Ham Loaf II: A Delicious and Easy Comfort Food Recipe

Ham loaf, a classic comfort food, often evokes memories of family dinners and potlucks. This recipe, “Ham Loaf II,” offers a slightly different twist on the traditional ham loaf, resulting in a moist, flavorful, and satisfying main course. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re looking for a simple yet impressive dish to share.

What is Ham Loaf?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s briefly discuss what ham loaf is. Essentially, it’s a loaf made primarily from ground ham, often combined with other ground meats like pork or beef, along with breadcrumbs, eggs, and various seasonings. The loaf is then baked until cooked through and slightly browned. The variations are endless, with different regions and families having their own unique takes on the recipe. Some incorporate sweet glazes, while others lean towards savory flavor profiles.

Why “Ham Loaf II”?

This particular recipe, “Ham Loaf II,” is distinguished by its specific combination of ingredients and its emphasis on maintaining moisture. Many ham loaf recipes can result in a dry loaf if not prepared correctly. This recipe addresses that issue by including ingredients that help retain moisture and create a tender, flavorful result.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather all the necessary ingredients. This will make the preparation process smoother and more efficient.

* **Ground Ham:** 2 pounds. This is the star of the show! Look for ground ham at your local butcher shop or grocery store. Some stores may also offer pre-ground ham in the meat department. If you can’t find pre-ground ham, you can grind your own using a meat grinder or food processor. Just be sure to use a lean ham for the best results.
* **Ground Pork:** 1 pound. The ground pork adds richness and depth of flavor to the loaf. You can also use ground beef as an alternative, but ground pork complements the ham flavor very well.
* **Breadcrumbs:** 1 cup. Breadcrumbs act as a binder, helping to hold the loaf together. Plain breadcrumbs work best for this recipe, allowing the other flavors to shine through. You can also use panko breadcrumbs for a slightly coarser texture.
* **Eggs:** 2 large. Eggs also act as a binder and contribute to the moisture of the loaf. Make sure your eggs are fresh for optimal results.
* **Milk:** ½ cup. Milk adds moisture and helps to create a tender loaf. You can use whole milk, 2% milk, or even evaporated milk for a slightly richer flavor.
* **Onion:** ½ cup, finely chopped. Onion adds flavor and aroma to the loaf. Be sure to chop the onion finely so that it cooks evenly throughout the loaf.
* **Green Bell Pepper:** ½ cup, finely chopped. Green bell pepper adds a touch of sweetness and a pleasant crunch to the loaf. You can substitute red or yellow bell pepper if you prefer.
* **Ketchup:** ¼ cup. Ketchup adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess to the loaf. It also helps to create a nice crust.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 1 tablespoon. Worcestershire sauce adds a savory, umami flavor to the loaf.
* **Dry Mustard:** 1 teaspoon. Dry mustard adds a subtle tang and spice to the loaf.
* **Black Pepper:** ½ teaspoon. Black pepper adds a touch of spice and enhances the other flavors.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Mixing Bowl:** For combining all the ingredients.
* **9×5 inch Loaf Pan:** For baking the loaf. You can also use an 8×4 inch loaf pan, but the baking time may need to be adjusted.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For chopping the vegetables.
* **Oven:** For baking the loaf.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get started!

**Step 1: Preheat the Oven**

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the loaf cooks evenly.

**Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables**

Finely chop the onion and green bell pepper. The finer you chop them, the more evenly they will distribute throughout the loaf and the less noticeable they will be in terms of texture.

**Step 3: Combine the Ingredients**

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground ham, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and black pepper. Use your hands to gently mix all the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough loaf. You want the mixture to be just combined.

**Step 4: Shape the Loaf**

Lightly grease your loaf pan with cooking spray or oil. This will prevent the loaf from sticking to the pan. Transfer the ham loaf mixture to the prepared loaf pan and gently press it down to evenly fill the pan. Shape the top of the loaf into a slightly rounded dome.

