Easy Hawaiian Ham Balls Recipe: Sweet & Tangy Pineapple Glazed Meatballs
This delightful Hawaiian Ham Balls recipe is a true explosion of flavor, combining sweet and tangy notes with wonderfully hearty and tender textures. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a comforting dinner, these glazed ham balls with their irresistible pineapple sauce are sure to become a cherished favorite. Crafted with a perfect blend of tender ground pork, savory ham, rich brown sugar, juicy crushed pineapple, and the unique addition of graham cracker crumbs, every bite is a harmonious symphony of tastes that come together in spectacular fashion.
Ah, the nostalgic charm of ham balls! This Hawaiian ham ball recipe hails from a tradition of classic, old-fashioned recipes that often grace the pages of treasured family cookbooks, passed down through generations. These savory and tender pineapple-glazed ham balls, typically served with a delicious sweet and sour type sauce, are a beloved Midwestern staple, particularly originating from Iowa. They’re an absolute must-have for any party, holiday gathering, or special event, guaranteed to impress your guests and leave them asking for the recipe!
Beyond being a fantastic main course when served alongside a bed of fluffy rice, these versatile ham balls also excel as a delightful appetizer. What makes this easy recipe truly special is the iconic pairing of ham and pineapple, elevated by a perfectly balanced ratio of sweet and savory elements. If you’re a fan of the classic ham and pineapple combination on your pizza, prepare to fall head over heels for these exquisite Hawaiian ham balls. They encapsulate that same irresistible tropical fusion in a succulent, bite-sized form.
Why You’re Going to Love These Pineapple Glazed Ham Balls
These Hawaiian Ham Balls aren’t just delicious; they offer a myriad of reasons to become your new go-to recipe:
- Incredibly Versatile: One of the best aspects of this recipe is its adaptability. You can serve these Hawaiian ham balls in multiple ways to suit any occasion. For a satisfying dinner, plate them over a warm bed of white or brown rice, perhaps garnished with extra chunks of fresh, juicy pineapple for an added tropical burst. Alternatively, for a more elegant appetizer presentation, arrange them artfully on top of pineapple rings, secured with a festive toothpick. They are fantastic both hot and at room temperature, making them perfect for buffets.
- Perfect for Entertaining: If you’re hosting a gathering, contributing to a potluck, planning a holiday meal, or simply having friends over, these ham balls with their luscious brown sugar glaze are destined to be the highlight of the menu. Their convenient, bite-sized nature makes them ideal finger food. Just set them out with a bowl of toothpicks and plenty of napkins, and watch them disappear! Their unique flavor profile sets them apart from typical appetizers, ensuring they stand out at any event.
- Unforgettably Flavorful: Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of bold, tropical flavors. The perfect blend of rich ground ham and pork, combined with the bright sweetness of crushed pineapple and the subtle, tenderizing magic of graham cracker crumbs, creates a depth of flavor that is truly unique. The sweet and tangy glaze caramelizes beautifully during baking, coating each ham ball in a sticky, savory-sweet wrapper that is simply irresistible. The graham cracker crumbs not only act as a binder but also contribute a delicate sweetness and help keep the meat incredibly moist and tender.
- Easy to Make Ahead: Planning a party can be stressful, but these ham balls are fantastic for make-ahead convenience. You can prepare the ham balls and even the sauce in advance, refrigerating them until you’re ready to bake. This allows you to enjoy your guests without being stuck in the kitchen, making them a stress-free option for busy hosts.
- Family Favorite: This recipe has a nostalgic, comforting quality that appeals to all ages. Kids love the sweet glaze and tender texture, while adults appreciate the sophisticated blend of flavors. It’s a dish that brings people together and often sparks fond memories.
What Are Hawaiian Ham Balls Made Of? Key Ingredients Explained
The magic of these Hawaiian ham balls comes from a thoughtfully selected combination of ingredients that create their signature taste and texture:
- Ground Pork: This forms the base of our meatballs, providing a rich, savory flavor and a tender texture. You can easily find ground pork at most local grocery stores in the meat section. It’s often sold in packages similar to ground beef.
- Ground Ham: The star of the show, ground ham contributes a distinct salty-sweet cured flavor that perfectly complements the pineapple. If you have difficulty locating pre-ground ham at your local market, don’t fret! You can either ask your butcher to grind a piece of ham for you, or easily make your own at home. Simply cube leftover ham (or a piece purchased for this purpose) and pulse it in a food processor until it reaches a ground meat consistency. This is an excellent way to use up holiday ham leftovers.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: This might seem like an unusual addition, but graham cracker crumbs are essential for both flavor and texture. They act as a binder, helping the ham balls hold their shape, while also absorbing moisture to keep them incredibly tender and juicy. Furthermore, they impart a subtle, sweet, and slightly honeyed flavor that adds a unique depth, making these ham balls truly unforgettable. Honey-flavored graham crackers work especially well here.
- Eggs: Eggs serve a crucial role in binding the meat mixture together, preventing the ham balls from falling apart during cooking. They also contribute additional moisture, ensuring the meatballs remain tender and moist.
