Reuben Fritters

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Crispy, cheesy bites packed with corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese goodness

If you’re a fan of the classic Reuben sandwich, prepare to fall in love with its irresistible deep-fried cousin — the Reuben Fritter. Imagine tender, savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, rich cream cheese, and nutty Swiss all melded into a creamy, savory bite-sized ball, then deep-fried to crispy perfection. These golden fritters are the ultimate party snack, appetizer, or game-day indulgence. Best served hot with a side of Thousand Island dressing or spicy mustard, Reuben fritters deliver the bold, briny, cheesy flavors you crave in an unexpected format.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the entire process of making Reuben Fritters from scratch. You’ll find the full list of ingredients (in US cup measurements), stage-by-stage directions, calorie count, tips for success, and a few optional variations. Whether you’re planning to impress guests or just treat yourself to an indulgent snack, these fritters are sure to win hearts.

 Ingredients (US Cups & Measures)

To get started, gather the following ingredients. This recipe makes approximately 45–50 fritters, depending on the size of each.

  • 1 (8 lb) corned beef brisket, raw
    (After cooking, this yields about 4-5 cups of shredded meat)

  • 3 cups sauerkraut
    (Well-drained to avoid excess moisture)

  • 3 pounds cream cheese
    (Softened at room temperature for easier mixing)

  • 2 pounds Swiss cheese, shredded or diced small
    (Choose a nutty, high-quality Swiss for better flavor)

  • Vegetable oil, for deep-frying
    (Peanut oil, canola, or vegetable oil all work well)

 Preparation Time

  • Cook Corned Beef: 3–4 hours

  • Fritter Mixture Prep: 20 minutes

  • Forming Balls and Freezing: 1 hour

  • Frying Time: 3–4 minutes per batch

  • Total Prep + Cook Time: Approximately 5 to 6 hours (mostly inactive while corned beef cooks or balls freeze)

 Calories

  • Approximate Calories per Fritter: 250 kcal
    (Calories may vary based on oil absorption and exact sizes)

 Directions: Step-by-Step Instructions

 Stage 1: Prepare the Filling

This is the most important stage, as it sets the flavor foundation of your fritters.

  1. Cook the Corned Beef Brisket:
    Place the raw brisket in a large stockpot and cover it with water. Add the spice packet (if included) and simmer on low heat for 3–4 hours, until fork-tender. Alternatively, you can use a slow cooker on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours. Once fully cooked, allow it to cool completely before handling.

  2. Shred the Meat:
    After cooling, trim off any excess fat. Use two forks to shred the brisket into fine threads. Aim for a slightly chunky texture that blends well with the other ingredients.

  3. Drain the Sauerkraut:
    Place the sauerkraut in a colander and press out excess liquid. This step is crucial to prevent soggy fritters. You can even blot with paper towels if necessary.

  4. Mix the Filling:
    In a large mixing bowl, combine:

    • 4–5 cups shredded corned beef

    • 3 cups drained sauerkraut

    • 3 pounds cream cheese (softened)

    • 2 pounds shredded or diced Swiss cheese

    Mix thoroughly using a sturdy spoon or your hands (gloved). The final texture should be cohesive, thick, and scoopable.

 Stage 2: Form the Fritters

  1. Shape the Fritters:
    Scoop the mixture into 1.5-inch balls. You can use a small cookie scoop or your hands. Aim for about 45–50 uniform balls.

  2. Freeze the Balls:
    Place the formed fritters on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for at least 1 hour, or until firm. This step is essential so the fritters hold their shape while frying.

 Stage 3: Fry the Fritters

  1. Heat the Oil:
    In a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy — temperature control is key.

  2. Fry the Fritters:
    Fry in small batches, about 5–7 fritters at a time. Avoid overcrowding the pot, as this can lower the oil temperature. Fry for 3–4 minutes, or until golden brown on all sides.

  3. Drain and Serve:
    Use a slotted spoon to remove fritters from the oil. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Let cool for 1–2 minutes before serving.

 Pro Tips for Perfect Reuben Fritters

Here’s how to ensure your fritters are crispy, flavorful, and a huge hit:

1. Cook the Brisket in Advance

Corned beef takes time to cook and cool. Do this step a day ahead and store it in the fridge for quicker prep the next day.

2. Drain Sauerkraut Thoroughly

Too much moisture from the kraut will cause the fritters to fall apart or become soggy. Press and pat dry before mixing.

3. Freeze Before Frying

Don’t skip the freeze! This step keeps the fritters firm and prevents them from disintegrating in hot oil.

4. Use a Cooking Thermometer

Maintaining oil at 350°F ensures the fritters cook evenly without absorbing too much oil or burning.

5. Serve with Dipping Sauces

These fritters are even better with condiments. Try:

  • Classic Thousand Island dressing

  • Spicy brown mustard

  • Russian dressing

  • Creamy horseradish sauce

 Variations & Custom Ideas

Looking to tweak the recipe? Here are some fun ways to make it your own:

 Garlic & Herb Reuben Fritters

Add 1 tablespoon of garlic powder and a handful of chopped fresh parsley to the mixture for an herby twist.

 Baked Version (Lighter Option)

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place frozen fritters on a greased baking sheet and spray lightly with oil. Bake for 18–22 minutes, turning once, until golden and hot.

 Spicy Reuben Bites

Add chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture for a spicy version that packs heat.

 Serving Suggestions

Reuben Fritters are perfect for:

  • Game-day snacks

  • Holiday party appetizers

  • Potluck gatherings

  • Brunch sides

  • St. Patrick’s Day treats

Pair them with a cold beer or sparkling water and watch them disappear in minutes.

 Storage & Reheating

  • Store Leftovers: Keep cooled fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

  • Freeze for Later: Flash-freeze leftover fritters on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Store for up to 3 months.

  • Reheat: Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10–12 minutes or air fry for 6–8 minutes. Avoid microwaving — it makes them soggy.

 Why You’ll Love Reuben Fritters

  • Bold & Savory: All the flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich in a crispy shell

  • Versatile: Great for any occasion — from casual snacking to formal entertaining

  • Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the entire recipe in advance and fry right before serving

  • Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect finger food with big deli-style flavor

 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a longtime lover of Reubens or just craving something hearty and delicious, these fritters are the answer. With layers of rich cream cheese, tangy sauerkraut, nutty Swiss, and savory corned beef, each bite is packed with comforting flavor. Golden on the outside, creamy on the inside — what more could you want?

Master this recipe, and you’ll have a go-to appetizer that wows every time. Plus, with customizable options and easy storage, it’s both practical and indulgent.

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