Slow Cooker Amish Brown Sugar Ham Balls for Easy Dinners Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of ground cloves or cinnamon to the sauce. These warm spices complement the sweetness of the brown sugar and the savory notes of the ham perfectly.

If the sauce appears too thin after the cooking time, remove the lid for the final 20 minutes of cooking on high to allow for some evaporation and thickening.

When serving, consider pairing these ham balls with a side that can absorb the extra glaze, such as mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.

The contrast between the savory ham and the sweet, tangy sauce makes this dish versatile enough to accompany a variety of side dishes. Keep the sauce warm in the slow cooker until you are ready to serve to ensure the best texture.

Variations

• Spicy Ham Balls: Add one tablespoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato soup mixture for a pleasant heat that balances the sweetness of the brown sugar.
• Pineapple Glaze: Stir in a half-cup of crushed pineapple with its juice into the sauce mixture before cooking to add a bright, tropical note to the traditional ham ball flavor.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them to an airtight container.

Keep the ham balls and the excess sauce together in the container to prevent the meat from drying out while in the refrigerator. Proper storage in a sealed container will maintain the quality of the glaze and the tenderness of the meat for several days.

These ham balls can be prepared in advance by assembling the raw ingredients in the slow cooker insert, covering it, and refrigerating it for up to 24 hours before cooking.

When ready, simply place the insert into the slow cooker base and start the cooking process. This is an excellent way to save time on busy days, as the flavors will have even more time to develop while the meat is marinating in the sauce.

Serving ideas

Serve the ham balls hot, directly from the slow cooker or transferred to a warmed serving dish. Ensure that each serving includes a generous amount of the thickened tomato and brown sugar glaze. The combination of the tender meat and the sweet, tangy sauce is best enjoyed when served alongside complementary sides that balance the richness of the dish.

Provide sides such as steamed green beans, roasted root vegetables, or a crisp green salad. These accompaniments help to cut through the sweetness of the glaze. If serving a larger group, you can keep the slow cooker on the 'keep warm' setting, which will maintain the perfect serving temperature for up to two hours during a gathering.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Amish Brown Sugar Ham Balls for Easy Dinners

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 12 large ham balls
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp dry mustard
• 10 3/4 oz condensed tomato soup
• 1 tbsp vinegar

Instructions

1. Place the ham balls in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Ensure they are arranged evenly to allow for uniform cooking throughout the process.
2. Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar and dry mustard over the ham balls. In a separate bowl, whisk together the condensed tomato soup and vinegar, then pour the mixture over the balls.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours. Once finished, ensure the internal temperature of the ham balls reaches 160°F (71°C). Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Contains: mustard

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

18 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

12 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

28 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.