Transform the beloved flavors of a Reuben sandwich into an irresistible party food with these delectable Reuben Fritters, perfectly paired with a tangy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce. Each golden-fried bite features a creamy base of mashed potatoes generously mixed with finely chopped corned beef, gooey Swiss cheese, and the signature tang of sauerkraut. Shaped into easy-to-handle balls, coated in crispy Panko crumbs, and fried to golden perfection, these fritters are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Reuben Fritters in a basket with Thousand Island dressing.

Irresistible Reuben Fritters: Your New Favorite Party Appetizer

There’s something universally appealing about deep-fried food, isn’t there? Especially when it’s dipped into a rich, flavorful sauce. These Reuben Fritters take that simple pleasure to a whole new level, offering a comforting and exciting twist on a classic deli favorite. If you’re a fan of the iconic Reuben sandwich, you’re about to fall head over heels for this innovative appetizer.

The traditional Reuben sandwich holds a special place in many hearts, mine included. The delightful combination of savory corned beef, the distinctive tang of sauerkraut, and the creamy melt of Swiss cheese, all brought together with the sweet and savory notes of Thousand Island or Russian dressing, is simply magical. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that’s hard to beat.

While the classic sandwich remains supreme, the flavors of a Reuben are incredibly versatile and lend themselves beautifully to various culinary creations. From creamy Reuben Dips perfect for sharing to charming Reuben Crescent Rolls, there are endless ways to enjoy this flavor profile. These Reuben Fritters are a standout among them, offering a crispy, bite-sized experience that’s absolutely addictive.

This recipe is not only a fantastic way to enjoy the classic Reuben taste in a new format, but it’s also incredibly practical. It’s an excellent solution for utilizing leftover mashed potatoes or making the most of a small amount of corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut you might have after preparing traditional Reuben sandwiches. Transform those ingredients into something extraordinary and reduce food waste!

Crafting Your Perfect Reuben Fritters: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making these delightful Reuben Fritters is a straightforward process, resulting in crispy, flavorful bites that are perfect for any occasion. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to bring them to life:

Step 1: Prepare the Tangy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

Combine all Thousand Island dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk them until thoroughly blended and smooth.
Refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and chill properly. This is crucial for optimal taste.
Chef’s Note: For a quick and easy shortcut, feel free to use your favorite store-bought Thousand Island dressing.

Step 2: Assemble the Fritter Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the well-chilled mashed potatoes, finely chopped corned beef, shredded Swiss cheese, well-drained sauerkraut, and sliced green onions.
Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mashed potato base. Ensure the sauerkraut is squeezed very dry to prevent a soggy fritter.

Step 3: Shape and Coat the Fritters

Shape the mixture into uniform balls, slightly smaller than a golf ball. Aim for consistency in size for even cooking.
Prepare your dredging station: In one shallow bowl, lightly whisk the eggs with water to create an egg wash. In another shallow dish (like a pie plate), spread out the Panko crumbs.
Dip each fritter ball first into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Transfer the egg-washed ball to the Panko crumbs, rolling it gently to achieve a thick, even coating. Press the crumbs onto the surface firmly if needed.

Step 4: The Essential Chill

Refrigerate the coated fritter balls for at least 30 minutes. This step is vital as it helps the fritters firm up and maintain their shape during frying, preventing them from falling apart in the hot oil.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Use an instant-read thermometer to monitor the oil temperature, aiming for a consistent 350°F (175°C).
Fry the fritters in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature and lead to greasy, less crispy fritters.
Cook for 3-5 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy on all sides.
Remove the fried fritters using a spider strainer or slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the warm, crispy Reuben Fritters immediately with the chilled Thousand Island dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Essential Ingredient Notes & Smart Substitutions

The beauty of these Reuben Fritters lies in their classic flavors, but there’s always room for personalization. Here are some ingredient insights and potential swaps to make this recipe truly your own:

Corned Beef: You have options here! Delicious results can be achieved using thinly sliced deli corned beef, simply chopped finely. Alternatively, if you’ve got leftovers from a festive St. Patrick’s Day meal, that slow-cooked corned beef will add incredible depth of flavor. For a twist, pastrami makes an excellent substitute, offering a slightly different spice profile.
Thousand Island Sauce: While our homemade recipe is simple and delicious, store-bought Thousand Island dressing is a perfectly acceptable shortcut. Look for a high-quality brand to ensure the best flavor for dipping. You could also opt for Russian dressing for a tangier, spicier kick.
Swiss Cheese: The nutty, creamy flavor of Swiss cheese is traditional, but don’t be afraid to experiment. If Swiss isn’t your favorite, consider using sharp Provolone, creamy Monterey Jack, or even spicy Pepper Jack for a bit of heat. Freshly grated cheese melts better and blends more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
Mashed Potatoes: The consistency of your mashed potatoes is key. You’ll want them to be fairly thick and stiff, not runny, as this forms the structural base of the fritters. Leftover homemade mashed potatoes are ideal, but if you’re starting from scratch, ensure they are well-drained and not overly moist.
Sauerkraut: The tang of sauerkraut is non-negotiable for a Reuben, but ensure it’s well-drained. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Excess moisture can make your fritters soggy and difficult to shape.
Panko Crumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are superior for this recipe due to their coarser, flakier texture, which results in a much crispier exterior compared to standard breadcrumbs. Don’t skip these for maximum crunch!

