Reuben Fritters Recipe

Get ready for a bold, crave-worthy appetizer that’s a total crowd-pleaser: Reuben Fritters! Imagine all the best flavors of the classic deli sandwich—corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss, and a tangy kick—rolled into crisp, golden bites made for dunking into creamy homemade Thousand Island sauce. This is comfort food taken to party snack level, and I guarantee they’ll disappear in a flash!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about making Reuben Fritters is how easily you can turn just a handful of simple ingredients into something outrageously delicious. Each addition—salty corned beef, gooey cheese, that signature tangy sauerkraut—brings its own personality, and when they come together, it’s classy comfort food in one crispy bite!

• Mashed potatoes (2 cups): These form the creamy base of the fritter, so use leftovers or make a fresh batch. The starch helps everything hold together beautifully.
• Corned beef (2/3 cup finely chopped): The classic Reuben meat adds savoriness and a bit of nostalgia. Delicatessen style or leftover homemade corned beef both work!
• Swiss cheese (2/3 cup shredded): Melts down for that signature stretch and earthy flavor you expect in any great Reuben.
• Sauerkraut (1/3 cup, drained very well): Squeeze it dry in paper towels—a dry kraut gives your fritters punchy flavor without making them soggy inside.
• Green onions (2, thinly sliced): For a fresh pop of sharpness that balances all that richness.
• Eggs (2, lightly beaten): Helps bind the filling so the fritters stay together from mixing to frying.
• Water (2 tablespoons): Just a splash in the egg wash thins it slightly, so you get an even panko crust.
• Panko breadcrumbs (1 1/2 cups): Super crispy and light, they make the golden crust impossibly satisfying.
• Vegetable oil: Choose an oil with a high smoke point for frying—canola or peanut are perfect.
• Thousand Island Sauce Ingredients:
  Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Creamy base for the sauce.
  Ketchup (3 tablespoons): Gives color and classic tang.
  Chopped sweet pickles (2 tablespoons): For a little bite and sweetness.
  Pinch of salt: To taste, balancing the flavors in the dip.

Variations

Once you get the hang of Reuben Fritters, you’ll find they’re super flexible and prime for riffing. Don’t be afraid to make them your own—swap in your favorites or tailor them to what’s lingering in the fridge. That’s half the fun!

• Turkey “Rachel” Fritters: Sub in cooked turkey breast for corned beef and swap Swiss with mild cheddar to mimic the classic Rachel sandwich.
• Vegetarian-Friendly: Skip the meat and up the cheese and kraut for a super satisfying, meat-free version—just be sure to adjust the seasoning.
• Spicy Kick: Stir a little diced jalapeño or a pinch of chili flakes into the filling for a zesty, spicy surprise.
• Mini Fritters: Make smaller, bite-sized versions for cocktail parties—they fry up in less time and are extra poppable!

How to Make Reuben Fritters

Step 1: Mix Up the Dipping Sauce

Start things off by stir-mixing the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickles, and pinch of salt in a small bowl—this is your fresh, homemade Thousand Island sauce. Pop it in the fridge to chill while you make your Reuben Fritters. The flavors will meld, and it’s so much zingier than store-bought!

Step 2: Make the Fritter Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine your mashed potatoes, finely chopped corned beef, shredded Swiss cheese, sauerkraut (make sure it’s dry!), and sliced green onions. Stir everything together until just combined—you want every bite to get a little of everything. The mixture should hold when you press a bit together; if it seems loose, add another spoonful of mashed potato.

Step 3: Shape and Bread the Fritters

With your hands, scoop and gently roll the filling into balls just smaller than golf balls. Whisk together the eggs and water in a shallow bowl, and pour your panko into a pie plate. Dip each fritter into the egg wash, then roll in panko, making sure every side is coated. This double dunk gives you that signature crunch!

Step 4: Chill Before Frying

Arrange the breaded fritters on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—don’t skip this step! Chilling helps them firm up and keeps everything from falling apart in the hot oil later on.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into your heavy pot or Dutch oven and heat to 350°F. Fry the fritters in batches, careful not to overcrowd, until beautifully golden and crisp—usually 2–3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate as you go. Serve the Reuben Fritters warm with plenty of dipping sauce!

How to Serve Reuben Fritters

Garnishes

Sprinkle the finished Reuben Fritters with a little extra sliced green onion or finely chopped parsley for freshness and a pop of color. If you love a briny tang, scatter a few extra chopped pickles or a dusting of smoked paprika over the platter right before serving to wake up the flavors.

Side Dishes

Treat these fritters like you would your favorite sandwich: pair with crunchy potato chips or a tangy slaw for balance. A simple mixed greens salad or classic pickle spears on the side help cut through the richness, or serve with fries for a pub-style comfort feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Make a “Reuben bar” for parties: set out the fritters with little shot glasses or ramekins of the dipping sauce, along with fun picks for serving. For a super-savory brunch, stack a couple fritters atop rye toast points and drizzle with more sauce. Or pile them high on a big wooden board with all your favorite sandwich fixings for a show-stopping appetizer spread!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Reuben Fritters keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Cool them completely first, then store in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb any stray moisture and keep that crust crisp as long as possible.

Freezing

To freeze, lay your cooled fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then move them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months—ideal for prepping snacks ahead for game day or unexpected guests!

Reheating

For best results, reheat Reuben Fritters in a 350°F oven (or air fryer) for about 10 minutes. This brings back that outer crunch and warms the insides all the way through—no soggy microwave fritters here!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s just something undeniably joyful about sharing a huge plate of Reuben Fritters—golden, gooey, crispy, and packed with flavor—with the people you love. I hope you’ll give this playful spin on a deli classic a try and watch the smiles (and happy snackers) gather around your kitchen. Happy frying!

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