Little Ham Loaves
Juicy ham and pork loaves glazed with pineapple and brown sugar, blending savory and sweet flavors, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix ground ham, ground pork, 1/2 cup of reserved pineapple syrup, bread crumbs, beaten eggs, chopped onion, and snipped parsley in a bowl.
- Divide the mixture into 6 parts and shape each into a loaf.
- Place the loaves in an ungreased 13 x 9 x 2-inch rectangular dish.
- Top each loaf with 3 pineapple chunks, pressing them lightly into the meat.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 35 minutes, until cooked through and browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor twist, consider adding diced bell peppers or a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. If you don't have soft bread crumbs, you can use crushed crackers or stale bread soaked in milk as a substitute. Ensure to press the pineapple chunks firmly into the loaves to prevent them from falling off during baking.
Serving Suggestions
These Little Ham Loaves pair beautifully with mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. Consider serving a tangy sauce on the side for extra flavor. For a complete dinner, browse more American recipes that feature ham, such as Hearty Ham Chowder or Country Ham & Corn Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the loaves in a baking dish and cover with foil, warming them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Little Ham Loaves contains roughly 494 calories, with 30g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (60% of the Daily Value), iron (51% of the Daily Value), and potassium (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 fresh ham instead of fully cooked ham?
Using fresh ham is possible, but you will need to cook it thoroughly before incorporating it into the recipe. Fully cooked ham offers a better flavor and texture for this dish, ensuring the loaves remain moist.
What can I substitute for the ground pork?
You can replace ground pork with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still create a delicious meatloaf. Just monitor the baking time since leaner meats may cook faster.
Can I freeze the Little Ham Loaves?
Yes, these loaves freeze well. After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
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).