Delicious Ham Balls with Brown Sugar Glaze You’ll Love
Last Updated on March 13, 2026 by Alma
There’s something truly special about coming home to the warm, inviting aroma of Ham Balls with Brown Sugar Glaze wafting from the kitchen. The moment you pull them from the oven, your heart fills with anticipation, and your taste buds begin to tingle in excitement. These savory bites, with a delightful hint of sweetness from the glaze, are bound to elevate any weeknight dinner or special gathering.
I remember a busy evening when I had friends over and wanted to impress them without spending hours in the kitchen. That s when I discovered this gem of a recipe simple yet sophisticated. Combining cubed ham and ground pork, these meatballs are easy to make and completely versatile, allowing for creativity with sides or dips. Whether you’re looking to break free from fast food or simply craving homemade comfort, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. So, roll up your sleeves and let s dive into making these deliciously glazed ham balls!
Why Love Ham Balls with Brown Sugar Glaze?
Irresistible flavor: The combination of ham and ground pork creates a savory delight that s perfectly complemented by the sweet, sticky glaze.
Effortless preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a show-stopping dish that looks like it took hours!
Crowd-pleaser: These bite-sized wonders are perfect for parties or family dinners, ensuring everyone will ask for seconds.
Versatile pairing: Serve them with your favorite sides, or pair them with a tangy dipping sauce for a fun twist.
Healthy serving: At just 224 calories per serving, they re a guilt-free treat that provides a lovely balance of protein and flavor.
These Ham Balls with Brown Sugar Glaze will redefine your dinner game!
Ham Balls with Brown Sugar Glaze Ingredients
For the Ham Balls
- Fully cooked ham Cubed for a tasty foundation, infusing each bite with rich flavor.
- Ground pork Adds moisture and a savory profile that complements the ham perfectly.
- Whole milk Keeps the mixture tender and moist for delectable bites.
- Crushed cornflakes Acts as a binder while providing a delightful crunch.
- Large egg Helps to hold everything together for perfect meatball consistency.
- Brown sugar Introduces a touch of sweetness that harmonizes with the savory elements.
- Ground mustard Offers an unexpected kick, enhancing the overall flavor depth.
- Salt Balances the flavors and elevates the savory notes of the meat mixture.
For the Glaze
- Brown sugar A generous cup to create that irresistible sweet, sticky coating.
- Cider vinegar Provides a tangy contrast that cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
- Ground mustard Adds depth to the glaze, making it a delightful companion for the ham balls.
Embark on this delicious journey with your Ham Balls with Brown Sugar Glaze; your taste buds are in for a treat!
How to Make Ham Balls with Brown Sugar Glaze
Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and grease your baking pans. This step ensures that your ham balls won’t stick and will turn out perfectly golden brown!
Pulse the cubed ham in batches using a food processor until finely ground. This should take about 10-15 seconds per batch, creating a flavorful base for your ham balls.
Combine the ground ham with ground pork, whole milk, crushed cornflakes, the beaten egg, brown sugar, ground mustard, and salt in a large bowl. Mix gently until everything is just combined overmixing can lead to tough ham balls!
Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls with your hands and place them in a single layer on the prepared baking pans. This step is also a great chance to involve your kids meatball rolling can be a fun family activity!
For the Glaze: In a small saucepan, cook and stir together the brown sugar, cider vinegar, and ground mustard over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. This should take about 5 minutes; you’ll know it’s ready when the mixture starts to bubble gently.
Brush half of the glaze over the shaped ham balls. This will create a deliciously sticky outer layer while they bake.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the ham balls start to turn golden brown. Don t forget to rotate the pans and stir the ham balls halfway through for even cooking!
Toss the baked ham balls in the remaining glaze soon after they come out of the oven for that extra sweet finish. Serve them warm for the best flavor experience!
Optional: Try serving with a tangy dipping sauce for a delightful twist.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Ham Balls with Brown Sugar Glaze?
There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked ham balls wafting through the kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: These velvety potatoes provide a perfect backdrop, soaking up any extra glaze and elevating the whole meal.
Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted veggies add a delightful crunch and a nutritious burst to balance the richness of the ham balls.
Classic Coleslaw: This refreshing side offers a crisp and tangy contrast, enhancing the savory sweetness of the ham balls beautifully.
Honey-Glazed Carrots: The natural sweetness of honey-glazed carrots complements the brown sugar glaze, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
Cornbread: Soft and slightly sweet, cornbread makes a wonderful addition that pairs excellently with any BBQ-inspired meal.
