Amish Recipe for Ham Loaf - Amish Heritage (2024)

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Amish Ham Loaf Recipe

Amish ham loaf is similar to a traditional meatloaf, but it has a different flavor profile since it is made with ham and a brown sugar glaze.

But this recipe for Amish Ham Loaf is also slightly different than most ham loaf recipes because it includes ground beef as well.

Amish Recipe for Ham Loaf - Amish Heritage (1)

Ham Loaf Recipe Without Ground Pork

Typically, ham loaf is made with ground ham and ground pork. But for this Amish recipe, we are using ground ham and ground beef instead of pork.

Although, if you prefer, you can use ground pork in place of ground beef. It's good either way.

In some Amish cookbooks, you will find "Mock Ham Loaf" recipes, which use ground hot dogs instead of ham. So you can use whatever ground meats you prefer. A combination of any of these works: ham, pork, ground beef, or ground hot dogs.

Pennsylvania Dutch Ham Loaf

This PA Dutch ham loaf has a bit of a different twist from the traditional meatloaf recipe. And it's nice for an occasional change.

The ham adds a good taste, along with the brown sugar and mustard glaze. And for an extra depth of flavor, we also add a bit of the glaze into the meat mixture.

So go ahead and try a new take on meatloaf with this sweet and savory ham loaf that the whole family will love!

Amish Recipe for Ham Loaf - Amish Heritage (2)

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Chopping the Ham

Baked ham loaf is very easy to make, although you will need to grind the ham.

You can use leftover ham or buy a ham steak. And grind it with a meat grinder or chopper.

I cut a ham steak into chunks and pulse it a few times in my Ninja chopper until it is about the consistency of ground beef. (You don't want mush.)

Amish Recipe for Ham Loaf - Amish Heritage (3)
Amish Recipe for Ham Loaf - Amish Heritage (4)
Amish Recipe for Ham Loaf - Amish Heritage (5)

Brown Sugar Glaze

The brown sugar and mustard glaze adds so much flavor to the ham loaf. And it tastes even better when you add a bit of the glaze into the meat mixture as well.

You'll want to start by mixing the glaze ingredients. Boil it, then set it aside to cool a bit while chopping the ham and mixing the rest of the ingredients.

Mix the eggs, milk, crumbs, salt, pepper, and about 1/4 cup of the glaze mixture. Add the meat and mix only to combine.

Shape and pack it into a loaf. Then bake immediately or cover and refrigerate it for baking later.

Bake the ham loaf, uncovered, for 30 minutes, then drizzle some of the glaze over the top. Keep basting the remaining glaze over the loaf and continue baking until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit. It takes at least an hour to 1 1/4 hr.

Do I Need to Use a Loaf Pan?

Using a loaf pan is an easy way to shape and bake a loaf, and it may help to keep it more compact, but it is not required. You can bake ham loaf in any kind of rectangular baking dish with sides.

For easy cleanup, line your baking dish with parchment paper or foil and place the meat on top. Form and tightly pack it into a loaf and bake. It should keep its shape.

Ham Loaf with Pineapple

Ham and pineapple go great together, and some ham loaf recipes include crushed pineapple in the glaze. But in this recipe, we are adding a bit of the glaze to the ham loaf, therefore, we don't add pineapple to the glaze.

However, if you would like to add some pineapple to your Amish ham loaf, feel free to add 4 oz. of crushed pineapple to the glaze after you've gotten the 1/4 cup out to add to the meat.

Or you could even just place some pineapple rings onto the top of your ham loaf before baking. Secure them in place with toothpicks.

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What Can I Serve with Ham Loaf?

Many sides go great with this PA Dutch ham loaf.

I love creamy mashed potatoes or scalloped potatoes with ham loaf. But really, almost any kind of potatoes would go great as a side. Buttered noodles would be another good option.

And, of course, salad is always great as a side, whether it be a seven-layer lettuce salad, broccoli and cauliflower salad, or coleslaw. There are many great options.

If you enjoy this recipe for Amish ham loaf, leave me a comment and a star rating down below. I'd love to hear from you.

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Amish Ham Loaf Recipe

Ham loaf is similar to traditional meatloaf, but it has a different flavor profile. This recipe is made with ground ham and ground beef and is topped with a delicious brown sugar and mustard glaze.

5 from 1 vote

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Amish

Servings 8 servings

Calories 421 kcal

Ingredients

Brown Sugar Glaze:

  • 3/4 c. brown sugar
  • 1/4 c. water
  • 2 Tbsp. vinegar
  • 1 tsp. dry mustard (or 1 Tbsp. prepared mustard)

Ham Loaf:

  • 1 lb. ground ham
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/3 c. milk
  • 1/4 c. brown sugar glaze
  • 3/4 c. cracker or bread crumbs
  • 1/2 tsp. salt (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. paprika

Instructions

Brown Sugar Glaze:

  • Mix all the ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a full rolling boil. Set aside to cool.

    3/4 c. brown sugar, 1/4 c. water, 2 Tbsp. vinegar, 1 tsp. dry mustard (or 1 Tbsp. prepared mustard)

Ham Loaf:

  • Mix eggs, milk, 1/4 c. of the glaze, crumbs, and seasonings in a large bowl.

    2 large eggs, 1/3 c. milk, 1/4 c. brown sugar glaze, 3/4 c. cracker or bread crumbs, 1/2 tsp. salt (optional), 1/2 tsp. black pepper, 1/2 tsp. paprika

  • Finely chop the ham. Add the ham and ground beef to the remaining ingredients. Mix only to combine.

