Amish Recipe for Ham Loaf

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.

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.

And in some Amish cookbooks, you will find "Mock Ham Loaf" recipes, which use ground hot dogs instead of ham.

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!

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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.)

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.

And 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.

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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