Ham Loaf

The perfect combo of ground ham and pork is tender, juicy, and packed with savory flavor and texture. And it's beautifully glazed with a tangy-sweet mix of brown sugar, mustard, and pineapple juice! Truly a must-have for your next gathering.

Course dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Southern

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1 15

Total Time 1 30

Servings

Calories 632kcal

Author Imma

Ingredients

The Ham Loaf

1 tablespoon oil‌
⅓ cup onion, finely chopped
½ tablespoon garlic, minced
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
¾ cup evaporated milk
1½ pounds ground ham
1 pound ground pork
2 eggs
⅓ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon white pepper

The Glaze

¾ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon mustard
¼ cup vinegar
¼ cup pineapple juice

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F/177℃ with the rack in the middle.
Pour about a tablespoon of oil into a saucepan, and heat on medium.
Add onions and garlic, and saute for a minute or two to let the flavors bloom (be careful not to let it burn). Then let it cool.
In a small bowl, stir the breadcrumbs and milk and set aside.
In a large bowl, add ham, pork, eggs, brown sugar, paprika, salt and pepper, cooled onion mixture, and milk-soaked breadcrumbs. Mix gently until everything is combined.
Form the mixture into a firm loaf in a 9x13-inch casserole.
Mix the brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and pineapple juice in a small mixing bowl. Pour the mixture into a saucepan and simmer for about 2 minutes.
Brush half the mixture onto the loaf and bake it for 45 minutes.
Remove the loaf from the oven, brush it with the other half of the glaze, and then bake for another 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 170℉/77℃.

Notes

Refrain from over-grinding if using a food processor for a firmer loaf texture.
Substitute the brown sugar with a bit of coke for a more complex flavor.
Keep the handling of the loaf to a minimum to avoid releasing a lot of moisture. The heat from your hands could inadvertently make the loaf dry or dense.
Avoid simmering the glaze too long so the sugar doesn't get too thick.
Please remember that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.

Nutrition