben Balls

1. Drain and squeeze sauerkraut thoroughly to prevent sogginess.
2. In a bowl, combine chopped corned beef or pastrami, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Scoop and roll into 1-inch balls, placing them on a lined baking sheet.
4. Chill the balls for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape.
5. Prepare a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
6. Roll each ball in flour, then dip in eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
7. For frying: Heat oil to 350°F and fry until golden brown.
   For baking: Bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway for even crisping.
   For air-frying: Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes until golden.

Serve your Reuben balls warm with Thousand Island or Russian dressing for dipping, making them a perfect game-day snack or cozy appetizer.

For more warm, shareable bites, check out our crispy Reuben balls and creamy rigatoni pasta bake for comforting crowd-pleasers.

Next, we will cover whether Reuben balls should be served warm or cold, along with serving tips and reheating instructions to keep your Reuben balls crisp and delicious.

Serving and Reheating Your Reuben Balls

Should a Reuben Be Warm or Cold?

A Reuben, and by extension Reuben balls, should always be served warm. The warmth melts the Swiss cheese, blends the flavors of the corned beef (or pastrami) with the sauerkraut, and keeps the interior creamy while the coating stays crisp. Serving Reuben balls warm ensures each bite is comforting and texturally satisfying, making them perfect for parties, game-day snacks, or cozy appetizers on a chilly evening.

While you can prep and bread the Reuben balls ahead of time, they are best fried or baked just before serving to maintain their crispy exterior and warm, melty interior. If you need to prepare them ahead, store them uncooked and breaded in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, or freeze them for longer storage.

For more cozy appetizers that shine warm, see our delicious crack chicken noodle soup for comforting gatherings and loaded sweet potato bowls for a hearty, nourishing main.

Reheating Your Reuben Balls

If you have leftovers, reheat your Reuben balls in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for 8–10 minutes to restore crispness while warming the interior. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the coating soggy.

Serve warm Reuben balls with a small dish of Thousand Island or Russian dressing for dipping, adding that classic tangy note that completes the Reuben experience. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

With these tips, you’ll enjoy your Reuben balls at their best, ensuring they remain crispy, warm, and delicious every time you serve them, whether as a snack or a fun dinner centerpiece.

FAQ

Conclusion

Reuben balls are the fun, crispy appetizer you’ll want to make for gatherings, game days, or cozy evenings at home. They take the classic flavors of a Reuben savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melty Swiss and tuck them into crispy, cheesy bites perfect for dipping and sharing. By using quality ingredients, draining your sauerkraut well, and serving them warm, you’ll create Reuben balls that stay crispy outside while creamy and comforting inside. Let these bites bring joy to your kitchen, reminding you that cooking can be playful and deeply satisfying. more recipes follow me: facebook – Pinterest.