Ham And Sauerkraut Balls
Savory ham and sauerkraut balls offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures, perfect as appetizers or party snacks for those who enjoy tangy, cheesy bites.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1/4 c. finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/3 c. plus 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- dash of garlic powder ⓘ
- dash of cayenne ⓘ
- 2 cans (6 3/4 oz. each) chunk ham, drained and flaked ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can sauerkraut, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1/2 c. grated Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 1 egg, slightly beaten ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. snipped fresh parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook, stirring, until tender.
- Stir in 3 tablespoons of flour, garlic powder, and cayenne.
- Cook until the mixture thickens, stirring constantly.
- Transfer the mixture to a medium mixing bowl.
- Add drained and flaked ham, rinsed and drained sauerkraut, grated Swiss cheese, lightly beaten egg, and snipped parsley.
- Mix thoroughly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a bit of Dijon mustard to the mixture. If you prefer a healthier option, you can substitute the chunk ham with shredded rotisserie chicken or turkey. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour. Pairing the balls with a tangy dipping sauce can elevate the dish even further.
Serving Suggestions
Serve ham and sauerkraut balls as an appetizer at your next gathering or alongside a salad for a light meal. They pair wonderfully with creamy dips or a side of Aunt Sally Sampson's Baked Beans for a hearty spread. For an extra touch, garnish with additional parsley before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover ham and sauerkraut balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, but they may lose some crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham And Sauerkraut Balls contains roughly 1271 calories, with 49g protein, 207g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (102% of the Daily Value), and protein (97% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 537mg per serving (23% 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 ham and sauerkraut balls?
Yes, you can freeze these balls before or after cooking. If freezing uncooked, form the balls, place them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. For cooked balls, allow them to cool completely before freezing. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.
What can I use instead of Swiss cheese?
If Swiss cheese isn't available, you can substitute with Gruyère or even cheddar for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the taste will change slightly, so choose a cheese that complements the ham.
How can I make these balls spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or incorporate chopped jalapeños into the mixture. You can also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce for an extra kick.
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).