by Holly
If you’re looking for Ham Loaf recipe that tastes just like the one granny used to make, look no further. A combination of ground ham and pork is the secret to a juicy, sweet, and tender ham loaf topped with perfect glaze!
Serve this with mashed potatoes and a fresh side salad for a perfect meal.
What Is Ham Loaf?
Ham loaf is made like a traditional meatloaf but tastes much different. It uses a combination of ground ham, ground pork and traditional meatloaf ingredients like eggs and bread crumbs.
It’s a great way to use up that leftover ham you aren’t sure what to do with!
- Ham: I use leftover ham for this recipe and give it a couple of pulses in a food processor. You can purchase ham steaks if you don’t have leftovers.
- Ground Pork: Ham is smoky and salty so the addition of ground pork balances out those flavors in addition to adding moisture.
- Binders: Egg & bread crumbs help bind the loaf so it holds its shape.
- Flavor: I add a bit of onion to this recipe for flavor. The ham already has plenty of salt so I don’t generally add extra salt. Add in your favorite seasonings, a sprinkle of dry mustard or some garlic.
- Glaze: Sweet and sticky, this is one of our favorite parts. If you have leftover ham glaze, use that instead!
How To Make Ham Loaf
While a ham loaf takes a while to bake, the actual preparation is pretty quick.
To grind ham to the best consistency, pulse just a few times in the food processor. You want small crumbles but you don’t want it to begin to get pasty. You can also use the coarse setting on a meat grinder or just grab a knife and cutting board and dice the cooked ham as finely as you can manage!
- Cook onions and combine with the remaining loaf ingredients (per recipe below).
- Form into a loaf and bake.
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Top with glaze in the final 20 minutes.
How Long To Cook Ham Loaf
A ham loaf should take approximately an hour, this can vary a bit. Ensure the loaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F using a meat thermometer.
For a shorter cook time, separating the loaf into two smaller loaves or even into cupcakes and bake like meatloaf cupcakes. Or try making ham loaf balls, similar to meatballs, for an easy appetizer idea!
Can You Freeze Ham Loaf?
You sure can! It is delicious defrosted and reheated.
- To Freeze: Slice into individual portions and tightly wrap with plastic wrap or wax paper, and place it in an airtight container. It should keep nicely for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat: Defrost in the fridge overnight and pop in the microwave to heat through.
It’s great to be able to take individual portions out for quick lunches that can be made into yummy sandwiches or even quick hors d’oeuvres when unexpected guests drop by. Try topping crackers with thinly sliced ham loaf, sliced green olives, a dollop of cream cheese, or sliced sweet pickles!
Great Leftover Ham Recipes
- Ham and Corn Chowder – creamy & rich!
- Ham Salad – just 4 simple ingredients
- Scalloped Potatoes and Ham – great for a crowd
- Ham and Cheese Sliders – the ultimate snack!
- Linguine Carbonara – ready in 15 minutes!
There are so many ways to enjoy this delicious, old fashioned favorite. Try making it tonight!
Glazed Ham Loaf
Prep Time 20 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Course Main Course
Cuisine AmericanIngredients
- ½ onion finely diced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cups ground ham or very finely diced ham
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 egg
- ⅔ cup seasoned bread crumbs
- ½ cup milk
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
Topping
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook onion in butter for 5-6 minutes or until tender. Cool completely.
- Combine all loaf ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
- Place on a parchment lined pan and form into an 8"x 4" loaf. Bake for 1 hour or until the inside of the loaf reaches 160°F.
- Combine topping ingredients and spread over the top of the loaf during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
- Rest 5-7 minutes before slicing.
