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.

Amish Recipe for Ham Loaf - Amish Heritage (6)

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

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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

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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? ›

Make ham loaf mixture:

Gently stir together chopped ham, cooked onion, ground pork, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, mustard, and garlic powder in a large bowl until evenly combined.

What is the origin of the ham loaf? ›

It's thought that the ham loaf recipe originated in Germany and then came to the United States as an oft-made dish in Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch communities. It was a popular menu item at church suppers and lunch counters.

What is ground ham? ›

Ground ham is different from ground pork in that it is nearly all lean — some brands will have only as little as 5% fat in them. Regular ground pork is occasionally referred to as “sweet ground pork” to contrast it with ground ham, which has more of a salty taste.

Is ham loaf healthy? ›

4 oz of ham loaf (Ready to Cook - Spartan) contains 250 Calories. The macronutrient breakdown is 2% carbs, 68% fat, and 30% protein. This is a good source of protein (32% of your Daily Value).

What is Cracker Barrel meatloaf made of? ›

Cracker Barrel's Classic Meatloaf Recipe has onions, bell peppers, cheddar cheese, buttery Ritz crackers, and the best meatloaf glaze for topping! Make this old fashioned comfort food at home and serve it with buttery biscuits or mashed potatoes!

What was meatloaf originally called? ›

American meatloaf has its origins in scrapple, a mixture of ground pork and cornmeal served by German-Americans in Pennsylvania since colonial times. Meatloaf in the contemporary American sense did not appear in cookbooks until the late 19th century.

Why was it called ham? ›

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.

Who invented the ham sandwich? ›

Here it notes that Patrick Connolly, an 18th-century Irish immigrant to England, sold a bread dish which: combined the remains of pig, cured and sliced with a topping of Leicester cheese and a kiss of egg yolk sauce (a form of mayonnaise) in a round bread roll.

What are the white balls on ham? ›

Appearance and composition of the white dots on ham

Nature: As mentioned above, the white specks in ham are crystals of tyrosine, an amino acid that results from the breakdown of proteins during the curing process.

What is a ham called before its cured? ›

Uncured ham, also labeled as "fresh ham" is the same cut as cured ham.

What is the best substitute for ham? ›

Instead of using ham or other processed meats in sandwiches, wraps and salads try:
  • BBQ chicken with skin removed.
  • Canned tuna or salmon.
  • Boiled eggs.
  • Falafel.
  • Hummus.
  • Cheese.
  • Leftover home-cooked meat such as slices of roast.
  • Home cooked rissoles.
Apr 9, 2024

What is meatloaf mix made of? ›

You can often buy meatloaf mix at the store, but if you'd rather make your own, it's simple to do. The ratio of meatloaf mix is usually 1:1:1, meaning that you'll need equal parts ground beef, ground pork, and ground veal.

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

Because most hams come with a glaze packet that typically contains added sugars and preservatives, all you have to do is add water and let it cook until thickened (per MyRecipes). However, sometimes the easy route does not yield the most delicious results.

What is packet ham made of? ›

INGREDIENTS: British Pork, Sea Salt, Demerara Sugar, Sugar, Preservatives:Sodium Nitrite, Sodium Nitrate; Antioxidant:Sodium Ascorbate. Made using 114g of pork per 100g of ham. Moisture is losst during cooking.

What is ham powder made of? ›

Ham powder is typically made from dehydrated and ground ham. It may also contain additional ingredients such as salt, sugar, spices, and preservatives to enhance the flavor and shelf life.

References

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