Ham Balls With Brown Sugar Glaze

Ham Balls with Brown Sugar Glaze are a delicious and unique twist on traditional meatballs, combining ground ham and pork with a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes to perfection. This classic dish is a staple in the Midwest, often served during the holidays or family gatherings. The ham balls are moist and flavorful, thanks to a mixture of breadcrumbs, milk, and spices, while the glaze—made with brown sugar, vinegar, and mustard—adds a mouthwatering sweet-savory finish. These ham balls are perfect as an appetizer, main dish, or served over rice for a comforting meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

For the Ham Balls:

• 1 lb ground ham
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Brown Sugar Glaze:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for added flavor)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish or casserole dish.
2. Prepare the Ham Balls: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground ham, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, chopped onion, ground mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated. Form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them in the prepared baking dish, spacing them evenly apart.
3. Make the Brown Sugar Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, water, apple cider vinegar, mustard, and soy sauce (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sugar is dissolved and the glaze is slightly thickened.
4. Glaze the Ham Balls: Pour the brown sugar glaze evenly over the ham balls in the baking dish, making sure each ball is coated.
5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, basting the ham balls with the glaze occasionally. The ham balls should be golden brown and the glaze should be bubbly and caramelized.
6. Serve: Remove the ham balls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm, spooning extra glaze over the top.

Enjoy these Ham Balls with Brown Sugar Glaze as a delicious main dish or appetizer. They pair perfectly with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or rice for a complete and satisfying meal.