Welcome to your new favorite St. Patrick’s Day tradition! These irresistible Reuben Poppers are the ultimate party appetizer, transforming the beloved flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich into perfectly crispy, bite-sized delights.
Crispy Reuben Poppers: Your Go-To St. Patrick’s Day Appetizer
Good morning, friends, and happy almost St. Patrick’s Day! The air is buzzing with excitement as we count down to a day filled with green, good cheer, and, of course, delicious food. Whether you trace your roots back to the Emerald Isle or simply love to join in the festive spirit, St. Patrick’s Day is a wonderful excuse to celebrate. With a last name like Dwyer, our household certainly embraces the holiday with gusto!
Full disclosure, while Dwyer is my married name and I’m surrounded by Irish charm – from my wonderful husband to my two boys, Sean and Casey, and even two red-haired nephews – there isn’t a single Irish bone in my own body! But honestly, that only makes the celebration more meaningful. St. Patrick’s Day isn’t just about ancestry; it’s about embracing community, warmth, and the joy of coming together, often over a fantastic meal. And what better way to do that than with a plate full of homemade goodness?
A Timeless Tradition: St. Patrick’s Day Feasts
Growing up, St. Patrick’s Day at my mom’s house was always a grand affair. She took immense pride in preparing a traditional Irish-American feast: succulent corned beef, perfectly cooked cabbage, and her legendary Irish soda bread, which was always just right. Her corned beef, especially, had a glaze that was absolutely divine, making it an essential part of our holiday menu. The aromas wafting from her kitchen were truly unforgettable, signaling that a special day was upon us.
These beloved memories are what inspire me to create new traditions while honoring the classics. This year, I wanted to bring that same festive spirit to an appetizer that captures all the comforting, hearty flavors we associate with St. Patrick’s Day, but in a fun, shareable format. That’s where these delightful Reuben Poppers come in.
From Classic Sandwich to Party Favorite: The Reuben Popper Story
If you’re a fan of the classic grilled Reuben sandwich, you’re in for a real treat with these poppers. And if you’ve never experienced the magic of a Reuben, prepare to have your taste buds awakened! The traditional Reuben sandwich is a masterpiece of flavors and textures: tender corned beef, creamy Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and a generous smear of Russian or Thousand Island dressing, all grilled between slices of rye bread. It’s a combination that has stood the test of time, rumored to have originated in either New York City or Omaha, Nebraska, in the early 20th century.
My goal was to capture that iconic flavor profile and transform it into an appetizer that’s perfect for mingling, easy to eat, and utterly addictive. These Reuben Poppers take all the essential components of the sandwich and re-imagine them in a crispy, bite-sized ball. They are, without a doubt, the perfect St. Patrick’s Day party appetizer – a culinary nod to tradition with a fun, modern twist.
The Symphony of Flavors: What Makes These Poppers Irresistible
Each Reuben Popper is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Imagine salty, flavorful corned beef, finely chopped and mixed with creamy, nutty Swiss cheese, and the unmistakable tangy bite of sauerkraut. To bind everything together and add an extra layer of richness, we incorporate softened cream cheese. And for that authentic Reuben essence, a hint of caraway seeds is added – a touch that brings a subtle, earthy aroma that truly elevates the dish.
But the magic doesn’t stop with the filling. The exterior is where these poppers truly shine. Each ball is meticulously coated in a three-stage breading process: first, a light dusting of seasoned flour, followed by a dip in cool buttermilk, and finally, a generous roll in crisp panko bread crumbs. This meticulous coating is key to achieving that incredibly satisfying, golden-brown crunch when fried. The result is a warm, gooey, savory interior encased in a delightfully crisp shell. Served alongside a homemade or store-bought Russian Dressing for dipping, you’ve got a grilled Reuben, popper style, that will have your guests reaching for more. Get ready to impress!
Crafting Your Crispy Masterpiece: Tips for Perfect Poppers
Making these Reuben Poppers is a straightforward process, but a few tips can help ensure they turn out perfectly every time. Starting with high-quality deli corned beef is crucial; its rich, savory flavor is the heart of the popper. When chopping the corned beef in a food processor, aim for a fine, even texture – this helps it blend seamlessly with the other ingredients and creates a smooth, cohesive filling.
Don’t skip rinsing the sauerkraut! This simple step helps to remove excess brine, mellowing its tanginess just enough so it complements rather than overwhelms the other flavors. The cream cheese should be softened to room temperature to ensure it mixes easily and uniformly, binding all the delicious components together into a manageable mixture for shaping. Speaking of shaping, aim for uniform 2-inch balls. Consistency in size ensures even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
The breading process is vital for that signature crispy exterior. The seasoned flour provides a dry surface for the buttermilk to adhere, and the buttermilk then acts as a glue for the panko bread crumbs. Panko, with its larger, flakier texture, creates a superior crispiness compared to regular bread crumbs. Make sure each ball is thoroughly coated at each stage to prevent the filling from seeping out during frying and to achieve a uniformly golden crust.
When it comes to frying, oil temperature is paramount. A temperature of 350°F (175°C) is ideal for achieving a crispy exterior without overcooking the inside or making them greasy. If the oil is too cool, the poppers will absorb too much oil; if it’s too hot, they’ll brown too quickly on the outside before the inside is fully heated through. Fry in batches of four or five to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can lower the oil temperature. Once golden brown and crispy, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil, ensuring they stay perfectly crisp.
Beyond the Fryer: Alternative Cooking Methods & Serving Suggestions
While deep frying yields the crispiest results, you can also experiment with other cooking methods. For a slightly lighter option, you can try baking or air frying your Reuben Poppers. To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), lightly spray the breaded poppers with cooking oil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and heated through. For air frying, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), lightly spray the poppers, and cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until crispy. Keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different – perhaps not as uniformly crunchy as deep-fried – but still incredibly delicious.
These poppers are best served warm, straight from the fryer (or oven/air fryer!), accompanied by a generous side of Russian Dressing. You can use your favorite store-bought brand, or easily whip up your own with mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and a dash of hot sauce. For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the popper mixture itself. They are not just for St. Patrick’s Day; these are fantastic for game days, holiday gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a truly unforgettable appetizer!
Reuben Poppers
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb. deli corned beef sliced very thin
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 1/2 cups sauerkraut rinsed
- 8 oz. cream cheese softened
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp. caraway seeds optional
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups plain panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Fill a large pot 1/3 full with canola oil and place over medium heat until 350 degrees F.
- Place the corned beef in a food processor and puree until finely chopped.
- Place corned beef in a large bowl and add the Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and caraway seeds if desired. Mix well. Shape into 2 inch balls.
- In a small bowl whisk together flour, salt and pepper. Place buttermilk in another small bowl and the panko in another bowl.
- Dip each ball into the flour, then the buttermilk and then the panko. Repeat with all poppers.
- Fry the poppers, about four at a time, making sure they are totally submerged in the oil for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from pot to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with all poppers.
- Serve with Russian dressing for dipping.
We hope these Reuben Poppers bring a burst of flavor and fun to your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. They are more than just an appetizer; they are a tribute to delicious traditions, shared moments, and the joy of good food. Wishing you a wonderful and flavorful week ahead!