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Introduction to Glazed Ham Balls

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as universally loved as glazed ham balls. These delightful bites offer a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, making them an ideal choice for gatherings, family dinners, or even meal prep for busy weekdays. With their tender texture and rich taste, they can easily become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through creating glazed ham balls that are not only delicious but also stress-free to prepare. Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen as they bake, enticing everyone to gather around the table. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe approachable and rewarding.

The magic of glazed ham balls lies in their simplicity and versatility. Using just a handful of ingredients such as ground ham, breadcrumbs, and barbecue sauce, you can whip up a dish that’s sure to impress. Plus, they’re easily customizable! Feel free to experiment with different sauces or mix in fresh herbs for added flavor. With a total preparation and cooking time of under an hour, these ham balls are perfect for those time-pressed evenings when you still want to serve something homemade and satisfying.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s get started on making these scrumptious glazed ham balls that promise to be a hit at any meal!

Key Ingredients for Glazed Ham Balls

Creating the perfect glazed ham balls starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that delightful balance of flavors and textures.

Ground Ham (2 pounds): This is the star of your dish, providing a savory base that’s both hearty and flavorful. Using freshly ground ham ensures a moist texture and rich taste.

Breadcrumbs (1 cup): Breadcrumbs help bind the mixture together while adding a slight crunch to the exterior. They also absorb moisture, keeping the ham balls tender.

Milk (1/2 cup): Milk adds creaminess and richness to the mixture, making the ham balls succulent. It also helps with binding the ingredients, ensuring they hold their shape during baking.

Brown Sugar (1/4 cup): The brown sugar introduces a touch of sweetness, balancing the savory flavors of the ham. It caramelizes during baking, forming a delicious glaze that enhances the overall taste.

Diced Onion (1/4 cup): Onions add depth and a subtle sweetness, complementing the ham perfectly. They also provide an aromatic quality that elevates the dish.

Eggs (2): Eggs act as a binding agent, helping to hold the ham ball mixture together while contributing to a tender texture.

Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): This seasoning adds a gentle kick of heat, enhancing the flavor profile without overpowering the dish.

Barbecue Sauce (1 cup): The barbecue sauce is drizzled over the ham balls before baking, providing a sweet and tangy glaze that brings everything together. It’s the finishing touch that makes these glazed ham balls irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, glazed ham balls are a standout choice that never disappoints. These delicious bites are not only sweet and savory but also incredibly easy to prepare, making them a perfect dish for young professionals and busy families alike. Imagine serving these warm, flavorful ham balls at your next gathering, and watch as they disappear in no time!

One of the best things about glazed ham balls is their versatility. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or preparing a cozy family dinner, these ham balls fit seamlessly into any occasion. They can be enjoyed as an appetizer, a main dish, or even as part of a meal prep for the week ahead. Plus, with a cooking time of just 30-35 minutes, you can whip them up quickly, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the company of your friends and family.

Not only are these ham balls satisfying, but they also offer room for creativity. You can easily customize the flavors by incorporating different herbs, spices, or sauces to suit your taste. This adaptability means that every time you make glazed ham balls, they can be a new culinary experience. So, if you’re looking for a dish that combines ease, flavor, and versatility, glazed ham balls are sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Variations on Glazed Ham Balls

Glazed ham balls are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to experiment with various flavors and ingredients. Here are some delightful variations to try, ensuring that your glazed ham balls are never the same twice!

Sweet and Spicy Glazed Ham Balls

For those who enjoy a kick, consider adding a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture. This addition provides a delightful heat that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the brown sugar and barbecue sauce, creating a unique flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds.

Herb-Infused Ham Balls

Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor of your glazed ham balls significantly. Mix in chopped rosemary, thyme, or parsley into the meat mixture before forming the balls. This not only adds freshness but also a beautiful aroma, making them even more inviting. Don’t hesitate to try different herbs based on the occasion or your personal preference.

Mediterranean Twist

For a Mediterranean flair, incorporate feta cheese and chopped olives into the mixture. You can replace the barbecue sauce with a homemade tomato-based sauce infused with garlic and oregano. This variation gives your ham balls a completely different taste, perfect for themed parties or a casual dinner.

These variations ensure that your glazed ham balls remain a crowd-pleaser, adapting to different tastes and occasions. Whether you prefer them sweet, spicy, or herbaceous, there’s a version for everyone to enjoy!

