Reuben Fritters | A Leftover Corned Beef Appetizer Recipe (2024)

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These Reuben Fritters are a fun way to turn leftover corned beef into tasty appetizers! Crispy fried on the outside with a creamy, cheesy center!

Got leftover Corned Beef? We feel you, check out these Irish Nachos for appetizers or dinner! Or you can try this for a whole different meal!

Reuben Fritters | A Leftover Corned Beef Appetizer Recipe (1)

A Leftover Corned Beef Recipe

BUT…you don’t HAVE to have leftover corned beef. So as much as we love making these Reuben Fritters after St. Patrick’s Day with our leftover corned beef, you can always grab some right from the deli counter.

That’s something new to me, so I thought I’d mention it. I always seem to get the same stuff at the deli counter, ham, turkey, cheese. The basics. Then one day I realized they have things like sliced pork, teriyaki flank steak and yep – corned beef.

So don’t wait until after your St. Patrick’s Day party to make these delicious, crispy fritters. Make them whenever you want!

What Are The Ingredients For These Reuben Fritters?

All you’ll need is a few basic ingredients and some oil for frying!

  • Leftover Corned Beef or corned beef from the deli: You’ll need about 3/4 of a pound of corned beef for these fritters.
  • Cream Cheese: Make sure you bring the cream cheese to room temperature so that it blends well with the rest of the filling.
  • Sauerkraut: You can buy sauerkraut right at the deli counter or in the produce department at your grocery store.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: You can also use Swiss cheese, or Gruyere but mozzarella is a more mild flavor.
  • Bread Crumbs: Panko bread crumbs make these fritters extra crispy!
  • Oil for Frying: Use vegetable or canola oil for the best frying results.
  • Thousand Island Dressing:Store bought or homemade, whichever you prefer!

Reuben Fritters | A Leftover Corned Beef Appetizer Recipe (2)

How Do You Make Reuben Fritters?

All you need to do is mix together the corned beef, cream cheese, sauerkraut and seasonings and form them into balls like you see below. Then start the breading process by dipping the balls in flour, egg and lastly bread crumbs.

Drop your fritters into a large pot of canola oil that’s at about 350º. If you don’t have a thermometer you can stick the handle of a wooden spoon in the oil and if bubbles form all around it you’re at about 350º.

Fry up these Reuben Fritters for 4 minutes until they’re golden brown then remove to a paper towel lined plate to cool. Season them with salt while they’re still hot so that the seasoning sticks to the fritters.

Reuben Fritters | A Leftover Corned Beef Appetizer Recipe (3)

Can You Make These Fritters Ahead Of Time?

Yep and you can do it a couple of ways.

One way is to make the fritters up until the point of frying them and then stash them in your refrigerator until you’re ready to fry them. Then just fry and serve.

Another way to do it is to cook the fritters through to the end, let them cool completely and then freeze them in a single layer in a freezer bag or container. Bake the fritters from frozen at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes and then serve.

Reuben Fritters | A Leftover Corned Beef Appetizer Recipe (4)

Now it’s time to eat! Serve these Rueben Fritters while they’re still hot, you can keep them warm in the oven until you’re ready for up to an hour beforehand. Serve with Thousand Island dressing for dipping and it’s time to party.

Looking For More Leftover Corned Beef Recipes?

Corned Beef Hash

Cheesy Corned Beef Tater Tots

Creamy Corned Beef and Potato Chowder

Corned Beef Stuffed Mushrooms

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Reuben Fritters

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 7 reviews
  • Author: Dan
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 30 1x

Print Recipe

These delicious, crispy fried fritters are an awesome way to use up leftover corned beef! No corned beef? Head to your deli counter and grab some!

Scale

Ingredients

  • 3/4 lb. corned beef, chopped (you can use leftover corned beef or get it at the deli)
  • 1 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 c. sauerkraut, rinsed
  • 6 oz. cream cheese at room temperature
  • 1/2 t. garlic powder
  • 1/4 t. salt, plus extra for seasoning the fritters
  • 1 T. dijon mustard
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 c. flour
  • 1 1/2 c. panko bread crumbs
  • vegetable or canola oil for frying
  • thousand island dressing for dipping

Instructions

  1. Set a large pot filled half way with canola or vegetable oil over medium heat. You’re looking for the oil to get to about 350º. If you have a thermometer that works best but a good way to check is to put the end of a wooden spoon in the oil, if it bubbles you’re good.
  2. Combine the corned beef, mozzarella cheese, sauerkraut, cream cheese, garlic powder, salt and dijon in a large bowl.
  3. Beat together with a hand mixer until well combined.
  4. Using a 1 1/2 tablespoon scoop, portion out the filling into balls.
  5. Set up a breading station with three bowls, one for the flour, one for the eggs and another for the panko.
  6. Dip each ball into the flour first, then the egg and last the panko.
  7. Repeat until all the fritters are breaded.
  8. Once your oil reaches temperature, carefully drop about 6-8 fritters at a time into your oil and fry for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
  9. Remove to a paper towel lined plate to cool and season with kosher salt.
  10. Repeat until all the fritters are fried and serve with the thousand island dressing for dipping.
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Deep Fry
  • Cuisine: American

