Description
Hearty Ham Balls showcase classic Midwestern comfort cuisine with a delightful blend of ground ham, beef, and pork. Glazed in a sweet-tangy sauce, these savory spheres offer a nostalgic taste you’ll crave at your next family gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 pound (454 grams) fully cooked ham, cubed
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground pork
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) crushed cornflakes
- ¼ cup (60 grams) packed brown sugar
- 1 cup (240 grams) packed brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons ground mustard
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) 2% milk
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (177°C), ensuring a consistent temperature for optimal cooking results.
- Transform ham into fine particles by pulsing cubed pieces in a food processor, creating a uniform texture for seamless incorporation.
- Combine ground ham, ground pork, milk, crushed cornflakes, egg, brown sugar, mustard, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl, gently folding ingredients until evenly distributed without overmixing.
- Craft uniform spherical portions approximately 1-inch in diameter, carefully positioning them in a single layer across greased 15x10x1-inch baking pans to promote even cooking.
- Construct a complementary glaze by merging designated ingredients in a compact saucepan, gradually heating and stirring until sugar fully dissolves and integrates.
- Enhance ham balls’ flavor profile by delicately drizzling half the prepared glaze across the surface before initiating baking process.
- Introduce baking pans to preheated oven, allowing 30-35 minutes of cooking time while monitoring browning progression.
- Midway through cooking duration, rotate pans and strategically apply remaining glaze, ensuring comprehensive flavor distribution.
- Confirm completion through visual cues of gentle browning and consistent internal temperature.
- Present warm ham balls as an elegant appetizer or versatile main course, inviting guests to savor the meticulously crafted dish.
Notes
- Change the Glaze as You Like: Personalize the glaze by adjusting sweetness or tanginess with extra brown sugar or vinegar to match your taste preferences.
- Prepare Your Baking Pan: Line baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly grease to prevent sticking and ensure even browning of ham balls.
- Use Fresh Stuff: Select high-quality ground ham and freshly crushed cornflakes to maintain moisture and enhance overall flavor of the dish.
- Mix Just Right: Combine ingredients gently and minimally to prevent dense, tough ham balls that could compromise the texture.
- Make Each Ball the Same Size: Utilize a cookie scoop or tablespoon for consistent sizing, promoting uniform cooking and professional-looking results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg