Iowa Party Bites Recipe

Are you ready to impress your guests with a crowd-pleasing appetizer? Look no further than these Iowa Party Bites. Inspired by traditional ham balls popular in the Midwest, these bite-sized delights combine savory flavors with a touch of sweetness, making them perfect for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings. The tender mini ham balls are packed with a blend of ground ham, pork, and spices, and they’re topped with a sticky, tangy glaze that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Let’s dive into how you can create this simple yet delectable dish in just under an hour.

Ingredients

For the Ham Balls:

• 1 pound ground ham
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Serves: 8-10 (approximately 30 mini ham balls)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Ham Ball Mixture:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground ham, ground pork, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, milk, black pepper, and onion powder. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly until well incorporated. The mixture should be moist but firm enough to shape.
3. Shape the Ham Balls:
   Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small gap between them.
4. Prepare the Glaze:
   In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, water, and Dijon mustard. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat.
5. Bake the Ham Balls:
   Pour the glaze evenly over the ham balls, ensuring each one is well coated. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the ham balls are cooked through and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
6. Serve:
   Transfer the ham balls to a serving platter, spooning any extra glaze over the top. Serve warm with toothpicks for easy grabbing.

Tips for Success

• Mixing Tip: Avoid overmixing the ham ball mixture, as it can make the balls tough. Mix just until the ingredients come together.
• Glaze Variation: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick or a splash of soy sauce for an umami boost.
• Make Ahead: The ham balls can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just bake and glaze them when ready to serve.

Iowa Party Bites are more than just an appetizer; they’re a guaranteed hit at any gathering. The savory and slightly sweet flavors balance perfectly, offering a nostalgic nod to classic Midwestern cuisine while staying versatile enough to please a modern crowd. With a prep and cook time of less than an hour, this recipe is a stress-free option for entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or a casual party, these ham balls are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy them as a delicious starter or pair them with sides for a complete meal.