Sauerkraut Ham Balls

Name: Sauerkraut Ham Balls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 5 dozen.
Cuisine: German Appetizers, German Recipes
Ingredients: 1 pound ground fully cooked ham; 1 jar (16 ounces) sauerkraut, drained and chopped; 1/4 cup finely chopped onion; 2 tablespoons plus 3/4 cup dry bread crumbs, divided; 3 ounces cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley; 1 tablespoon prepared mustard; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/8 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 to 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup whole milk; Oil for deep-fat frying

Cooking is something I've always enjoyed...particularly when I'm doing it for people who enjoy eating! This dish is such a family favorite that I'll buy a ham sometimes just so I can make. I'm a city bus driver who likes to swap recipes with passengers. My husband and I have two sons, 20 and 18.

Ingredients

1 pound ground fully cooked ham
1 jar (16 ounces) sauerkraut, drained and chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons plus 3/4 cup dry bread crumbs, divided
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 to 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1/4 cup whole milk
Oil for deep-fat frying

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the ham, sauerkraut, onion and 2 tablespoons bread crumbs. In another bowl, combine the cream cheese, parsley, mustard, garlic powder and pepper; stir into sauerkraut mixture. Chill for 1 hour or overnight.
Shape into 3/4-in. balls; coat with flour. In a small bowl, beat eggs and milk. Dip ham balls into the egg mixture, then roll in the remaining bread crumbs.
In a deep-fat fryer or electric skillet, heat oil to 375°. Fry ham balls until golden brown; drain on paper towels.

Editor's note: Recipe can be made into larger balls and served as a main dish.

Originally published as Sauerkraut Ham Balls in Country Woman March/April 1994

Reviews

Click stars to rate

Average Rating:

Laconis

Jan 7, 2011

Hats off on this recipe. These are the best Kraut balls we ever had. I made them for New Year's Day and my family loved them!!! The only thing I didn't do was put in the parsley because I didn't have it. Making them up again today. If you want a great recipe try this one, there great and easy :)