Glazed Ham Balls: A Taste of Nostalgia

The scent alone transports me back to countless family gatherings. My grandmother, a true matriarch in the kitchen, always had a platter of these glistening, savory-sweet Glazed Ham Balls ready. I remember sneaking one (or three!) before dinner was even announced, the irresistible combination of smoky ham and tangy glaze making my taste buds sing. They were always the first thing to disappear from the buffet, a testament to their universal appeal, and now I’m excited to share this treasured family recipe with you.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: 12 ham balls
• Yield: 12 ham balls
• Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 1 beaten egg
• ¾ cup finely crushed graham cracker
• ½ cup chopped onion
• ¼ cup milk
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 lb ground cooked ham
• ½ lb ground pork
• ¾ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• ½ teaspoon dry mustard

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking dish (9×13 inch is recommended)

Instructions

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven rack is positioned in the center for even cooking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the beaten egg, finely crushed graham cracker, chopped onion, milk, and ground cloves. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they are well incorporated. The graham cracker crumbs act as a binder, adding a subtle sweetness and helping the ham balls hold their shape.
3. Add the ground cooked ham and ground pork to the mixture. Gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough ham balls.
4. Shape the mixture into 12 equal-sized balls, using approximately ⅓ cup of the mixture for each ball. A cookie scoop can be helpful in ensuring uniformity. Gently roll each portion between your palms to create a smooth, round shape.
5. Place the formed ham balls in a baking dish. Arrange them so they have enough space around each other for even baking.
6. Bake the ham balls uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. This initial baking time allows the ham balls to cook through and develop a slightly crispy exterior.
7. While the ham balls are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small mixing bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, light corn syrup, and dry mustard. Whisk all ingredients together until smooth and well blended. The brown sugar will dissolve into the other ingredients.
8. After the ham balls have baked for 30 minutes, remove them from the oven. Pour the glaze evenly over the ham balls, ensuring each ball is coated.
9. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbly and the ham balls are nicely browned. Keep a close watch during the last few minutes to prevent the glaze from burning.
10. Once baked, remove the Glazed Ham Balls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Make-Ahead Instructions:

1. To make ahead, cover and chill uncooked ham balls for up to 12 hours.
2. Prepare glaze, cover, and chill up to 12 hours.
3. Uncover and bake as directed.

Freezing Instructions:

1. Ham balls and glaze can also be frozen separately.
2. To freeze ham balls: Allow ham balls to cool completely before placing in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
3. To freeze glaze: Pour prepared glaze in a freezer safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, consider using a blend of different types of ground ham. Some butchers offer a combination of smoked and unsmoked ham that can add depth.
• If you prefer a smoother glaze, you can substitute the chopped onion in the ham ball mixture with onion powder (about 1 teaspoon).
• To prevent the ham balls from sticking to the baking dish, lightly grease the dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
• For an extra layer of flavor, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the glaze.
• Don’t overcook the ham balls, or they will become dry. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
• If the glaze starts to burn during the final 15 minutes of baking, tent the baking dish with foil to protect the ham balls.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Glazed Ham Balls warm as an appetizer, a main course, or as part of a buffet spread. They pair well with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple salad. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color.

Leftover Glazed Ham Balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave them, bake them in the oven, or pan-fry them until heated through. You can also freeze leftover Glazed Ham Balls for up to 2-3 months.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	456.9 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	212 g	47%
Total Fat	23.6 g	36%
Saturated Fat	8.5 g	42%
Cholesterol	143.3 mg	47%
Sodium	494.3 mg	20%
Total Carbohydrate	27.7 g	9%
Dietary Fiber	0.6 g	2%
Sugars	17.1 g	68%
Protein	32.8 g	65%

Variations & Substitutions

• For a gluten-free version, substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
• Experiment with different types of vinegar in the glaze, such as apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar, to create unique flavor profiles.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a touch of heat.
• Replace the ketchup in the glaze with chili sauce for a spicier kick.
• For a sweeter glaze, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup.
• Consider using a different type of ground meat, such as ground turkey or ground beef, in combination with the ground ham.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use pre-cooked ham instead of ground cooked ham?
A: Yes, you can grind pre-cooked ham in a food processor until it reaches a ground consistency. Just be sure to remove any bones or tough pieces of fat.

Q: Can I make these Glazed Ham Balls ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the ham ball mixture and the glaze separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours before baking.

Q: How do I prevent the ham balls from drying out?
A: Be careful not to overbake the ham balls, and make sure to coat them evenly with the glaze. Adding a bit of extra milk to the mixture can also help retain moisture.

Q: Can I freeze leftover Glazed Ham Balls?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftover Glazed Ham Balls for up to 2-3 months. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: Can I grill the ham balls instead of baking them?
A: Yes, you can grill the ham balls over medium heat, turning them occasionally, until they are cooked through and the glaze is caramelized. This will impart a smoky flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Glazed Ham Balls are more than just a recipe; they’re a reminder of cherished memories and the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones. Whether you’re preparing them for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, I hope they bring as much happiness to your table as they have to mine. Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations and make this recipe your own. I would love to hear about your experience and any creative twists you add! Enjoy!