{"id":104716,"date":"2018-01-01T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-09-15T01:13:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/origin-www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/iowa-ham-balls\/"},"modified":"2024-01-29T16:24:22","modified_gmt":"2024-01-29T22:24:22","slug":"iowa-ham-balls","status":"publish","type":"recipe","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/iowa-ham-balls\/","title":{"rendered":"Ham Balls"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>If you grew up in the Midwest, ham balls might have been on the menu for Easter or Sunday dinner. And if you didn&#8217;t, this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/regional-foods-to-order-online\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/regional-foods-to-order-online\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">iconic regional food<\/a> could become your new favorite meatball recipe! This recipe is as delicious as it is unique. It features a ground ham-and-beef mixture bound together with graham crackers. These crisp, honeyed crackers might seem like an odd addition to a savory recipe, but bear with us. Graham crackers give ham balls their characteristic sweetness, and they pair perfectly with salty ham to create a delightful twist on a classic meatball.<\/p>\n<p>The ham balls (also known as &#8220;Iowa ham balls&#8221;) bake in a sweet-tangy tomato sauce that\u2019s somewhat reminiscent of a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/mom-s-meat-loaf\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/mom-s-meat-loaf\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">meat loaf<\/a> glaze. The sauce\u2019s light acidity adds depth to the meatballs. Meanwhile, the molasses-rich brown sugar complements the graham cracker flavor to tie the whole dish together. You\u2019ll want to spoon up every last bite of this sticky-sweet sauce.<\/p>\n<h2>How to Make Ham Balls<\/h2>\n<p>Like other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/marvelous-meatball-recipes\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/marvelous-meatball-recipes\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">meatball recipes<\/a>, ham balls are easy to make. However, depending on where you live, it may be difficult to find ground ham. Some butchers will grind boneless ham for you, but there are several ways to grind meat a home. Many <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/best-stand-mixer-models\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/best-stand-mixer-models\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">stand mixers<\/a> offer grinding attachments, and you can use a food processor to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/how-to-grind-beef-without-a-grinder\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/how-to-grind-beef-without-a-grinder\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">grind meat without a grinder<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>You can make ground ham with leftover ham, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/grilled-ham-steak\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/grilled-ham-steak\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">ham steak<\/a> or a store-bought boneless ham roast. For bone-in ham, remove the meat from the bone, then cut the meat into 1-inch cubes. Chill it in the freezer for about 30 minutes. (Chilled meats grind more easily, and they have a better texture once ground.) Finally, pulse the cubes in a food processor until they reach the consistency of ground beef.<\/p>\n<h2>Ingredients for Ham Balls<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Ground ham<\/strong>: Ground ham is an essential ingredient in this ham ball recipe. It gives the meatball mixture its rich, salty and savory flavor.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ground beef<\/strong>: Ground beef adds flavor and texture to the ham balls. You can use any type of ground beef. Our advice for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/which-ground-beef-is-best-for-burgers\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/which-ground-beef-is-best-for-burgers\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">best ground beef for burgers<\/a> also applies here: Lean ground beef works just fine, but an 80\/20 blend will be juicier and more flavorful.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Eggs and milk<\/strong>: You\u2019ll find this combination in most meatball and meat loaf recipes. Eggs and milk are binding ingredients that hold the other ingredients together.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Graham cracker crumbs<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/best-graham-crackers\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/best-graham-crackers\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">Graham cracker<\/a>\u00a0crumbs are another binding ingredient. They absorb moisture from the eggs and milk to help the meatballs hold their shape. They also add a lovely sweetness that\u2019s unique to Iowa ham balls.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tangy tomato sauce<\/strong>: These ham balls bake in a sauce made with undiluted <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/best-canned-tomato-soup\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/best-canned-tomato-soup\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">tomato soup<\/a>, vinegar, brown sugar and prepared mustard. It glazes the ham balls with a sweet-tangy flavor and gives them a gorgeous hue.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Directions<\/h2>\n<h3>Step 1: Shape the ham balls<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-1950201\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Ham-Balls_FT23_3176_ST_1213_1.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"Mixing meat with ingredients \" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Preheat the oven to 325\u00b0F. In a large bowl, mix together the ground ham, ground beef, eggs, milk and graham cracker crumbs.