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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (177°C) for consistent heat distribution and optimal cooking conditions.
- Process Protein: Pulse ham in food processor to create fine, uniform texture for seamless ingredient integration.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare Glaze: Combine glaze ingredients in saucepan, heating and stirring until sugar completely dissolves, creating a smooth, glossy coating.
- 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.
- 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