**Step 5: Bake the Loaf**

Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the loaf is fully cooked. The top of the loaf should be nicely browned.

**Step 6: Let it Rest**

Once the loaf is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest in the loaf pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and flavorful loaf.

**Step 7: Slice and Serve**

Carefully invert the loaf onto a cutting board. Slice the ham loaf into even slices and serve warm. Ham loaf is delicious served with mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, or your favorite side dishes.

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you customize this recipe to your liking:

* **Use Different Ground Meats:** Experiment with different combinations of ground meats. You can use ground beef, ground turkey, or even ground veal in place of the ground pork.
* **Add Cheese:** For a cheesy ham loaf, add ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese to the mixture.
* **Add Herbs:** Fresh or dried herbs can add a lot of flavor to the loaf. Try adding a tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary to the mixture.
* **Make a Glaze:** For a sweeter ham loaf, make a glaze by combining ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Brush the glaze over the loaf during the last 15 minutes of baking.
* **Add a Tangy Topping:** Mix crushed pineapple with a little brown sugar and spread over the top of the loaf during the last 20 minutes of baking.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
* **Use Different Breadcrumbs:** Try using seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
* **Make Mini Loaves:** Divide the mixture into mini loaf pans for individual servings. Reduce the baking time accordingly.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Make-Ahead:** You can prepare the ham loaf mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights. Just be sure to bring the mixture to room temperature before baking.
* **Freezing:** Ham loaf freezes well. Let the loaf cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Ham loaf is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Mashed Potatoes and Gravy:** A classic pairing that is always a hit.
* **Green Beans:** A simple and healthy side dish that complements the richness of the ham loaf.
* **Corn on the Cob:** A summery side dish that is perfect for a backyard barbecue.
* **Coleslaw:** A tangy and refreshing side dish that cuts through the richness of the ham loaf.
* **Macaroni and Cheese:** A comforting side dish that is perfect for a family dinner.
* **Baked Beans:** A hearty and flavorful side dish that is a great addition to any meal.
* **Dinner Rolls:** Warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the gravy.
* **Sweet Potato Casserole:** The sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs well with the savory ham loaf.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts are a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad is a refreshing side dish that can help balance the richness of the ham loaf.

Troubleshooting

Here are some common problems that you might encounter when making ham loaf and how to fix them:

* **Dry Ham Loaf:** If your ham loaf is dry, it could be because you overcooked it, didn’t use enough liquid, or didn’t use enough fat. To prevent this, make sure to cook the loaf until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), add enough milk or other liquid to the mixture, and use ground pork or other fatty meat to help keep the loaf moist.
* **Loaf Falls Apart:** If your ham loaf falls apart, it could be because you didn’t use enough binder (eggs or breadcrumbs) or because you didn’t mix the ingredients together thoroughly enough. To prevent this, make sure to use the correct amount of eggs and breadcrumbs, and mix the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed.
* **Loaf is Too Dense:** If your ham loaf is too dense, it could be because you overmixed the ingredients. To prevent this, mix the ingredients together gently until they are just combined.
* **Loaf is Bland:** If your ham loaf is bland, it could be because you didn’t use enough seasoning. To prevent this, add more salt, pepper, and other spices to the mixture.
* **Loaf Sticks to the Pan:** If your ham loaf sticks to the pan, it could be because you didn’t grease the pan well enough. To prevent this, make sure to grease the pan thoroughly with cooking spray or oil.

Nutritional Information

(Note: This is an estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/8 of the loaf)

* Calories: Approximately 300-350
* Fat: 20-25g
* Saturated Fat: 8-10g
* Cholesterol: 100-120mg
* Sodium: 800-1000mg
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g
* Fiber: 1-2g
* Sugar: 5-7g
* Protein: 20-25g

Conclusion

Ham Loaf II is a delightful and easy recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can easily create a delicious and memorable meal. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of homemade goodness! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations to create your own signature ham loaf recipe. Happy cooking!