Ham balls are a delightful twist on traditional meatballs, offering a savory and slightly sweet flavor that makes them a perfect dish for family gatherings, potlucks, or special occasions. The mixture of ground ham and pork, combined with a brown sugar glaze, creates a juicy and flavorful bite that’s sure to please. These ham balls are often served as an entrée with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, but they also work great as a party appetizer. Whether baked or cooked in a slow cooker, they bring a warm, comforting element to any meal.
Ingredients:
For the ham balls:
- 1 lb ground ham
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the glaze:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1 tsp dry mustard
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground ham, ground pork, bread crumbs, beaten egg, milk, brown sugar, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the meat mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them in a greased baking dish.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, water, white vinegar, and dry mustard. Stir and bring to a simmer until the sugar dissolves and the glaze slightly thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Pour the glaze evenly over the ham balls.
- Bake the ham balls for 1 hour, basting occasionally with the glaze, until they are fully cooked and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the ham balls rest for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy these ham balls as a main dish or appetizer with your favorite sides!
