Hamburg Pops
Juicy ground beef skewers shaped like drumsticks with flavorful herbs and mustard, perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners, offering a savory, satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, eggs, salt, oregano or marjoram, minced onion, minced parsley, and prepared mustard in a bowl.
- Divide the mixture into 8 portions and shape each around a skewer, forming a drumstick shape with a third of the skewer sticking out like a bone.
- Spread the mustard over each meat portion using your fingers.
- Roll each portion in cracker crumbs, pressing the crumbs all around the meat.
- Sprinkle each with melted shortening.
- Bake in a 325°F oven for 20 minutes or until browned, or fry on all sides in a skillet with additional shortening.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture. If you don't have cracker crumbs, you can substitute with crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs. Make sure to press the meat mixture firmly around the skewer to keep its shape while baking. For a healthier option, consider using ground turkey instead of beef, which also works well in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Hamburg Pops with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. They pair beautifully with homemade Sugar-Free Coney Sauce for dipping. Consider offering a variety of dipping sauces, such as barbecue or tzatziki, to enhance the flavor. These pops can also be a fun addition to a party platter, perfect for casual gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pops in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for quicker reheating, but this may impact the texture. For best results, avoid reheating more than once.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburg Pops contains roughly 199 calories, with 11g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (60% of the Daily Value), iron (46% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1218mg per serving (53% 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 use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork can be substituted for ground beef. Just be mindful of cooking times, as leaner meats may require less cooking time to avoid drying out. Adjust seasonings to suit the type of meat you choose for a delicious variation.
What can I serve with Hamburg Pops?
Hamburg Pops are versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Try pairing them with sweet potato fries or a quinoa salad for a nutritious meal. For a fun twist, serve them alongside a selection of dipping sauces like ranch or chili sauce, giving your guests plenty of options to enjoy.
How can I make these gluten-free?
To make Hamburg Pops gluten-free, simply replace the cracker crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats. Ensure that any other ingredients, such as mustard, are also labeled gluten-free. This way, you can still enjoy these delicious pops without compromising on flavor or texture.
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).