Ham Balls Recipe

You know those recipes that just feel like home? The ones that bring back memories of family gatherings, holiday dinners, or potlucks where everyone begged for the secret ingredient? That’s exactly what this Ham Balls Recipe is for me.

I still remember the first time I had these at a family get-together. My aunt set down a steaming dish of perfectly glazed ham balls, and the smell alone had everyone gathering around the table. One bite in, and I was hooked sweet, savory, a little tangy, and oh-so-tender. It’s one of those dishes that somehow manages to be both comforting and a little fancy at the same time.

What I love most? It’s ridiculously easy to make. If you’ve got leftover ham (or just an excuse to buy some), you’re already halfway there! So, grab a mixing bowl, preheat the oven, and let’s get started on a dish that’s guaranteed to become a new family favorite.

What You’ll Need to Make These Irresistible Ham Balls

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Nothing fancy here just simple, flavorful stuff that comes together like magic. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Ham Balls:

• 2 cups ground ham – Leftover ham works perfectly, but if you don’t have any, grab a ham steak and toss it in a food processor.
• 1 pound ground chicken.– This adds just the right amount of moisture and keeps the texture tender.
• 1 cup crushed graham crackers – Yep, you read that right! They add a subtle sweetness that makes these ham balls next level.
• ½ cup milk – Helps bind everything together and keeps them from drying out.
• 1 egg – The glue that holds it all together!
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Just enough to balance out the sweetness.

For the Sweet & Tangy Glaze:

• 1 cup brown sugar – Because we need that rich, caramel-like sweetness.
• ½ cup ketchup – A little tang, a little sweetness it’s a must.
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – Gives the glaze a tiny kick that keeps it from being too sweet.
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard – A little zing never hurt anyone.

That’s it! Just a handful of ingredients, and you’re on your way to a dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, the graham crackers might sound odd, but they make this dish. Let’s get to it!

How to Make the Best Ham Balls Ever

Alright, let’s get cooking! This recipe is as easy as mix, roll, bake seriously. Follow along, and I’ll walk you through it step by step.

1. Preheat and Prep

First things first, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a baking dish (a 9×13 works great) and give it a light coating of nonstick spray. We don’t want our ham balls sticking!

2. Mix It All Together

Now, here’s the fun part making the ham ball mixture! In a big mixing bowl, combine the ground ham, ground chicken, crushed graham crackers, milk, egg, and black pepper. Use your hands (or a spoon, if you’re feeling fancy), and mix until everything is well combined. It should be slightly sticky but still easy to work with.

Pro Tip: If the mixture feels too wet, add a tiny bit more cracker crumbs. Too dry? A splash of milk will fix it!

3. Roll ‘Em Up

Time to shape the magic! Grab a small handful of the mixture and roll it into golf ball-sized balls. Place them neatly in your prepared baking dish, making sure they’re not too crowded—you want them to bake evenly.

4. Make the Glaze (a.k.a. Liquid Gold)

In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and mustard. Trust me, this step is worth it! This sweet and tangy sauce is what takes these ham balls from good to where have these been all my life?!

5. Pour and Bake

Drizzle that glorious glaze all over the ham balls, making sure they’re nicely coated. Now pop them into the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, basting them with the sauce once or twice during baking.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Once they’re golden and caramelized, take them out and let them sit for a few minutes (I know, the wait is torture). Spoon extra sauce over the top, and serve them up with mashed potatoes, rice, or just by themselves because honestly, they’re that good.

That’s it! You just made an old-school, family-favorite dish that’ll have everyone coming back for more. Let me know if you try them I promise you’ll love them!

Chef’s Secret: The Graham Cracker Magic!

Okay, here’s a little-known trick that makes these ham balls extra special—the graham crackers! You might be wondering, why not breadcrumbs? Well, the slight sweetness of the graham crackers enhances the salty, smoky flavor of the ham in a way that regular breadcrumbs just can’t match. It’s an old-school trick that’s been passed down in Midwestern kitchens for generations, and trust me—it’s a game-changer!

Want to take it up a notch? Lightly toast the graham crackers before crushing them. This adds a subtle, nutty depth to the mix that’ll make people wonder, What’s your secret?!

1. Can I make these ham balls ahead of time?

Absolutely! If you want to prep ahead, you can mix and roll the ham balls, then store them uncooked in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pour on the glaze and pop them in the oven. You can also freeze them (before or after baking) for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!

2. I don’t have graham crackers can I use something else?

No problem! While graham crackers add that signature touch of sweetness, you can swap them for crushed Ritz crackers, saltines, or even panko breadcrumbs. If you’re using something less sweet (like panko), try adding a teaspoon of brown sugar to keep that perfect balance of flavors.

What to Serve With It

Now that you’ve got a plate full of these sweet, savory ham balls, let’s talk about what to serve alongside them! You could just eat them straight from the dish (no judgment here), but if you want a full meal, here are my go-to pairings:

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes – Trust me, nothing soaks up that delicious glaze quite like a big scoop of buttery mashed potatoes. The combo of sweet and savory is chef’s kiss!
• Roasted Green Beans or Asparagus – A little crunch and freshness help balance out the richness of the ham balls. Plus, roasting brings out a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly.
• Buttery Dinner Rolls – Because extra sauce deserves extra bread. These ham balls and a warm roll? A match made in comfort-food heaven.

Tips and Variations – Make It Your Own!

One of the best things about this recipe? It’s super forgiving and easy to tweak based on what you have on hand (or just what you’re in the mood for!). Here are a few ways to switch things up:

Make It Spicy

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the glaze. I tried this once on a whim, and let me tell you—it was a game-changer!

Sweet & Savory Twist

Want a tropical touch? Add crushed pineapple (drained well) to the glaze. The natural sweetness pairs perfectly with the ham, and it gives everything a little extra zing!

Stuffed Ham Balls? Yes, Please!

For an over-the-top treat, press a small cube of cheese (cheddar or Swiss work great) into the center of each ham ball before rolling. When you bite in, you’ll get a melty, cheesy surprise!

No Graham Crackers? No Problem!

If you’re out of graham crackers, you can swap in crushed Ritz crackers, saltines, or even panko breadcrumbs. Just add a teaspoon of brown sugar if you’re using something less sweet to keep that signature flavor.

Honestly, once you make these a few times, you’ll start coming up with your own fun twists. And when you do—tell me! I love hearing how people put their own spin on this classic.

Storage and Reheating

So, you made a batch of these irresistible ham balls, and somehow (somehow!) you have leftovers. Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat them so they taste just as amazing the next day.

Refrigerating Leftovers

Pop any leftover ham balls into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you’ve got extra glaze, drizzle a little over the top before storing it helps keep them juicy!

Freezing for Later

Want to save some for a future craving? You can freeze them before or after baking:

• Unbaked: Roll the ham balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge, add the glaze, and bake!
• Baked: Let them cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container with the sauce. When you’re craving a quick meal, just reheat and enjoy!

Reheating Like a Pro

• Oven (Best Method): Place ham balls in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm at 325°F for about 15 minutes. If they seem dry, add a spoonful of sauce or a splash of water before reheating.
• Microwave (Quick Fix): Heat in 30-second bursts, covered with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out. Not as perfect as the oven, but still delicious!
• Stovetop: Warm them gently in a pan over low heat with a little extra glaze—this helps them stay moist and flavorful.

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