Discover the ultimate comfort food with these Old Fashioned Ham Balls! These tender, irresistibly sweet, and savory meatballs are a true culinary delight, perfect for any occasion. Made from a harmonious blend of succulent ham and ground pork, then generously coated in a sticky, tangy glaze, they are baked to perfection until golden brown and gloriously tender. Whether you’re looking for a standout appetizer, a versatile main dish, or a clever way to utilize leftover holiday ham, these ham balls promise a taste experience you won’t soon forget.
If you’re a fan of flavorful meatballs and exciting glazes, you’ll also adore our Grape Jelly Meatballs – another fantastic recipe to add to your repertoire!
The Irresistible Charm of Old Fashioned Ham Balls
There’s something uniquely comforting about a classic recipe, and these ham balls are no exception. They carry the essence of homemade goodness, a staple from generations past that continues to win hearts (and stomachs!). While the name might be simple, the flavor profile is anything but. Imagine a perfect balance of smoky ham and rich ground pork, elevated by a glaze that’s both sweet from brown sugar and bright from apple cider vinegar, with a hint of mustard. It’s a symphony of flavors that truly makes these meatballs addictive – you might find yourself reaching for just “one more” until they’re all gone!
Having made this recipe countless times, I can confidently say it’s a crowd-pleaser and a personal favorite. It’s ideal for feeding a large family, hosting a party, or simply ensuring you have delicious, ready-to-eat meals throughout the week. This recipe yields a generous batch, typically around 80 meatballs, which might sound like a lot, but believe me, they disappear quickly! Plus, they freeze exceptionally well, making them an excellent choice for meal prep and busy weeknights.
Why “Old Fashioned” Matters
The term “Old Fashioned” truly captures the essence of these ham balls. This isn’t a new-fangled culinary experiment; it’s a time-tested recipe passed down through generations, often associated with family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday feasts. These ham balls evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of simpler times and hearty, home-cooked meals. The combination of ham and pork, bound with simple ingredients and coated in a classic sweet-and-sour glaze, is a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional American comfort food. It’s a recipe that focuses on robust flavors and satisfying textures, proving that sometimes, the old ways are truly the best.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Ham Balls
Crafting these delectable ham balls requires only a handful of readily available, humble ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that signature sweet, savory, and tender result.
- Leftover Ham: This recipe truly shines as a fantastic way to repurpose leftover holiday ham – especially glazed ham from Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. The smoky, salty notes of cooked ham are foundational to the flavor. If you don’t have leftovers, don’t fret! You can easily purchase a ham steak from your local grocery store, or even a small boneless ham, and chop it up. Ensure it’s cooked ham, not raw, for the best results.
- Ground Pork: Unseasoned ground pork is key here, providing a tender base and complementing the ham without overpowering it. Avoid using Italian sausage or other pre-seasoned ground pork varieties, as their added spices can clash with the distinct sweet-and-sour glaze. Look for ground pork with a moderate fat content (around 80/20) for optimal moisture and flavor.
- Eggs: Large eggs act as the binding agent, holding the ham and pork mixture together. They ensure your meatballs maintain their spherical shape during processing and baking, preventing them from crumbling apart.
- Whole Milk: Incorporating whole milk adds essential moisture and richness to the meatball mixture. This helps keep the ham balls incredibly tender and juicy, preventing them from drying out in the oven. For a slightly lighter version, you could experiment with 2% milk, but whole milk truly delivers the best texture.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: I highly recommend Panko breadcrumbs over regular breadcrumbs for this recipe. Panko is a Japanese-style breadcrumb known for its light, airy, and flaky texture, which results in a lighter, more tender meatball. Regular breadcrumbs can sometimes make meatballs dense. If you only have regular breadcrumbs, you can use them, but the texture might be slightly different.
The Irresistible Ham Ball Glaze
The sticky, sweet, and tangy glaze is what truly transforms these ham balls into something extraordinary. It’s remarkably simple to prepare but delivers complex flavors.
- Brown Sugar: This provides the primary sweetness and contributes to the glaze’s beautiful caramelization and sticky texture. Dark brown sugar will offer a deeper molasses flavor, while light brown sugar will be slightly milder.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: The vinegar is essential for balancing the sweetness of the brown sugar, adding a crucial tang that brightens the overall flavor profile. Its fruity acidity is a classic complement to ham.
