Cold Ham Loaf
Cold Ham Loaf offers a savory blend of ground ham, bread crumbs, and mashed potatoes, enhanced with fresh parsley and a hint of mustard. Topped with a sweet orange-honey glaze, it makes a delightful and hearty dish perfect for a chilled appetizer or main course, ideal for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground ham, bread crumbs, mashed potatoes, beaten eggs, and parsley in a bowl.
- Sauté the small onion in margarine until tender.
- Stir in mustard, salt, and pepper into the sautéed onions.
- Add the onion mixture to the ham mixture and mix well.
- Rinse a bread pan in cold water, then pack the ham mixture into it.
- Turn out the ham loaf onto a greased shallow baking pan.
- Mix orange juice concentrate and honey to make the glaze.
- Brush the glaze over the ham loaf.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.
- Brush the loaf with the remaining orange juice mixture.
- Bake for an additional 20 minutes.
- Cool, cover, and refrigerate before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moist ham loaf, ensure the ground ham is not overly processed; coarsely ground ham gives better texture. If you don't have fresh parsley, dried parsley can be used as a substitute, but use half the amount. You can also consider adding grated cheese for extra flavor. For a different taste, swap the mustard with horseradish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cold ham loaf with a side of Bacon Coleslaw for a refreshing crunch, or enjoy it on a sandwich with lettuce and tomato. It pairs beautifully with Wilted Leaf Lettuce and a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal. For a hearty option, consider serving it alongside Texas Cowboy Chili.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cold ham loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice the loaf and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. For best results, cover with foil to prevent it from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cold Ham Loaf contains roughly 1452 calories, with 23g protein, 217g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (97% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (95% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1488mg per serving (65% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the cold ham loaf?
Yes, you can freeze the cold ham loaf. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What can I use instead of orange juice concentrate?
If you don't have orange juice concentrate, you can substitute it with an equal amount of fresh orange juice. For a different flavor, consider using apple juice or pineapple juice, but be aware that this may alter the overall taste of the glaze.
How can I make the ham loaf healthier?
To make the ham loaf healthier, consider using lean ground ham or turkey instead of regular ham. You can also replace some of the mashed potatoes with grated zucchini or carrots to increase the vegetable content without compromising texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).