Imagine a recipe that transports you straight to grandma's kitchen, where the aroma of perfectly seasoned meat fills the air and memories of family gatherings come flooding back. This classic ham loaf isn't just a meal—it's a delicious time machine that captures the essence of traditional American home cooking. With its irresistible combination of ground ham, pork, and a mouthwatering brown sugar-mustard glaze, this recipe promises to become an instant favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground ham
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup mustard
- 2 eggs, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x5 inch loaf pan by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground ham and ground pork. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of meats.
- Add the bread crumbs to the meat mixture. Use fresh or dried bread crumbs, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
- Pour the milk over the meat and bread crumb mixture. This helps keep the ham loaf moist and tender during baking.
- Crack the two eggs into the bowl and beat them slightly before incorporating them into the meat mixture. Mix well to bind all ingredients together.
- Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, gently pressing it down to create an even surface. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and mustard to create a glaze. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the ham loaf.
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Remove the ham loaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes slicing easier.
- Slice the ham loaf into thick servings and serve warm. Pairs well with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Use fresh ingredients: Choose high-quality ground ham and pork for the best flavor and texture.
- Don't overmix: Gently combine ingredients to keep the loaf tender, not dense.
- Temperature matters: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for food safety.
- Let it rest: Allowing the ham loaf to rest after baking helps redistribute juices, making each slice more succulent.
- Customize the glaze: Experiment with different mustard types or add a splash of honey for extra depth of flavor.
- Make ahead friendly: This ham loaf can be prepared in advance and reheated, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- Leftover magic: Slice cold ham loaf for sandwiches or dice and add to salads for a protein-packed meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
