Recipe

These savory bites appear to be a variation of corned beef and cheese meatballs, often referred to as “Reuben balls” when they include sauerkraut.

Yes — that description fits well.

What you’re talking about are usually called Reuben balls or corned beef cheese bites, depending on the exact ingredients.

🥩🧀 Reuben Balls (Savory Corned Beef Bites)

What they are

Small, crispy, fried (or baked/air-fried) bites made from:

  • Corned beef (or pastrami)
  • Swiss cheese
  • Sauerkraut (optional but classic for Reuben style)
  • Binder like breadcrumbs or cream cheese

They’re inspired by the Reuben sandwich, just in bite-sized form.


Typical ingredients

  • 1–2 cups chopped corned beef
  • 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
  • 1/2 cup sauerkraut (well drained)
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or more as needed)
  • 1–2 tbsp mustard (optional, for flavor)

How they’re made

  1. Mix all ingredients into a thick, moldable mixture
  2. Form into small balls
  3. Chill briefly to help them hold shape
  4. Fry, bake, or air-fry until golden and crispy

Common variations

  • Reuben balls → include sauerkraut + Swiss cheese + Russian dressing dip
  • Corned beef bites → skip sauerkraut for a milder taste
  • Baked version → lighter, less oily but still crispy

Best served with

  • Thousand Island or Russian dressing
  • Spicy mustard dip
  • Pickles or coleslaw on the side

If you want, I can also give:

  • a low-carb/keto version
  • a no-fry baked recipe
  • or a Reuben sandwich-inspired full meal idea 👍

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