Pineapple Glazed Ham Balls
Sweet and savory pineapple glazed ham balls offer a delightful combination of tender ham, pineapple flavor, and a hint of cloves, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground cooked ham, uncooked oats, beaten eggs, brown sugar, and ground cloves, mixing well.
- Shape the mixture into balls and chill them.
- In a large frypan, lightly brown the ham balls in shortening.
- In a bowl, combine pineapple juice, water, lemon juice, brown sugar, and cornstarch, blending thoroughly.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the browned ham balls.
- Cover with a lid and cook on medium heat for about 1 hour, until heated through and glazed.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some finely chopped vegetables like onions or bell peppers into the ham ball mixture. You can substitute the ground cloves with allspice if desired. If you're short on time, pre-cooked ham can be used instead of cooking the ham yourself. To make them gluten-free, use gluten-free oats.
Serving Suggestions
These pineapple glazed ham balls make a fantastic centerpiece for a family gathering or potluck. Serve them alongside creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. They also pair well with a fresh green salad to balance the sweetness. For a delightful appetizer, serve with toothpicks at your next gathering or alongside a platter of cheese and crackers.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover ham balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or pineapple juice to keep them moist. Cover with a lid and heat until warmed through, about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple Glazed Ham Balls contains roughly 650 calories, with 12g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (115% of the Daily Value), iron (66% of the Daily Value), and calcium (44% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 32g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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?
Yes, you can freeze the ham balls before cooking. Simply shape them and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen, just add extra cooking time.
What can I use instead of pineapple juice?
If you don't have pineapple juice, apple juice or orange juice can be good substitutes, providing a similar sweetness and acidity. Adjust the brown sugar in the sauce accordingly to maintain the desired level of sweetness.
How can I make the glaze thicker?
To thicken the glaze further, you can mix in an additional tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in cold water and stir it into the sauce while it simmers. Allow it to cook for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
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).