Honey Ham Loaf
A tender, flavorful ham loaf glazed with honey and spices, perfect for family dinners or special occasions, blending sweet and savory notes for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak bread crumbs in milk.
- Combine bread crumbs, ground ham, ground pork, egg, honey, ground cinnamon, and cloves. Mix well.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf in a greased 2-quart shallow baking dish.
- Bake until cooked through and browned on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moister loaf, consider adding a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the mixture. If you're out of brown sugar, you can substitute with white sugar and a touch of molasses. Using fresh breadcrumbs instead of fine may enhance the texture, but ensure they are well-soaked in milk. Experiment with spices like nutmeg or allspice for added warmth. This dish is a great choice for American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the honey ham loaf with a side of Cheddar mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. A light salad or steamed vegetables can complement the richness of the loaf. For a unique twist, pair it with Beans With An Attitude for a hearty combination. Slices of the loaf also make excellent sandwiches for lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover honey ham loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 1 minute or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also freeze the loaf before baking for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Honey Ham Loaf contains roughly 444 calories, with 16g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (31% of the Daily Value) and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium.
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 use raw ground pork instead of cooked?
It is recommended to use cooked ground pork for this recipe to ensure the meat is safe to eat and has a richer flavor. If you only have raw ground pork, make sure to fully cook it before mixing it with the other ingredients.
How long should I bake the honey ham loaf?
Bake the honey ham loaf at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 40-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C) and the top is nicely browned. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent over-baking.
Can I add vegetables to the loaf mixture?
Absolutely! Chopped onions, bell peppers, or grated carrots can be added to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the honey ham loaf. Just ensure that any added vegetables are finely chopped to blend well with the meat mixture.
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).