- Water: Used to thin the glaze to the right consistency, allowing it to coat the meatballs evenly and reduce into a syrupy delight during baking.
- Ground Mustard Powder: A touch of ground mustard powder adds a subtle warmth and a classic savory kick that pairs wonderfully with both ham and the sweet-and-sour elements of the glaze. It enhances the depth of flavor without being overtly spicy.
Crafting Your Perfect Ham Balls: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making this ham ball recipe is surprisingly straightforward, involving just a few simple steps. The process is designed to be efficient, ensuring you get these delicious treats on the table with minimal fuss. Follow these detailed instructions for a batch of perfectly glazed, tender ham balls every time.
- Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dishes: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly coat two standard 9×13-inch baking dishes with nonstick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents the meatballs from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
- Process the Ham and Ground Pork: In the bowl of a food processor, combine the roughly chopped cooked ham and the ground pork. If your food processor is on the smaller side, it’s best to work in two batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure an even texture. Pulse the mixture until it resembles a fine ground hamburger meat consistency. You want the ham to be finely minced and fully integrated with the pork, not chunky.
- Combine with Binders and Moisture: Transfer the processed meat mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the four large eggs, the whole milk, and the Panko breadcrumbs. Using your hands (the best tool for this job!), gently but thoroughly combine all the ingredients until just mixed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher meatballs.
- Form the Meatballs: Using a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop or measuring spoon, form the mixture into approximately 1-inch meatballs. Roll them gently between your palms to ensure they are compact and round. Arrange the formed meatballs evenly in the two prepared baking pans. Leave a little space between each meatball to allow for proper cooking and glaze distribution.
- Prepare the Signature Glaze: In a medium saucepan, whisk together all the glaze ingredients: brown sugar, water, apple cider vinegar, and ground mustard powder. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, whisking constantly until the brown sugar has completely dissolved. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and allow the glaze to simmer for 4-5 minutes, or until it visibly thickens to a syrupy consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon.
- Glaze the Ham Balls: Carefully pour the prepared sticky glaze evenly over the arranged ham balls, dividing it between the two baking dishes. Ensure each meatball is coated, as this glaze is the secret to their incredible flavor.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dishes in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for approximately 75-80 minutes. The ham balls are done when they are beautifully browned, cooked through, and the rich glaze has reduced and thickened further into a decadent, syrupy coating. The internal temperature of the meatballs should reach 160°F (71°C).
- Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the ham balls from the oven and let them cool slightly. They are incredibly versatile and ready to be served over plain white rice, as part of a stir-fry, cut in half on a delicious pizza, or simply enjoyed on their own as a fantastic appetizer.
Creative Ways to Serve Your Ham Balls
The versatility of Old Fashioned Ham Balls is one of their most appealing characteristics. Their sweet and savory profile allows them to seamlessly integrate into a variety of meals and settings. Here are some delightful ways to serve them:
- Classic over Rice: The most popular and satisfying way to enjoy them is nestled over a bed of fluffy white rice. The rice soaks up the extra glaze, creating a complete and comforting meal. For an extra layer of flavor, consider serving them with Fried Rice.
- Stir-Fry Sensation: Incorporate them into an Asian-inspired stir-fry. Their sweet glaze complements stir-fry sauces beautifully. Try them in a Pork Ramen Stir Fry for a hearty and flavorful dish.
- Pizza Topping: Get creative and slice them in half to use as a unique topping for pizza! They add a fantastic sweet and savory element, particularly excellent on a Hawaiian Pizza alongside pineapple.
- Sliders or Sandwiches: Serve them as delicious sliders on soft brioche buns with a little extra glaze, or tuck them into a larger sandwich. They make a fantastic lunch or light dinner option.
- Appetizer Perfection: Skewer them with toothpicks and serve them warm on a platter as an irresistible appetizer for parties, game days, or holiday gatherings. They’re always a hit!
- Breakfast Hash Addition: Chop them up and add them to a breakfast hash with potatoes and onions for a unique and flavorful morning meal.
- Holiday Side Dish: These ham balls are a natural fit for holiday spreads. Their unique flavor offers a welcome contrast to traditional roasts and casseroles.
Make Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Tips
These ham balls are not only delicious but also incredibly convenient thanks to their freezer-friendly nature. Preparing them in advance or storing leftovers is a breeze, making meal planning simpler.
