Reuben Fritters – Crispy, Cheesy Bite Snacks

Reuben Fritters are the ultimate snack for anyone who loves the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich, but with a twist! These crispy, cheesy bites are the perfect combination of savory corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and a zesty dressing, all wrapped up in a golden, crunchy exterior. Reuben Fritters make for an amazing appetizer at parties, a delicious game day snack, or even a fun twist on a traditional lunch or dinner.

Making Reuben Fritters is easier than you might think. You simply combine the essential ingredients of a Reuben sandwich into a bite-sized fritter, deep-fry them to crispy perfection, and serve with a side of creamy dressing for dipping. The result is a handheld snack that’s packed with all the savory goodness you love, while offering a fun, portable way to enjoy the classic sandwich flavors.

Perfect for those who love a bit of crunch and want to experiment with new ways to enjoy a favorite dish, these Reuben Fritters are sure to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re serving them at a party or making them for yourself, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Classic Flavor in a Bite-Sized Snack

You get all the delicious flavors of a Reuben sandwich, but in a crispy, bite-sized form that’s perfect for snacking.

2. Easy to Make

Reuben Fritters come together quickly, with minimal prep time needed, making them a perfect go-to snack when you’re short on time.

3. Great for Parties

These little fritters are perfect for sharing at gatherings, whether it’s a casual get-together or a big celebration.

4. Crispy and Cheesy

The combination of a crispy exterior and the melted, gooey cheese inside makes each bite of these fritters irresistible.

5. Customizable

Feel free to tweak the recipe by adding extra ingredients like pickles or even swapping out the corned beef for pastrami to suit your personal tastes.

Ingredients

• Corned beef
• Swiss cheese
• Sauerkraut
• Dijon mustard
• Mayonnaise
• Onion
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Eggs
• Milk
• Salt and pepper
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Russian dressing or Thousand Island dressing (for dipping)

Variations

• Pastrami Fritters: Swap the corned beef for pastrami for a slightly different take on the classic Reuben flavor.
• Vegetarian Fritters: Skip the meat and use extra sauerkraut, cheese, and onions to create a vegetarian version of the fritters.
• Spicy Fritters: Add a little heat by incorporating jalapeños or hot sauce into the fritter mixture for a spicy kick.
• Cheddar Cheese: Swap Swiss cheese for sharp cheddar for a different cheesy twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Finely chop the corned beef and shred the Swiss cheese. Squeeze out excess moisture from the sauerkraut and finely chop the onion. Set these ingredients aside.

Step 2: Make the Fritter Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and Dijon mustard. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until combined. Then fold in the chopped corned beef, shredded cheese, sauerkraut, and chopped onion to form the fritter batter.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to about 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough to submerge the fritters.

Step 4: Fry the Fritters

Using a spoon or your hands, scoop out portions of the fritter batter and carefully drop them into the hot oil. Fry the fritters in batches, cooking for about 3-4 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove the fritters from the oil and drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Serve with Dressing

Once all the fritters are fried, serve them immediately with a side of Russian dressing or Thousand Island dressing for dipping.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcrowd the Oil: Fry the fritters in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan, which can cause them to stick together or cook unevenly.
• Drain the Fritters: Make sure to drain the fritters on paper towels after frying to keep them crispy.
• Serve Immediately: Fritters are best when served hot and fresh, so enjoy them right after frying.
• Use a Thermometer: To ensure your oil is at the correct temperature, use a thermometer to monitor the heat. This ensures the fritters cook evenly and don’t absorb too much oil.

How to Serve

Serve Reuben Fritters hot, fresh out of the fryer, with a side of Russian or Thousand Island dressing for dipping. They’re perfect on their own as a snack or appetizer, but you can also serve them alongside a salad or other finger foods for a more complete meal. Add some pickles on the side to enhance the classic Reuben flavors and create a fun platter for your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover fritters, allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Reuben Fritters freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat frozen fritters, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for a few minutes to bring back their crunch.

FAQs

1. Can I make these fritters without a deep fryer?

Yes! You can use a large pot with enough oil to submerge the fritters or even fry them in a skillet.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use cheddar, Gruyère, or any other cheese that melts well.

3. Can I make these fritters ahead of time?

You can prepare the fritter batter in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Fry them just before serving.

4. Are these fritters gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.

5. How can I make the fritters spicier?

Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the batter for a spicy kick.

6. Can I bake these fritters instead of frying them?

Baking the fritters is an option, though they won’t be as crispy. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

7. What’s the best oil for frying fritters?

Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are all great choices for frying due to their high smoke points.

8. Can I use sauerkraut from a jar instead of fresh?

Yes, jarred sauerkraut works just fine for this recipe. Just make sure to drain it well.

9. How do I prevent the fritters from falling apart while frying?

Make sure your batter is thick enough to hold together. If it’s too runny, add a bit more flour to thicken it.

10. Can I freeze leftover fritters?

Yes, you can freeze the fritters for up to 3 months. Just reheat them in the oven or air fryer to restore their crispiness.

Conclusion

Reuben Fritters are a fun and delicious twist on the classic Reuben sandwich. With their crispy exterior, cheesy interior, and savory filling, they make the perfect snack for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a movie night, or craving something tasty, these fritters are sure to hit the spot. Easy to make, customizable to your tastes, and always crowd-pleasing, Reuben Fritters are bound to become a favorite snack in your recipe collection!

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