(The Best!) Ham Balls • Dance Around the Kitchen (2024)

These tender and juicy ham balls are coated in a delicious sweet and tangy sauce. They're perfect for potlucks, family gatherings and special occasions!

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When I think of foods special to the state of Iowa, I think ofscotcheroos, breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches, sweet corn,loose meat sandwichesand last (but not least!), old fashioned HAM BALLS! Ever had them??

If you've never tried them, don't walk, RUN! to the nearest grocery store to get the ingredients.

Ham balls are like traditionalmeatballsyou may be more familiar with, but have a sweeter, more"hammy" flavor and a delicious sauce on top. This recipe makes a pretty good sized pan of ham balls, so feel free to half the recipe for a smaller crowd! (Although you might regret that!) 😉

Ingredients Needed (Amounts in recipe card below)

• Ham Loaf - Here in Iowa, our local grocery store sells ham loaf (which is technically half ground ham and half ground pork). If you don't have ham loaf, simply use 1 ½ pounds ground pork and ½ pound ground ham. Don't see it in the store? Just ask the meat counter!
• Ground Pork - You can also use ground beef or some of each.
• Egg - I use size "large" eggs.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs - You can buy a box of graham cracker crumbs or pulverize some graham crackers in a food processor.
• Milk - Any kind of milk will work for this (skim milk,whole milk, almond milk, etc).
• Ketchup
• Tomato Sauce - You could also swap this out for condensed tomato soup.
• Vinegar - White vinegar or apple cider vinegar are best!
• Brown Sugar - Light or dark brown sugar will work great.
• Yellow Mustard - You can also use ½ teaspoon dry mustard instead.

HOW DO YOU MAKE HAM BALLS?

Ham Balls are a cinch to put together. To put it really simply, you'll mix a few ingredients, scoop it into balls, top it with a simple sauce and bake.

MAKING THE HAM BALLS...

First, I like to measure out my ingredients. You'll need ham loaf, ground pork, graham cracker crumbs, an egg and milk.

Put it all in a large bowl and stir. You can use a wooden spoon to stir until fully combined, but I find it easiest to use both hands.

Once you've got it mixed up, you'll scoop it into balls and place them in a greased pan. I like to use a large cookie scoop. This gives them a nice round shape and keeps them all the same size.

MAKING THE HAM BALL GLAZE...

Pour the ketchup, tomato sauce, vinegar, brown sugar and vinegar into a small mixing bowl. (Tip: if your brown sugar is super clumpy, put the brown sugar and vinegar in the bowl first, let the brown sugar dissolve, then add the remaining ingredients.) Stir to combine.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER...

Pour the glaze over the ham balls, making sure to cover each one with the glaze. Then, you'll bake for about an hour or until the center of the ham balls reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit. (Be sure to temp a few to be sure!) Then dive in!!

What goes well with ham balls?

I've seen Ham Balls served many different ways....served over rice, over noodles, etc. However, my favorite way to enjoy them is to eat them as is with a side ofmashed potatoesand green bean casserole!

It's a great main dish option for Easter dinner (and a change of pace from ham) that the whole family will enjoy!

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