Dilly Ham Balls
Dilly Ham Balls are tender, flavorful bites with fresh dill and creamy sauce, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests who appreciate savory, comforting dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ground ham, bread crumbs, chopped green onions, 1 tablespoon fresh dill, milk, egg, Dijon mustard, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; mix well.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.
- Brown the ham balls in the skillet, adding remaining butter and oil as needed.
- Remove the ham balls to a serving dish, cover, and keep warm.
- Pour the drippings into a saucepan, blend in flour.
- Gradually add water and stir until smooth.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Add sour cream, remaining dill, and remaining pepper; heat through without boiling.
- Pour the sauce over the ham balls and serve over cooked noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, use a combination of fresh and dried dill, as indicated in the recipe. If you don't have Dijon mustard, yellow mustard can serve as a substitute. You can also experiment with different types of ground meat, such as turkey or chicken, for a lighter version. Consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Dilly Ham Balls over a bed of cooked noodles for a complete meal. They pair excellently with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for added crunch and nutrition. For a delightful twist, consider serving them alongside a side of Apple Valley Cake(Sauce Makes The Difference) for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Dilly Ham Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water to keep them moist, or microwave them in short intervals until heated through. Avoid overheating to prevent drying them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dilly Ham Balls contains roughly 752 calories, with 21g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (71% of the Daily Value), calcium (55% of the Daily Value), and protein (41% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 979mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the ham balls before cooking them?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked ham balls. Arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and proceed with the recipe as directed.
What can I use instead of fresh dill?
If fresh dill is not available, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of dried dill for every tablespoon of fresh dill called for in the recipe. Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so adjust to your taste.
How do I know when the ham balls are fully cooked?
The ham balls are fully cooked when they are browned on the outside and heated through. You can check their internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C). Additionally, they should be firm to the touch when pressed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).