Ham Loaf is a delicious and comforting dish that brings together the savory flavors of ground ham and pork, combined with a sweet and tangy glaze that perfectly balances the rich meat. This classic recipe is a wonderful alternative to traditional meatloaf, offering a unique taste that’s especially popular during the holidays or for family gatherings. The loaf is seasoned with a mix of brown sugar, mustard, and breadcrumbs, providing a moist and tender texture that’s enhanced by the flavorful glaze. Easy to prepare and bake, Ham Loaf is a satisfying main course that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad, making it a hearty and wholesome meal everyone will love.
Ingredients:
For the Ham Loaf:
- 1 pound ground ham
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for added flavor)
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the Ham Loaf Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground ham, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, onion powder, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Shape the Loaf:
- Transfer the ham mixture to the prepared loaf pan, pressing it down gently to shape it evenly. Alternatively, shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on a greased baking sheet.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey until smooth.
- Apply the Glaze:
- Pour half of the glaze over the ham loaf, spreading it evenly with a brush or spoon.
- Bake the Ham Loaf:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. After 30 minutes, remove the loaf from the oven and pour the remaining glaze over the top. Return to the oven and continue baking for the remaining time, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest and Serve:
- Let the ham loaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with additional glaze drizzled over the top, if desired.
Ham Loaf is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings a touch of tradition and comfort to your table. Its combination of savory and sweet flavors, along with its tender texture, makes it a delightful main course for any family meal.
