If you’re looking for a flavorful, classic dish to serve at your next family gathering or holiday event, the ham balls recipe might just be the perfect choice. Packed with a sweet-savory taste and offering a delightful twist on traditional meat dishes, ham balls are a favorite across the Midwest and beyond. This article will walk you through every step of creating this beloved dish, from gathering the ingredients to serving it up hot and ready for everyone to enjoy.
What Exactly Are Ham Balls?
Ham balls are a delicious combination of ground ham, pork, and breadcrumbs, typically mixed with a sweet glaze that provides a perfect contrast to the salty richness of the ham. Originating in regions with a strong farming culture, this dish has become a staple comfort food, often found at potlucks, family dinners, and holiday feasts.
In addition to its fascinating background, ham balls are a fantastic way to utilize leftover ham. Rather than wasting ham after a big dinner, this recipe allows you to turn it into something spectacular for the entire family to savor.
Ingredients You Will Need
To prepare a ham balls recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients. The combination of these will result in a flavor-packed dish that is ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
For the Ham Balls
- 1 lb ground ham
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon mustard powder
For the Glaze
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ cup water
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the oven rack is in the middle position for even cooking. Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent the ham balls from sticking.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground ham, ground pork, and breadcrumbs. Add the beaten eggs and milk, ensuring everything is evenly distributed. You can use your hands to mix, which helps to blend the mixture thoroughly without overworking the meat. Add the mustard powder for that extra layer of flavor.
Step 3: Form the Ham Balls
Shape the meat mixture into balls, roughly the size of golf balls. Place them in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they aren’t too close together. This helps them cook evenly and develop a nice crust.
Step 4: Prepare the Glaze
In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, white vinegar, Dijon mustard, water, and ground cloves. The glaze should be well mixed and free of any sugar lumps. This sweet and tangy glaze is key to the flavor of your ham balls recipe, adding that wonderful caramelization as they bake.
Step 5: Bake the Ham Balls
Pour the glaze evenly over the ham balls in the baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, basting occasionally with the glaze to ensure maximum flavor. The ham balls should be slightly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside once done.
Tips for the Perfect Ham Balls
- Use Fresh Ham: For the best results, grind your ham fresh or purchase high-quality ground ham. The flavor of the ham really comes through in this dish, so starting with good quality meat is crucial.
- Even Cooking: Arrange the ham balls with some space between them to ensure even cooking. Crowding them can lead to uneven cooking and soggy sides.
- Baste Frequently: Basting the ham balls with the glaze every 15 minutes or so helps them to absorb more flavor and creates a delicious caramelized coating.
Ham Balls Nutrition Information
This ham balls recipe is not only delicious but also contains nutritional value. However, it’s always good to be mindful of the ingredients, especially the sugar content in the glaze. For those tracking their macros, here is a rough nutritional breakdown:
- Calories: Approximately 300 per serving (depending on portion size)
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: Wondering how many carbs are in a ham ball? Each serving contains about 25 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from the brown sugar glaze and breadcrumbs.
For a more detailed nutritional analysis, check out this calorie calculator to customize the values based on your ingredient quantities.
Are Ham Balls Precooked?
You might be wondering: Are Fareway ham balls precooked? The answer is that it depends on where you purchase them. Pre-made ham balls from grocery stores like Fareway may be precooked, but it’s essential to read the packaging to determine if additional cooking is required. If they are raw, follow the baking instructions as given in this recipe.
Variations on the Ham Balls Recipe
- Ham Loaf Variation: If you are interested in making a ham loaf instead of balls, the recipe is quite similar. Simply form the mixture into a loaf shape and adjust the cooking time accordingly (usually 1 hour and 15 minutes). A ham loaf also uses ground ham and pork, similar to ham balls, but is shaped differently.
- Pineapple-Glazed Ham Balls: For a twist, you could add crushed pineapple to the glaze for a fruity touch. This adds natural sweetness and pairs beautifully with the salty ham.
- Spicy Ham Balls: For those who like a bit of heat, add 1-2 teaspoons of crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze mixture. The spicy kick balances nicely with the sweetness of the brown sugar.
- Bacon-Wrapped Ham Balls: Everything is better with bacon! Wrap each ham ball with a slice of bacon before baking. This adds a smoky flavor and an extra layer of texture.
The History and Origins of Ham Balls
The origins of ham balls are deeply rooted in Midwestern American culinary traditions, particularly in regions such as Iowa and Nebraska. Historically, these areas were known for their abundance of pork, and utilizing leftover ham and pork scraps became a way of reducing waste and maximizing the use of available resources. The dish gained popularity due to its versatility, affordability, and ability to feed a large family with minimal effort.