- Crushed Pineapple: The tropical heart of the recipe! You’ll need an entire can of crushed pineapple, and it’s vital to reserve the juice after draining. The fruit itself adds bursts of sweet and tangy flavor, along with moisture, while the juice is indispensable for creating the delectable glaze. Make sure not to discard that precious pineapple juice!
Sauce Ingredients: The Sweet & Tangy Glaze
The sticky, sweet, and savory glaze is what truly elevates these ham balls. Each ingredient plays a vital role:
- Tomato Soup: Unconventional but brilliant! Condensed tomato soup provides a robust, savory, and slightly acidic base that perfectly balances the sweetness of the other sauce ingredients, creating that classic sweet and sour profile. It adds a wonderful depth of umami and a smooth consistency.
- Brown Sugar: A key element for the sauce’s sweetness and rich caramel notes. Brown sugar not only sweetens the glaze but also helps it achieve that desirable sticky, glistening finish as it bakes. Without it, the glaze wouldn’t have its signature irresistible appeal.
- Dry Mustard: This pantry staple adds a subtle pungent kick and a layer of savory complexity to the sauce. It doesn’t make the sauce taste “mustardy” but rather enhances the overall flavor profile, providing a gentle warmth and sharpness that cuts through the sweetness. You can typically find it in the spice aisle.
- Soy Sauce: Used for its salty, umami-rich depth, soy sauce adds another dimension of savory flavor and contributes to the glaze’s beautiful color. I always opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control the overall saltiness of the dish, but regular soy sauce works too.
- Pineapple Juice: Remember that reserved juice from the crushed pineapple? Here’s where it shines! It forms the tropical, sweet, and tangy foundation of the glaze, infusing it with authentic pineapple flavor.
- Cornstarch: This is our essential thickening agent. Mixed with a bit of water, cornstarch ensures the sauce becomes beautifully thick and glossy, clinging perfectly to each ham ball during baking, creating that delicious glazed effect.
- Water: Used to create a slurry with the cornstarch, ensuring it dissolves smoothly into the sauce without lumps.
Is Ground Ham the Same as Ground Pork?
No, ground ham and ground pork are not the same, and using both is key to this recipe’s unique flavor! Ground pork is raw, uncured pork meat that has been ground, offering a mild, fresh pork flavor. Ground ham, on the other hand, comes from cured pork (often smoked or salted) that has then been ground. This curing process gives ham its distinctive salty, savory, and slightly sweet flavor. The combination of both in this recipe provides the ideal balance: the richness and tenderness of fresh pork blended with the deep, complex, and iconic taste of cured ham, creating a more dynamic and flavorful meatball.
How to Make Hawaiian Ham Balls: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ever wondered how to make these irresistible ham balls from scratch? It’s surprisingly simple! With just a few straightforward steps, you’ll have a batch of delicious Hawaiian ham balls ready to enjoy in no time. For even more precise measurements and a detailed recipe card, please scroll down.
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking. While the oven warms up, gather your meatball ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground ham and ground pork. Add the graham cracker crumbs, whisked eggs, and the drained crushed pineapple. Use your hands to gently, but thoroughly, mix all the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher meatballs.
Step 2: Form the Ham Balls
Once the mixture is ready, it’s time to form your ham balls. For consistent sizing, which aids in even cooking and a beautiful presentation, use a 1/3 cup measuring cup to scoop the meat mixture. Gently roll the scooped portions into evenly sized balls. This larger size is ideal when you plan to serve them as a main course alongside rice. If you’re aiming for smaller, appetizer-sized ham balls, a standard cookie scoop (about 1.5 to 2 tablespoons) works perfectly. Arrange the formed ham balls in a single layer in a shallow baking dish, leaving a little space between each one.
While your ham balls rest momentarily, let’s prepare the irresistible pineapple glaze.
Step 3: Bake the Ham Balls and Prepare the Glaze
Now, let’s get those ham balls baking! Place the baking dish with the formed ham balls into your preheated oven. Bake them uncovered for 30 minutes. This initial bake helps them firm up and develop a light crust. While the ham balls are in the oven, it’s the perfect time to whip up the flavorful glaze. In a separate small bowl, combine the reserved pineapple juice, the entire can of tomato soup, brown sugar, dry mustard, and soy sauce. In a tiny separate bowl or cup, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry. Add this cornstarch slurry to the sauce mixture and whisk everything until it’s well combined and smooth. The slurry will ensure your sauce thickens beautifully without any lumps.
Step 4: Glaze and Finish Baking
After the initial 30 minutes of baking, carefully remove the ham balls from the oven. Now, evenly pour the prepared sweet and tangy sauce over all the ham balls in the baking dish. Ensure each ham ball is generously coated in the luscious glaze. Return the dish to the oven and continue baking for another 30 minutes. For an even more intense flavor and sticky glaze, gently baste the ham balls with the sauce in the pan about halfway through this second baking period (after 15 minutes). This ensures they are thoroughly coated and caramelized.
