ham balls recipe
The Best ham balls recipe
What I love most about ham balls is how they can be a simple yet impressive dish for any occasion. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a little get-together with friends, these little meatballs add a touch of something special without requiring a lot of extra effort. They’re also great for meal planning because they’re so versatile—they can be served with marinara, in a sandwich, or even as a side with roasted veggies. And the health benefits? Well, they’re packed with protein to keep everyone full, and the spices add flavor without too much extra sugar or fat. My family doesn’t even notice how good they are for them, which is always a win in my book. Plus, they’re a great way to use up leftover ham, so there’s no waste, just deliciousness.
Classic Ham and Cheese Ham Balls
Delicious, bite-sized ham and cheese balls perfect for appetizers or a quick snack. These cheesy, savory bites are easy to make and pair well with dipping sauces.
🥘Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ lb cooked ham, diced
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped
👨🍳Directions
-
1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. -
2
In a bowl, mix flour, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder until a dough forms. Knead lightly for 2 minutes. -
3
In another bowl, combine diced ham, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well. -
4
Roll the dough into a rectangle (about 12×8 inches). Spread the ham mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border. -
5
Roll the dough tightly into a log, sealing the edges. Cut into 1-inch balls. -
6
Place ham balls on the baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. -
7
For serving, warm marinara sauce in a saucepan. Serve hot with ham balls and a dollop of sour cream, garnished with parsley.
🔧Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Oven
- Knife and cutting board
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the dough.
- Substitute cooked turkey or chicken for ham if preferred.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Watch Video Of How Classic Ham and Cheese Ham Balls Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ham and Cheese Ham Balls
What is the primary ingredient in ham balls and why is it important?
Ham balls are typically made with ground pork or a mix of pork and beef, but ham can also be used as a key ingredient. Ham provides a salty, savory flavor and helps bind the mixture together, making them more flavorful and cohesive when baked or fried.
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How should I prepare the ham before adding it to the ham ball mixture?
To prepare ham for ham balls, you should first remove any bones and chop it into small, bite-sized pieces. For extra flavor, you can also dice it finely or shred it. If using a whole ham, you can dice it into small cubes (about 1/2 inch) and mix it into the ground meat. This ensures even distribution of flavor throughout the balls.
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What is the best way to bind the ham balls mixture without using breadcrumbs?
If you prefer not to use breadcrumbs, you can bind the ham balls mixture using one or more of these methods:
– Eggs: Mix 1–2 beaten eggs into the meat mixture to help hold it together.
– Flour or cornstarch: Add 1–2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch to absorb excess moisture and bind the mixture.
– Greek yogurt or sour cream: Use ¼ to ½ cup for moisture and slight binding.
– Ground oats or crushed crackers: These can add texture and help bind the mixture naturally.
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How long should I cook the ham balls, and what temperature should I bake or fry them at?
Ham balls are usually baked or fried to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat. For baking:
– Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Place ham balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush lightly with oil, and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
For frying:
– Heat 1–2 inches of oil in a deep pan to 350–375°F (175–190°C).
– Fry ham balls for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
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Can I make ham balls ahead of time and store them properly?
Yes, ham balls can be made ahead and stored well if prepared correctly:
– Short-term storage (1–2 days): Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven (350°F/175°C) or air fryer until hot.
– Long-term storage (up to 3 months): Freeze raw ham balls in a single layer on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
– Reheating: Bake or pan-fry until fully cooked (160°F/71°C internal temp). Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
