Reuben Balls: A Bite-Sized Taste of Nostalgia

The first time I tasted something resembling these Reuben Balls, I was at a potluck hosted by my Aunt Carol. It was the kind of gathering where every dish was a loving testament to someone’s culinary heritage. Amongst the Jell-O molds and ambrosia salads sat a platter of these savory, golden-brown orbs. I remember being hesitant, but the enticing aroma of rye and melted cheese pulled me in. One bite, and I was hooked – a miniature Reuben sandwich, transformed into a perfect party snack. They were surprisingly sophisticated, yet utterly comforting.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yields: Approximately 45 Reuben Balls
• Serves: 12-15
• Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (16 ounce) can sauerkraut, well drained and chopped
• 1 (5 ounce) can evaporated milk
• 1 teaspoon minced onion
• 1 (12 ounce) can corned beef
• 1 cup rye cracker crumbs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup thousand island dressing, for dipping (optional)

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper (optional)

Instructions

1. Begin by softening the cream cheese. This can be done by leaving it at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwaving it for a few seconds. It needs to be soft enough to blend smoothly.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and minced onion. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

3. Add the well-drained and chopped sauerkraut to the bowl. Make sure the sauerkraut is as dry as possible; squeezing it with paper towels helps to remove excess moisture, preventing soggy Reuben Balls.

4. Next, add the corned beef to the mixture. Break it up slightly with a fork as you incorporate it into the cream cheese, onion, and sauerkraut base. Ensure the corned beef is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

5. Incorporate 1/4 cup of the rye cracker crumbs into the mixture. This will help bind the ingredients together.

6. Now, it’s time to form the Reuben Balls. Roll the mixture into balls approximately the size of walnuts. This recipe should yield around 45 balls.

7. Prepare your breading station. Place the all-purpose flour in one shallow dish, the evaporated milk in another, and the remaining rye cracker crumbs in a third.

8. Roll each Reuben Ball in the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. This step helps the evaporated milk adhere better.

9. Dip the floured Reuben Ball into the evaporated milk, making sure it’s evenly coated.

10. Finally, roll the milk-coated Reuben Ball in the rye cracker crumbs, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs stick.

11. Place the breaded Reuben Balls on a baking sheet. For easy cleanup, you can line the baking sheet with parchment paper.

12. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the Reuben Balls are golden brown and heated through. Check for doneness by cutting one open; it should be warm all the way to the center.

13. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

14. Serve warm with thousand island dressing for dipping, if desired.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Don’t skip draining the sauerkraut! This is the most important step for a good texture. Soggy sauerkraut will result in soggy balls that don’t hold their shape well.
• For a richer flavor, use a high-quality corned beef, or even leftover corned beef from a previous meal.
• Make ahead: The Reuben Balls can be assembled ahead of time, breaded, and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is great for party prep!
• For extra crispiness, lightly spray the Reuben Balls with cooking oil before baking.
• To avoid sticking, ensure your baking sheet is either non-stick or lined with parchment paper.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Reuben Balls warm as an appetizer, snack, or party food. They are best served immediately after baking for optimal crispness. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but they may lose some of their crispness. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	157 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	80 g	51%
Total Fat	8.9 g	13%
Saturated Fat	3.9 g	19%
Cholesterol	39 mg	12%
Sodium	617.8 mg	25%
Total Carbohydrate	11.2 g	3%
Dietary Fiber	1.3 g	5%
Sugars	0.8 g	3%
Protein	7.9 g	15%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and use gluten-free cracker crumbs.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture for a little heat.
• Cheese Variation: Instead of cream cheese, try using a combination of cream cheese and Swiss cheese for a more authentic Reuben flavor.
• Corned Beef Substitute: If you’re not a fan of corned beef, you can use pastrami or even shredded cooked turkey for a different twist.
• Dip Alternatives: Instead of Thousand Island dressing, try serving with a spicy mustard or a creamy horseradish sauce.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make these ahead of time and freeze them?
A: Yes, you can assemble and bread the Reuben Balls, then freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. Thaw completely before baking.

Q: What’s the best way to drain the sauerkraut?
A: Place the sauerkraut in a colander and press down with a spoon to remove excess liquid. For even drier sauerkraut, wrap it in paper towels and squeeze out the moisture.

Q: Can I bake these in an air fryer?
A: Yes, air frying is a great alternative! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and heated through.

Q: What can I use if I don’t have rye cracker crumbs?
A: You can substitute with crushed rye bread, pumpernickel bread, or even regular breadcrumbs mixed with a teaspoon of caraway seeds to mimic the rye flavor.

Q: How can I prevent the Reuben Balls from sticking to the baking sheet?
A: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or use a non-stick baking sheet and lightly spray it with cooking oil.

Final Thoughts

Reuben Balls are more than just a snack; they are a delightful bite of comfort and nostalgia. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a unique appetizer, or simply craving the flavors of a Reuben sandwich in a fun, bite-sized form, this recipe is sure to please. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and make them your own! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your creations with friends and family. Happy cooking!