Ham Balls Recipe

Introduction

Ham Balls are a delicious and comforting dish that combine savory ground ham and pork with a sweet and tangy glaze. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, these meatballs offer a unique twist on a classic favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground ham
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• Chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground ham, ground pork, graham cracker crumbs, eggs, and milk until evenly mixed.
3. Step 3: Form the mixture into about 12 meatballs and place them in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, granulated sugar, dry mustard, thyme, water, and apple cider vinegar to make the glaze.
5. Step 5: Pour the glaze evenly over the meatballs, ensuring they are well coated.
6. Step 6: Bake uncovered for about 1 hour, basting the meatballs with the glaze once or twice during cooking. They are done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
7. Step 7: Let the meatballs cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add finely chopped onions or garlic to the meat mixture before forming balls.
• Use gluten-free graham crackers if you want a gluten-free version.
• Try swapping apple cider vinegar with balsamic vinegar for a deeper glaze flavor.
• Cook meatballs in a slow cooker on low for 4-5 hours if you prefer a hands-off approach.

Storage

Store leftover ham balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use all ground ham or all ground pork instead of both?

Yes, you can use all ground ham or all ground pork, but combining both gives a balanced flavor and texture. Using only ham may be saltier, while all pork will be milder.

How can I tell when the ham balls are fully cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer and ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F. The glaze should be bubbly and slightly caramelized as well.

Ham Balls Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.9 from 62 reviews

• Author: Mariam
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 ham balls 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious and savory ham balls made with ground ham and pork, coated in a sweet and tangy glaze, baked to perfection. A perfect comfort food dish that combines the richness of meats with a flavorful brown sugar and ketchup glaze, finished with a fresh garnish of green onions or parsley.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs

• 1 pound ground ham
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup milk

Glaze

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

Garnish

• Chopped green onions or parsley

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the ham balls evenly.
2. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground ham, ground pork, graham cracker crumbs, eggs, and milk until well mixed but not overworked to maintain tenderness.
3. Form meatballs: Shape the meat mixture into about 12 evenly sized meatballs and arrange them in a 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring they are spaced slightly apart.
4. Glaze meatballs: In a separate bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, granulated sugar, dry mustard, dried thyme, water, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Pour this glaze evenly over the meatballs, coating them thoroughly.
5. Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the oven and bake for about 1 hour. Baste the meatballs with the glaze once or twice during baking to enhance flavor and moisture. Bake until the internal temperature reaches 160°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
6. Rest and garnish: Remove from the oven, let the ham balls cool for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham balls reach a safe internal temperature of 160°F.
• Gently mix the meat mixture to avoid tough meatballs.
• Basting during baking helps keep the ham balls moist and flavorful.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
• Serve ham balls with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: ham balls, ground ham, ground pork, baked meatballs, sweet glaze, comfort food, party appetizer, easy dinner