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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
Equipment
Ingredients
- 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 black pepper
Topping
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple 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.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Main Course
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can you use sausage for the ground pork ingredient ?
You can but it will change the flavor of the ham loaf. I would love to hear what you think of it. :)
Glazed ham loaf, was amazing and delicious and easy to make
interesting…will try. will add green olives w/Pimento sliced. definetly will grind ham, not cube serve w/ mash potatoes and asparagus
Excellent recipe, was very surprised as it had so few ingredients. I did add an extra egg as I had more meat than the recipe required. This will be my top recipe for ham loaf.
As always no matter what recipe I pick out it
always exceedes my expectations!! The ham loaf is delicious!
As always no matter what recipe I pick out it
always exceedes my expectations!!
I made an Easter Ham, and besides the main course, this recipe made the third meal I’ve made with the leftovers. Some of my family are not loaf lovers, but this one was the exception! The only tweak was I made more glaze. warmed it and covered the entire loaf before serving.
So glad you enjoyed it, Jerome!
4/4/24 – Tried this for a dinner for 4 of us. This ham loaf came out Amazing! Big Hit! Definitely a new Favorite recipe! I used about 3½ cups of leftover spiral ham that I diced and then chopped into small pieces using a manual food processor. I added about ¾ cup fresh grated Colby Jack cheese. I sauteed of a red onion in butter that I diced very small in the food processor. I used a pound of Aldi’s fresh ground pork. The topping had just the right amount of sweetness which really complimented the ham/pork flavors.
Can’t wait to try this again when we have leftover ham. May have to buy a ham to cook just to get leftovers for this recipe.