A Deliciously Simple Ham Loaf Recipe
Are you looking for a comforting, classic dish that's both easy to make and incredibly flavorful? Look no further than this amazing ham loaf recipe! This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it's guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. It's also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking with different herbs, spices, and vegetables.
What You'll Need:
This recipe provides clear instructions for making a perfectly moist and flavorful ham loaf. We'll walk you through each step, ensuring success for even beginner cooks! Let's start with the ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground ham
- 1 pound ground pork (or all ground ham for a richer flavor)
- 1 cup bread crumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup ketchup (optional, for glazing)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
This recipe is designed for simplicity, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Let’s get started!
1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground ham, ground pork, bread crumbs, milk, egg, onion, green bell pepper, garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in a tough loaf.
3. Shape the Loaf: Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
4. Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If using ketchup as a glaze, brush it over the loaf during the last 15 minutes of baking.
5. Rest and Serve: Let the ham loaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful loaf.
Tips and Variations:
This recipe offers a foundation you can easily adapt to your preferences. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Add vegetables: Experiment with other vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Change the herbs: Rosemary, marjoram, or parsley are great substitutes for sage and thyme.
- Make it a glaze: Use brown sugar, Dijon mustard, or honey for a different glaze.
- Make it ahead: This ham loaf can be made a day ahead and reheated.
Serving Suggestions:
This versatile dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with:
- Mashed potatoes: A classic and comforting pairing.
- Roasted vegetables: Adds color and extra nutrients.
- Green beans: A simple and refreshing side dish.
- Gravy: Enhances the flavor of the loaf.
This simple ham loaf recipe is a guaranteed winner! Try it today and impress your family and friends with this delicious and easy-to-make meal. Don't forget to share your creations and experiences in the comments below! We'd love to hear how yours turned out!
