Pressure-Cooker Cherry Bourbon Ham Balls

Total Time

Prep: 45 min. Cook: 15 min. + releasing

Makes

5 dozen

Updated: Apr. 26, 2023
In my book, meatballs and bourbon are must-haves at any gathering. These clever party bites combine the two favorites to kick up the fun and flavor of your buffet. My family members are big fans. —Joyce Moynihan, Lakeville, Minnesota
Pressure-Cooker Cherry Bourbon Ham Balls Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 fully cooked boneless ham steak (1-1/4 pounds)
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 cup soft marble rye bread crumbs
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
  • 2 teaspoons ground mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) pitted tart cherries, undrained
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup yellow mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup bourbon

Directions

  1. Cut ham into 2-in. pieces; place in a food processor. Process until ground; transfer to a large bowl. Add ground pork, bread crumbs, eggs, onion, ground mustard and pepper; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 1-1/2-in. balls.
  2. Place trivet insert in a 6-qt. electric pressure cooker. Place meatballs on trivet, overlapping as needed. Combine undrained cherries, sugar, mustard and Worcestershire sauce; pour over meatballs. Lock lid; close pressure-release valve. Adjust to pressure-cook on high for 15 minutes. Allow pressure to release naturally. Remove meatballs; keep warm. Remove trivet.
  3. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and bourbon until smooth; add to cooking juices in cooker. Select saute setting and adjust for low heat. Simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened, 1-2 minutes. Serve sauce with meatballs.
Soft Bread Crumbs
To make soft bread crumbs, tear bread into pieces and place in a food processor or blender. Cover and pulse until crumbs form. One slice of bread yields 1/2 to 3/4 cup crumbs.

Nutrition Facts

1 meatball with about 1 teaspoon sauce: 39 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 120mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.