Ham Balls Recipe welldonerecipe.com April 18, 2025

Looking for a tasty, comforting meal? This ham balls recipe is easy to make and full of flavor. Perfect for dinner or a potluck.

The Best Ham Balls Recipe

Do you want a simple, flavorful dish? A ham balls recipe is a great choice. It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Why This Ham Balls Recipe Works

This ham balls recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it uses simple, readily available ingredients. Secondly, the combination of ham and other meats creates a rich, savory flavor. Furthermore, the sweet and tangy glaze adds a delicious finish. Additionally, it’s a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or appetizer. Therefore, this recipe is great for various meals.

The History of Ham Balls Recipe

The history of ham balls is interesting. They originated as a way to use leftover ham. Eventually, they evolved into a popular dish. Moreover, different regions have their own ham balls recipe, reflecting local tastes and ingredients. Accordingly, ham balls are a classic comfort food.

What You Need to Make This Ham Balls Recipe

To make this ham balls recipe, you will need specific ingredients and equipment. Therefore, let’s gather everything before we start cooking. Unquestionably, preparation is key.

Ingredients for Ham Balls Recipe

Here is what you need:

Ground ham: 2 pounds
Ground pork: 1 pound
Crushed crackers: 1 cup
Milk: 1/2 cup
Eggs: 2
Onion (finely chopped): 1/2 cup
Brown sugar: 1 cup
Vinegar: 1/2 cup
Water: 1/4 cup
Mustard: 1 tablespoon

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Baking dish
Measuring cups and spoons
Saucepan

How to Make Ham Balls Recipe: Step-by-Step

Making this ham balls recipe is straightforward. Follow these steps for perfect results. Indeed, the process is simple.

Preparing the Ham Balls Mixture

First, combine the ground ham, ground pork, crushed crackers, milk, eggs, and onion in a large mixing bowl. Next, mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Therefore, ensure everything is evenly distributed. Moreover, mix until smooth.

Shaping the Ham Balls

After that, take small portions of the mixture and shape them into balls. Likewise, aim for a uniform size to ensure even cooking. Place the ham balls in a baking dish. Generally, this helps them cook evenly.

Making the Glaze

Now, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, vinegar, water, and mustard. Then, bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Afterward, reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, until the sugar is dissolved. Specifically, this ensures a smooth glaze.

Baking the Ham Balls

Next, pour the glaze over the ham balls in the baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-60 minutes. Meanwhile, baste the ham balls with the glaze every 15 minutes. Therefore, this ensures they are moist and flavorful. Eventually, the ham balls will be golden brown.

Tips for the Perfect Ham Balls Recipe

Here are some helpful tips to make your ham balls even better. Indeed, these tips will help.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Use good quality ground ham and pork. Specifically, this enhances flavor.
Ensure the crackers are finely crushed. Therefore, they blend well.
Fresh ingredients make a difference. Unquestionably, this improves the taste.

Getting the Right Texture

Do not overmix the ham balls mixture. Otherwise, they can become tough.
Add more crackers if the mixture is too wet. Accordingly, this helps bind the ham balls.
Handle the mixture gently to avoid tough ham balls. Basically, gentleness is key.

Variations on This Ham Balls Recipe

This ham balls recipe is easy to customize. Here are some ideas. For example, you can add different spices.

Adding Spices

Add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg to the mixture. Consequently, this adds warmth.
Use a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat. However, be careful with the amount.
Experiment with different seasonings to find your favorite flavor. Ultimately, this is about personal preference.

Changing the Glaze

Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness. Likewise, honey is also a great option.
Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a savory depth. Furthermore, soy sauce works well too.
Try a honey-mustard glaze for a tangy twist. Indeed, this is a popular choice.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of pork. Basically, this makes the recipe leaner.
Substitute gluten-free crackers for a gluten-free version. Therefore, this is great for those with intolerance.
Use apple cider vinegar for a milder flavor. Subsequently, this changes the taste profile.