Ham balls were often served at church gatherings, community potlucks, and family reunions, where the focus was on hearty, filling dishes that could be easily shared. The sweet and savory glaze, which often included ingredients such as brown sugar, vinegar, and mustard, was a common choice for meat dishes in the Midwest, providing a perfect balance to the saltiness of the ham.
Over time, the ham balls recipe became a symbol of comfort and home-cooked goodness, passed down from generation to generation. Today, it remains a beloved dish, evoking nostalgia and a sense of tradition for many families.
Creative Ways to Serve Ham Balls
Ham balls are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways, depending on the occasion. Here are some creative serving ideas to make the most out of this delightful dish:
- Appetizer-Style Ham Balls: Make mini ham balls for a bite-sized appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. Use toothpicks for easy serving, and offer a dipping sauce, such as honey mustard or a spicy aioli, for added flavor.
- Ham Ball Sliders: Serve the ham balls on small slider buns with a slice of cheese, lettuce, and a dollop of glaze as a sauce. These sliders make for an excellent game-day treat or casual dinner.
- Ham Ball Pasta: Create a unique pasta dish by serving ham balls over cooked pasta with extra glaze as a sauce. Add some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and onions for a well-rounded meal.
- Ham Ball Skewers: Thread cooked ham balls onto skewers with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes. This makes for an easy, fun presentation, perfect for summer BBQs or potlucks.
Storing and Reheating Ham Balls
Ham balls are a great make-ahead dish, and they store well in both the refrigerator and freezer. Here are some tips on how to store and reheat your ham balls for the best results:
Refrigeration
If you have leftovers, allow the ham balls to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the ham balls in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 325°F (160°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
Freezing
Ham balls also freeze beautifully, making them an excellent option for meal prep. To freeze, arrange the cooked ham balls on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until solid (about 1-2 hours). Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat frozen ham balls, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then, reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 25-30 minutes or until heated through. If desired, you can make a fresh batch of glaze to pour over the ham balls while reheating.
Healthier Alternatives and Substitutions
If you’re looking to make your ham balls recipe a bit healthier, consider the following substitutions and tips:
- Use Lean Ground Pork: Opt for lean ground pork to reduce the overall fat content of the dish without compromising on flavor.
- Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs: Substitute regular breadcrumbs with whole wheat breadcrumbs for added fiber and nutrients.
- Reduce Sugar in the Glaze: Cut down on the amount of brown sugar in the glaze or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. This will still provide the sweetness but with less refined sugar.
- Dairy-Free Option: If you are lactose intolerant or prefer a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with almond milk or another plant-based alternative.
Perfect Pairings: Side Dishes to Serve with Ham Balls
To create a well-rounded meal, serve your ham balls with a variety of side dishes that complement the sweet and savory flavors. Here are some suggestions:
- Scalloped Potatoes: Creamy scalloped potatoes pair wonderfully with the rich flavor of ham balls. The cheesy, velvety texture of the potatoes is the perfect match for the crispy exterior and juicy interior of the ham balls.
- Apple Slaw: A fresh apple slaw made with shredded cabbage, apples, and a tangy vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the savory ham balls. The sweetness of the apples complements the glaze, while the crunch adds a refreshing texture.
- Buttered Cornbread: Cornbread is a classic side dish that pairs well with the flavors of the ham balls recipe. Serve it warm with a pat of butter for a comforting addition to your meal.
- Garlic Roasted Asparagus: For a lighter side, serve garlic-roasted asparagus. The earthy flavor of the asparagus pairs well with the sweet glaze of the ham balls.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ham Balls
What Are Ham Balls Made Of?
Ham balls are made of a mix of ground ham, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, and milk. They are seasoned with mustard powder and often topped with a sweet glaze made of brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, and cloves.
How Many Carbs Are in a Ham Ball?
Each ham ball contains about 25 grams of carbohydrates, depending on the size and specific glaze recipe. Most of the carbs come from the sugar used in the glaze.
Are Fareway Ham Balls Precooked?
Some Fareway ham balls may be precooked, but it’s important to check the packaging or ask the store for clarification. If they are not precooked, they should be baked thoroughly until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
What Is a Ham Loaf Made Of?
A ham loaf is very similar to ham balls. It is made of ground ham, ground pork, breadcrumbs, and eggs. Instead of forming balls, the mixture is shaped into a loaf and baked.
Can I Make Ham Balls Ahead of Time?
Yes! Ham balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply prepare the ham balls and the glaze, cover tightly, and refrigerate until you are ready to bake them. This makes them an excellent option for busy holiday schedules or meal prepping.