Reuben Fritters take all the delicious flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich and transform them into bite-sized, crispy, golden fritters. Made with a base of mashed potatoes, corned beef, swiss cheese, and sauerkraut, these fritters are coated in panko crumbs and fried to perfection. Served with a tangy Thousand Island dipping sauce, they make the perfect party appetizer or snack.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Thousand Island Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons chopped sweet pickles
Pinch of salt

Fritters:

2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
⅔ cup finely chopped corned beef
⅔ cup shredded swiss cheese
⅓ cup sauerkraut, drained well (squeeze dry with paper towels)
2 green onions, sliced
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons water
1½ cups panko crumbs
Vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions

Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, combine all the ingredients for the Thousand Island sauce and refrigerate until needed. (Store-bought dressing can be used as a shortcut.)
Make the Fritters: In a medium bowl, mix together the mashed potatoes, corned beef, swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and green onions. Form the mixture into balls slightly smaller than golf balls.
Coat the Fritters: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and water. Place the panko crumbs in a separate dish. Dip each fritter ball into the egg mixture, then roll it in the panko crumbs until fully coated.
Chill: Refrigerate the coated fritters for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape while frying.
Fry the Fritters: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Fry the fritters in batches until golden brown.
Serve: Drain the fritters on a paper towel and serve them hot with the prepared Thousand Island dipping sauce.

Nutrients (Per serving)

Calories: 237 kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 38mg
Sodium: 324mg
Potassium: 176mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Vitamin A: 133 IU
Vitamin C: 11mg
Calcium: 69mg
Iron: 1mg

These crispy, cheesy Reuben Fritters are a perfect appetizer for parties or gatherings, bringing all the flavors of the classic sandwich in a fun, bite-sized form!

What Are Reuben Fritters?

Reuben Fritters are essentially a savory snack made by combining the core ingredients of a Reuben sandwich into small, round balls. These balls are then coated in a crunchy layer of panko breadcrumbs and fried until golden brown. The result is a crispy, crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft and cheesy interior. When paired with a tangy Thousand Island dipping sauce, these fritters deliver a satisfying burst of flavor in every bite.

Reuben Fritters take the best parts of the classic sandwich—the rich corned beef, melty Swiss cheese, and tangy sauerkraut—and reimagine them in a fun, appetizer-friendly form. Whether you’re looking for a unique appetizer for a party or a creative twist on your favorite sandwich, these fritters are sure to impress.

Why Choose Reuben Fritters?

Reuben Fritters are an excellent choice for a variety of occasions. They are versatile and can be served as an appetizer at parties, as a game-day snack, or as a fun addition to a family meal. If you’re hosting a gathering or a potluck, these fritters offer a unique option that is sure to stand out from the typical appetizers.

They are also easy to prepare in advance, which makes them a convenient option when you’re looking to save time. You can prep the fritters ahead of time, refrigerate them, and then fry them up just before serving. The result is a warm, fresh, and crispy snack that everyone will love.

The Key Ingredients for Reuben Fritters

The ingredients for Reuben Fritters are simple yet flavorful. The base is made from leftover mashed potatoes, which give the fritters a soft and creamy interior. Corned beef and Swiss cheese provide that classic Reuben flavor, while the sauerkraut adds a tangy bite that contrasts perfectly with the richness of the cheese and meat.

To coat the fritters, panko breadcrumbs are used, giving them a crispy, crunchy exterior when fried. This crispy coating is what makes these fritters so irresistible, adding texture and flavor that complements the tender filling inside.

Making the Perfect Reuben Fritters

The process of making Reuben Fritters involves a few straightforward steps. First, you mix together the mashed potatoes, corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and green onions to create the fritter filling. Then, you form the mixture into small balls, dip them in an egg wash, and coat them in panko crumbs. The fritters are then chilled to help them hold their shape during frying.

Frying is where the magic happens. The fritters are cooked until golden brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining soft and cheesy on the inside. Once fried, they are served with a tangy Thousand Island dipping sauce that adds an extra layer of flavor to this already delicious dish.

Fritters vs. Traditional Reuben Sandwich

While a traditional Reuben sandwich is a beloved classic, Reuben Fritters offer a new and exciting way to enjoy the same great flavors. The key difference is in the texture. A traditional Reuben sandwich is made with rye bread, which is toasted and stacked with layers of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing.

Reuben Fritters, on the other hand, take all the elements of the sandwich and combine them into small, crispy bites. The fritters offer a lighter texture because they are fried, and the crispy outer coating adds a satisfying crunch. The mashed potatoes give the fritters a creamy texture that complements the savory ingredients inside.

If you’re craving the flavors of a Reuben sandwich but want something more snackable and bite-sized, Reuben Fritters are the perfect solution.

The Flavor Profile of Reuben Fritters

The flavor of Reuben Fritters is a harmonious blend of salty, tangy, creamy, and savory notes. The corned beef provides a rich, meaty flavor, while the Swiss cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey and indulgent interior. The sauerkraut adds a touch of acidity that helps balance the richness of the cheese and meat, while the green onions provide a mild sharpness and crunch.

The panko crumbs form a crispy, golden-brown coating that contrasts with the soft and cheesy center, making each bite an irresistible combination of textures. When paired with the Thousand Island dipping sauce, the fritters take on an even richer flavor, with the creamy, tangy sauce enhancing the savory elements of the fritters.

Variations on Reuben Fritters

While the traditional Reuben Fritter recipe is delicious as it is, there are a few ways to customize the dish to suit your tastes. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add a few dashes of hot sauce or some finely chopped jalapeños to the fritter mixture. For those who like a bit of extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder, smoked paprika, or even a small amount of mustard to the fritter filling.

For a healthier version, you could experiment with baking the fritters instead of frying them, although the crispy, golden texture may not be as pronounced. You could also use a lower-fat cheese or substitute the corned beef with turkey or lean ham for a lighter alternative.

Perfect Pairings for Reuben Fritters

Reuben Fritters are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of side dishes and drinks. For a more substantial meal, serve the fritters alongside a light salad, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables. They also pair well with a bowl of soup, such as a classic potato leek soup or a hearty tomato bisque.

When it comes to drinks, Reuben Fritters are best enjoyed with something refreshing and slightly tangy to complement the richness of the fritters. Try pairing them with a cold beer, a glass of white wine, or even a tangy lemonade for a perfect match.

Reuben Fritters for Any Occasion

These Reuben Fritters are the perfect appetizer for almost any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner, a festive holiday party, or a game day gathering, these fritters will be a hit with your guests. They offer a unique twist on the classic Reuben sandwich and are sure to spark conversation and satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

If you’re looking for a fun, shareable snack, these fritters are ideal. They can be made in large batches and are easy to serve as finger food. Plus, the dipping sauce adds an extra layer of flavor, making these fritters even more addictive.

Conclusion

Reuben Fritters are a creative and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich in a fun, bite-sized form. With a crispy exterior and a cheesy, savory interior, these fritters are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, snack, or party dish, they are guaranteed to be a hit with anyone who loves the flavors of a Reuben sandwich. So next time you’re craving something savory and unique, give Reuben Fritters a try and enjoy all the deliciousness in every crunchy, cheesy bite!

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