Ham Loaf
A cherished Midwestern classic, this ham loaf features a savory blend of ground ham and pork, baked with a sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze. It's pure comfort food, perfect for a family dinner.
For 8 servings
7 steps. 75 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat oven and prepare pan
- a.Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- 2
Combine the loaf ingredients
- a.In a large bowl, add the ground ham, ground pork, crushed saltine crackers, milk, beaten egg, chopped onion, and black pepper. Using your hands, gently mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender.
- 3
Form the loaf and begin baking
- a.Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan and gently shape it into an even loaf. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- 4
Prepare the glaze
- a.While the loaf is baking, whisk together the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and dry mustard powder in a small bowl until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- 5
Glaze the loaf and continue baking
- a.After the initial 30 minutes, carefully remove the loaf from the oven. Pour half of the glaze evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 35 minutes.
- 6
Apply final glaze and finish
- a.Pour the remaining glaze over the loaf and bake for a final 10 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the center reads 160°F (71°C).
- 7
Rest and serve
- a.Remove the ham loaf from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist loaf. Slice and serve warm.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, ask your butcher to grind a cooked ham steak or do it yourself in a food processor. Avoid overly processed canned ham.
- 2Do not overmix the meat mixture. Combine gently with your hands only until the ingredients are incorporated to prevent a dense, tough loaf.
- 3A meat thermometer is the best tool to ensure the loaf is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) without overcooking.
- 4Letting the loaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing is essential. It helps the loaf hold its shape and retain its juices.
- 5Leftovers are excellent in sandwiches the next day, either cold or reheated.
- 6You can assemble the loaf a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then add 10-15 minutes to the total baking time.
Adapt it for your goals.
Glaze
Add 1/4 cup of crushed pineapple (drained) to the glaze for a classic sweet and fruity flavor profile.
BinderBinder
Substitute the saltine crackers with panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for a slightly different texture.
ShapeShape
For faster cooking and more glazed surface area, form the mixture into two smaller free-form loaves on a baking sheet or divide into a muffin tin for individual portions.
SpiceSpice
Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the glaze for a warmer, more aromatic flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Combining ham and pork provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle growth, and overall body function.
Rich in B Vitamins
Pork is a natural source of B vitamins, particularly Thiamin (B1) and Niacin (B3), which are crucial for converting food into energy and supporting nervous system health.
Provides Essential Minerals
This dish offers important minerals like selenium, a powerful antioxidant, and phosphorus, which is vital for bone and tooth health.
Frequently asked questions
A single slice of this ham loaf (approximately 1/8th of the recipe) contains around 440-460 calories, depending on the fat content of the pork and ham used.