Crisp Garden Salad: A light, refreshing salad with a zesty vinaigrette cuts through the richness, providing a crisp and clean balance.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A fruit salad made of seasonal berries adds a bright, refreshing element to your plate while providing a nice palate cleanser.
Sparkling Apple Cider: A bubbly drink that enhances the meal’s festive vibe, making each bite even more enjoyable with its refreshing fizz.
Consider these delightful pairings to create a well-rounded meal that s sure to impress family and friends alike!
Ham Balls with Brown Sugar Glaze Variations
Feel free to get creative and put your own spin on these savory delights with a few simple tweaks!
Turkey Alternative: Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option. It still holds great flavor while cutting back on fat.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of cornflakes for those with dietary restrictions. They’ll still add wonderful texture!
Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalape os for a zesty heat that elevates the flavor profile.
Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme to give your ham balls an aromatic twist. The fresh flavors truly brighten each bite.
Smoky Flavor: A dash of smoked paprika can introduce a warm, smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the glaze.
BBQ Glaze: Replace the brown sugar glaze with your favorite BBQ sauce for a tangy and bold twist on the traditional recipe.
Cheesy Delight: Mix in shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese into the ham mixture for gooey, melty goodness in each bite.
Vegetarian Option: Swap out meat altogether with cooked lentils or a mix of beans to create a vegetarian version that still packs a flavorful punch.
With these variations, your Ham Balls with Brown Sugar Glaze can become something new each time you make them!
Make Ahead Options
These Ham Balls with Brown Sugar Glaze are a fantastic choice for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the meatball mixture up to 24 hours in advance by combining the ground ham, ground pork, whole milk, crushed cornflakes, beaten egg, brown sugar, ground mustard, and salt. Simply refrigerate the mixture in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. When you’re ready to bake, roll the mixture into balls, brush on the glaze, and proceed with baking for a quick, satisfying dinner. By prepping ahead, you’ll save precious time and still enjoy these flavorful ham balls, just as delicious as when made fresh!
How to Store and Freeze Ham Balls with Brown Sugar Glaze
Room Temperature: If you have leftover ham balls, they can safely be kept at room temperature for up to 2 hours before refrigeration. After that, they should be chilled to prevent bacteria.
Fridge: Store your ham balls with brown sugar glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they are fully cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the ham balls before glazing them. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months!
Reheating: To reheat, bake from frozen at 350 °F (175 °C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through, or microwave individual portions for quick enjoyment. Enjoy your ham balls warm for the best taste!
Tips for the Best Ham Balls
Choose Quality Ham: Use a good quality ham as your base; it significantly enhances the flavor of the Ham Balls with Brown Sugar Glaze.
Don t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the ham balls tender. Overmixing can lead to a mealy texture, so handle that mixture gently!
Adjust Glaze Sweetness: Taste the glaze before applying; you can tweak the brown sugar and vinegar for your preferred sweetness and tanginess.
Rotate Pans: Remember to rotate your pans halfway through baking to ensure even cooking. This isn t just about browning; it ensures every ham ball cooks uniformly!
Serve Warm: For the best taste, serve these ham balls warm right out of the oven, as the flavor and texture are at their peak then!
With these tips, your Ham Balls with Brown Sugar Glaze are sure to impress!
Ham Balls with Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe FAQs
What kind of ham should I use for the ham balls?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, choose a good quality fully cooked ham. Look for ham that is moist and flavorful this will significantly enhance your Ham Balls with Brown Sugar Glaze. Avoid dry or overly processed hams as they can result in less juicy meatballs.
How long can I store leftover ham balls?
You can keep your ham balls in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Just make sure they are completely cooled before sealing. This keeps them fresh and ready for your next meal or snack!
Can I freeze the ham balls?
Very! To freeze, shape the ham balls first, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Once frozen, transfer the balls to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. This way, you can enjoy freshly baked ham balls anytime you crave them!
How do I reheat frozen ham balls?
To reheat your frozen ham balls, bake them directly from the freezer at 350 °F (175 °C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave individual portions on medium heat for quick enjoyment!
What if I have allergies?
If you re dealing with allergies, you can easily customize the recipe. Substitute gluten-free cornflakes for a gluten-free option, and ensure that all ingredients, especially the ham and sauces, are free from allergens. Always check product labels to avoid any potential triggers when preparing your Ham Balls with Brown Sugar Glaze.
What if I overmixed the meat?
If you accidentally overmix, don t fret! While this can lead to denser meatballs, you can counter this by baking at a slightly lower temperature for a longer time to allow for even cooking. Adding a little more moisture, like an extra splash of milk, may also help improve the texture! Just keep in mind to mix gently next time.