Here’s a list of ingredients for **ham balls**, optimized for SEO-friendly formatting and keywords:
- **Ground ham** (or leftover ham, finely chopped)
- **Ground pork** (for added moisture and flavor)
- **Breadcrumbs** (or crushed crackers for binding)
- **Eggs** (to bind the mixture together)
- **Milk** (to keep the ham balls moist)
- **Brown sugar** (for a sweet glaze or added to the mixture)
- **Mustard** (Dijon or yellow mustard for tangy flavor)
- **Ketchup** (for the glaze or mixed into the meat)
- **Vinegar** (apple cider or white vinegar for the glaze)
- **Onion** (finely chopped or onion powder for flavor)
- **Garlic** (minced or garlic powder for added depth)
- **Salt** (to enhance the flavors)
- **Black pepper** (for seasoning)
- **Pineapple juice** (optional, for a sweet glaze)
This ingredient list is perfect for creating **homemade ham balls**, a classic comfort food dish that’s great for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday meals. Use keywords like **"ham ball recipe," "easy ham balls,"** or **"sweet and savory ham balls"** to boost your SEO!
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Steps
# How to Make Delicious Ham Balls: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ham balls are a classic comfort food that combines savory ham, ground pork, and a sweet glaze for a mouthwatering dish perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Follow these detailed steps to create your own homemade ham balls that are sure to impress.
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## **Ingredients for Ham Balls**
- **For the Ham Balls:**
- 1 lb ground ham
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- **For the Glaze:**
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp mustard
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## **Step-by-Step Instructions**
### **1. Preheat the Oven**
Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. This ensures the ham balls cook evenly and develop a golden-brown crust.
### **2. Prepare the Ham Ball Mixture**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the **ground ham**, **ground pork**, **breadcrumbs**, **eggs**, **milk**, **chopped onion**, **garlic powder**, **black pepper**, and **salt**. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. This step is crucial for ensuring the ham balls hold their shape and have a balanced flavor.
### **3. Shape the Ham Balls**
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, shape the mixture into **1.5-inch balls**. Place them on a greased baking sheet or in a baking dish, leaving a little space between each ball to allow for even cooking.
### **4. Make the Glaze**
In a small saucepan, combine the **brown sugar**, **ketchup**, **apple cider vinegar**, and **mustard**. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly. This sweet and tangy glaze will add a delicious caramelized coating to your ham balls.
### **5. Coat the Ham Balls**
Pour half of the glaze over the ham balls, ensuring they are evenly coated. Reserve the remaining glaze for later.
### **6. Bake the Ham Balls**
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for **30 minutes**. After 30 minutes, remove the dish and brush the remaining glaze over the ham balls. Return to the oven and bake for an additional **15-20 minutes**, or until the ham balls are cooked through and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
### **7. Serve and Enjoy**
Once baked, let the ham balls cool for a few minutes before serving. They pair perfectly with **mashed potatoes**, **steamed vegetables**, or a fresh salad. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color.
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## **Tips for Perfect Ham Balls**
- Use a mix of ground ham and pork for the best texture and flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Make ahead: Prepare the ham balls and glaze the night before, then bake them fresh the next day.
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## **Why You’ll Love This Recipe**
This **easy ham ball recipe** is a crowd-pleaser, combining savory and sweet flavors in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or looking for a comforting weeknight meal, these ham balls are a delicious and satisfying choice. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, making them a great make-ahead dish for busy days.
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By following these steps, you’ll create **homemade ham balls** that are tender, flavorful, and coated in a sticky-sweet glaze. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag #HamBallRecipe to inspire others!