Sauerkraut Ham Balls
Savory ham balls with tangy sauerkraut and herbs, perfect as appetizers for gatherings or snacks, offering a delightful combination of flavors and crispy golden coating.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground fully cooked ham ⓘ
- 16 oz. can sauerkraut, drained and chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs, divided ⓘ
- 3 oz. package cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup milk ⓘ
- oil for deep fat frying ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground ham, drained and chopped sauerkraut, chopped onion, and 2 tablespoons of bread crumbs.
- In another bowl, mix softened cream cheese, chopped parsley, prepared mustard, garlic powder, and pepper; stir into the ham mixture.
- Chill the mixture for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Shape the chilled mixture into 3/4-inch balls and coat with flour.
- In a small bowl, beat eggs and milk together.
- Dip each ham ball into the egg mixture, then roll in the remaining bread crumbs.
- Heat oil to 375°F in a deep fryer or electric skillet.
- Fry the ham balls until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain on paper towels before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some shredded cheese or spices like cayenne for heat. If you don't have fresh parsley, dried parsley can be a good substitute. Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist. These ham balls can also be baked at 375°F for a healthier option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious ham balls with a side of tangy mustard or a zesty dipping sauce. They pair wonderfully with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside mashed potatoes or a slice of Aunt Atha's Fresh Apple Cake for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, which helps retain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sauerkraut Ham Balls contains roughly 1419 calories, with 12g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 126g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (114% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 508mg per serving (22% 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 raw ham instead of fully cooked ham?
It's best to use fully cooked ham for this recipe, as it ensures the ham balls are safe to eat immediately after frying. If you prefer to use raw ham, you will need to cook them longer to ensure they are fully done, which may alter the texture.
What can I substitute for sauerkraut?
If you're not a fan of sauerkraut, you can use finely chopped cabbage or coleslaw mix. However, this will change the flavor profile slightly. For a sweeter alternative, consider using finely chopped apples or pears, which can add a nice contrast to the savory ham.
Can I make these ham balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping and frying. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavors as they meld together. Just make sure to let the mixture chill properly for the best results.
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).