French Picnic Loaf
A hearty, flavorful meat loaf blending beef, pork, and ham, seasoned with spices and mushrooms, perfect for a satisfying picnic or casual gathering with French bread.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground pork ⓘ
- 1 lb. cooked ham, diced 1/4-inch ⓘ
- 3 c. soft bread crumbs ⓘ
- 3 large eggs ⓘ
- 2/3 c. ketchup ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 envelope onion soup mix ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground allspice ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- watercress ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except watercress and French bread in a large bowl; mix well.
- Shape into a loaf in a rectangular baking pan.
- Bake in a preheated 325°F oven until a meat thermometer inserted into the center registers 170°F, about 1 1/2 hours.
- Cool on a wire rack; refrigerate until cold.
- Garnish with watercress; serve with French bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best texture, use fresh bread crumbs made from slightly stale bread. If you prefer a leaner option, substitute ground turkey for the beef and pork. You can also add other vegetables like diced carrots or celery for extra flavor and nutrition. For a twist, consider incorporating spices from other American recipes to enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This French Picnic Loaf is best served chilled or at room temperature. Pair it with a crisp green salad or some pickles for a refreshing contrast. It also goes well with a side of crusty French bread, which helps soak up any juices. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Sue Middendorf'S Vegetable Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover French Picnic Loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for quicker reheating, but this may affect the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Picnic Loaf contains roughly 773 calories, with 32g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (94% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (84% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 782mg per serving (34% 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the loaf a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before baking, which ensures even cooking. This is especially helpful if you're planning a picnic or gathering.
Can I freeze the French Picnic Loaf?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cooked loaf for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.
What can I use instead of ketchup?
If you're looking for a substitute for ketchup, consider using barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor or a mix of tomato paste with a splash of vinegar and a bit of sugar. Both options will add a unique twist to the loaf while keeping it moist.
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).