Ham balls are the ultimate savory snack, perfect for gatherings, especially on football day! With their sweet and tangy glaze, these ham balls are a crowd-pleaser, offering a bite-sized treat that’s big on flavor. Made with a delicious mix of ground pork and ham, these meatballs are baked to golden perfection before being tossed in a rich, sticky glaze made from ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for an easy meal to share with family, these ham balls are sure to be a hit.

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The best part about this recipe is how versatile and simple it is. You can use ground ham from the store, or if you have leftover ham from a holiday meal, simply cut it into chunks and pulse it in a food processor to achieve a texture similar to ground pork. This not only adds incredible flavor but also reduces food waste, making it a great way to use up leftover ham. The mixture of garlic powder, ginger, and thyme enhances the savory flavors of the meatballs, while the panko bread crumbs and milk ensure they remain juicy and tender inside.

These ham balls are made even better with the tangy glaze, which is simmered to perfection and poured over the meatballs just before serving. The combination of ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar creates a sweet-savory sauce that clings to each ham ball, giving them a mouthwatering, glossy finish. Whether you make them as an appetizer or a main course, these ham balls are versatile and can be served with toothpicks for easy snacking or alongside a variety of sides for a complete meal.

One of the highlights of this recipe is how easily it can be customized. If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze or mix some hot sauce into the meatball mixture. You can also swap the panko bread crumbs for regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers for a different texture. The possibilities are endless, and no matter how you adjust the recipe, the result is a delicious dish that’s perfect for game day, parties, or weeknight dinners.

Photo byСергей ОрловскийonUnsplash

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings):

• • - Calories: 390 kcal
  • - Protein: 20g
  • - Carbohydrates: 28g
  • - Fat: 20g
  • - Sugars: 14g
  • - Sodium: 720mg

Storage Information:  

Ham balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. They also freeze well—just freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven before serving.

These ham balls are great for meal prep or making ahead of time for a big gathering. They retain their moistness even after being refrigerated or frozen, making them a reliable option for busy days when you need to have something delicious on hand. Whether you’re prepping for game day or planning a casual family dinner, these ham balls can be made in advance and simply reheated when it’s time to serve. And don’t worry—the sweet glaze keeps them from drying out, so they’ll taste just as good reheated as they do fresh out of the oven. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces, or serve them alongside veggies, mashed potatoes, or even as sliders in small buns for a fun twist on the traditional meatball.

Ham balls also offer a wonderful base for experimentation, allowing you to adjust the flavors to your liking. Want to add some smokiness? Try adding a dash of liquid smoke to the glaze. Prefer something a bit sweeter? Mix in a spoonful of honey or maple syrup. The beauty of this dish is how adaptable it is to various tastes and ingredients, making it a fantastic go-to recipe for all sorts of occasions. You can even experiment with different ground meats, such as mixing in ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. The ham flavor pairs well with many herbs and spices, so feel free to get creative in the kitchen and make this recipe your own!

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Quick & Easy Ham Balls Recipe

For the ham balls:  

• - 1 lb ground pork  
• - 1 lb ground ham (or leftover ham, cut into chunks and pulsed in a food processor)  
• - 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder  
• - 1 teaspoon ground ginger  
• - 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves  
• - 1 egg  
• - 1 cup panko bread crumbs  
• - 1/2 cup whole milk  

For the glaze:  

• - 1 1/4 cups ketchup  
• - 9 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed  
• - 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar  

Instructions:  

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.  

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, ground ham (or leftover ham processed in a food processor), garlic powder, ginger, thyme, egg, panko bread crumbs, and whole milk. Mix until everything is evenly combined, but be careful not to overmix.  

3. Form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each ball.  

4. Bake the ham balls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.  

5. While the ham balls are baking, prepare the glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugar is dissolved and the glaze thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.  

6. Once the ham balls are done baking, remove them from the oven and carefully transfer them to a large skillet or pan. Pour the warm glaze over the ham balls and gently toss to coat them evenly in the sauce.  

7. Let the ham balls simmer in the glaze for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.  

8. Serve the ham balls warm, either on their own or with toothpicks for easy snacking. Enjoy them with your favorite sides or dipping sauces!

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Using leftover ham in this recipe not only adds an extra layer of flavor but also makes this dish incredibly economical. These ham balls are an excellent option for reducing food waste while still creating something delicious and satisfying. Whether you're serving them for game day, a family dinner, or a potluck, these quick and easy ham balls will win over any crowd with their tender texture and sweet, tangy glaze.

At the end of the day, these ham balls are more than just a tasty appetizer—they’re a versatile dish that works for nearly any occasion. Whether you’re hosting friends to watch the big game or planning a family dinner, these ham balls can easily be adapted to fit the event. Serve them on their own as a party appetizer, or pair them with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal. The flavors of the ham and pork, combined with the sweet glaze, make these ham balls a surefire crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds!