This Amish Ham Loaf Recipe is a comforting, old-fashioned favorite made with ground ham, beef, brown sugar, mustard, and a tangy glaze!
Some recipes just stick with you, don’t they? This Amish ham loaf is one of those for me. I remember the first time I had it—at a cozy little family gathering where the kitchen smelled like sweet brown sugar, tangy mustard, and warm spices. My grandma pulled this beautifully glazed loaf out of the oven, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. Was it meatloaf? Was it ham? Was it both?!
One bite in, and I was hooked. The texture was softer than meatloaf, but the flavors? Oh, they were next level. A little sweet, a little savory, and perfectly balanced with that sticky, caramelized glaze on top. It was the kind of meal that made you want to sit at the table just a little longer, maybe even go back for just one more slice.
And now, every time I make it, it takes me right back to those simple, slow Sundays—family gathered around, sharing stories over plates of warm, comforting food.
Why You’ll Love This Amish Ham Loaf Recipe?
- A Unique Twist on Meatloaf – If you love classic meatloaf but want something different, this is it.
- That Glaze, Though – The brown sugar-mustard glaze caramelizes in the oven, making every bite irresistible.
- Sweet & Savory Perfection – The balance of ham, beef, and a touch of sweetness makes this dish comforting but flavorful.
- Perfect for Holidays or Family Dinners – It’s hearty, nostalgic, and crowd-pleasing—exactly the kind of recipe you want to bring to a Sunday dinner or holiday feast.
Ingredient Notes:
Before we get into the details, let’s talk about the key ingredients that make this ham loaf so incredible.
For the Brown Sugar Glaze:
- Brown Sugar – The foundation of that sticky-sweet glaze.
- Vinegar – Adds a tangy contrast to balance the sweetness.
- Dry Mustard – Just enough warmth to keep things interesting.
For the Ham Loaf:
- Ground Ham & Ground Beef – The combo that makes this dish unique! The ham brings the sweet-savory flavor, while the beef adds richness.
- Breadcrumbs or Crackers – Helps hold everything together. Some people use crushed saltines or even panko for a little crunch.
- Eggs & Milk – Keeps the loaf moist and tender—no dry ham loaf here!
- Paprika, Salt & Pepper – Simple seasonings that enhance the flavor without overpowering it.
How To Make Amish Ham Loaf?
Step 1: Prepare the Brown Sugar Glaze
In a small saucepan, mix together brown sugar, vinegar, water, and dry mustard. Bring it to a full rolling boil, then set it aside to cool. This will give it time to thicken slightly—so when it bakes onto the loaf, it gets that beautiful caramelized finish.
Step 2: Mix the Ham Loaf Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, ¼ cup of the glaze, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. This helps distribute everything evenly before adding the meat.
Then, finely chop your ham (if it’s not already ground) and mix it with the ground beef. Add the meat to your breadcrumb mixture and gently combine—don’t overmix, or your loaf might turn out dense instead of tender.
Step 3: Shape & Bake
Shape the mixture into a firm loaf and place it in a greased baking dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
Step 4: Glaze & Finish Baking
After the first 30 minutes, baste the top of the loaf with some of the reserved glaze. Continue baking for another 40 minutes, basting occasionally to build that sticky-sweet crust.
Step 5: Rest & Serve
Want To Save This Recipe?
Once baked, let the ham loaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This is key—it helps keep all the juices locked in so every bite is flavorful and moist. Serve with extra glaze drizzled on top!
Storage Options:
Ham loaf reheats beautifully, so don’t worry if you have leftovers!
- Refrigerate: Store slices in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Microwave slices for a quick meal, or warm in the oven at 300°F to keep it from drying out.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to switch things up? Here are some fun ways to tweak the recipe!
- Use Ground Turkey Instead – A leaner option with great flavor.
- Swap the Breadcrumbs – Try Ritz crackers, panko, or crushed pretzels for a unique texture.
- Add Pineapple Juice to the Glaze – A little tropical sweetness that pairs perfectly with the ham.
- Make It Spicy – A dash of hot sauce or cayenne adds a little heat!
What to Serve with Amish Ham Loaf?
This dish is hearty and rich, so simple, classic sides work best!
- Mashed Potatoes – The ultimate comfort food pairing.
- Buttered Corn or Green Beans – Light, fresh, and slightly sweet.
- Dinner Rolls – Perfect for soaking up that extra glaze.
- Sweet Potato Casserole – If you want to lean into the sweet side!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use only ground ham?
You can, but it might be too dense and dry. The beef keeps the texture moist and tender.
How do I know when my ham loaf is done?
Use a meat thermometer—it should read 160°F in the center. No thermometer? Look for a firm texture and a golden-brown crust.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix and shape the loaf a day ahead, store it in the fridge, and bake it fresh the next day.
This Amish Ham Loaf Deserves a Spot on Your Dinner Table
If you’re looking for a new family-favorite recipe, this is it. It’s sweet, savory, easy to make, and just so incredibly satisfying.
So, have you ever tried Amish ham loaf before? Do you have a favorite twist on the recipe? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Amish Ham Loaf Recipe
Ingredients
For the Brown Sugar Glaze:
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons vinegar white or apple cider
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard or 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
For the Ham Loaf:
- 1 pound ground ham
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup milk
- ¼ cup brown sugar glaze prepared from the ingredients above
- ¾ cup cracker or bread crumbs
- ½ teaspoon salt optional
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
Prepare the Brown Sugar Glaze
- In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, water, vinegar, and dry mustard. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Ham Loaf Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, ¼ cup of the prepared glaze, cracker or bread crumbs, salt, pepper, and paprika. This ensures the ingredients are well combined before incorporating the meat.
- Finely chop or process the ground ham if it is not already finely ground. Add both the ham and ground beef to the bowl and mix gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this can create a dense texture.
Shape and Bake the Ham Loaf
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or baking dish to prevent sticking. Transfer the prepared ham mixture into the pan, shaping it into a firm loaf.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Apply the Glaze and Continue Baking
- After 30 minutes of baking, carefully remove the ham loaf from the oven. Using a basting brush, apply a generous layer of the remaining glaze over the top. Return to the oven and continue baking for an additional 40 minutes, basting occasionally for a caramelized finish.
Rest and Serve
- Once the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C), remove the ham loaf from the oven. Allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the loaf moist and flavorful.
- Serve warm with additional glaze drizzled over each slice.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
One Response
Add crushed pineapple as a topping on the loaf, baste as usual. It’s delicious then.