Pioneer Woman Ham Balls Recipe

Pioneer Woman Ham Balls Recipe

Pioneer Woman Ham Balls are sweet, savory and very comforting. This classic dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The Pioneer Woman Ham Balls Recipe uses simple ingredients and easy steps.

The texture is soft inside with a rich glaze outside. It gives a homemade taste that everyone loves. If you want something different from regular meatballs, this recipe is a great choice for you.

My Experience With This Pioneer Woman Ham Balls Recipe

I first tried these ham balls during a family event. I wanted something unique and tasty. The result was amazing. The ham flavor mixed well with the sweet glaze.

The balls stayed juicy and soft. Everyone asked for the recipe. It felt like a true comfort food dish. Now, I make it often for special meals and holidays.

Recipe Card Info

  • Recipe Name: Pioneer Woman Ham Balls
  • Servings: 6
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 45 mins
  • Total Time: 65 mins
  • Course: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American
  • Calories: 410 kcal per serving
Pioneer Woman Ham Balls Recipe
Pioneer Woman Ham Balls Recipe

Equipment List

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking dish
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Oven

Ingredients You Need for Pioneer Woman Ham Balls

  • 2 cups ground ham
  • 1 cup ground pork
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

For the glaze:

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature allows the ham balls to cook evenly. It also helps the glaze caramelize nicely during baking.

2. Mix the Meat

In a large bowl, add ground ham and ground pork. Mix gently using your hands or spoon. Do not overmix, as this can make the texture tough.

3. Add the Fillers

Add breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. Mix everything well until combined. The mixture should be soft but hold shape easily.

4. Shape the Balls

Take small portions of the mixture. Roll them into medium-sized balls using your hands. Place each ball into a greased baking dish, leaving small gaps between them.

5. Prepare the Glaze

In a bowl, mix brown sugar, ketchup, mustard and apple cider vinegar. Stir until smooth. This glaze gives a perfect sweet and tangy flavor.

6. Add the Glaze

Pour the prepared glaze evenly over the ham balls. Make sure all balls are coated well. This helps create a sticky and rich outer layer.

7. Bake the Ham Balls

Place the baking dish in the oven. Bake for about 45 minutes. The glaze should bubble and thicken. The ham balls should be cooked through.

8. Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy. Serve warm for the best taste and texture.

Recipe Tips

  • Use freshly ground ham for best flavor.
  • Do not overmix the meat mixture.
  • Keep balls equal in size for even cooking.
  • Use a deep baking dish to hold the glaze.
  • Let them rest before serving for better texture.

Nutrition Information

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories410 kcal
Protein22 g
Carbohydrates28 g
Fat22 g
Saturated Fat7 g
Sodium820 mg
Fiber1 g

Serving Suggestions

Serve Pioneer Woman ham balls with simple and warm sides. Mashed potatoes go very well with the sweet glaze. You can also serve them with rice or buttered noodles.

Add a fresh salad to balance the richness. This dish is great for family dinners or holiday meals. It is filling, tasty and very satisfying.

Best Sides To Serve With

These ham balls pair well with roasted vegetables, green beans or corn. Mac and cheese is also a great option.

Dinner rolls or biscuits can complete the meal. You can also serve them with steamed broccoli or coleslaw for freshness.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover ham balls in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use an oven at 350°F (175°C).

This keeps them warm and soft. Avoid microwaving for long time, as it can dry them. You can also freeze them for up to one month.

Pioneer Woman Ham Balls Recipe

Sara Collins
Pioneer Woman ham balls are sweet, savory and very comforting. This classic dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The Pioneer Woman ham balls recipe uses simple ingredients and easy steps.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 410 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups ground ham
  • 1 cup ground pork
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

For the glaze:

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions
  

Preheat the Oven

  • Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature allows the ham balls to cook evenly. It also helps the glaze caramelize nicely during baking.

Mix the Meat

  • In a large bowl, add ground ham and ground pork. Mix gently using your hands or spoon. Do not overmix, as this can make the texture tough.

Add the Fillers

  • Add breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. Mix everything well until combined. The mixture should be soft but hold shape easily.

Shape the Balls

  • Take small portions of the mixture. Roll them into medium-sized balls using your hands. Place each ball into a greased baking dish, leaving small gaps between them.

Prepare the Glaze

  • In a bowl, mix brown sugar, ketchup, mustard and apple cider vinegar. Stir until smooth. This glaze gives a perfect sweet and tangy flavor.

Add the Glaze

  • Pour the prepared glaze evenly over the ham balls. Make sure all balls are coated well. This helps create a sticky and rich outer layer.

Bake the Ham Balls

  • Place the baking dish in the oven. Bake for about 45 minutes. The glaze should bubble and thicken. The ham balls should be cooked through.

Rest and Serve

  • Remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy. Serve warm for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Use freshly ground ham for best flavor.
  • Do not overmix the meat mixture.
  • Keep balls equal in size for even cooking.
  • Use a deep baking dish to hold the glaze.
  • Let them rest before serving for better texture.
Keyword Pioneer Woman Ham Balls Recipe

FAQs about Pioneer Woman Ham Balls

1. Can I make ham balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them a day before. Store them in the fridge. Add glaze and bake when ready to serve. This saves time and keeps them fresh.

2. Can I use only ham without pork?

Yes, you can use only ground ham. However, pork adds extra moisture and flavor. Without pork, the texture may be slightly firmer.

3. How do I keep ham balls from drying out?

Do not overbake them. Also, make sure to add enough glaze. The glaze helps keep moisture locked inside the ham balls.

4. Can I freeze cooked ham balls?

Yes, you can freeze them after cooking. Let them cool completely first. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to one month.

5. What makes this recipe special?

The sweet and tangy glaze makes this recipe unique. It balances the savory ham flavor perfectly and gives a rich, comforting taste.

Conclusion

Pioneer Woman Ham Balls Recipe are a delicious and easy comfort dish. They are soft, flavorful and coated with a rich glaze.

This recipe is simple and perfect for home cooking. You can make it for family meals or special occasions.

Once you try it, you will enjoy it again and again. It is a classic dish that brings warmth and happiness to the table.

Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.