Pineapple Upside-Down Ham Loaf
A savory, sweet pineapple upside-down ham loaf combining ground ham, pork, and a tangy pineapple topping, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground cooked ham, ground pork shoulder, eggs, milk, cracker crumbs, salt, and pepper.
- Combine brown sugar, dry mustard, and vinegar.
- Arrange pineapple slices on top of the sugar mixture in a baking dish.
- Pack the meat mixture on top of the pineapple slices.
- Bake in a 375°F oven for 1 1/2 hours.
- Serve hot or cold.
Tips & Substitutions
For added moisture, consider mixing in a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or substituting half of the cracker crumbs with breadcrumbs. If you want a slightly different flavor profile, try using maple syrup instead of brown sugar. Make sure to pack the meat mixture firmly to ensure it holds its shape while baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm, garnished with fresh parsley for color. It pairs beautifully with Grandma Rau'S Bona Salat(Bean Salad) for a refreshing side. Consider offering crusty bread or a green salad to round out the meal. This loaf also makes a great sandwich filling served cold with mustard or mayonnaise.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Pineapple Upside-Down Ham Loaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice the loaf and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple Upside-Down Ham Loaf contains roughly 277 calories, with 4g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1058mg per serving (46% 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 use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple slices, although they may have a firmer texture. Make sure to caramelize them slightly in a pan with a bit of brown sugar before placing them in the dish for added sweetness and flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cooked ham loaf for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To reheating, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it in the oven until heated through.
How can I make this dish less salty?
To reduce the saltiness, use low-sodium ham and pork shoulder or adjust the salt amount to your taste. You can also increase the amount of unsalted cracker crumbs to help balance the flavors.
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).