Easy Freezer-Friendly Ham Balls (Gluten-Free Option) are perfect if you like fabulous make-ahead recipes that pretty much everyone loves! They are perfect for the holidays, family gatherings, or days when you don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. 

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To make the MEATBALLS you’ll need:

• 2 pounds pre-cooked ground ham (GF Option: use gluten-free ham)
• 1 pound lean ground beef (uncooked)
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 eggs, slightly beaten
• 1/2 cup tomato juice
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1 cup dried bread crumbs (GF Option: use gluten-free bread crumbs)

To make the TOPPING you’ll need:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar (I like Bragg apple cider vinegar)
• 2 teaspoons dried mustard

Mix it Up

First, mix the ground ham, ground beef, pepper, eggs, tomato juice, milk, and cracker crumbs together.

You can use a spoon, however, I find it best to knead the ingredients together using my hands. I like to use disposable plastic gloves because I think it’s more sanitary and it keeps my hands and my fingernails clean.

Next, to help keep the ham balls uniform in size use a large cookie scoop (I use a 2.5-inch scoop) to scoop the mixture into balls. Place the ham balls onto a parchment paper-lined large baking pan with sides. Set the pan aside.

Topping

To make the topping, whisk the brown sugar, vinegar, and mustard together until well combined. Using a basting brush generously coat the top of each ham ball with the topping.

Bake

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake uncovered for 1 hour. (NOTE: Baking time will vary if making smaller/larger ham balls.) Remove the ham balls from the oven and serve. One recipe yields approximately 24 ham balls. 

Fyi… Other recipes you may enjoy are Versatile Meatballs and BBQ Turkey Meatballs For a Crowd (GF).

Freeze

To freeze the ham balls for use later, line a large baking pan with parchment paper. Place ham balls in rows in the pan. (NOTE: Do not add the topping at this time!) Lightly cover with saran wrap and place in the freezer. 

When ham balls are frozen solid, remove them from the pan, place them into a freezer bag, and back into the freezer for use later. 

Easy Freezer-Friendly Ham Balls (Gluten-Free Option) freeze well up to 2 months. 

Bake Later

When you are ready, remove the desired amount of ham balls from the freezer bag, place them in a lightly greased baking dish, and allow the ham balls to thaw completely. 

Before baking, make the topping and evenly brush it onto the top of the ham balls. 

Bake at 350 degrees F. for 1 hour. Serve hot. 

I personally like to serve these delicious ham balls on a pretty serving platter alongside Old Fashioned German Potato Salad, Easy Cucumber Onion Salad, Easy Cinnamon Rolls, and Grandma’s Favorite Apple Pie. 

Yield: 24 Ham Balls

Easy Freezer-Friendly Ham Balls (Gluten-Free Option)

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Additional Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

A delicious make-ahead entree that everyone loves.

Print

Ingredients

• MEATBALLS:
• 2 pounds pre-cooked ground ham (GF Option: use gluten-free ham)
• 1 pound lean ground beef (uncooked)
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 eggs, slightly beaten
• 1/2 cup 100% tomato juice
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1 cup dried bread crumbs (GF Option: use gluten-free bread crumbs)
• TOPPING:
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar (I prefer Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar)
• 2 teaspoons dried mustard

Instructions

1. Mix ground ham, ground beef, pepper, eggs, tomato juice, milk, and dried bread crumbs together. Using a 2.5-inch scoop, form the mixture into balls. Place ham balls onto a parchment paper-lined large baking pan with sides; set aside.
2. Whisk together brown sugar, vinegar, and mustard. Brush mixture evenly over the top of each ham ball.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake uncovered for 1 hour. (Note: Baking time will vary if making smaller/larger ham balls.)
4. Remove from oven. Serve hot.

Notes

To freeze: Line a large baking pan with parchment paper. Place ham balls in rows in the pan. (Do not add topping at this time.) Lightly cover with saran wrap and place in the freezer. When ham balls are frozen solid, place them in a freezer bag and back into the freezer for use later. When ready, remove the desired amount of ham balls from the freezer bag, place in a lightly greased baking dish; thaw. Make topping and brush evenly over the top of ham balls. Bake as directed.

Enjoy! 

Linda

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