Elevate Your Holiday Spread with the Ultimate Reuben Cheese Ball: A Festive Appetizer Sensation!
Transforming beloved classic sandwich flavors into an irresistible party appetizer, this Holiday Reuben Cheese Ball is destined to be the star of your festive gatherings. Imagine the rich, savory notes of corned beef, the tangy zest of sauerkraut, and the creamy indulgence of Swiss and cream cheeses, all beautifully melded together and coated in a delightful pecan crust. This exquisite cheese ball awaits its grand debut, ready to be scooped onto crisp mini rye slices or an assortment of your favorite crackers.
If you’re wondering if a Reuben-inspired cheese ball could truly capture the essence of its namesake, the answer is an emphatic YES! For those who adore the iconic Reuben sandwich, this appetizer delivers all the familiar, comforting flavors in a sophisticated, party-ready format. Dressed up for the holidays, it’s the quintessential make-ahead dish that guarantees to impress your family and friends, making it the perfect choice for any holiday party or family get-together.
This post has been sponsored by Gary’s QuickSteak. All opinions and genuine love for their exceptional products are authentically my own.
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The holiday season is officially in full swing. With Thanksgiving behind us and Black Friday deals already tempting us, it’s clear that the festive celebrations are just beginning. This “extra” time in November before Christmas truly arrives offers the perfect opportunity to host more holiday parties and gather loved ones, creating cherished memories around delicious food. And what better way to kick off these celebrations than with an unforgettable appetizer?
The Undeniable Charm of Cheese Balls: A Holiday Revival
Dips, cheese balls, and elaborate cheese plates have always been my go-to for parties. There’s something inherently inviting about them; guests naturally gravitate towards these communal delights. After a period of quietude, cheese balls are experiencing a glorious comeback, re-emerging as sophisticated yet comforting centerpieces for any event. They offer a fantastic blend of textures and flavors, making them endlessly customizable and incredibly satisfying.
On my site, you’ll find other popular cheese ball recipes like a Summer Sausage Cheese Ball, bursting with cheddar, onion, and chive, and a Cream Cheese Party Ball, featuring smoky sausage, tangy sauerkraut, and a crispy bacon coating. While both are excellent choices for any gathering, this Reuben Cheese Ball truly stands out. Not only is it exceptionally delicious, but it’s also wonderfully simple to prepare, proving that gourmet flavors don’t have to come with complicated steps.
The Secret Ingredient: Gary’s QuickSteak Corned Beef
The foundation of this incredible cheese ball begins with one of my absolute favorite products: Gary’s QuickSteak Corned Beef. I’ve raved about Gary’s QuickSteak products over the past few months, sharing fantastic recipes using their QuickSteak and Chicken. It was only a matter of time before I dedicated a recipe to their outstanding corned beef, and this Reuben Cheese Ball is the perfect vehicle.
Confession time: I consider myself a bit of a corned beef connoisseur. Historically, I’ve been fiercely loyal to a single brand, rarely deviating. However, Gary’s QuickSteak Corned Beef has completely won me over. Most people reserve corned beef for an annual Corned Beef and Cabbage feast on St. Patrick’s Day. But in my home, we adore it so much that it makes multiple appearances throughout the year. Discovering Gary’s QuickSteak Corned Beef was a revelation. It’s incredibly flavorful without being overly fatty, perfectly spiced, and cooks up in mere minutes – a true game-changer!
Just last week, we savored it in our mouthwatering Reuben Stuffed Baked Potatoes, and this weekend, it’s starring in my comforting Cream of Reuben Soup. The ability to achieve such authentic, high-quality flavor with such incredible convenience is a winning situation for any home cook. Gary’s QuickSteak allows for delicious “shortcuts” that taste anything but short-cut, making it an indispensable pantry staple.
What Essential Ingredients Do You Need for This Reuben Cheese Ball?
Crafting this festive Reuben Cheese Ball requires a careful selection of ingredients that perfectly mimic the flavors of the classic sandwich:
- Gary’s QuickSteak Corned Beef (pre-cooked and finely chopped for ease)
- High-quality sauerkraut (well-drained to prevent a watery cheese ball)
- Sweet pickle (chopped for a delightful crunch and hint of sweetness)
- Fresh garlic (minced for aromatic depth)
- Shredded Swiss cheese (for its signature nutty, creamy flavor)
- Cream cheese (softened, as the creamy base)
- A touch of ketchup (to provide that subtle Thousand Island dressing undertone)
- Chopped pecans (for the outer coating, adding texture and a nutty complement)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, adding vibrant color and freshness to the coating)
- Paprika (for a mild spice and beautiful hue in the coating)
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Reuben Cheese Ball
Preparing this cheese ball is surprisingly straightforward, making it an ideal choice for busy holiday hosts. Here’s how to bring this festive appetizer to life:
Step 1: Prepare Your Base
Begin by gathering all your ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, and ketchup. Using an electric mixer, whip these ingredients together until they are smooth and light. This forms the creamy, tangy foundation of your cheese ball.
Step 2: Fold in the Reuben Flavors
Next, gently fold in the finely chopped sweet pickles, thoroughly drained and chopped sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, and the cooked, chopped Gary’s QuickSteak Corned Beef. Mix until all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese base. Be careful not to overmix, preserving the texture of the add-ins.