Pro Tips for Flawless Reuben Fritters Every Time

Achieving the perfect crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior for your Reuben Fritters is easier with a few expert tips:

Thick Mashed Potatoes are Key: The base of your fritters needs to be firm. If your mashed potatoes are too loose, the fritters might not hold their shape. If they seem too soft, you can try adding a tablespoon or two of flour or breadcrumbs to the mixture to help bind them, or even refrigerate the potato mixture itself before shaping.
Don’t Skip the Chill: Refrigerating the fritters for at least 30 minutes after coating them is not just a suggestion, it’s a critical step. This allows the coating to set and the fritters to firm up, significantly reducing the chance of them breaking apart in the hot oil.
Monitor Oil Temperature Closely: Consistency in oil temperature is crucial for even cooking and preventing greasiness. Use a reliable thermometer. If the oil is too cool, the fritters will absorb too much oil and be greasy. If it’s too hot, they’ll burn on the outside before heating through on the inside.
Fry in Batches: Resist the urge to overcrowd your pot. Frying too many fritters at once will drop the oil temperature and lead to unevenly cooked, soggy results. Give them space to brown evenly.
Drain Properly: After frying, immediately transfer the fritters to a wire rack set over paper towels. This allows air to circulate around them and helps drain excess oil, keeping them wonderfully crispy.
Enhance Flavor: For an extra layer of savory depth, consider adding a quarter cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to your mashed potato and corned beef mixture before shaping. It pairs surprisingly well with the existing flavors.
Uniform Shaping: Using a small ice cream scoop or a tablespoon measure can help you create consistently sized fritters, ensuring they cook evenly.

Reuben Frittes in basket with small bowl of Thousand Island dressing.

Explore More Delicious Reuben-Inspired Recipes

If these Reuben Fritters spark your love for all things Reuben, you’re in luck! The classic combination of corned beef, Swiss, sauerkraut, and savory dressing has inspired countless other creative and equally delicious dishes. Dive into these other Reuben-themed recipes for more ways to savor these iconic flavors:

Reuben Soup: A hearty and comforting soup that captures all the warm, savory goodness of a Reuben sandwich in a bowl.
Reuben Egg Rolls: Another fantastic appetizer, these egg rolls wrap the classic Reuben fillings in a crispy, golden shell.
Crock Pot Reuben Brats: A simple and flavorful main dish, perfect for busy weeknights, combining brats with Reuben ingredients in a slow cooker.
Spicy Reubens: For those who love a bit of heat, this recipe adds a fiery kick to the traditional Reuben sandwich.
Reuben Potatoes: A delicious side dish or light meal, combining potatoes with the tangy and savory elements of a Reuben.
Slow Cooker Reuben Dip: An incredibly easy and cheesy dip, ideal for entertaining, made effortlessly in your slow cooker.
Baked Reuben Sliders: Perfect for a crowd, these mini Reuben sandwiches are baked until warm, gooey, and irresistible.
Reuben Casserole: A hearty, family-friendly casserole that brings all the beloved Reuben flavors together in one satisfying dish.

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Reuben Fritters

★
★
★
★
★

5 from 2 votes

By Christin Mahrlig

Prep:

40 minutes

Cook:

10 minutes

Total:

50 minutes

Servings:

14
fritters

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Print

These crispy Reuben Fritters are made from mashed potatoes with chopped up corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese mixed in. Fried until crispy and served with Thousand Island dressing. A delicious twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, perfect for appetizers or party food.

Equipment

Dutch Oven
Instant-read thermometer
Spider Strainer

Ingredients

Thousand Island Sauce

1/2 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons chopped sweet pickles
pinch of salt

Fritters

2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
2/3 cup finely chopped corned beef
2/3 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1/3 cup sauerkraut, drained well (squeeze dry in paper towels)
2 green onions, sliced
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons water
1 1/2 cups Panko crumbs
Vegetable oil

Instructions

Combine all ingredients for Thousand Island sauce in a bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
In a medium bowl, mix together mashed potatoes, corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut (well-drained), and green onions. Form the mixture into balls a little smaller than golf balls.
In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and water to create an egg wash.
Place Panko crumbs in another shallow dish, such as a pie plate.
Dip each fritter ball thoroughly in the egg mixture, then coat evenly in Panko crumbs. Refrigerate the coated fritters for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up and hold their shape during frying.
Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a large pot or Dutch oven. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the fritters in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot, until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes per batch.
Remove fried fritters with a slotted spoon or spider strainer and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with the prepared Thousand Island dipping sauce.

Notes

For convenience, you can use your favorite store-bought Thousand Island Dressing as a shortcut for dipping.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this?
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Originally posted February 18, 2016.

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