Upside-Down Ham Loaf
A savory upside-down ham loaf with pineapple sweetness, perfect for family dinners or holiday meals, combining ham, pineapple, and a caramelized topping for a comforting dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend Crisco and brown sugar; spread over the bottom of an 8-inch skillet.
- Place pineapple slices on top of the sugar mixture.
- Combine ground ham, beaten eggs, dry bread crumbs, mustard, minced onion, and salt in a bowl.
- Pack the ham mixture into the skillet over the sugar and pineapple layer.
- Cover and cook over very low heat for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Turn out the skillet onto a large plate to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful ham loaf, consider adding herbs like thyme or parsley to the mixture. If you don't have Crisco, unsalted butter can be a great substitute. Experiment with different types of ground meat, such as turkey or chicken, for a lighter version. This dish can also be enhanced by adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños for a bit of heat.
Serving Suggestions
Upside-Down Ham Loaf pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh garden salad. For a complete meal, serve it alongside mashed potatoes or rice. A tangy mustard or barbecue sauce can elevate the flavors even more. Consider serving with crusty bread for a satisfying brunch or dinner option.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover ham loaf should be cooled completely, then wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, slice the ham loaf and warm it in a skillet over low heat, or place slices in the microwave for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Upside-Down Ham Loaf contains roughly 694 calories, with 14g protein, 141g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (38% of the Daily Value), calcium (30% of the Daily Value), and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1202mg per serving (52% 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 ham instead of ground ham?
Yes, you can use finely chopped cooked ham if you prefer a different texture. Just ensure it's well-cooked and seasoned before mixing it with the other ingredients to maintain the dish's flavor balance.
What can I do if I don't have canned pineapple?
If canned pineapple isn't available, you can use fresh pineapple slices or even peach slices as a substitute. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness with a little added sugar, if needed, to maintain the flavor profile of the dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ham mixture and layer it over the pineapple and sugar in the skillet, then cover and refrigerate it. Just increase the cooking time slightly if baking from cold, ensuring it's heated through before serving.
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).