At this stage, the mixture is incredibly tempting. It’s perfectly acceptable to sneak a spoonful (or two!). After all, it’s your kitchen, and taste-testing is a crucial part of the cooking process! 😉
Step 3: Prepare the Flavorful Coating
In a small separate bowl, combine the finely chopped pecans, fresh chopped parsley, and paprika. This mixture will provide a beautiful exterior, adding a complementary crunch, vibrant color, and an extra layer of flavor to your cheese ball.
Step 4: Form and Coat the Cheese Ball
Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on your clean kitchen counter. Sprinkle about half of the pecan mixture in the center of the plastic wrap. Using your hands, gently form the cheese mixture into a cohesive ball and place it directly onto the sprinkled nuts. Then, sprinkle the remaining pecan mixture generously over the top and sides of the cheese ball. Carefully use your hands to press the nuts into the cheese ball until it is fully coated on all sides. The plastic wrap helps contain the mess and makes coating easier.
Step 5: Chill for Perfection
Once coated, wrap the cheese ball tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least two hours. This crucial chilling period allows the flavors to meld beautifully and helps the cheese ball firm up, making it easier to serve. For optimal flavor development and stress-free hosting, consider making this appetizer the night before your event.
Serving Your Reuben Cheese Ball
When it’s time to serve, present your magnificent Reuben Cheese Ball on a platter alongside an array of delicious dippers. Mini rye bread slices and rye crackers are classic choices that beautifully complement the Reuben flavors. For an extra touch of authenticity, offer a side of Thousand Island dressing for drizzling and some sweet pickles for garnish or an additional tangy bite. You can also include other crackers, pretzel crisps, or even vegetable sticks for a lighter option.
Whether you choose a beautiful serving platter, a simple plate, or a chip-and-dip bowl with the cheese ball in the center surrounded by crackers, presentation matters. I personally love using a sturdy wooden cheese board to spread things out elegantly. Don’t forget to provide cocktail knives or spreading spoons to ensure easy and hygienic serving for your guests.
This recipe yields a generously sized cheese ball, perfect for a larger crowd. If you’re hosting a smaller gathering or prefer more variety, you can easily divide the mixture to make two smaller cheese balls. Alternatively, consider halving the recipe, and use any leftover Gary’s QuickSteak Corned Beef to whip up a satisfying Classic Reuben Sandwich to enjoy while your cheese ball chills to perfection!
More Delicious Recipes Featuring Gary’s QuickSteak:
If you’ve enjoyed the convenience and flavor of Gary’s QuickSteak in this Reuben Cheese Ball, you’ll love these other recipes:
Where to Find Gary’s QuickSteak Products
Ready to experience the exceptional quality and convenience of Gary’s QuickSteak for yourself? Getting your hands on their fantastic products is just a click away! You can easily purchase Gary’s QuickSteak Corned Beef, Chicken, Steak, and their signature WOW Seasoning here at Buy Nebraska.
For even more inspiring recipes, helpful tips, and creative ideas for utilizing their amazing Corned Beef and other products, be sure to visit the official Gary’s QuickSteak website. Stay connected and discover new culinary adventures by following them on their vibrant Facebook page and engaging Instagram page, where they share delicious content year-round!
If you love their products as much as I do, share your culinary creations! Post your Gary’s QuickSteak photos and tag them with #GarysQuickSteak and #MealsInMinutes. We always enjoy seeing what delicious meals you’re cooking up in your kitchens!
Make sure to try their entire range of delicious products: Steak, Chicken, and Corned Beef. And stay tuned for more fantastic recipes from Gary’s QuickSteak and An Affair from the Heart!
Cheers to the joyous holiday season, wonderful friends, loving family, and, of course, absolutely delicious food!
Intrigued by the Reuben’s rich history? The origin of the Reuben sandwich is a tale with a couple of fascinating versions, depending on who’s telling the story. Dive deeper into the captivating lore of the Reuben and discover endless possibilities on how to “Reubenize” anything in your kitchen!
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Print Recipe
Reuben Cheese Ball
Reuben Cheese Ball – All of the things you love about a classic Reuben sandwich make up this Holiday Reuben Cheese Ball! Corned Beef, Sauerkraut, Swiss Cheese with cream cheese, coated in a pecan outside. Just waiting to be served up on mini rye slices or crackers.
Ingredients
- 1 12 ounce package Gary’s QuickSteak Corned Beef, cooked and chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 cup sauerkraut drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle chopped
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 8 ounce packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 Tablespoon ketchup
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whip together cream cheese, garlic and ketchup until smooth.
- Slowly mix in pickle, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Corned Beef.
- In a small bowl, combine chopped pecans, chopped parsley and paprika.
- Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on your counter. Put half of the pecan mixture in the middle. Form one big ball with the cheese mixture. Place on the nuts. Sprinkle the rest over the top. Using your hands press the nuts into the cheeseball carefully, until it’s all covered.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and place in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
- Serve with mini rye bread slices, rye crackers, Thousand Island Dressing and sweet pickles.