Ham Loaf with brown sugar glaze
By
Michelle Koletar/Mertz
@Mertzie
1
This is one of those staples in Central PA that I never realized is more of a local dish. My friend who moved away from here was missing ham loaf, so I sent him my recipe & am sharing. Around Central PA, you can find ham loaves at every butcher shop. Ask your butcher to grind some smoked ham for you if you cannot find it already ground up.
This is one of our favorites -- never any left over, but it is great cold as a sandwich too! I always make macaroni & cheese or scalloped potatoes with ham loaf.
This is one of our favorites -- never any left over, but it is great cold as a sandwich too! I always make macaroni & cheese or scalloped potatoes with ham loaf.
Ingredients
- 2 lb
- ground ham (i like smoked ham)
- 1 lb
- ground pork
- 1 1/2 c
- ritz crackers, crushed fine
- 1/2 c
- milk
- 1-2
- eggs, depending on size
- 1 c
- brown sugar, light
- 1 Tbsp
- white vinegar
- 1 Tbsp
- mustard or more
- 1 tsp
- honey (optional)
How to Make Ham Loaf with brown sugar glaze
- 1Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix the ham & pork together, then add the crackers, milk & egg. Mix all of this well together. (I use my hands.)
- 2Shape into a loaf or put in a loaf pan (just like meatloaf). Bake in oven.
- 3Meanwhile, make the glaze. Cook brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, & honey in a saucepan on the stove for about 10 minutes, stirring every so often.
- 4After ham has baked for 40-45 minutes, baste the loaf with half the glaze. I like to poke a few fork holes into the loaf to get the sauce all throughout. Cook for another 15 minutes & then add the rest of the glaze & bake for an additional 5-10 mins.
- 5Enjoy! This is great hot or cold. I actually prefer it cold. Note: My friend told me she adds pineapple juice to the glaze, which I think is brilliant, & another friend mentioned she puts some pineapple juice right in as she's mixing the meats, and I'll be that makes it extra juicy & delish! Going to do that next time, too. :)