Serving Suggestions for Ham Balls

Ham balls are very versatile and can be served in many ways. Indeed, they are a great main course.

As a Main Course

Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans. Afterward, add gravy.
Accompany with a side salad and dinner rolls. Another great combination is coleslaw.
Pair with roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For example, carrots and Brussels sprouts.

As an Appetizer

Serve on toothpicks as party snacks. Meanwhile, have dipping sauces available.
Offer with a dipping sauce like honey mustard or barbecue sauce. Specifically, these compliment the flavor.
Arrange on a platter with cheese and crackers. Generally, this is a great party option.

With Different Sauces

Try a sweet and sour sauce for an Asian-inspired twist. Furthermore, add rice.
Use a creamy mushroom sauce for a rich flavor. Specifically, this works well with mashed potatoes.
Serve with a tomato-based sauce for a classic taste. Undoubtedly, this is a comfort food staple.

Storing and Reheating Ham Balls

Proper storage is essential to keep your ham balls fresh. Therefore, follow these guidelines.

Storing Cooked Ham Balls

Let the ham balls cool completely before storing. Otherwise, condensation can form.
Place them in an airtight container. Additionally, use a container with a tight seal.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Explicitly, do not exceed this time.

Freezing Cooked Ham Balls

Freeze the ham balls in a single layer on a baking sheet. Thus, preventing them from sticking.
Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Accordingly, this saves space.
They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. However, the quality may decrease over time.

Reheating Ham Balls

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Meanwhile, add a little water to keep them moist.
Microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. Otherwise, they can become rubbery.
Reheat in a saucepan on the stove over low heat. Indeed, this is a gentle method.

Health Benefits of This Ham Balls Recipe

While ham balls are not typically considered a health food, they do offer some nutrients. However, moderation is key. Specifically, watch your portion sizes.

Proteins

Ham and pork are good sources of proteins, which are essential for muscle building and repair. Additionally, proteins help you feel full.

Vitamins and Minerals

Ham contains vitamins like riboflavin and minerals like selenium. Furthermore, these are important for overall health.

Important Considerations

Be conscious of the sodium content in ham. Therefore, limit your intake if you have high blood pressure.
Balance this dish with plenty of vegetables. Accordingly, this adds nutrients and fiber.
Consider limiting your portion size. Explicitly, this helps with maintaining a balanced diet.

Ham Balls Recipe: Perfect for Any Occasion

This ham balls recipe is suitable for various events. For example, they are great for family dinners, potlucks, and holiday gatherings. Generally, they are a crowd-pleaser.

Family Dinners

A satisfying and comforting meal for the whole family. Undoubtedly, everyone will enjoy it.
Easy to prepare and always a hit with kids. Specifically, the sweet glaze is appealing to children.
Pairs well with many side dishes. Another great side is macaroni and cheese.

Potlucks

A crowd-pleasing dish that travels well. Therefore, it’s great for potlucks.
Can be made ahead of time. Consequently, this saves time on the day of the event.
Easy to serve and enjoy. Moreover, it requires minimal effort to serve.

Holiday Gatherings

A traditional dish that fits into holiday menus. Indeed, it’s a classic holiday dish.
Adds a touch of nostalgia to the celebration. Specifically, it brings back memories.
Can be part of a buffet or sit-down meal. Basically, it’s flexible.

Troubleshooting Common Ham Balls Problems

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Here are solutions to common ham balls issues. Ultimately, troubleshooting is part of cooking.

Dry Ham Balls

Add more milk to the mixture. Specifically, this adds moisture.
Do not overbake the ham balls. Unquestionably, overbaking leads to dryness.
Baste frequently with the glaze. Therefore, this keeps them moist.

Ham Balls That Fall Apart

Add more crackers to the mixture. Accordingly, this helps bind the ingredients.
Ensure the mixture is well combined. Explicitly, thorough mixing is important.
Handle the ham balls gently when shaping and baking. Otherwise, they can crumble.

