Sweet and Savory Glazed Ham-Raisin Meatballs

Glazed Ham-Raisin Balls Recipe

Cook Time: 50 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Description

Indulge in the delectable flavors of these Glazed Ham-Raisin Balls, a perfect blend of savory pork and the subtle sweetness of raisins. This easy-to-make recipe is a delightful treat for both main courses and appetizers, making it an excellent choice for family meals or entertaining guests.

Recipe Category

Pork

Keywords

Fruit
Meat
Kid Friendly
< 60 Mins
Oven
Small Appliance
Easy

Ingredients and Quantities

1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1 large egg
2/3 cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
1/8 cup vinegar
1/8 teaspoon dry mustard
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/4 cup ground ham
1/4 cup raisin bran

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 1025.6 kcal
Fat Content: 50.8 g
Saturated Fat Content: 19.6 g
Cholesterol Content: 295.7 mg
Sodium Content: 1591.3 mg
Carbohydrate Content: 90.7 g
Fiber Content: 3.9 g
Sugar Content: 46.9 g
Protein Content: 54.6 g

Yield

8-10 meatballs

Instructions

Mix Ingredients
- In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the ground ham, ground pork, raisin bran, evaporated milk, egg, finely chopped onion, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Ensure that all ingredients are well combined to form a cohesive mixture.
Shape Meatballs
- Shape the mixture into 8-10 meatballs, using about 1/4 cup of the mixture for each meatball. If you prefer making them as appetizers, shape the meat mixture into 1 to 1 1/2-inch bite-sized balls.
Prepare Baking Pan
- Place the formed meatballs into an 8x11x1 1/2-inch baking pan, arranging them evenly.
Bake Meatballs
- Bake the meatballs, uncovered, in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
Prepare Glaze
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, vinegar, and dry mustard. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Glaze and Bake Again
- After the initial baking time, remove the meatballs from the oven and pour the prepared glaze over them. Return the meatballs to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes. Baste the meatballs with the glaze once or twice during this final baking period to ensure they are well-coated and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
- These Glazed Ham-Raisin Balls can be served as a main course, yielding about 2-3 servings. They can also be served as appetizers by shaping them into smaller bite-sized portions and adjusting the baking times accordingly.
Enjoy!
- Allow the meatballs to cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a side dish of your choice, such as mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad.

Tips for Success

Uniform Sizes: Ensure that the meatballs are of uniform size to guarantee even cooking.
Basting: Basting the meatballs with the glaze during the final baking period is crucial for a rich, flavorful coating.
Adjusting Sizes: If making smaller, bite-sized meatballs for appetizers, monitor the baking times closely to avoid overcooking.

Variations

Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.
Fruit Alternatives: Substitute raisin bran with chopped dried apricots or cranberries for a different flavor profile.
Glaze Alternatives: Experiment with different glazes, such as honey mustard or a simple balsamic reduction, to create unique flavor combinations.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration: Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat the meatballs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or in the microwave for a quick meal.

Conclusion

These Glazed Ham-Raisin Balls are a delightful fusion of savory and sweet flavors, perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and incredibly versatile, they can be adapted to suit your taste preferences and serving needs. Enjoy these meatballs as a main dish or a delectable appetizer, and watch them become a favorite in your recipe collection.