    1 lb. ground ham, 1 lb. ground beef

  • Pack and shape the mixture into a loaf and bake, uncovered, at 350° for 1 - 1 1/4 hours. After baking for 30 minutes, baste some of the glaze over the top and continue basting occasionally.

  • Allow the loaf to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

  • Refrigerate any leftovers and reheat.

Notes

I use saltine crackers for my crumbs. (Crush about 16 crackers.)

Chop the ham with a food processor or meat grinder till about the same consistency as ground beef. (Leftover ham or ham steaks work great.)

If you prefer, you can use ground pork instead of ground beef.

After adding some of the brown sugar glaze to the meat mixture, feel free to add 4 oz. of crushed pineapple to the remaining glaze. Pineapple adds a nice flavor.

Ham loaf can be baked in a loaf pan or any baking dish with sides.

*Nutrition is approximate.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 421kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 27gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 118mgSodium: 387mgPotassium: 468mgFiber: 1gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 86IUVitamin C: 0.5mgCalcium: 102mgIron: 4mg

Keyword Amish recipe for Ham Loaf, PA Dutch ham loaf

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Grazyna

    Amish Recipe for Ham Loaf - Amish Heritage (12)
    Hi Anna. The thing that really appreciate in your recipes, is that you list the ingredients again under each step of the instructions. Saves time preparing the recipe without having to go back to the list. You're the only person that does that on internet and otherwise. I always wished people would do that and then.....I found you. Thank you very much. Have a great day.

    Reply

    • Anna

      Thank you for the comment. I do it, because I appreciate it myself. 🙂 Really not sure why more people don't do it.

      Reply

  2. Randy Shepps

    Hi Anna,
    I also grew up in Lancaster County. Thank you for sharing these recipes that bring back so many memories!
    Quick question though. Making the ham loaf....you call for 2 Tbsp vinegar...what kind? I have oodles in my pantry, white, apple cider, red wine....What do you recommend? I will assume apple cider until I hear back. Thanks and Merry Christmas to you and your family!!

    Reply

    • Anna

      I mostly use white vinegar, but I'm sure that apple cider vinegar would be fine too.
      And Merry Christmas to you!!

      Reply

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Amish Recipe for Ham Loaf - Amish Heritage (2024)

FAQs

What is ham loaf mix made of? ›

Ingredients
  1. cooking spray.
  2. 2 pounds ground ham.
  3. 1 ½ pounds ground pork.
  4. 1 cup dried bread crumbs.
  5. 1 cup evaporated milk.
  6. 2 large eggs.
  7. ⅛ teaspoon salt.
  8. ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper.
Mar 21, 2023

Is ground ham the same as ham loaf? ›

Ham loaf or hamloaf is a baked meat dish, similar to meatloaf, made of ground ham and ground pork and combined with other ingredients to form a loaf like shape.

Can you freeze cooked ham loaf? ›

Keep it in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, place the frozen ham loaf, still wrapped, in the fridge, and let it thaw overnight. Transfer the loaf to a baking pan, add a few tablespoons of water to help keep it moist, and cover the pan with foil.

Where did ham loaf originate? ›

Think meatloaf, only made with ham, and ground pork instead of the classic mix of ground beef, pork and veal. Ham loaf is thought to have originated with the Pennsylvania Dutch, the German-speaking immigrants who settled in and around Lancaster County in the 18th and 19th centuries.

How do you cook Gene Wenger's ham loaf? ›

Ready to beak: Fresh bake 350 degree F. -2 hrs. Frozen beak 350 degree F 2 ½ hrs. cook times may vary.

Why is it called Virginian ham? ›

The neighboring town of Smithfield, Virginia, known as the “ham capital of the world” and “Hamtown,” is one of the biggest hubs for ham production. Smithfield is also home to Smithfield Foods, a world-famous name in the food industry.

Why is ham called ham and not pork? ›

The modern word "ham" is derived from the Old English ham or hom meaning the hollow or bend of the knee, from a Germanic base where it meant "crooked". It began to refer to the cut of pork derived from the hind leg of a pig around the 15th century.

Why is sliced ham not suitable for freezing? ›

Freezing ham, is it a good idea? Freezing ham before or after cooking often causes changes in flavour and texture. Any ham, frozen and then defrosted, might look and feel spongy and may taste saltier. It may not be ideal for company and would be better used in cooked dishes, such as soups, pizza or casseroles.

Why can you not freeze cooked ham? ›

You might be wondering: can you freeze cooked ham? The answer is a resounding yes. It's not hard if you follow these steps, but bear in mind that frozen ham will lose a bit of quality in terms of texture. The flavor won't be affected.

How do you cook John F Martin and Sons ham loaf? ›

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350⁰ F. Remove ham loaf from packaging, and place on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 1-1.5 hours depending on whether the ham loaf was thawed before baking or frozen.

What is in the glaze packet that comes with ham? ›

Glaze Packet Ingredients: Sugar, Gelatin, Fructose, Honey Powder (Honey, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Wheat Starch, Corn Syrup, Soy Flour, Soy Lecithin), Paprika, Dextrose, Natural Flavors, Spices.

What are the ingredients in C loaf? ›

Ingredients. Pork, Stomachs, Water, Sodium Lactate, Salt, Spices, Sodium Diacetate.

What is pork loaf made of? ›

In addition to ground pork, the classic meatloaf includes crushed garlic and dried marjoram, breadcrumbs, and cold milk. Eggs are added for perfect consistency and texture.

What are ham balls made of? ›

Ham balls are like meatballs but with a different mixture of ground meats: ground ham, ground beef, and ground pork. The main meat is ground ham. Since ham is a cured cut of pork with a smoky quality, it contains a different flavor than ground pork alone.

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