Reuben Fritters Recipe

November 3, 2024 MasterMind

Reuben Fritters are a delicious, bite-sized take on the classic Reuben sandwich, perfect for appetizers or party snacks. These fritters are made by combining chopped corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut with a light, creamy batter. The mixture is then rolled into small balls, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried to golden, crispy perfection. Served with a side of tangy Russian or Thousand Island dressing for dipping, Reuben Fritters capture all the savory, salty, and tangy flavors of a Reuben sandwich in a fun and easy-to-eat format.

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Ingredients

1 cup (150g) cooked corned beef, finely chopped
1 cup (115g) Swiss cheese, shredded
1/2 cup (120g) sauerkraut, drained and pressed to remove excess moisture
1/4 cup (60g) cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs (Panko recommended for extra crunch)
Vegetable oil, for frying
Thousand Island dressing or fiery mustard, for plunging

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fritter Mixture

Begin by combining the chopped corned beef, shredded Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, softened cream cheese, and Dijon mustard in a large mixing bowl. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix everything until you achieve a well-combined, sticky mixture. The cream cheese helps hold everything together, creating a smooth texture that’s easy to shape into fritters. Ensure the sauerkraut is drained and dry, as excess moisture can make the fritters fall apart.

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2. Shape the Fritters

Use a tablespoon to scoop out portions of the mixture, then roll them gently into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter. This size is ideal for even frying and serving. Place each formed fritter on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Once all fritters are shaped, transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and let the fritters chill for 20-30 minutes. Chilling helps them firm up, making them easier to bread and fry without falling apart.

3. Set Up the Breading Station

Prepare for breading by setting up three shallow bowls. Place flour in the first bowl, the beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs in the third. For added crunch, Panko breadcrumbs work wonderfully in this recipe. When the fritters have chilled, take each one and coat it first in flour, shaking off any excess, then dip it into the beaten egg until fully coated. Finally, roll the fritter in breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure an even layer of crumbs all over. Rehash this interaction for each fritter and put them away.

4. Fry the Fritters

To fry, pour vegetable oil into a deep pan or skillet until it’s about 2 inches deep, which should allow the fritters to float while cooking. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) for best outcomes. Once the oil is hot, gently place a few fritters in at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and affect the crispness. Fry each fritter for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove the cooked fritters with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

5. Serve

Serve your Reuben fritters hot for the best flavor and crunch. Pair them with a side of Thousand Island dressing or spicy mustard as a dip. The tangy, creamy flavors complement the fritters beautifully, adding a classic Reuben touch to every bite. Enjoy these fritters as a delicious appetizer or party snack—perfect for any gathering!