Glazed Ham Loaf

Searching for the perfect comfort food recipe that’s unique and a lot delicious? This Glazed Ham Loaf is exactly what you need.

Made with a blend of savory ham, tender ground pork, and a sweet pineapple-infused glaze, this dish delivers a big flavor while remaining simple to prepare.

Glazed Ham Loaf

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a family tradition passed down from my Grandmother Eck. Growing up, it was a staple at our Easter family dinners. It’s more than just a meal – it’s a slice of family history that brings back great memories of big family meals.

What is Ground Ham, and How is it Different from Ground Pork?

This is hands down the first asked and most common question I get when people read this recipe! Ground ham and ground pork may look similar, but they’re quite different regarding flavor and preparation. Ground ham is made from cured ham, so it has a slightly salty, smoky flavor, perfect for recipes like this one. On the other hand, ground pork is made from fresh, uncured pork, usually a combination of cuts like shoulder and belly, giving it a mild, neutral flavor.

The key to a great ham loaf is the balance between these two ingredients. The ground ham provides bold flavor, while the ground pork adds moisture and a tender texture.

You can usually find ground ham at your local butcher shop or a well-stocked grocery store – sometimes labeled as “ham loaf mix.” If It’s not available pre-ground, ask your butcher to grind a ham steak for you. Alternatively, you can pulse chunks of cooked ham in a food processor until it reaches a fine consistency

Gather The Ingredients

For the Ham Loaf:

• 1.5 pounds of ground ham
• 1.5 pounds of ground pork
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard
• 2 Tablespoons brown sugar

For The Sweet Glaze:

• 1/2 cup vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

How To Make Glazed Ham Loaf

1. Preheat Your Oven
   Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine the Ham Loaf Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground ham, ground pork, beaten eggs, graham cracker crumbs, pineapple juice, dry mustard, and brown sugar. Mix all ingredients well until everything is combined – using your hands is the best tool.
3. Shape the Loaves
   Divide the mixture in half and shape it into two evenly sized loaves. Place the loaves side by side in a 9×13-inch casserole dish, leaving a bit of space between them to allow the glaze to pool.
4. Prepare the Glaze
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the vinegar, water, brown sugar, and dry mustard until smooth. The sugar should dissolve completely, creating a sweet, tangy liquid to glaze your ham loaves.
5. Pour and Bake
   Pour the glaze evenly over the two loaves, ensuring it covers the tops and drips down the sides. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 1 1/2 hours. To achieve that signature sticky-sweet finish, baste the loaves every 20 minutes with the glaze pooling at the bottom of the dish. This helps keep the loaves moist while baking.
6. Check the Doneness
   After 90 minutes, your ham loaves should be golden brown and cooked through. A meat thermometer can be used to check internal temperature, it should read 160 degrees.
7. Rest and Serve
   Once the loaves are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for about 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice and serve warm, using the extra glaze in the bottom of the pan to drizzle on top as served.

Tips, Tricks, and Questions

Tips for the Best Ham Loaf

• Quality Ingredients Matter: The flavor of this dish hinges on the quality of the ham and pork. For the best results, opt for freshly ground meats.
• Uniform Loaves: Shaping the loaves to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly. You don’t want one side overdone while the other is overcooked.
• Don’t Skip the Basting: Basting every 20 minutes is the secret to achieving the shiny, caramelized glaze. Set a timer to remind yourself to make it easy.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the loaves and glaze a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, and pour the glaze over the loaves just before baking.

Tricks for Customizing Your Ham Loaf

• Swap the Crumbs: If you don’t have graham cracker crumbs, try using plain breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers. They will do the same job as the graham cracker crumbs, but keep in mind that they will change the flavor profile slightly.
• Add a Twist: I have never tried this, but like most loaf recipes, you can customize it to your family’s liking. Consider adding a handful of finely chopped onions or a bell pepper.
• Single Large Loaf: Would you prefer one big loaf instead of two smaller ones? That’s no problem. Adjust the bake time to about 2 hours and continue basting every 20 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What sides go best with ham loaf?
A: This goes with all the classic comfort foods like mashed potatoes and mac and cheese, but my favorite is Yum Yum Potatoes. Greenbeans are a perfect easy vegetable and a homemade dinner roll to round out the meal!

Q: Can I freeze ham loaf?
A: Yes, you can! Assemble the loaves and freeze them unbaked for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight, pour on the glaze, and bake as directed.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover ham loaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover the slices with foil and warm them in a 350-degree oven until heated through.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: You can substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure the rest of your ingredients are gluten-free. The flavor will still be delicious!