Tahitian Ham Loaf
Tahitian Ham Loaf offers a delightful combination of smoky ham and fresh pork, layered with sweet pineapple slices and coated in a rich brown sugar glaze. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this dish pairs savory and sweet flavors in an eye-catching presentation.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground smoked ham ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground fresh pork ⓘ
- 2/3 cup coarse cracker crumbs (15 crackers) ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 slightly beaten egg ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. snipped parsley ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 8 slices pineapple ⓘ
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pineapple syrup ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vinegar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. prepared mustard ⓘ
Instructions
- Thoroughly combine ground smoked ham, ground fresh pork, cracker crumbs, chopped onion, milk, beaten egg, parsley, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into 9 patties.
- Arrange a row of alternating patties and pineapple slices in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish, starting and ending with a patty.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 30 minutes.
- Combine brown sugar, pineapple syrup, vinegar, and mustard to prepare the glaze.
- Pour the glaze over the patties and pineapple slices.
- Continue baking for 1 hour, basting every 20 minutes.
- Serve hot with rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding crushed pineapple to the ham mixture for extra moisture and sweetness. If you don't have cracker crumbs, you can substitute with breadcrumbs or even crushed cornflakes. To enhance flavor, try incorporating a dash of smoked paprika or garlic powder into the meat mixture. This dish is also great for meal prep; make it ahead for busy weeknights!
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Tahitian Ham Loaf with fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious glaze. Steamed vegetables or a fresh salad would complement the dish nicely, providing a refreshing contrast. For a hearty meal, consider pairing it with Hillbilly Bean Soup. Garnish with additional snipped parsley for a pop of color and flavor!
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the ham loaf cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a lightly greased skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave for short intervals until hot. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tahitian Ham Loaf contains roughly 521 calories, with 11g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), protein (22% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A.
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 turkey ham instead of smoked ham?
Yes, you can substitute turkey ham for a lighter option. It will alter the flavor slightly, but it will still work well in this recipe. Make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly, as turkey ham may be less salty than smoked ham.
What can I use instead of pineapple slices?
If you don't have pineapple slices, you can use canned peaches or even fresh sliced peaches for a different fruity flavor. Just ensure the fruit is well-drained to avoid excess moisture. Alternatively, you could omit the fruit entirely if preferred.
How do I know when the ham loaf is fully cooked?
The ham loaf is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer inserted into the center. The glaze should be bubbly and caramelized when you take it out of the oven, making it visually appealing as well.
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).