Reuben Fritters

Introduction

The first time I made Reuben fritters, my family was skeptical. They loved the classic Reuben sandwich, but could these little bites live up to that? As I pulled them out of the fryer, the crispy golden exterior was hard to resist. One bite in, and I knew we had a winner. The savory flavors of corned beef, Swiss cheese, and tangy sauerkraut melded beautifully, and the crispy coating added the perfect crunch. They disappeared in minutes, and we all agreed: these fritters are a delightful twist on a beloved classic!

Ingredients

• 1 cup (150g) cooked corned beef, finely chopped
• 1 cup (115g) Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup (120g) sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
• 1/4 cup (60g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch)
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Thousand Island dressing or spicy mustard, for dipping

Instructions

Prepare the Fritter Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped corned beef, shredded Swiss cheese, drained sauerkraut, softened cream cheese, and Dijon mustard. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is cohesive.

Form the Fritters

Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into small balls. Place these on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for about 20-30 minutes. This helps the fritters hold their shape during frying.

Bread the Fritters

Set up a breading station with three separate bowls:

1. Flour: For dusting the fritters.
2. Eggs: Beat the eggs until smooth.
3. Breadcrumbs: Use Panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy texture.

Coat each fritter first in flour, then dip it in the beaten egg, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. Make sure each fritter is evenly covered for the best crunch.

Fry the Fritters

Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the fritters in batches, frying them for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Serve

Serve the Reuben fritters hot with Thousand Island dressing or spicy mustard for dipping. Enjoy the crispy, savory goodness!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Servings: 4 (about 3 fritters each)
• Calories: Approximately 320 kcal
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 12g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus freezing time)
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 45-60 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve hot as an appetizer or snack.
• Accompany with:
• Thousand Island dressing
• Spicy mustard
• Pickles or jalapeños for added zing
• Pair with a cold beer or your favorite beverage.

Additional Tips

1. Chill the Mixture: Freezing the fritters helps them hold their shape and prevents them from falling apart in the oil.
2. Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature for frying; too hot and they’ll burn, too cool and they’ll absorb too much oil.
3. Batch Frying: Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature.
4. Experiment with Cheese: Try adding different cheeses like Gouda or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor twist.
5. Sauerkraut Substitutes: If you’re not a fan of sauerkraut, you can use coleslaw mix for a similar crunch and flavor.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute corned beef with finely chopped mushrooms or a veggie ground meat alternative for a vegetarian version.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the fritter mixture for extra heat.
• Different Dips: Serve with a variety of dips such as ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or homemade garlic aioli.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these fritters alongside a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
• Pair with a hearty soup like tomato basil or potato leek.
• Use as a fun party appetizer for game days or gatherings.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing Fritters: Uncooked fritters can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag.
• Storing Cooked Fritters: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results, ensuring they retain their crispiness.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use deli corned beef?
Yes, deli corned beef works well for this recipe!

2. How can I make these fritters gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

3. What can I use instead of Swiss cheese?
You can use provolone, Havarti, or any cheese that melts well.

4. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown, flipping halfway through.

5. What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can use sour cream or a thick yogurt as a substitute for cream cheese.

6. How can I tell when the oil is hot enough?
Drop a small piece of bread into the oil; if it sizzles and turns golden brown within 60 seconds, the oil is ready.

7. Can I prepare the fritter mixture a day in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture and keep it in the fridge overnight. Just remember to form the fritters and freeze them before frying.

8. What should I do if my fritters fall apart while frying?
Make sure to freeze them long enough, and avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain the oil temperature.

9. Can I reheat leftover fritters?
Yes, reheat them in the oven or an air fryer to keep them crispy.

10. Are these fritters suitable for parties?
Absolutely! They make a great appetizer for parties, game days, or family gatherings.

Conclusion

Reuben fritters are a delicious and creative way to enjoy the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich. With their crispy exterior and savory filling, they’re sure to please any crowd. Whether served as an appetizer or a snack, these fritters bring a taste of comfort and fun to any occasion. Give them a try, and you might just find yourself making them again and again!

Print