- Leftover Storage: Any leftover cooked ham balls should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will maintain their deliciousness for up to 4 days, making them perfect for quick weekday lunches or dinners.
- Freezing Cooked Ham Balls: To freeze baked ham balls, first allow them to cool completely. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe Ziploc bag or an airtight container. Pour any remaining glaze over the meatballs before sealing, ensuring to press out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then warm in the oven (covered with foil to prevent drying) at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, or gently reheat on the stovetop in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Freezing Raw Ham Balls: If you prefer to prepare them ahead of time for future baking, you can freeze them raw. After forming the meatballs as directed, arrange them in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. “Flash freeze” them, uncovered, for about 1 hour or until they are firm. This crucial step prevents them from sticking together once fully frozen. Transfer the partially frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe plastic bag or container, seal, label with the date, and freeze for no longer than 2 months. When you’re ready to cook, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then prepare the glaze and proceed with the baking instructions as written.
Recipe: Ham Balls
These Old Fashioned Ham Balls are a true delight – tender, sweet, and savory, coated in an irresistible sticky glaze. Perfect for any meal or as an amazing appetizer!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hr 15 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 35 mins
Yields: 80 meatballs
Ingredients
For The Meatballs
- 2 pounds leftover ham, rough chopped
- 2 pounds ground pork
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
For The Glaze
- 3 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons ground mustard powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat (2) 9×13 baking dishes with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place the ham and ground pork in the bowl of a food processor (if yours is small, you might need to do this in two batches.) Pulse until it resembles hamburger meat.
- Transfer mixture to a large bowl and combine with the eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs.
- Using a tablespoon sized cookie scoop, form into 1-inch meatballs. Arrange the meatballs in the baking pans; set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together all the glaze ingredients over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, whisking until the sugar has dissolved. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 4-5 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
- Pour the glaze over the ham balls, dividing it between the two baking dishes.
- Place in the preheated oven and cook, uncovered, for about 75-80 minutes, until the ham balls have browned and the sauce has reduced to a syrupy consistency.
- Serve over rice, in a stir-fry, cut in half on pizza, or all on their own as an appetizer.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate. It can vary based on the exact products you use and any changes you make to the recipe.
- Calories: 105kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 157mg
- Potassium: 91mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Vitamin A: 20IU
- Vitamin C: 1mg
- Calcium: 19mg
- Iron: 1mg
Pro Tips for Ham Ball Success
Achieving the perfect batch of ham balls is easy with a few expert tips:
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tougher meatballs.
- Even Sizing: Use a cookie scoop to ensure all your meatballs are roughly the same size. This promotes even cooking and consistent texture.
- Glaze Consistency: Pay attention to the glaze as it simmers. It should thicken enough to coat a spoon but still be pourable. It will continue to thicken in the oven.
- Browning for Flavor: Don’t rush the baking time. The longer bake allows the meatballs to brown nicely and the glaze to caramelize, deepening the flavors.
- Taste and Adjust: Feel free to taste the glaze before pouring it over the meatballs (after boiling, of course!). Adjust sweetness or tanginess to your preference by adding a little more brown sugar or apple cider vinegar.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ham Balls
- Can I make ham balls with only ground pork or only ham?
- While the classic recipe calls for a blend of ham and ground pork for optimal flavor and texture, you can experiment. Using only ground pork might result in a less complex flavor, lacking the smoky saltiness of ham. Using only ham might be too dry or salty. The combination truly is key.
- What if my glaze doesn’t thicken?
- Ensure you’re bringing the glaze to a good boil and then simmering it for the recommended time. If it still seems too thin, you can continue to simmer it gently for a few more minutes, or whisk in a very small amount of cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp cold water) to help it along. It will also thicken significantly during the baking process in the oven.
- Can I make these gluten-free?
- Yes, absolutely! Simply substitute the Panko breadcrumbs with your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs. Ensure all other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
- How do I prevent my ham balls from falling apart?
- The eggs and breadcrumbs act as binders. Make sure you don’t skimp on these. Also, ensure the ham and pork are finely processed and mixed thoroughly (but not overmixed). When forming the meatballs, make sure they are compact.
I hope you absolutely love this delicious and easy recipe for Old Fashioned Ham Balls – it’s a true classic for a reason! Be sure to give it a review below once you’ve tried it. And don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for more incredible recipes and culinary inspiration!
As seen on Barefeet in the Kitchen, originally from Foodie with Family