Ham loaf is the perfect dish to make over the holidays when you’re likely to have leftover ham on hand. It’s savory, smoky, and a delicious change of pace!
If your family loves meatloaf, give this ham loaf a try! It’s full of delicious flavors and pairs well with veggies, rice, pasta, and salads.
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What Is Ham Loaf?
Ham loaf is a baked meat dish that’s made with ham, ground pork, bread crumbs, and seasonings. It’s quite similar to meatloaf but has its own distinctive flavor. It’s typically topped with a sweet glaze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- very finely diced ham
- ground pork
- onion
- butter
- egg
- seasoned bread crumbs
- milk
- ground black pepper
- brown sugar
- dijon mustard
- cider vinegar
How to Make Ham Loaf
- Cook the onion in butter for 5-6 minutes or until tender. Let cool completely.
- Combine all of the loaf ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well until combined.
- Place the loaf on a parchment paper lined pan and form into an 8″x 4″ loaf. Bake at 350°F for about one hour or until the internal temperature of the loaf reaches 160°F.
- Combine the topping ingredients and evenly spread over the top of the loaf during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
- Let the loaf rest for 5-7 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips and Tricks
- The ham should be very finely diced before mixing.
- Ensure that the cooked onion has completely cooled before mixing it with the meat.
- Let the cooked ham loaf rest for a few minutes before slicing.
How Long To Cook Ham Loaf
Ham loaf typically takes about an hour to cook. The best way to check for doneness is to use an instant-read thermometer. The ham loaf is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. To reduce the cooking time, divide the ham loaf into two smaller pans or use muffin tins.
Can You Freeze Ham Loaf?
Yes, ham loaf freezes well. After cooking, allow the ham loaf to cool. Slice into desired portion sizes and tightly wrap in waxed paper or plastic wrap. Place the loaf into freezer safe containers and freeze for up to three months. When ready to use, defrost the ham in the fridge overnight and then heat in the microwave until fully heated through.
How Do I Cook A Store Bought Ham Loaf?
Preheat the oven to 350⁰F. Remove the ham loaf from the packaging and place on a foil or parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake until an instant-read thermometer reaches 160⁰F. This will take 1-1½ hours, depending on whether the ham loaf was thawed or frozen.
Glazed Ham Loaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups very finely diced ham
- 1 pound ground pork
- ½ onion finely diced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 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 the oven to 350°F.
- Cook the onion in butter for 5-6 minutes or until tender. Let cool completely.
- Combine all of the loaf ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well until combined.
- Place the loaf on a parchment paper lined pan and form into an 8″x 4″ loaf. Bake for about one hour or until the internal temperature of the loaf reaches 160°F.
- Combine the topping ingredients and evenly spread over the top of the loaf during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
- Let the loaf rest for 5-7 minutes before slicing and serving.
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