Finally, after a total baking time of one hour, check the internal temperature of the ham balls using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should register 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71°C) to ensure they are safely cooked. Once they reach this temperature, carefully remove them from the oven. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving, which helps the juices redistribute. Serve these delightful retro ham balls warm, either as a captivating appetizer with toothpicks, or as a hearty main meal generously spooned over a bowl of steaming rice.
LOVE IT? PIN IT!
Don’t let this incredible old-fashioned recipe get lost in the shuffle! Make sure to save it so you can easily find it the next time a craving for sweet and tangy ham balls strikes. Pin this recipe to your favorite Pinterest recipe board now before you navigate away! It’s perfect for future meal planning and entertaining.
Expert Tips for the Best Hawaiian Ham Balls
Achieve perfection with your Hawaiian Ham Balls every time by following these helpful tips:
- Grinding Your Own Ham: If you’re using cubed ham (like leftover holiday ham or a fresh piece from the deli), a food processor is your best friend. Cut the ham into 1-inch pieces and pulse it in batches until it has a consistency similar to ground meat. Avoid over-processing, which can turn it into a paste. This method ensures you get the freshest ground ham and helps prevent waste!
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can compact the meat, resulting in tough ham balls instead of tender ones. Gentle handling is key.
- Evenly Sized Balls: Using a scoop (either a measuring cup for meal-sized or a cookie scoop for appetizer-sized) is crucial for creating uniformly sized ham balls. This ensures they cook evenly, preventing some from being undercooked while others are overcooked.
- Storage and Leftovers: Cooked Hawaiian Ham Balls store beautifully! Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. They are fantastic reheated gently in the microwave or a low oven, and the flavors often deepen overnight.
- Freezing for Future Enjoyment: These ham balls are excellent for meal prepping and freezing.
- To freeze uncooked ham balls: Form the balls and arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
- To freeze cooked ham balls: Allow the baked and glazed ham balls to cool completely. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container with some of the sauce. Freeze for up to four months. Reheat from frozen in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, or thaw overnight and reheat in the microwave or oven.
- Serving Suggestions: While rice is a classic accompaniment, these ham balls also pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, a simple green salad, or steamed vegetables like green beans or asparagus. For an appetizer, consider serving them with toothpicks and garnishing the platter with fresh parsley or extra pineapple chunks.
- Adjusting Sweetness: The recipe’s sweetness is balanced by the savory and tangy elements. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can slightly reduce the amount of brown sugar, tasting as you go.
Other Recipes You Will Love with Tropical Flavors
If you’re utterly captivated by the vibrant and refreshing world of tropical flavors, just like these Hawaiian Ham Balls, then you’re in for a treat! I’ve curated a collection of other fantastic recipes that bring that sunny, island-inspired taste to your kitchen. Be sure to explore these delicious options and keep the tropical vibes going strong in your culinary adventures. Here are just a few more recipes you’ll definitely want to check out:
- Bacon-Wrapped Recipes
- Tropical Sparkling Cocktail (pictured above, perfect for pairing!)
- Aloha Sausage Bites
- Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple Glaze
- Hawaiian Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches
- Tropical Chicken Nachos
- Piña Colada Fluff
- Honey Baked Ham
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get mixing and whip up a batch of these tempting tropical meatballs! They’re sure to bring a taste of paradise to your table. 
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Print Recipe
Hawaiian Ham Balls
Equipment
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Zyliss Comfort Utility Knife
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9×13 Pyrex Baking Dish with a Lid
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KitchenAid Renewed 3.5-Cup Food Chopper
Ingredients
- For the meatballs
- 2 pounds ground ham
- 2 pounds ground pork
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1 20 ounce can crushed pineapple, drained, juice reserved
- For the sauce
- ½ cup reserved pineapple juice
- 1 10 ounce can tomato soup
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon dry mustard
- 1 Tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 Tablespoons water
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C).
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In a large bowl, combine the ground ham and pork along with the graham cracker crumbs, eggs, and drained crushed pineapple. Mix gently until well combined, being careful not to overmix. Use a 1/3 cup measuring cup to scoop the meat mixture, then roll to form evenly sized balls. (For appetizer size, use a large cookie scoop for smaller balls.)
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In a separate small bowl, mix together all the sauce ingredients: reserved pineapple juice, tomato soup, brown sugar, dry mustard, and soy sauce. In a tiny cup, whisk cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then add to the sauce mixture and whisk until smooth.
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Place the ham balls in a shallow baking dish (a 9×13-inch pan works perfectly) in a single layer. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
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After 30 minutes, remove the dish from the oven. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the ham balls. Return to the oven and continue baking for 30 minutes more. For an extra rich glaze, baste the ham balls with the sauce in the pan after about 15 minutes of this second baking period.
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Once the total baking time of one hour is complete, check the internal temperature of the ham balls. They should reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71°C). Once cooked through, remove them from the oven.
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Serve these delicious ham balls warm! Enjoy them over a bed of rice as a satisfying meal, or arrange them on a platter with toothpicks as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Notes
Nutrition