Are you craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering? Look no further than these delicious Ham Balls, a beloved Iowa classic! This recipe delivers a savory, juicy ham ball experience, bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to make. Forget complicated recipes; this one's a quick dinner idea that even beginner cooks can master. Get ready to experience a taste of Iowa hospitality right in your kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked ham, finely chopped (about 1 pound)
- 1 cup soft bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This ensures your ham balls bake evenly and prevents sticking.
Making the Ham Ball Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped ham, bread crumbs, milk, onion, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, sage, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is well combined. Don't overmix; you want to keep the mixture slightly moist but not soggy.
Shaping and Preparing the Ham Balls:
-
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. This step is easiest if you lightly wet your hands. Consistent sizing helps ensure even cooking.
-
Place the ham balls in the prepared baking dish.
Creating the Sweet and Savory Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, ketchup, and pineapple juice until smooth. This glaze provides a beautiful balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Baking the Ham Balls:
-
Pour the glaze evenly over the ham balls, ensuring each ball is coated.
-
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the ham balls are heated through and the glaze is bubbly and slightly caramelized. Keep an eye on them during the last 5 minutes to prevent burning.
Serving:
- Serve immediately. These ham balls are delicious on their own or served with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Ham Balls:
- For extra flavor, use a good quality, flavorful ham.
- If your bread crumbs are very dry, you may need to add a tablespoon or two more of milk to the mixture.
- Don't overcrowd the baking dish; this will prevent even cooking. If necessary, bake the ham balls in two batches.
- For a crispier exterior, broil the ham balls for the last minute or two of cooking.
Variations:
- Spicy Ham Balls: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the ham ball mixture for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Ham Balls: Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or another of your favorite cheeses to the ham ball mixture.
- Glaze Variations: Experiment with different glazes! A simple honey mustard glaze or a barbecue sauce glaze would be delicious.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Protein: Approximately 15g
- Fat: Approximately 10g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20g
This recipe offers a delicious and easy way to enjoy a taste of Iowa’s culinary heritage. The combination of savory ham, sweet glaze, and aromatic spices creates a truly satisfying and memorable meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, potluck contribution, or even a special occasion, these ham balls are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy!