Farmhouse Ham Balls Glazed

Smoky ham seasoned with simple ingredients and shaped into hearty balls before being baked in a sweet brown sugar glaze makes this Farmhouse Ham Balls recipe a comforting favorite perfect for family gatherings and holiday celebrations. Inspired by a cherished tradition passed down from my grandma, these ham balls come out moist and tender with just the right balance of sweetness and tang to satisfy every craving.

I first made this recipe when I wanted to use up leftover holiday ham and instantly fell in love with how simple ingredients could create such a crowd pleaser. Now it’s a go to for Sunday dinners and parties alike.

Ingredients

• Ground ham: the star ingredient offering smoky, savory flavor for best results choose high quality ham with minimal added water
• Ground pork: balances the saltiness of the ham without extra seasoning
• Eggs: bind the meat mixture for firm, cohesive balls
• Onion: finely minced adds moisture and sweetness white or yellow onions are ideal
• Milk: enriches the mixture for tender ham balls
• Cracker crumbs: saltines preferred to add texture and absorb moisture
• Salt and pepper: simple seasoning to enhance flavor
• Brown sugar: essential for the sweet caramelized glaze
• Dry mustard: adds mild heat and depth that complements pork
• Apple cider vinegar: tenderizes and brightens the glaze
• Water: adjusts glaze consistency and keeps sauce silky

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

No sautéing is needed here but finely mince onion to distribute flavor evenly throughout the meat mixture

Mix Ingredients Thoroughly:

Combine ground ham ground pork lightly beaten eggs minced onion milk finely crushed cracker crumbs salt and pepper in a large bowl. Use your hands to mix gently for about five to ten minutes until everything is fully incorporated and sticky enough to hold together well during cooking

Shape into Meat Balls:

Use a cookie scoop or measure two to four tablespoons of the meat mixture per ball depending on desired size. Roll each portion firmly between your palms to shape into smooth compact balls. This helps prevent them from falling apart while baking

Preheat Oven and Partially Bake:

Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange formed ham balls in a single layer in a 9 by 13 inch glass baking dish. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes to start cooking through

Prepare the Brown Sugar Glaze:

While ham balls bake combine brown sugar dry mustard apple cider vinegar and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil and stir frequently for about five minutes until the glaze thickens slightly and becomes glossy. Remove from heat

Baste and Finish Baking:

Pour the hot glaze evenly over the partially baked ham balls. Return the dish to the oven and bake another 15 minutes or until a digital thermometer reads 160 degrees Fahrenheit inside the balls

Rest and Serve:

Allow ham balls to rest for five minutes to let juices redistribute before serving. Serve warm accompanied by your favorite sides like mashed potatoes and green beans

One of my favorite ingredients is the brown sugar glaze because it tenderizes the meat and adds a sweet tang that keeps these ham balls from ever feeling dry. This recipe brings back warm memories of holiday dinners with my family where everyone gathers around the table eager to dig in.

Storage Tips

Store leftover ham balls in an airtight container with reserve glaze in the fridge for three to five days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave adding extra glaze if needed for moisture. Freeze ham balls in a freezer safe container or bag either plain or glazed for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If ground ham is not available finely dice cooked ham and pulse in a food processor to grind at home. Use plain ground pork or lean ground turkey if pork is unavailable but be mindful this alters the flavor somewhat. Substitute crushed Ritz crackers or plain breadcrumbs for saltine crackers. Apple cider vinegar in the glaze can be swapped with white vinegar or lemon juice keeping the tang.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot ham balls with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a hearty meal. They also work wonderfully as a party appetizer with toothpicks on the side accompanied by extra glaze for dipping. For a twist try serving ham balls over cooked rice or mixed into a casserole with pineapple chunks.

These ham balls are an easy crowd pleasing dish that turns leftovers into a special meal. Serve warm and enjoy.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What meats are used in these ham balls?

Ground ham and unseasoned ground pork combine to provide a smoky, balanced flavor and moist texture.

→ How is the glaze prepared and applied?

The glaze is made by boiling brown sugar, dry mustard, apple cider vinegar, and water until slightly thickened, then poured over the baked balls before a final bake.

→ What tools help shape consistent ham balls?

A cookie scoop is recommended to portion the mixture evenly, ensuring uniform cooking and presentation.

→ Can leftovers be stored and reheated?

Yes, store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months; reheat gently to preserve moisture.

→ What internal temperature ensures the ham balls are properly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe consumption.

→ Can the dish be kept warm for serving longer?

Yes, placing ham balls in a slow cooker with glaze set to warm helps maintain warmth during parties or gatherings.