Pineapple Ham Loaf

Pineapple Ham Loaf is a savory and slightly sweet dish that brings together the classic flavors of ham and pineapple in a delicious and comforting way. This recipe combines ground ham and pork with breadcrumbs, eggs, and a blend of seasonings to create a flavorful meatloaf that’s moist and tender. The real star of the show, however, is the pineapple glaze made with brown sugar, mustard, and pineapple juice, which caramelizes on top of the loaf as it bakes, adding a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory ham. Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any time you crave a nostalgic, homestyle meal, Pineapple Ham Loaf is sure to please with its delightful mix of flavors.

Ingredients:

For the Ham Loaf:

• 1 lb ground ham
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Pineapple Glaze:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice (reserved from the crushed pineapple)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or a baking dish.
2. Make the Ham Loaf Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground ham, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, crushed pineapple, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix until all ingredients are well combined. Do not overmix to keep the loaf tender.
3. Shape the Loaf: Transfer the ham mixture to the prepared loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on the baking dish. Press it down gently to even the top.
4. Prepare the Pineapple Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar until the sugar is dissolved and the glaze is smooth.
5. Glaze the Loaf: Pour half of the pineapple glaze over the ham loaf, spreading it evenly with a spoon or brush to cover the top and sides.
6. Bake: Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. After 30 minutes of baking, pour the remaining glaze over the loaf and continue baking until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the glaze is caramelized and bubbly.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove the Pineapple Ham Loaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and the loaf to set.

Enjoy this Pineapple Ham Loaf with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad. Its combination of savory ham and sweet pineapple glaze makes it a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion!