Hawaiian Pineapple Glazed Ham Balls

Embark on a culinary journey with this irresistible Hawaiian Ham Balls recipe, a delightful fusion of sweet and tangy flavors perfectly balanced with tender, savory textures. These glazed ham balls, generously coated in a luscious pineapple sauce, are a true crowd-pleaser, ideal for any occasion as a memorable appetizer or a satisfying dinner entrée. Crafted with a blend of lean ground pork, savory ham, the rich sweetness of brown sugar, juicy crushed pineapple, and the unique binding power of graham cracker crumbs, every bite promises a harmonious burst of taste that will transport your palate to a tropical paradise.

There’s a special charm to classic, old-fashioned recipes, and these Hawaiian ham balls are no exception. They evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of treasures discovered flipping through cherished family cookbooks. Often served with a distinctive sweet and sour glaze, these savory and tender pineapple-glazed ham balls have become a beloved staple, particularly in the Midwest, gracing countless parties, holidays, and family gatherings. Prepare to fall in love with their unique flavor profile and versatile appeal.

Originally hailing from the heart of Iowa, this versatile recipe effortlessly transitions from a robust main course, perhaps served alongside fluffy rice, to a delightful appetizer that perfectly kicks off any get-together. The secret to their incredible taste lies in the flawless marriage of savory ham and tropical pineapple – a combination that, much like pineapple on pizza, has a fiercely devoted following. If you’re a fan of that sweet and savory synergy, then these delightful Hawaiian ham balls are destined to become your new favorite dish.

Why You’re Going to Adore These Pineapple Glazed Ham Balls

Incredibly Versatile: One of the standout features of this Hawaiian ham balls recipe is its remarkable adaptability. Whether you envision them as the star of a family dinner, nestled on a bed of warm rice with extra chunks of fresh pineapple, or as elegant finger foods, skewered with toothpicks and presented atop vibrant pineapple rings, these ham balls shine in every role. Their flexible nature makes them a go-to for any meal or occasion.
Perfect for Entertaining: Hosting a potluck, planning a festive holiday meal, or simply inviting friends over for a casual evening? These ham balls with their rich, brown sugar glaze are guaranteed to be the highlight. Easy to prepare in advance and simple to serve, they require minimal fuss. Just arrange them beautifully, provide some toothpicks, and watch your guests flock to this irresistible treat.
Bursting with Flavor: Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of bold, tropical flavors. The magic happens through the expert blend of sweet crushed pineapple and subtly sweet graham cracker crumbs, which not only infuse the meat with an unforgettable taste but also ensure a perfectly tender texture. The sticky, savory-sweet glaze further enhances this flavor journey, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exotic.

Essential Ingredients for Your Ham Balls

Crafting these delectable Hawaiian ham balls requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients that contribute to their unique flavor and texture profile:

Ground Pork: The foundation of our ham balls. You’ll find high-quality ground pork readily available at most local supermarkets. Its mild flavor and rich texture provide the perfect base for the ham.
Ground Ham: This ingredient is crucial for that distinct ham flavor. If you’re having trouble locating pre-ground ham, don’t fret! You can easily make your own by pulsing chunks of ham in a food processor until finely ground, or simply ask your local butcher to do the grinding for you.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: An unexpected hero in this recipe! Graham cracker crumbs are not just a binder; they contribute a subtle sweetness and a tenderizing effect that makes these ham balls truly unforgettable. Honey-flavored graham crackers are an excellent choice for an added layer of sweetness.
Eggs: Eggs serve a dual purpose here, providing essential moisture and acting as a natural binding agent to ensure your ham balls hold their shape beautifully during cooking.
Crushed Pineapple: This tropical star brings both sweetness and acidity. You’ll need a can of crushed pineapple, making sure to reserve all of its delicious juice – it’s vital for our incredible glaze!

