Amish Ham Loaf Recipe
This Amish Ham Loaf Recipe blends ground ham and beef with a rich brown sugar glaze, creating a sweet and savory dish perfect for family dinners. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this classic Amish comfort food is sure to become a favorite.
8 Servings
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
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the cracker or bread crumbs with an equal amount of gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure that the vinegar and mustard used are certified gluten-free.