Savory Reuben Bites
If you're seeking a delightful and innovative twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, look no further than these Savory Reuben Bites. Combining the rich flavors of corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy cheeses, and crispy breadcrumbs, these bite-sized wonders are perfect for any occasion. Ideal for gatherings, parties, or just a late-night snack, they can be prepared ahead of time and frozen for future cravings. When you're ready to indulge, simply fry them up until golden brown and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce. Whether served as appetizers or enjoyed as a personal treat, these delightful bites will win over even the pickiest eaters. My family loves them, and I’m sure yours will too!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Corned Beef
1 (12 ounce) can (Crumble)
Sauerkraut
1 (14 ounce) can (Drained, rinsed, chopped, and dried)
Cream Cheese
4 ounces (Softened to room temperature)
Swiss Cheese
4 ounces (Shredded)
Minced Dried Onion
1.5 tablespoons (Dehydrated)
All-Purpose Flour
1 cup (N/A)
Milk
1 cup (N/A)
Dried Breadcrumbs
1 cup (From canister)
Vegetable Oil
3 cups (For frying)
Thousand Island or Russian Dressing
1/2 cup (Optional for dipping)
Instructions
1
Begin by draining the sauerkraut in a colander. Rinse lightly under cool running water and then use your hands to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Pat the sauerkraut dry with paper towels and finely chop it on a cutting board.
2
In a large mixing bowl, crumble the canned corned beef. Add the chopped sauerkraut, softened cream cheese, shredded Swiss cheese, and minced dried onion. Mix everything together thoroughly with your hands until well combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the mixture to firm up and for the flavors to meld.
3
While the mixture is chilling, set up a breading station with three plates and a bowl. On the first plate, add all-purpose flour. In the bowl, pour in milk. On the second plate, spread out the plain dried breadcrumbs. The third plate will serve as the waiting area for the formed balls.
4
Once the mixture is chilled, take a tablespoon-sized portion of the mixture, roll it into a ball (approximately 1 inch in diameter), and dredge it in the flour on the first plate. Next, dunk it in the milk, allowing any excess to drip off, and finally roll it through the breadcrumbs on the second plate to coat evenly. Transfer the finished bite to the waiting plate.
5
Repeat the process until all of the mixture has been formed into balls. You can either fry them right away or place them on a baking sheet and freeze for an hour. Once frozen, transfer the bites to zip-lock bags for easy future snacking. Do not microwave to thaw; allow them to sit at room temperature before frying.
6
To fry, heat vegetable oil in a deep heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. Test the oil's readiness by dropping in a pinch of flour—if it bubbles, it's ready. Fry the Reuben bites in small batches, carefully avoiding overcrowding the pan. Cook for approximately 1 to 2 minutes, using a slotted spoon to turn them until they achieve a perfect golden-brown color. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
7
Serve the Savory Reuben Bites warm, with Thousand Island or Russian dressing on the side for dipping, if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Reuben Bites?
They are a delightful and innovative twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, featuring corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese in breaded, bite-sized balls.
What type of corned beef is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 12-ounce can of corned beef, which should be crumbled before mixing.
How should the sauerkraut be prepared?
It should be drained in a colander, rinsed lightly, squeezed by hand to remove moisture, patted dry with paper towels, and finally finely chopped.
Why is it important to dry the sauerkraut?
Removing as much moisture as possible prevents the mixture from becoming too soggy to form into balls.
What kind of cheeses are needed for the filling?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of softened cream cheese and 4 ounces of shredded Swiss cheese.
What gives the bites an onion flavor?
The recipe includes 1.5 tablespoons of minced dried onion.
How long does the mixture need to chill?
The mixture should be refrigerated for at least one hour to firm up and allow the flavors to meld.
What is the first step in the breading process?
Dredge the tablespoon-sized balls of the mixture in all-purpose flour.
What liquid is used to help the breadcrumbs stick?
Milk is used as the liquid component in the breading station.
What size should the Reuben bites be?
Each portion should be approximately one tablespoon of the mixture rolled into a 1-inch diameter ball.
Can these bites be frozen for later?
Yes, they can be placed on a baking sheet and frozen for an hour, then transferred to zip-lock bags for future use.
How should I thaw the frozen Reuben bites?
Allow them to sit at room temperature before frying; do not use a microwave to thaw them.
What is the best way to cook these bites?
They should be fried in vegetable oil until they reach a golden-brown color.
What temperature should the oil be for frying?
The oil should be heated over medium-high heat in a deep heavy saucepan.
How can I tell if the frying oil is ready?
Test the oil by dropping in a pinch of flour; if it bubbles, the oil is ready for frying.
How long do the bites need to fry?
They typically take 1 to 2 minutes to achieve a perfect golden-brown color.
Why shouldn't I fry too many bites at once?
Overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature and lead to uneven cooking or sogginess.
What tool should I use to turn the bites while frying?
A slotted spoon is recommended for turning the bites and removing them from the oil.
What should I do with the bites after frying?
Drain them on paper towels to remove any excess oil before serving.
What dipping sauce goes well with these?
Thousand Island or Russian dressing are the suggested dipping sauces.
Can these be served as appetizers?
Yes, they are ideal as appetizers for gatherings, parties, or snacks.
What type of breadcrumbs should I use?
The recipe recommends using plain dried breadcrumbs from a canister.
How much oil is needed for frying?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of vegetable oil.
Is the cream cheese supposed to be cold when mixing?
No, it should be softened to room temperature so it incorporates easily into the mixture.
What are the primary flavors in this dish?
The flavors include rich corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Swiss cheese, and savory onion.
Are these bites freezer-friendly?
Yes, one of the tags for this recipe is freezer-friendly, making them great for meal prep.
Is the dressing required for the recipe?
The dressing is optional and intended for dipping rather than as an ingredient in the bites themselves.
Can I use my hands to mix the ingredients?
Yes, the instructions suggest mixing the corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheeses thoroughly with your hands.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients in total, including the optional dipping sauce.
What is the final texture of the Reuben bites?
They have a crispy exterior from the breadcrumbs and a soft, savory interior mixture.