The Butcher Shop, Inc.

Locally Sourced Quality Food

Fried Ham and Sauerkraut Balls

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Indulge your taste buds with a unique and savory delight – Fried Ham and Sauerkraut Balls. This inventive recipe brings together the rich flavors of finely chopped ham, tangy sauerkraut, and a medley of aromatic ingredients, resulting in a mouthwatering combination that’s perfect for any occasion.

German cuisine for centuries. It was a method of preserving cabbage during the winter months. German immigrants brought sauerkraut to the United States, and it became a staple in their culinary traditions.

Ham, on the other hand, has a long history as a preserved meat. In German cuisine, ham is often used in various dishes, and it pairs well with sauerkraut.

The combination of ham and sauerkraut in a ball or croquette form is likely an adaptation or variation of traditional German recipes. Many regional dishes evolve and transform as they are passed down through generations and introduced to new cultures and ingredients. The addition of various seasonings, cheeses, and breadcrumbs to create a flavorful ball or croquette likely reflects the creativity and adaptability of home cooks and chefs.

Ingredients for Fried Ham and Sauerkraut Balls:

  • About 2 and a half cups of very finely chopped or ground ham
  • 24 ounces of drained and chopped sauerkraut
  • 1 sweet onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
  • 3 tablespoons of Panko breadcrumbs
  • 5 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Ingredients for frying them:

  • 1/2 cup of flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup of milk
  • 3/4 cup of Panko breadcrumbs
  • Crisco (enough to fill about 3 inches in the bottom of a deep frying pan or pot)

Directions:

  1. Mix the ham, sauerkraut, onion, garlic, and two tablespoons of breadcrumbs in a large bowl. Add the cream cheese, parsley, mustard, and pepper and combine with your hands.
  2. Place the mixture in a refrigerator for one hour.
  3. Remove the mixture and shape into 3/4-inch balls.
  4. Place the balls in a plastic food storage container, seal them, and freeze at least 12 hours.
  5. After the balls have been frozen for 12 hours, it’s time to add the coating. Use three deep dishes for each coating element: one for the flour, one for the eggs, and one for the Panko breadcrumbs. Dip and roll each ball into the dishes in the same order. Place onto a piece of parchment on a baking sheet or food storage container, and freeze for another 12 hours.
  6. After frozen for this second 12-hour period, it’s time to fry them! Add the Crisco to a large frying pan or deep pot. Heat the oil to 375F. (Alternatively, you can use your favorite frying oil and a deep-fat fryer appliance.) Fry a few balls at a time for about 5 minutes until the coating is golden brown.
  7. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Visit The Butcher Shop for the Healthiest Meat and Produce

Why purchase meat and produce from a grocery store that comes from who knows where? We have such excellent, fresh meat and produce available to us locally! The Butcher Shop is your one-stop shop for locally sourced meats and produce from farms right here in Southern Oregon. At TBS, you’ll find the perfect cut of meat for your meal, plus fresh-baked loaves of bread, fresh fruit and vegetables, local wine and beers, and even quality food specifically for your canine. Stop by today or call ahead to pre-order your ingredients.