Sweet And Sour Ham Balls
Sweet and tangy ham balls coated in a flavorful sauce make a delightful appetizer or main dish, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests craving bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ham loaf, crushed soda crackers, eggs, milk, and crushed pineapple together.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Place the ham balls in a large baking pan.
- Mix vinegar, brown sugar, and dry mustard to make the sauce, then pour over the ham balls.
- Bake at 350°F, uncovered, for 1 hour, turning the balls after 45 minutes.
- Place in a chafing dish to keep hot and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some finely chopped onions or bell peppers to the ham mixture. If you don't have soda crackers, you can substitute with breadcrumbs or crushed saltines. Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by varying the amount of brown sugar based on your taste preference. For a twist, try adding a splash of soy sauce to the sauce mixture for a unique flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sweet and sour ham balls as a delightful main dish or appetizer. They pair beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside mashed potatoes or rice. These ham balls also make a great addition to a potluck spread where they can be enjoyed with dishes like E-Z Bake Beans or Rainbow Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover ham balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for a quicker option, but be cautious not to overcook.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Ham Balls contains roughly 901 calories, with 18g protein, 162g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (54% of the Daily Value), protein (36% of the Daily Value), and potassium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 517mg 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 leftover ham instead of ham loaf?
Yes, leftover ham works perfectly in this recipe! Just chop it finely or grind it to the consistency of ham loaf before mixing it with the other ingredients. This is a great way to use up leftover holiday ham and adds even more flavor to the dish.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make sweet and sour ham balls gluten-free, substitute the crushed soda crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Be sure to check labels on all ingredients, especially the vinegar and mustard, to ensure they are gluten-free.
Can I freeze the ham balls before baking?
Absolutely! You can shape the ham balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When ready to bake, you can cook them directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
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).