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-1950202\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Ham-Balls_FT23_3176_ST_1213_2.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"making balls out of meat mixture\" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Scoop the mixture using a 1\/3 cup measure, and shape into 2-inch balls. Place the balls in two large shallow roasting pans.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 2: Prepare the tangy tomato sauce<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-1950203\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Ham-Balls_FT23_3176_ST_1213_3.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"Making Sauce for ham balls\" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>In a large bowl, whisk together the tomato soup, vinegar, brown sugar and mustard.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-1950204\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Ham-Balls_FT23_3176_ST_1213_4.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"Pouring sauce over ham balls\" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Pour the sauce over the ham balls.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 3: Bake the ham balls<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-1950205\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Ham-Balls_FT23_3176_ST_1213_5.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"Ham Balls served in a large bowl\" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Bake for one hour, basting frequently with sauce.<\/p>\n<p><em>Editor\u2019s Tip<\/em>: Cook ham balls until they reach a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/food-safe-cooking-temperatures\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/food-safe-cooking-temperatures\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">food-safe cooking temperature<\/a> of 160\u00b0F.<\/p>\n<h2>Recipe Variations<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Change up the crackers:<\/strong> If sweet meatballs aren&#8217;t your thing, swap in Ritz crackers or saltine crackers for the graham crackers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Make pineapple-glazed ham balls:<\/strong> Skip the tangy tomato sauce, and make the sauce with crushed pineapple or pineapple juice instead. You can use the glaze from our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/brown-sugar-pineapple-ham\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/brown-sugar-pineapple-ham\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">pineapple-glazed ham<\/a> as inspiration.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use ground pork instead of beef:<\/strong> Substitute ground pork for some (or all) of the ground beef. Just don&#8217;t skip the ground ham, because this recipe simply isn&#8217;t the same without it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How to Store Ham Balls<\/h2>\n<p>Store ham balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat ham balls in the microwave, or gently simmer them in the sauce on the stovetop, until they reach an internal temperature of 165\u00b0.<\/p>\n<h2>Ham Balls Tips<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-1950208\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Ham-Balls_FT23_3176_ST_1213_8.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"Ham Balls served on plates with beverage\" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Is ground ham the same as ground pork?<\/h3>\n<p>There is a big difference between ground ham and ground pork. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/ground-pork-recipes\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/ground-pork-recipes\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">Ground pork<\/a> is made by grinding raw cuts of pork, usually from the pork shoulder. Ground ham, on the other hand, is made from a fully cooked, brined <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/how-to-choose-the-best-ham\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/how-to-choose-the-best-ham\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">type of ham<\/a> known as city ham. The meat is not raw, and it has a salty, seasoned flavor from the curing process.<\/p>\n<h3>What to serve with ham balls?<\/h3>\n<p>As a main course, this ham ball recipe can be served with your favorite <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/vintage-side-dishes-your-dinner-rotation-is-missing\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/vintage-side-dishes-your-dinner-rotation-is-missing\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">vintage side dishes<\/a>, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/loaded-red-potato-casserole\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/loaded-red-potato-casserole\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">loaded red potato casserole<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/parmesan-roasted-broccoli\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/parmesan-roasted-broccoli\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">Parmesan roasted broccoli<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/cauliflower-au-gratin\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/cauliflower-au-gratin\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">cauliflower au gratin<\/a>. You can also serve ham balls as an appetizer. Simply place them on a platter with toothpicks, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/how-to-keep-food-warm\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/how-to-keep-food-warm\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">keep them warm for a party<\/a> in a slow cooker.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Don&#8217;t worry if you&#8217;ve never heard of ham balls. They&#8217;re well known in the Midwest for their unique sweet-tangy flavor, and they may just become your new favorite meatball.