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
- Mix all ingredients into a thick, moldable mixture
- Form into small balls
- Chill briefly to help them hold shape
- 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 👍

