Ham loaf is a delicious, hearty dish that combines ground ham and pork with flavorful seasonings and a sweet glaze. It’s a fantastic alternative to traditional meatloaf and perfect for family dinners or special occasions. If you’ve ever wondered how to cook ham loaf to get that perfect balance of juicy, tender meat and a sticky, flavorful glaze, you’re in the right place! Let’s walk through everything you need to know to make a mouthwatering ham loaf from scratch.
What Is Ham Loaf?
Ham loaf is essentially a meatloaf made primarily with ground ham and often mixed with ground pork or other meats. It’s seasoned with ingredients like mustard, ketchup, onions, and sometimes spices like smoked paprika. The loaf is then baked and topped with a sweet and tangy glaze-usually made from brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, and pineapple juice or crushed pineapple. The glaze caramelizes during baking, giving the ham loaf a beautiful, appetizing finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a typical ingredient list for a classic ham loaf:
– Ground ham (about 2 pounds)
– Ground pork (about 1 pound)
– Eggs (2 large)
– Mustard (2 tablespoons, yellow or Dijon)
– Ketchup (1/2 cup)
– Onion (finely chopped, about 2/3 cup)
– Graham cracker crumbs (or you can use bread crumbs, about 1 ½ cups)
– Milk (about 1 ½ cups)
– Smoked paprika (for sprinkling on top)
For the glaze:
– Brown sugar (1 ½ cups)
– White vinegar (1/2 cup)
– Mustard (1 teaspoon)
– Crushed pineapple with juice (8 ounces)
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Ham Loaf
1. Prepare the Meat Mixture
Start by mixing your ground ham and pork in a large bowl. Add the eggs, mustard, ketchup, chopped onion, graham cracker crumbs, and milk. Mix everything thoroughly-using your hands works best to get an even blend. The crumbs and milk help keep the loaf moist and tender.
2. Shape the Loaf
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a loaf pan. Press the meat mixture firmly into the dish, shaping it into a loaf. You can make one large loaf or two smaller ones if you prefer quicker cooking. Sprinkle smoked paprika over the top for a little extra flavor and color.
3. Bake the Loaf (First Phase)
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the loaf with foil and bake it for about 30 minutes to start cooking the meat through.
4. Make the Glaze
While the loaf is baking, combine the brown sugar, white vinegar, mustard, and crushed pineapple in a saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring often until it boils. Let it boil for about one minute to thicken slightly, then remove it from the heat.
5. Glaze and Finish Baking
Remove the foil from the loaf and spoon or brush the glaze evenly over the top. Return the loaf to the oven uncovered and bake for another 60 to 70 minutes. Baste the loaf with additional glaze every 20 minutes or so to keep it moist and flavorful. The loaf is done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Rest and Serve
Once baked, let the ham loaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, making each slice juicy and tender. Serve warm with any remaining glaze spooned over the top.
Tips for the Best Ham Loaf
– Use quality smoked ham: The flavor of your ham loaf depends heavily on the ham you choose. Opt for a heavily smoked ham for the best taste.
– Don’t skip the glaze: The sweet and tangy glaze is what makes ham loaf special. It adds moisture and a beautiful caramelized finish.
– Check the temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the loaf is cooked safely but not overdone. Aim for 160°F in the center.
– Customize your loaf: Feel free to add spices like cloves or smoked paprika to suit your taste. Some recipes even add pineapple juice to the meat mixture for extra moisture and flavor.
– Make smaller loaves: If you’re short on time, shaping two smaller loaves can reduce baking time.
Variations to Try
– Glazed Ham Loaf with Pineapple: Add crushed pineapple inside the meat mixture or top the loaf with pineapple rings before glazing.
– Spicy Ham Loaf: Add a bit of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the meat mixture for a kick.
– Cheesy Ham Loaf: Mix shredded cheese into the meat mixture or sprinkle on top before baking.
Ham loaf is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a simple glaze, you can create a meal that’s perfect for weeknights or holiday dinners. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the juicy, sweet, and savory flavors of homemade ham loaf!
Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Ham loaf is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that combines savory ham and pork with a sweet glaze for a perfect family meal.