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7954,"featured_media":1949875,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"tags":[304272,303971,304162,307308,304328,304292,305487,304430,304338,304515,303966,304538,307320,307389,304408,304368,303887,306848,304347,304268,307307,306279,304553,307383,304558,324623,304323,304560,304563,304150,303883,304353],"categories-v2":[259484,308500,309439,310347,308988,308319,308984,308481,308305,310796,308830,308992,308880,308495,308900,310362,310418,308813,308745,308478,309603,308998,259483,310342,312134,308908,310410,308910,309177,308315,308915,308917,309434,308476,309005],"coauthors":[50034],"recommended_recipes":[{"post_title":"Amish Ham Balls ","post_link":"\/recipes\/ham-balls-with-brown-sugar-glaze\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Ham-Balls-with-Brown-Sugar-Glaze_EXPS_THD16_6835_07B_27_6b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Pineapple Ham Balls","post_link":"\/recipes\/pineapple-ham-balls\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps2282_CW1438C31C.jpg"},{"post_title":"Apricot Ham Balls","post_link":"\/recipes\/apricot-ham-balls\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Apricot-Ham-Balls_EXPS_THCA17_34018_C11_03_5b-3.jpg"},{"post_title":"Ham Buns","post_link":"\/recipes\/ham-buns\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps351_TH1423C31B.jpg"},{"post_title":"Glazed Ham Balls","post_link":"\/recipes\/glazed-ham-balls\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps11013_CW10065C33D.jpg"},{"post_title":"Ham-Cheddar Cheese Ball","post_link":"\/recipes\/ham-cheddar-cheese-ball\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Ham-Cheddar-Cheese-Ball_EXPS_FRBZ22_38212_GNS_03_25_7b_v2-3.jpg"},{"post_title":"Ham & Chicken Rolls","post_link":"\/recipes\/ham-chicken-rolls\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Ham-Chicken-Rolls_exps39017_SD143204B12_04_3bC_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Ranch Ham Roll-Ups","post_link":"\/recipes\/ranch-ham-roll-ups\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps21744_TH10301D64-6.jpg"},{"post_title":"Hot Ham Hoagies","post_link":"\/recipes\/hot-ham-hoagies\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps10238_TH10039C64.jpg"},{"post_title":"Sauerkraut Ham Balls","post_link":"\/recipes\/sauerkraut-ham-balls\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Sauerkraut-Ham-Balls_EXPS_TOHD24_1965_AbbeyLittlejohn_9.jpg"},{"post_title":"Ham Loaf","post_link":"\/recipes\/ham-loaf\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Ham-Loaf_EXPS_FT22_4076_F_0324_1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Stuffed Ham Rolls","post_link":"\/recipes\/stuffed-ham-rolls\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps16369_CS1242C22.jpg"},{"post_title":"Country Ham Sandwiches","post_link":"\/recipes\/country-ham-sandwiches\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Country-Ham-Sandwiches_EXPS_FT23_25769_ST_1219_8.jpg"},{"post_title":"Fried Ham Cubes","post_link":"\/recipes\/fried-ham-cubes\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps29620_TH952496D57B-2.jpg"},{"post_title":"Cream Cheese Ham Roll-Ups","post_link":"\/recipes\/cream-cheese-ham-roll-ups\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Cream-Cheese-Ham-Roll-Ups_EXPS_FT24_11236_JR_0103_3.jpg"},{"post_title":"Ham Biscuits","post_link":"\/recipes\/ham-biscuits\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Ham-Biscuits_EXPS_CIMZ19_33277_B01_08_3b-1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Meatball Hoagies","post_link":"\/recipes\/meatball-hoagies\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Meatball-Hoagies_EXPS_DOBZ21_9748_E08_10_6b_v2.jpg"},{"post_title":"Sausage Balls","post_link":"\/recipes\/sausage-balls\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/recipeFallback.jpg"},{"post_title":"Creamy Ham Rolls","post_link":"\/recipes\/creamy-ham-rolls\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps4818_CT2064C22.jpg"},{"post_title":"Ham Barbecue","post_link":"\/recipes\/ham-barbecue\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps32700_SD950750D24B-11.jpg"}],"acf":{"long_pin":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/Iowa-Ham-Balls_EXPS_FT23_3176_ST_1213_7.jpg","long_pin_file":false,"ncv_override_generic_settings_option":false,"ncv_autoplay_option":"","ncv_stickyplay_option":"","ncv_ads_option":"","ncv_mute_option":"","ncv_comscore_option":"","ncv_autoplay_mobile_option":"","ncv_viewable_threshold_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_option":"","ncv_autopause_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_mobile_option":"","ncv_autopause_mobile_option":"","ncv_sticky_mobile_option":"","ncv_remove_player_option":false,"ncv_moat_option":""},"recipe_schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Recipe","@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/iowa-ham-balls\/","name":"Ham Balls","datePublished":"2018-01-01","dateModified":"2024-01-29","prepTime":"PT15M","cookTime":"PT60M","totalTime":"PT01H15M","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Iowa-Ham-Balls_EXPS_FT23_3176_ST_1213_7.jpg","height":1200,"width":1200},"recipeCategory":["Appetizers","Dinner","Snacks"],"description":"Don't worry if you've never heard of ham balls. They're well known in the Midwest for their unique sweet-tangy flavor, and they may just become your new favorite meatball.","recipeIngredient":["3-1\/2 pounds ground ham","1-1\/2 pounds ground beef","3 large eggs, beaten","2 cups whole milk","3 cups graham cracker crumbs","2 cans (10-3\/4 ounces each) tomato soup, undiluted","3\/4 cup vinegar","2-1\/2 cups packed brown sugar","1 teaspoon prepared mustard"],"recipeInstructions":[{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Shape the ham balls","text":"Preheat the oven to 325\u00b0F. In a large bowl, mix together the ground ham, ground beef, eggs, milk and graham cracker crumbs. Scoop the mixture using a 1\/3 cup measure, and shape into 2-inch balls. Place the balls in two large shallow roasting pans.