Crafting the Signature Glaze: Sauce Ingredients

The sweet and tangy glaze is what truly elevates these ham balls. Here’s what you’ll need:

Tomato Soup: Don’t be surprised! Robust and slightly savory, tomato soup forms the perfect hearty base for our sweet and sour glaze, adding depth and richness.
Brown Sugar: A non-negotiable component for that signature sweetness and caramel-like depth in the glaze. It balances the savory notes and creates a wonderfully sticky texture.
Dry Mustard: A pantry staple, dry mustard adds a subtle, pungent kick that perfectly complements the other flavors without being overpowering. It enhances the overall savory profile of the sauce.
Soy Sauce: Essential for achieving that desirable sticky, umami-rich finish. Opt for a low-sodium variety if you’re mindful of salt intake.
Pineapple Juice: Remember that reserved juice from the crushed pineapple? Here’s where it shines, providing a burst of tropical tang and natural sweetness to the glaze.
Cornstarch: Our secret weapon for a perfectly thickened sauce. Cornstarch ensures the glaze adheres beautifully to each ham ball, creating a glossy, inviting finish.
Water: Used to create a slurry with the cornstarch, ensuring a smooth, lump-free sauce.

Ground Ham vs. Ground Pork: What’s the Difference?

It’s a common question, and yes, ground ham and ground pork are distinctly different, though both are porcine products. Ground pork refers to uncured, unsmoked pork meat that has been finely chopped or minced. It’s essentially fresh pork. Ground ham, on the other hand, is made from cured and often smoked pork, typically from the leg of a hog. This curing process gives ham its characteristic salty, savory flavor and often a pinkish hue. While ground pork provides a neutral, tender base, ground ham infuses the meat mixture with its robust, cured flavor, which is essential for the traditional taste of these Hawaiian Ham Balls. You can find ground pork clearly labeled in most meat departments, while ground ham might require a special request from your butcher or a quick grind in your food processor from a cooked ham portion.

Mastering the Art of Hawaiian Ham Balls: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ever wondered how to create these wonderfully delicious ham balls from scratch? The process is surprisingly simple, requiring just a few straightforward steps to achieve a dish that tastes like it came from a gourmet kitchen. Follow these instructions, and you’ll have flavorful Hawaiian ham balls ready to impress in no time! For precise measurements and a detailed recipe, please refer to the recipe card below.

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture

Begin by preheating your oven to a steady 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). While the oven comes to temperature, grab a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, combine your ground ham and ground pork, ensuring they are well-mixed. Add the graham cracker crumbs, beaten eggs, and the drained crushed pineapple. Mix all these ingredients thoroughly until they are uniformly incorporated. This creates the foundational flavor and texture for your ham balls.

Step 2: Form the Ham Balls

Next, it’s time to shape your ham balls. For uniform, meal-sized portions, use a 1/3 cup measuring cup to scoop out the meat mixture. Gently roll and press the mixture into even, compact balls. If you’re aiming for smaller, appetizer-sized ham balls, a large cookie scoop works perfectly, allowing for bite-sized delights. Arrange these formed ham balls in a single layer in a shallow baking dish, such as a 9×13 inch pan. Set them aside briefly while you prepare the glorious sauce.

While your beautifully formed ham balls are patiently waiting, it’s the perfect moment to create the rich, sweet, and tangy sauce that will coat them to perfection.

Step 3: First Bake and Sauce Preparation

In a separate small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: the reserved pineapple juice, tomato soup, brown sugar, dry mustard, soy sauce, cornstarch, and water. Stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Before adding the sauce, place your ham balls in the preheated oven, uncovered, and bake for the first 30 minutes. This initial baking helps them set and develop a slight crust.

Step 4: Glaze and Final Bake

After the initial 30 minutes of baking, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Now, evenly pour the prepared sweet and tangy pineapple glaze over all the ham balls, ensuring each one is generously coated. Return the dish to the oven and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes. For an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful sheen, baste the ham balls with the sauce in the pan every 15 minutes during this final baking phase.