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Reuben Fritters | A Leftover Corned Beef Appetizer Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What are Reuben balls made of? ›

ingredients
  • 1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese.
  • 1 (16 ounce) can sauerkraut (well drained and chopped)
  • 1 (5 ounce) can evaporated milk.
  • 1 teaspoon minced onion.
  • 1 (12 ounce) can corned beef.
  • 1 cup rye cracker crumbs.
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour.
  • 1 cup thousand island dressing, for dipping (optional)

Is a Reuben made with corned beef or pastrami? ›

A Reuben sandwich is typically made with corned beef. It would taste great with pastrami too, it just wouldn't be a classic Reuben! Bottom line: You can't go wrong with either of these flavor-packed deli meats.

What to serve with corned beef sandwiches? ›

The top five accompaniments for a corned beef sandwich include tangy pickles, fresh and crunchy coleslaw, crispy potato chips or French fries, flavorful potato salad, and a cup of soup, such as tomato or vegetable.

How unhealthy is a Reuben? ›

About the Reuben

Unfortunately, this traditional sandwich is NOT one that I consider "heart healthy" as it provides approximately 800 calories, 50 grams fat, 20 grams of the artery-clogging saturated fat, 40 grams carbohydrates, 36 grams protein, and a whopping 3200 mg. of sodium!

What is the difference between corned beef and Reuben? ›

A Reuben sandwich is made from corned beef and sauerkraut. The "Rachel" is similar but substitutes pastrami for the corned beef and coleslaw for the sauerkraut.

Is Arby's Reuben real corned beef? ›

About the Sandwich

Marbled rye bread filled with freshly sliced corned beef, melty Swiss Cheese, tangy sauerkraut and creamy Thousand Island dressing. This is a Reuben sandwich inspired by the New York standard.

Is a Reuben still a Reuben without sauerkraut? ›

You can certainly make a sandwich without sauerkraut, but it won't be a reuben sandwich since one of the ingredients that defines the sandwich as being a reuben is sauerkraut.

Which is healthier corned beef or pastrami? ›

Though pastrami and corned beef have the same nutritional elements, like protein and fat content, they have different quantities of salt. The sodium content in corned beef is higher compared to pastrami. Because of this, many people consider pastrami healthier and more flavorful than corned beef.

What does corned beef do to your body? ›

Corned beef is processed red meat made by brining brisket in a salt and spice solution to flavor and tenderize it. While it provides protein and nutrients like iron and vitamin B12, corned beef is relatively high in fat and sodium. It's also a source of certain compounds that may increase your risk of cancer.

What is the secret to corned beef? ›

Because corned beef comes from brisket, a tough cut of meat. You need its connective tissue to break down so you can have tender results. Some like to braise their corned beef in an all-water liquid, with various spices and salt; others add beer to the mix to further tenderize the meat.

Why do you soak corned beef in water? ›

Soaking helps draw out some of the salt from the curing process.

What do the Irish eat with corned beef? ›

» Food and Drink

Traditional Irish foods like corned beef and cabbage, Boxty, and Irish soda bread, are often served on Saint Patrick's Day. Drinking green beer or Guinness on St. Patrick's Day is also a popular tradition. People drink a lot of Guinness on this holiday!

What drink goes well with a reuben? ›

The hearty reuben, made with thick-cut marble rye bread, corned beef, Swiss cheese, Thousand Island dressing, and sauerkraut, is an ideal match with Ryely Porter, a porter made with rye malt. Used in beer, rye adds a hint of peppery bite that stands up to the rich flavors of a reuben.

What pairs well with Reubens? ›

The best side dishes to serve with Reuben sandwiches are potato salad, blooming onion, fried pickles, deviled eggs, tater tots, baked potatoes, coleslaw, pickles, French fries, sweet potato fries, German-style potato pancakes, onion rings, and green salad.

What are sausage balls made of? ›

Sausage: This sausage balls recipe starts with a pound of ground pork sausage. Use hot ground sausage for a spicy kick. Baking mix: Use a store-bought mix, such as Bisquick, or make your own at home with pantry staples. Cheese: These sausage balls wouldn't be complete without shredded Cheddar.

What meat are rubens made of? ›

Classic Beef Reuben Sandwich | 25 min

Thinly sliced deli Corned Beef or Pastrami is sandwiched between rye bread with sauerkraut and a tangy home-made dressing.

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