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Ham-Balls_FT23_3176_ST_1213_1.jpg?fit=700,1024"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Prepare the tangy tomato sauce","text":"In a large bowl, whisk together the tomato soup, vinegar, brown sugar and mustard. Pour the sauce over the ham balls.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Ham-Balls_FT23_3176_ST_1213_3.jpg?fit=700,1024"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Bake the ham balls","text":"Bake for one hour, basting frequently with sauce. Editor\u2019s Tip: Cook ham balls until they reach a food-safe cooking temperature of 160\u00b0F.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Ham-Balls_FT23_3176_ST_1213_5.jpg?fit=700,1024"}],"recipeYield":"15 servings","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Lindsay D. Mattison"}],"nutrition":{"@type":"NutritionInformation","calories":" 632 calories","fatContent":"29g fat (10g saturated fat)","cholesterolContent":"128mg cholesterol","sodiumContent":"1671mg sodium","carbohydrateContent":"60g carbohydrate (46g sugars","fiberContent":"1g fiber)","proteinContent":"32g protein."},"aggregateRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":4.75,"reviewCount":12,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5},"review":[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2019-02-05","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"DianaFuller"},"reviewBody":"I have made this specific recipe for over 20 years. No reason to look for a better one. I observe them fresh and also froze them before cooking. They are very forgiving!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2025-02-23","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Paulette266"},"reviewBody":"<p>Make these for holidays all the time<\/p>","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2013-04-15","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Reneegade1"},"reviewBody":"Wow this was a hit at my Easter family gathering.  The hard part of the recipe is expecting the butcher to grind up a ham, well I learned they don't.  So I used my Kitchenaid attachment to grind meat and it worked perfectly.  I cooked the meatballs in the oven in glasspans ahead of time. The day of the party I transferred them to a slow cooker and made more sauce to add to the slow cooker.  I did change the recipe and did not use as much sugar.  I think I used 1.5 cups instead of the 2.5 cups.  I also substituted the ground beef with ground turkey instead.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2018-05-15","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"AmandaBeeding"},"reviewBody":"These are delicious! I made them for a Christmas get together and everyone loved them. They were gone right away and I even tripled the batch, we have big get togethers and big eaters. I accidentally bought cinnamon graham crackers but threat didn't effect the flavor. Must try these. They are a little sweet but delicious!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2017-05-07","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"2124arizona"},"reviewBody":"I  love these ham balls. They remind me of my cousin's ham loaf! Yum","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2010-11-16","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"shanehoover013"},"reviewBody":"WOW!!!!!AWESOME HAM BALLS!!!!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2015-10-05","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"cathycraig"},"reviewBody":"TOH......is the calories really over 600 calories for one two inch ball? Thanks","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2013-12-24","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"cre8ivecook"},"reviewBody":"Well living in Phoenix now for two decades nothing helps cure homesick at holidays like back in Iowa Ham balls (grandma famous stuff yourself family favorite) all I can say is in IOWA we DONT USE BEEF  but correctly ground pork (shoulder) but I do like this version with more egg than grandma's. Also if you want balls a bit less sweet is to substitue one cup Ritz crackers for one cup graham crackers. Crisler\/favorite side to use the extra gravy on top of cream cheese loaded mashed potatoes..YUM!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2014-11-22","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"rushing31"},"reviewBody":"Well first off we live in Georgia so not sure if we are drawn to the same spice as this was WAY to sweet for our liking.  We went with the ground turkey and a slice and serve ham that I ground myself.  Also the texture was a lot looser than I expected.  It just didn't have that snap that a good meatball has.  I would give this a 2 1\/2 star meaning it was ok.  It was edible but not enjoyable for us.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":2,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2013-02-08","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Snowbaby_4"},"reviewBody":"Reminds me of when I ws a child!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2012-06-26","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"ellieroene"},"reviewBody":"I only made 1\/2 of the sauce because I only had 1 can of tomato soup and it was still fine, in fact my husband liked them not so saucey.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2011-06-28","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Angelique177"},"reviewBody":"What a wonderful, budget friendly recipe. I used apple cider vinegar with 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar. Also great use for leftover ham!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}}]},"video":{"data":{"status":204},"message":"No shortcode found in recipe"},"rms_legacy_id":"3176","romance_copy_dek":"Don't worry if you've never heard of ham balls. 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