Robust Pioneer Woman Ham Balls Recipe with Bold Flavor

Pioneer Woman’s ham balls are a mouthwatering symphony of culinary magic that will instantly captivate your taste buds.

Packed with robust flavors, these golden-brown orbs combine savory meat with a crispy cornflake embrace that promises pure delight.

Ground ham dances with breadcrumbs and eggs, creating a texture so divine it almost defies description.

Aromatic spices weave through each compact sphere, delivering layers of complexity that spark joy at first bite.

Traditional recipes often pale in comparison to this legendary dish that speaks volumes about comfort cooking.

The glaze, a brilliant blend of brown sugar and vinegar, transforms these humble ham balls into a showstopping appetizer that demands attention.

These irresistible morsels will steal the spotlight at your next gathering, leaving guests craving every last delectable bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 372 kcal

Servings: 11

Ham Balls Ingredient List

• Ground Ham: Choose high-quality, lean ham with rich smoky flavor for best texture.
• Ground Pork: Select fresh ground pork with balanced fat content for juicy results.

• Egg: Use fresh, room temperature eggs for smooth mixture integration.
• Milk: Opt for whole milk to enhance richness and moisture.
• Crushed Cornflakes: Select crisp, fresh cornflakes for perfect crunchy coating.

• Brown Sugar: Pick dark, moist brown sugar for deep caramel undertones.
• Mustard: Select tangy Dijon or whole grain mustard for zesty kick.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt for balanced seasoning.

Equipment for Making Ham Balls Easily

• Food Processor: Perfect for grinding ham and pork into fine, consistent meat.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for combining all ham ball ingredients smoothly.
• Baking Pan: Greased surface for shaping and cooking ham balls evenly.
• Small Saucepan: Essential for creating and heating the delicious glaze.
• Measuring Cups: Precise tools for accurate ingredient portions.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for mixing ingredients and stirring glaze.
• Oven: Reliable appliance for baking ham balls to golden perfection.

How to Prepare Pioneer Woman Ham Balls

• Prep Your Cooking Space

Warm up the oven to a cozy 350°F and grab a lightly greased baking pan that’s ready for some ham ball magic.

• Transform Ham Into Perfect Mixture

Pulse ham in a food processor until finely ground, then mix with ground pork, milk, crushed cornflakes, egg, brown sugar, mustard, and a pinch of salt. Blend everything until it becomes a delightful, sticky mixture that holds together perfectly.

• Create Tasty Spheres

Gently roll the meat mixture into bite-sized balls about an inch wide. Arrange them carefully on the baking pan, giving each ball a little breathing room.

• Whip Up Mouthwatering Glaze

In a small pan, cook up a quick glaze by heating brown sugar and mustard until it becomes a silky, glossy coating that’ll make these ham balls irresistible.

• Bake To Golden Perfection

Pour half the glaze over the ham balls before sliding them into the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, turning the pan halfway through and drizzling the remaining glaze. Watch for those beautiful golden-brown edges that signal they’re ready to devour.

• Serve And Savor

Pull the ham balls out of the oven and let them rest for a moment. Plate up these delectable bites as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a hearty main dish that’ll have everyone begging for the recipe.

Saucy and Savory Tips for Ham Balls

Explore creative twists that elevate this classic recipe to new culinary heights.

Replace ground pork with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that keeps the flavor profile exciting and nutritious.

Experiment with different glaze variations by adding a splash of bourbon, orange marmalade, or a dash of sriracha to create unique flavor combinations that’ll surprise your taste buds.

Prepare ham balls up to two days in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. Simply reheat in the oven before serving, making party prep a breeze and reducing day-of stress.

Try alternative coating options like panko breadcrumbs or crushed pecans instead of cornflakes to add extra texture and depth to your ham balls, giving them a delightful crispy exterior.

Ways to Serve Ham Balls at Dinners

• Pair with Creamy Potato Sides: Complement the savory ham balls with smooth mashed potatoes or a rich potato gratin for a comforting meal that balances flavors and textures.
• Create a Bright Salad Companion: Toss a fresh green salad with crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the ham balls.
• Offer Dipping Sauce Options: Prepare small bowls of honey mustard, ranch, or tangy BBQ sauce to let guests customize their ham ball experience with additional flavor layers.
• Serve as Party Appetizer Platter: Arrange ham balls on a decorative tray with toothpicks, perfect for holiday gatherings or game day celebrations where guests can easily grab and enjoy.

Ham Ball Storage and Reheat Suggestions

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftover ham balls in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping them moist and delicious.
• Freeze for Future Feasts: Wrap individual ham balls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months, ready for quick reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated ham balls in the oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes, ensuring they're heated through without drying out. Alternatively, use a microwave with 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each burst.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare ham balls in advance and store unbaked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply pop them in the oven and follow the original baking instructions for a stress-free meal solution.

Hearty Pioneer Woman Ham Balls Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Hearty pioneer woman ham balls merge ground ham, beef, and breadcrumbs into delightful bite-sized morsels. Rich glaze coats these midwestern classics, offering savory comfort that brings families together around dinner tables.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) fully cooked ham, cubed
• 1 lb (454 g) ground pork
• 1 cup (240 g) packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup (60 g) packed brown sugar
• 1 cup (240 ml) crushed cornflakes
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 cup (240 ml) 2% milk
• ¼ cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsps ground mustard

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (177°C) for consistent heat distribution and optimal cooking conditions.
2. Process Protein: Pulse ham in food processor to create fine, uniform texture for seamless ingredient integration.
3. Mix Ingredients: Blend ground ham, ground pork, milk, cornflakes, egg, brown sugar, mustard, and salt in large mixing bowl, gently folding until evenly combined without overworking the mixture.
4. Shape and Arrange: Form mixture into 1-inch diameter spheres, positioning them in a single layer across greased baking pan to ensure even cooking and consistent browning.
5. Prepare Glaze: Combine glaze ingredients in saucepan, heating and stirring until sugar completely dissolves, creating a smooth, glossy coating.
6. Initial Glazing and Baking: Drizzle half the glaze over ham balls before placing pan in preheated oven, baking for 30-35 minutes while monitoring color development.
7. Final Glazing and Completion: Midway through cooking, rotate pan and apply remaining glaze, continuing to bake until balls achieve golden-brown exterior and reach desired internal temperature, signaling perfect doneness.

Notes

• Prep Processor Tip: Pulse ham carefully to avoid over-processing, maintaining a slightly textured ground meat consistency for better binding and texture.
• Mixing Technique: Fold ingredients gently to prevent dense, tough ham balls; use light hand movements to keep mixture loose and tender.
• Glaze Distribution Strategy: Apply first glaze layer before baking to create initial caramelization, then add second layer midway for deeper flavor complexity.
• Temperature Precision: Use instant-read thermometer to verify internal temperature reaches 160°F, ensuring safe and perfectly cooked ham balls without drying out meat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 372
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg