Sweet and Sticky Ham Balls with Sweet and Sour Glaze | CookOS

Sweet and Sticky Ham Balls

Name: Sweet and Sticky Ham Balls with Sweet and Sour Glaze
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sleeve graham crackers (about 1 cup crumbs); 1 cup cooked ham, diced; 1 lb ground beef; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup milk; salt, to taste; black pepper, to taste; 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed tomato soup; 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 tbsp yellow mustard; butter, for greasing

Sweet and Sticky Ham Balls are a Midwestern classic that combines ground ham and beef with graham cracker crumbs, then bakes them in a tangy sweet and sour glaze made with tomato soup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.

🌍American 🏷️Ham balls 🏷️Meatballs 🏷️Appetizer 🏷️Dinner Midwestern

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Total

1h 15m

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$23–$38

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by dinnerin321

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Ingredients

1 sleeve graham crackers (about 1 cup crumbs)
1 cup cooked ham, diced
1 lb ground beef
1 large egg
1/4 cup milk
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
1 (10.75 oz) can condensed tomato soup
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tbsp yellow mustard
butter, for greasingoptional

12 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers until they form fine crumbs. Transfer the crumbs to a large mixing bowl.
3
Add the diced cooked ham to the food processor and pulse until finely ground. Add the ground ham to the bowl with the graham cracker crumbs.
4
To the bowl, add the ground beef, egg, milk, salt, and pepper.
5
Using your hands, gently mix all ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6
Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter.
7
Form the meat mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and arrange them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
8
In a separate bowl, prepare the sauce. Whisk together the condensed tomato soup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and yellow mustard until smooth.
9
Pour the sauce evenly over the meatballs in the baking dish, using a spatula to ensure each one is coated.
10
Bake for 1 hour, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and thickened.
11
Every 20 minutes during baking, spoon some of the sauce from the bottom of the pan over the top of the meatballs to keep them moist and glazed.
12
Remove from the oven, let rest for a few minutes, and serve warm.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Don't skip mixing the glaze ingredients thoroughly—unblended brown sugar creates dry spots. Stir well before pouring over balls.
Bake in a shallow dish so the glaze reduces and clings to the balls instead of pooling at the bottom. Stir halfway through baking for even coating.
Let the baked ham balls rest 5 minutes before serving; the glaze will set slightly and be less runny on the plate.
Use packed brown sugar when measuring to avoid a dry, gritty glaze that won't stick properly.

Substitutions

Ground ham → ground pork or a mix of pork and beef (adjust salt, as ham is pre-salted)
Apple cider vinegar → white vinegar or distilled vinegar (1:1 ratio; taste may be slightly sharper)
Brown sugar → white sugar or honey (use 3/4 cup honey to account for extra moisture)
Condensed tomato soup → tomato sauce mixed with 1/4 cup water (adds tanginess; omit if you prefer sweeter glaze)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooled ham balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a 325°F oven for 15–20 minutes, covered, or in the microwave with a splash of water to restore the glaze.

Common Questions

Can I make ham balls ahead of time?

Yes. Form and refrigerate unbaked ham balls up to 24 hours ahead, or freeze them on a tray and transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to baking time.

What can I use instead of graham crackers?

Crushed saltines, panko breadcrumbs, or crushed cornflakes work as binders. Use the same amount (about 1 cup) for consistent texture.

How do I know when ham balls are done?

They're done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the glaze is thick and sticky, usually 45–50 minutes in a 350°F oven.

Can I scale this recipe up?

Yes. Double or triple the ingredients and use a larger baking dish; increase baking time by 10–15 minutes depending on batch size. Stir glaze occasionally to ensure even coating.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, because graham crackers contain wheat. Substitute gluten-free graham crackers or use crushed gluten-free cereal, and verify your canned tomato soup is certified gluten-free.