This classic ham loaf recipe blends the savory richness of ground ham and fresh pork with the comforting texture of breadcrumbs and eggs, held together with milk. A sweet-and-tangy brown sugar glaze bastes the loaf as it bakes, creating a beautiful caramelized finish. A favorite in American Midwest kitchens, especially among Pennsylvania Dutch communities, this dish offers a homestyle alternative to meatloaf that’s perfect for holidays, church suppers, or Sunday dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground ham (or 1½ lbs ham + ½ lb fresh pork, ground)
- 1 cup corn flakes (or bread crumbs, or crushed crackers)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup milk
For the Sauce (to baste with):
- ⅓ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tbsp dry mustard
- ¼ cup vinegar
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Make Ham Loaf Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine ground ham and pork.
- Add corn flakes, pepper, beaten eggs, and milk.
- Mix until fully combined.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
- Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a baking dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes at 350°F.
Step 4: Prepare Glaze
- While the loaf bakes, mix brown sugar, dry mustard, and vinegar in a small saucepan.
- Warm over low heat until sugar dissolves and sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Baste and Continue Baking
- After 30 minutes of baking, baste the loaf with the glaze.
- Return to oven and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, basting occasionally.
Step 6: Serve
- Remove from oven, let rest 10 minutes, then slice and serve.
Tips
- Use fresh ground ham and pork for best texture and flavor
- Crackers can replace corn flakes if preferred, as noted on the card
- Bake in a loaf pan for neat slices or free-form for crisp edges
- Let rest 10 minutes before slicing to help it hold together
- Serve with mashed potatoes or scalloped potatoes for a classic meal
- Leftovers make excellent sandwiches the next day
- For a sweeter glaze, slightly increase brown sugar
- For a tangier sauce, use cider vinegar
- Can be assembled ahead and baked later the same day
Nutrition
Calories: 415kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 30gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 155mgSodium: 1180mgPotassium: 420mgFiber: 1.5gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 420IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2.6mg
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