Ham Sauerkraut Balls

Authentic German Ham Sauerkraut Balls Recipe

Region / culture: Germany | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Ham Sauerkraut Balls are a delicious and savory appetizer that are perfect for any gathering or party. These crispy and flavorful balls are made with ground ham, sauerkraut, cream cheese, and a variety of seasonings. They are then coated in bread crumbs and fried to perfection.

History

The origins of Ham Sauerkraut Balls are a bit unclear, but they are believed to have originated in Germany or Eastern Europe. Sauerkraut has been a staple in German cuisine for centuries, and it is often paired with ham in various dishes. The combination of ham and sauerkraut is a classic flavor profile that is loved by many.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) ground fully cooked ham
16 oz (454 g) can sauerkraut, drained and chopped
0.25 cup finely chopped white onion
0.75 cup + 2 tbsp dry bread crumbs, divided
3 oz (85 g) cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp prepared mustard
0.25 tsp garlic powder
0.13 tsp pepper
0.5 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs
0.25 cup milk
oil for deep fat frying

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine ham, sauerkraut, onion, and 2 tbsp of the bread crumbs.
In another bowl, combine cream cheese, parsley, mustard, garlic powder, and pepper. Stir into sauerkraut mixture and chill for at least one hour or overnight.
Shape the mixture into balls and coat with flour.
In a small bowl, beat eggs and milk together.
Dip the ham balls into the egg mixture, then roll them in the remaining bread crumbs.
Heat oil to 375°F (191°C) in a deep fat fryer or electric skillet and fry the balls until golden brown. Drain well.

Variations

Add chopped pickles or jalapenos for an extra kick.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss.
Substitute ground pork or chicken for the ham.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain and chop the sauerkraut well to remove excess moisture.

- Chilling the mixture before shaping into balls helps the flavors meld together.

- Be sure to coat the balls in flour before dipping them in the egg mixture to ensure a crispy exterior.

- Fry the balls in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Ham Sauerkraut Balls with a side of mustard or a creamy dipping sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Frying is the best cooking technique for this recipe to achieve a crispy exterior.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground turkey or beef instead of ham for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the mixture for the balls ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to fry.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Ham Sauerkraut Balls on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Ham Sauerkraut Balls with a cold beer or a glass of white wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Ham Sauerkraut Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Ham Sauerkraut Balls contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Ham Sauerkraut Balls contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Ham Sauerkraut Balls contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Ham Sauerkraut Balls contains approximately 12 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Ham Sauerkraut Balls are a good source of vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream cheese) and gluten (bread crumbs).

Summary

Ham Sauerkraut Balls are a well-rounded appetizer that provide a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They also offer a variety of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Ham Sauerkraut Balls are a delicious and savory appetizer that are perfect for any occasion. With a crispy exterior and a flavorful interior, these balls are sure to be a hit with your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it. It was a cold winter day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that I had found at a flea market. As soon as I came across the page for Ham Sauerkraut Balls, I was intrigued. The combination of flavors sounded unique and delicious, and I knew that I had to make them.

I had never heard of Ham Sauerkraut Balls before, but the recipe seemed straightforward enough. The ingredients were simple – ham, sauerkraut, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings. I had all of the ingredients on hand, so I decided to give it a go.

I followed the recipe to a tee, mixing the chopped ham and sauerkraut with breadcrumbs, eggs, and a few spices. The mixture came together easily, and I was soon rolling it into balls and placing them on a baking sheet. I popped the balls into the oven and waited anxiously for them to cook.

When the timer went off, I pulled the Ham Sauerkraut Balls out of the oven and took a bite. The flavor was incredible – savory and tangy, with a hint of sweetness from the ham. I knew that I had stumbled upon a winner.

I shared the Ham Sauerkraut Balls with my family, and they were a hit. Everyone loved the unique combination of flavors, and they quickly became a favorite in our household. I made them again and again, perfecting the recipe with each batch.

As I continued to make Ham Sauerkraut Balls, I started to experiment with different variations. I added in some diced onions and garlic for extra flavor, and I tried using different types of ham for a twist. Each batch was delicious in its own way, and I loved the creative process of coming up with new combinations.

Over the years, I had the opportunity to share my Ham Sauerkraut Balls with friends and neighbors. They were always a hit at potlucks and parties, and I loved seeing the smiles on people's faces as they took their first bite. It was incredibly satisfying to know that something I had created brought joy to others.

As time went on, I started to think about where the recipe for Ham Sauerkraut Balls had come from. I had stumbled upon it by chance in that old cookbook, but I wondered about its origins. I decided to do some research and see if I could uncover the story behind the recipe.

After some digging, I discovered that Ham Sauerkraut Balls were a traditional dish in certain regions of Eastern Europe. The combination of ham and sauerkraut was a classic one, and the addition of breadcrumbs and eggs helped to bind everything together. It was a dish that had been passed down through generations, with each family putting their own unique spin on it.

I was fascinated by the history of the recipe, and it made me appreciate it even more. I felt a connection to the generations of cooks who had come before me, all of whom had lovingly prepared Ham Sauerkraut Balls for their families. It was a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

As I continued to make and share my Ham Sauerkraut Balls, I thought about the journey that had led me to this recipe. It had started with a simple curiosity and a desire to try something new. And now, it had become a beloved dish that brought joy to those around me.

I knew that I would continue to make Ham Sauerkraut Balls for years to come, passing down the recipe to future generations. It was a reminder of the importance of tradition and family, and of the simple pleasure that comes from sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. And who knows, maybe one day my own grandchildren will come across the recipe for Ham Sauerkraut Balls and feel the same sense of excitement and inspiration that I did all those years ago.