Cooking Tips and Notes

Making glazed ham balls is not only straightforward but also a great opportunity to showcase your culinary skills. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

Prepping Ingredients

Before you start mixing, ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature. This helps them combine more evenly, leading to a better texture in your ham balls. Also, finely chop the onion to distribute its flavor throughout the mixture without overwhelming any single bite.

Shaping the Ham Balls

When forming your ham balls, aim for uniform sizes—about 1 inch in diameter. This ensures they cook evenly, preventing some from being undercooked while others are overdone. If you find the mixture sticking to your hands, a light coating of cooking spray can help.

Baking Tips

Place the ham balls slightly apart in the baking dish to allow for even cooking and browning. For an extra touch of flavor, consider basting them with more barbecue sauce halfway through the baking time. This will enhance the glaze and keep them moist.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through, to maintain their texture and flavor. Enjoy these glazed ham balls warm, and they’ll taste just as good as when they were freshly baked!

Serving Suggestions

Glazed ham balls are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways, making them suitable for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in, these tasty bites will impress!

Perfect Pairings

Consider serving your glazed ham balls alongside a fresh green salad for a light and refreshing meal. The crispness of the salad complements the savory sweetness of the ham balls beautifully. For a heartier option, pair them with roasted vegetables or garlic mashed potatoes, creating a comforting and satisfying plate.

Appetizer Delight

If you’re serving glazed ham balls as an appetizer, consider cutting them into smaller portions for easy snacking. Arrange them on a platter with toothpicks and a side of extra barbecue sauce for dipping. This makes for an excellent finger food option that guests will love!

Meal Prep Friendly

These ham balls also shine as part of your weekly meal prep. Prepare a batch over the weekend and store them in the refrigerator. They can be quickly reheated for an easy lunch or dinner throughout the week, ensuring that you have a delicious and satisfying meal ready when time is short.

With these serving suggestions, your glazed ham balls can fit seamlessly into any dining experience, from casual gatherings to more formal occasions!

Time Breakdown

When preparing glazed ham balls, understanding the time involved can help you plan your cooking efficiently. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Preparation: 15 minutes – This includes gathering ingredients and mixing them together to form the ham balls.

Cooking/Baking: 35 minutes – Baking the ham balls at 350°F (175°C) ensures they cook through and develop a delicious glaze.

Total: 50 minutes – In just under an hour, you can have a delightful dish ready to serve!

For those looking to maximize their efficiency, consider prepping the ham balls ahead of time. You can form them and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to bake, making mealtime even easier.

Nutritional Facts

When it comes to enjoying delicious glazed ham balls, knowing their nutritional content can help you make informed choices. Each serving, which consists of four ham balls, contains approximately 200 calories, making it a satisfying option for any meal. With 12 grams of protein, these ham balls are a hearty source of energy, perfect for fueling your day.

In terms of macronutrients, they have 15 grams of carbohydrates and 8 grams of fat, including 3 grams of saturated fat. Additionally, each serving contains 5 grams of sugar and 400 milligrams of sodium. With this balanced nutritional profile, glazed ham balls can fit well into a wholesome diet while delivering on taste!

FAQ based on “People Also Ask” section

What are Glazed Ham Balls?

Glazed ham balls are delicious meatballs made primarily from ground ham, breadcrumbs, and a sweet barbecue sauce. They are baked until golden brown and can be served as an appetizer or main dish, making them versatile for various occasions.

How do you make Glazed Ham Balls?

To make glazed ham balls, combine ground ham, breadcrumbs, milk, brown sugar, diced onion, eggs, and black pepper in a bowl. Form the mixture into balls, place them in a baking dish, pour barbecue sauce over them, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes until cooked through.

Can you make Glazed Ham Balls ahead of time?

Yes! Glazed ham balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Simply reheat them in the oven before serving to maintain their flavor and texture, making them a great option for meal prep.

What can I serve with Glazed Ham Balls?

These ham balls pair well with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or garlic mashed potatoes. They can also be served as finger food with toothpicks and extra barbecue sauce for dipping at parties.

Conclusion

In summary, glazed ham balls are a delicious and versatile dish that can elevate any meal. Their sweet and savory flavor, combined with a simple preparation process, makes them perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With the option to customize ingredients and sauces, you can cater to all taste preferences. So why not give this recipe a try? Cook, save, or share this delightful dish with friends and family for an unforgettable dining experience!

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