Once the full hour of baking is complete, it’s crucial to check the internal temperature of the ham balls. They should reach a safe internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. Once they’re perfectly cooked and glistening with that irresistible glaze, remove them from the oven. Serve these delightful retro ham balls immediately, either as enticing appetizers with toothpicks for easy grabbing or as a hearty main course, spooned generously over a bowl of steaming white rice. Enjoy!

Don’t Miss Out! Pin This Recipe for Later!

Loved this classic, old-fashioned Hawaiian ham ball recipe? Make sure you can easily find it for your next craving or party planning! Hit that “Pin It” button and save this delightful recipe to your favorite Pinterest recipe board. That way, these sweet and savory ham balls will always be just a click away when you’re ready to recreate their magic!

Expert Tips for Perfect Hawaiian Ham Balls

Grinding Your Own Ham: If you’re working with cubed or leftover ham, a food processor is your best friend. Simply pulse the ham until it reaches a finely ground, meat-like texture, similar to ground beef. This ensures an even consistency in your ham balls.
Storage and Leftovers: Cooked Hawaiian ham balls make fantastic leftovers! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. They reheat beautifully in the microwave or a warm oven, maintaining their delicious flavor.
Freezing for Future Feasts: These ham balls are excellent for meal prepping. After baking and cooling, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze for an hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to four months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Scaling the Recipe: This recipe is easily scalable. If you’re feeding a larger crowd, simply double or triple the ingredients. Remember to use larger baking dishes to accommodate the increased volume and ensure even cooking.
Serving Variations: While rice and toothpicks are classic, consider serving these ham balls over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or even as sliders on Hawaiian rolls for a fun twist!

Tropical Sparkling Cocktail

Explore More Tropical Delights You’ll Love!

If the vibrant, sun-kissed flavors of the tropics captured by these Hawaiian Ham Balls have won you over, then you’re in for a treat! I have an array of other fantastic recipes that celebrate those irresistible tropical notes, perfect for continuing your culinary adventure. Be sure to check out these delicious options:

Irresistible Bacon-Wrapped Recipes
Tropical Sparkling Cocktail (as pictured above, perfect with ham balls!)
Zesty Aloha Sausage Bites
Effortless Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple Glaze
Savory Hawaiian Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches
Flavorful Tropical Chicken Nachos
Creamy Piña Colada Fluff Dessert
Perfectly Glazed Honey Baked Ham

Ready to bring a taste of the islands to your table? Let’s mix up a batch of these tempting tropical meatballs and savor the amazing flavors!

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Print Recipe

Hawaiian Ham Balls

Servings: 12 meatballs

Calories: 1139 kcal per serving

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Equipment

Zyliss Comfort Utility Knife
9×13 Pyrex Baking Dish with a Lid
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

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine the ground ham, ground pork, graham cracker crumbs, eggs, and the crushed pineapple. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Use a 1/3 cup measuring cup to scoop and form evenly sized meatballs. (For appetizer size, use a large cookie scoop for smaller balls).
In a separate small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: the reserved pineapple juice, tomato soup, brown sugar, dry mustard, soy sauce, cornstarch, and water until smooth.
Arrange the formed meatballs in a single layer in a shallow 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
Carefully remove the dish from the oven. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the meatballs and return to the oven. Continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, basting the meatballs with the sauce in the pan every 15 minutes to ensure they are well coated and glossy.
After the full hour of baking, check the internal temperature of the meat. It should register 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71°C) on a meat thermometer. Once they reach this safe temperature, remove them from the oven.
Serve these delicious Hawaiian Ham Balls immediately, either over a bed of fluffy rice for a satisfying meal or with toothpicks as a delightful appetizer for your next gathering.

Notes

If you don’t have access to pre-ground ham or a meat grinder, you can easily make your own. Simply place cubed ham into your food processor and pulse until it achieves a finely ground, meat-like texture.

Nutrition