Glaze That Is Too Thick

Add more water to the glaze. Unquestionably, this thins the glaze.
Reduce the simmering time. Therefore, this prevents it from thickening too much.
Adjust the ingredients until you reach the desired consistency. Ultimately, this is about personal preference.

Making a Healthier Version of Ham Balls Recipe

It’s possible to make ham balls healthier. Here are some adjustments. For instance, you can use leaner meats.

Using Leaner Meats

Use lean ground ham and pork. Specifically, this reduces fat content.
Consider ground turkey or chicken as a substitute. Indeed, these are leaner options.
Trim any excess fat from the meat before grinding. Therefore, this further reduces fat.

Adding Vegetables

Finely chop vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers and add them to the mixture. Thus, adding nutrients and moisture.
This adds nutrients and moisture. Furthermore, it adds flavor and texture.

Lowering the Sugar Content

Reduce the amount of brown sugar in the glaze. Specifically, this reduces added sugar.
Use a sugar substitute. However, be mindful of the taste.
Try a honey-mustard glaze for a more natural sweetness. Specifically, honey is a natural sweetener.

The Culinary Appeal of Ham Balls Recipe

Ham balls have a unique culinary appeal. Indeed, they offer a combination of savory and sweet flavors. Additionally, their texture is both tender and slightly firm. Consequently, they are satisfying and enjoyable.

Flavor Profile

The savory ham and pork are balanced by the sweetness of the glaze. Specifically, this creates a harmonious flavor.
The onion adds a subtle sharpness. Furthermore, this adds complexity.
The overall flavor is comforting and familiar. Undoubtedly, this evokes a sense of nostalgia.

Texture

The ham balls should be tender and moist. Explicitly, this is important for enjoyment.
The glaze adds a slightly sticky and glossy characteristic. Therefore, this enhances the visual appeal.
The crackers provide a bit of texture. Generally, this adds interest.

Sophisticated Pairings

Exploring complimentary side dishes and drink pairings. Comparatively, this can elevated the dining experience.
Trying roasted root vegetables and a light salad. Undoubtedly, this is a harmonious combination.

Variations to Make your Ham Balls Recipe Unique

There are plenty of ways to make your ham balls recipe unique. Here are a few ideas:

Spicy Ham Balls

To make ham balls with a spicy kick, consider adding the following:

A teaspoon of chili flakes to the ham balls mixture.
A tablespoon of sriracha to the glaze for a spicy-sweet flavor.

Cheese-Filled Ham Balls

Adding cheese to the ham balls recipe can create a melty, delicious surprise:

Cube cheddar or mozzarella cheese and insert a small cube into the center of each ham ball before baking.
Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the ham balls mixture for a savory flavor.

Smoked Ham Balls

For a smoky flavor:

Use smoked ham.
Add a dash of liquid smoke to the ham balls mixture.

Enjoy Your Homemade Ham Balls

This ham balls recipe is a classic for a reason. It is easy to make and delicious to eat. Therefore, gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and enjoy a satisfying meal. Ultimately, the key is to have fun.

Final Thoughts

Ham balls are a versatile dish for any occasion.
Customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences.
Enjoy the process and savor the flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fareway ham balls precooked?

Yes, Fareway ham balls are fully cooked. Therefore, you only need to reheat them. They are ready to eat.

What is the difference between ground pork and ground ham?

Ground pork is made from raw pork. Ground ham is made from cooked, cured ham. Consequently, they have different flavors and textures.

How long can you keep cooked ham balls in the refrigerator?

Cooked ham balls can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Therefore, store them in an airtight container. Always use your best judgment and discard if there are signs of spoilage.

How many calories are in a ham ball?

The calories in a ham ball variations depending on the recipe. However, a typical ham ball contains around 150-200 calories.