If you’re searching for a flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing dish that’s both unique and versatile, look no further than Ham Meatballs! These tender, juicy bites bring together the smoky richness of ham with a medley of savory herbs, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, creating an irresistible balance of flavor and texture. Whether you’re serving them as a hearty appetizer, a satisfying main course, or a fun party snack, these meatballs are guaranteed to be a hit.
One of the best things about Ham Meatballs is their versatility. Pair them with a sweet and tangy glaze—like honey mustard, brown sugar, or pineapple sauce—for a flavor boost that complements the natural saltiness of the ham. Or go in a completely different direction with a creamy, cheesy sauce for a rich, indulgent twist. You can even customize the recipe to match your favorite flavors—add a little garlic and parmesan for an Italian spin, or mix in some jalapeños and cheddar for a spicy, Southwestern kick!
Not only are these meatballs delicious, but they’re also simple to prepare. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch in no time—making them perfect for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, potlucks, or even meal prep. They’re great on their own, served over rice or pasta, or even tucked into a sandwich for an easy, handheld meal.
So, whether you’re feeding your family on a regular weeknight or impressing guests at your next get-together, Ham Meatballs will deliver big flavor with little effort. One bite, and you’ll see why they’re a must-have recipe in any kitchen! 🍽️✨
Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or whipping up a quick weeknight dinner, Ham Meatballs offer endless possibilities. They pair beautifully with everything from mashed potatoes and steamed veggies to a sweet-and-sour pineapple sauce for a tropical twist. Not only are they packed with flavor, but they’re also an excellent way to repurpose leftover ham into something truly special. Get ready to elevate your cooking game with this simple yet delicious Ham Meatballs recipe that everyone will love!
Ingredients you will need for the Ham Meatballs:
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups finely ground ham
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 egg
- 2/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Follow the recipe below to create this perfect Ham Meatballs!
Instructions for the Ham Meatballs:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature before baking. While the oven heats up, take a large baking sheet and line it with aluminum foil—this will make cleanup easier and help prevent the meatballs from sticking. For extra non-stick protection, lightly grease the foil with cooking spray or brush it with a thin layer of oil. Set the prepared baking sheet aside as you move on to mixing the meatball ingredients.
Step 2: In a small skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat, allowing it to coat the pan evenly. Once the butter is sizzling, add ½ cup of finely diced onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Stir occasionally and cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent, and the garlic releases its fragrant aroma—this should take about 5 minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic brown too much, as it can turn bitter. Once tender, remove the skillet from the heat and set the mixture aside to cool slightly before adding it to the meatball mixture.
Step 3: Once the onion and garlic are tender and fragrant, remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside. Allow the mixture to cool slightly for about 5 minutes—this prevents the heat from scrambling the egg when mixing it with the other ingredients later. You can speed up the cooling process by transferring the mixture to a small plate or bowl, spreading it out to let the steam escape.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled onion and garlic mixture with 2 cups of finely ground ham, 1 cup of ground pork, 1 large egg, ¾ cup of breadcrumbs, ½ cup of milk, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Using clean hands, gently mix everything together until all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can make the meatballs dense instead of tender. The texture should be moist but firm enough to hold its shape when rolled into balls. If the mixture feels too dry, add a little more milk; if it’s too wet, sprinkle in more breadcrumbs.
Step 5: Using a small cookie scoop, tablespoon, or your hands, scoop out portions of the meat mixture and roll them into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs (about the size of a golf ball). Try to keep them uniform in size so they cook evenly.
As you shape each meatball, place it on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for even browning. If the mixture is sticky, lightly grease your hands with a bit of oil or water to make rolling easier. Continue until all the meat mixture is used.
Step 6: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 20 minutes. As they cook, they will become firm and lightly browned on the outside while staying juicy on the inside.
For extra even cooking, you can shake the pan or gently turn the meatballs halfway through baking. If you’d like a crispier exterior, you can broil them for the last 2–3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Step 7: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sweet and tangy glaze by whisking together ¼ cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
After the meatballs have baked for 20 minutes, remove them from the oven and brush a generous layer of the glaze over each meatball using a pastry brush or spoon. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize and create a flavorful, glossy coating. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, and get ready for some seriously delicious meatballs!
Step 8: Once the meatballs are beautifully glazed and fully cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes. This short resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meatballs moist and flavorful.
As they cool slightly, the glaze will thicken and cling perfectly to the meatballs, making every bite irresistible. Serve warm as an appetizer with toothpicks, over rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal, or alongside your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy! 🍽️✨
Ham Meatballs
These tender, savory meatballs combine the smoky goodness of ham with a blend of herbs and spices, creating a mouthwatering bite that works as an appetizer, main course, or even a party snack. Paired with a tangy glaze or a creamy sauce, Ham Meatballs are sure to be a hit at any table. Plus, they’re easy to make and customizable to fit any flavor profile you desire.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 1/2 Onion, finely chopped
- 2 Garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups Finely ground ham
- 1 pound Ground pork
- 1 Egg
- 2/3 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1/4 cup Brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with foil.
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Heat the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until tender, around 5 minutes.
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Remove the pan from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
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Combine the onions and garlic with the ground ham, pork, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, and black pepper in a large bowl. Work the ingredients together with your hands until they’re well combined.
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Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to form the meat mixture into balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet.
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Place the meatballs in the oven to bake for 20 minutes.
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Combine the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Brush the glaze over the top of the meatballs and return them to the oven to bake for another 10 minutes.
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Allow the meatballs to rest for5 to 10 minutes before serving.
This Ham Meatball recipe is the perfect way to use up leftover Easter ham because it transforms those extra slices into something new, flavorful, and exciting—instead of just eating ham sandwiches for a week! Here’s why this recipe is a must-try after Easter:
🌸 Why This Recipe is Great for Leftover Easter Ham
1️⃣ Reduces Waste – Instead of letting leftover ham sit in the fridge until it dries out, this recipe gives it a delicious second life.
2️⃣ Easy to Make – These meatballs come together quickly with simple pantry ingredients, making them a stress-free meal after a busy Easter weekend.
3️⃣ Great for Freezing – You can make a big batch and freeze the extra meatballs for easy meals later. Just reheat and serve!
4️⃣ Customizable – You can change up the flavors based on what you have on hand—swap the glaze, add cheese, or spice them up for a new twist.
5️⃣ Kid-Friendly – Kids love meatballs! This recipe turns leftover ham into a fun and easy-to-eat meal that the whole family will enjoy.
6️⃣ Perfect for Any Meal – Serve them as an appetizer, a main course over rice or pasta, or even in a sandwich for a quick and satisfying lunch.
So instead of eating the same ham leftovers on repeat, whip up these tender, juicy ham meatballs and make your Easter leftovers exciting again! 🐰🥓🍽️
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