UPDATE: I was interviewed by the NYTimes about these fantastic treats!
Hubby’s mom introduced me to Ham Balls when we were dating, and I have been hooked ever since.
I begged her to share the recipe with me (and she did, yay!), and now I am so excited to share it with you!
I made these before Christmas and we have been enjoying them ever since… they lend themselves to a elegant and refined meal, or a plop down in front of the TV snack.
I just have to say it… they are delicious!
We actually went out and purchased a meat grinder just so I could make these. I had asked the local grocery store if they would grind pork and they declined based on some sort of cross contamination rule.
If you are lucky enough to get your pork from a local farmer they will often help you with grinding, or you can visit your local butcher and take advantage of his services.
Unless you already have a grinder… then you are one step ahead!
Ham Balls
4lbs. ham
5 lbs lean pork {I usually use a pork loin}
8 eggs {well beaten}
3 cups of bread crumbs
1/4 tsp. pepper salt if necessary.
Sauce
4 cups of crushed pineapple
1 1/2 cup of brown sugar
1/4 cup vinegar
2 Tablespoons of dry mustard.
Grind ham and pork together then mix in eggs, bread crumbs, and pepper. (should make about 72 meatballs, you can easily freeze them -uncooked- for later use.)
For sauce, combine pineapple, brown sugar, vinegar, and dried mustard in bowl.
Place ham balls in shallow pan and pour sauce over all. Bake uncovered for about 1 1/4 hours at 350 degrees.
*I had two large chicken breasts thawed in my fridge that I decided to use in this most recent batch. I didn’t notice a flavor change, but they did taste incredibly moist and delicious!
And even though I am not a pineapple fan, I love these smothered in the rich pineapple sauce. Its just too good!
I hope you try these… I just know if you do you will be hooked!
P.S. If you snickered when you read this post you are in BIG trouble! BIG TROUBLE!
Ah heck, who am I kidding. I did too.
I bet that is really good! Many years ago I stayed at my aunts house for a weekend and she made a ham loaf, that sounds similar to your ham balls.. It was so good and I’m not a ham fan. I’m going to have to try this one day…if I can find the ground meat!
YUM!!
These look AMAZING!!
it’s so great when people share a recipe you love! My husbands grandmother makes a similar dish Polynesian meatballs, but certainly can be adapted to pork and hopefully elk as I now have a freezer full of elk and will be making all my dishes with it
I am going to make these! I just had a baby and love that I can freeze them. Thanks
Oh THANK YOU, THANK YOU! I just happen to have AT LEAST four pounds of left over ham and a meat grinder to boot! Ham Balls, here I come!
So maybe I snickered a little bit:) Great recipe!
oh my, i can see why these would be addicting! i am sure your kids love these! x
I love it. I can’t wait to try your ham balls.
Balls o’ ham, balls o’ ham. Oh, won’t you bring me some balls o’ ham?
These sound yummy!
I’ve never had these, but they look delish!
I’ve never heard of these, but I bet they are delicious! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
snickered the moment I saw the Tweet, I knew you meant food, and I still snickered… but in my defense, I did refrain from making any juvenile comments
I didn’t laugh until I saw one of the comment up above. Oh, my stinkin’ goodness. You are hilarious, girl! Thanks for the laugh…I needed it tonight.
If my husband ate ham I’d be all over these. Alas, I have to wait until I go to one of my sister’s houses for ham loaf. I think the recipe is similar, but these sounds so yummy. Maybe I’ll come up for some ham balls.
How did you know I would snicker when I read this post! ham balls???? They do sound really good though – my kids would freakin’ love them
xo
What a fantastic idea – this looks so good (and yes.. the name is classic!)
That is just about exactly what I use for Ham Loaf, except no pineapple in the sauce. I think that Ham Balls would be even better!
I must pass on the ham balls but I wanted to stop by and hi and hope you are having a good start to the year my famous blogging friend!!
Sounds wonderful!!
I’m not big on ham…{balls?}okay im sorry my head is in the gutter. haha no but really im not big on ham.. but i might just have to try these out since you say they’re so good.
Happy New year! and i LOVE your goals for the year. they are so inspiring. I really love your blog so much. I passed on an award to you.
much love,
Libby
Yum.
I’m gonna have to give these a try!
I know the husband will love them!
My mother-in-law is bringing ham balls for our Easter meal. What do I serve with them??
Anything that you would serve with ham!