Are Fareway Ham Balls Precooked?

Fareway ham balls are a beloved staple in many households, especially across the Midwest. Their savory blend of ham, pork, and spices makes them an ideal appetizer or entree for any occasion. But one question that often comes up is – are Fareway ham balls sold precooked? Let’s take a closer look at what gives these ham balls their delicious flavor and texture, and whether they require any cooking before enjoying.

What are Fareway Ham Balls?

For those not familiar, Fareway ham balls are a ready-to-eat product sold at Fareway grocery stores. They contain a blend of smoked ham and ground pork mixed with breadcrumbs, seasonings, and spices. The result is a savory, bite-sized meatball with a tender and moist interior.

Fareway ham balls have a signature flavor and texture that has made them a longtime favorite. They strike the perfect balance between the smoky saltiness of ham and the rich, meaty flavor of pork Seasonings like garlic and black pepper add even more depth

These tasty appetizers are a staple at potlucks, tailgates, and parties, especially in the Midwest where Fareway stores operate. Their convenience, versatility and crowd-pleasing taste makes them a go-to choice for any gathering.

Are Fareway Ham Balls Sold Precooked?

The good news is yes Fareway ham balls are fully cooked and ready to enjoy straight from the package. This makes them an incredibly convenient option for appetizers snacks, or quick meals.

Fareway smokes and cooks the ham balls to an internal temperature of 165°F prior to packaging. This ensures they are cooked through and safe to eat as soon as you purchase them.

The ham balls come sealed in vacuum packaging that keeps them fresh. All you need to do is open the bag and warm them up as desired – no precooking required! This makes Fareway ham balls an ideal choice when you need an appetizer or entree with little effort.

Tips for Reheating Fareway Ham Balls

While Fareway ham balls don’t require precooking, you’ll still want to reheat them before serving for the best flavor and texture. Here are some quick and easy tips for warming up ham balls:

• Oven: Place ham balls on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

• Microwave: Microwave ham balls on a microwave-safe plate for 30 seconds at a time until hot, checking after each interval.

• Saucepan: Heat ham balls in a saucepan over medium heat with a bit of butter or oil until warmed through, 5-10 minutes.

• Crockpot: Place ham balls in a crockpot with a small amount of barbecue sauce or broth. Cook on Low for 2-3 hours.

• Grill: Thread ham balls onto skewers and grill over medium heat for 6-8 minutes until marks appear. Brush with glaze or sauce.

• Air Fryer: Air fry ham balls at 370°F for 4-6 minutes, shaking halfway. Brush or toss with sauce to finish.

Serving Ideas for Fareway Ham Balls

The versatility of Fareway ham balls makes them easy to incorporate into a variety of recipes and dishes:

• Appetizer platter with assorted sauces for dipping
• Slider sandwiches on mini buns with cheese and condiments
• Added to pasta salads, green salads, or grain bowls
• Scattered on top of pizzas, nachos, baked potatoes, etc.
• Skewered and served with vegetables and dip or melted cheese
• Baked into casseroles, egg bakes, and other dishes
• Served in soups, chilis, and stews for added protein

However you choose to serve them, you can count on Fareway ham balls to satisfy any crowd thanks to their signature precooked flavor. Their convenience and versatility make them a smart choice for effortless appetizers and meals.

Making Homemade Ham Balls

While Fareway’s precooked ham balls are wonderfully convenient, you can also try making homemade ham balls for a from-scratch approach. Here is a simple recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground ham or pork
• 1⁄2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1⁄4 cup milk
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1⁄2 tsp onion powder
• 1⁄4 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except eggs. Mix well.

3. Add eggs and stir until fully incorporated. Mixture should be sticky enough to form into balls.

4. Form mixture into 1-inch balls and arrange on prepared baking sheet.

5. Bake for 18-20 minutes until browned and cooked through.

6. Remove from oven and brush with your desired glaze or sauce.

7. Serve warm. Enjoy!

Adjust the seasonings to your tastes and get creative with different glazes like brown sugar, barbecue, teriyaki, etc. Homemade ham balls do require cooking time, but provide a rewarding from-scratch flavor.

The Convenience of Fareway’s Precooked Ham Balls

When it comes to easy appetizers for a crowd, it’s hard to beat the convenience of Fareway’s signature precooked ham balls. Their perfect blend of flavors and textures has made them a longtime favorite across the Midwest and beyond.

Knowing you can serve Fareway’s ready-to-eat ham balls immediately after simply warming them up saves you time and hassle. Keeping a bag in the freezer means you always have a crowd-pleasing appetizer or entree on hand for your next gathering.

So next time you need a hearty appetizer or meal that satisfies, look no further than Fareway’s delicious precooked ham balls. Their signature taste and convenience will make them an instant hit at your next occasion.