A Sweet & Savory Twist on a Comfort Classic

If you’re looking for a Midwestern classic that’s comforting, flavorful, and a little nostalgic, this Golden Glazed Ham Loaf Delight is just the dish. It’s a sweet and savory baked loaf made from ground ham and pork, mixed with breadcrumbs and warm spices, and topped with a shiny, golden glaze that caramelizes as it bakes.

This recipe is a beloved family tradition in many households and perfect for Sunday dinners, holidays, or just a cozy night in. I love this ham loaf because it’s easy to prepare, freezer-friendly, and the glaze… oh, the glaze. It’s the chef’s kiss of the whole dish.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Q: What exactly is ham loaf?

Ham loaf is similar to meatloaf but made with ground ham mixed with ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, and milk—then topped with a sweet glaze. It’s especially popular in Pennsylvania Dutch and Midwest cooking.

Q: Can I use leftover cooked ham?

Yes! Just grind it in a food processor. Combine it with uncooked ground pork for the perfect texture.

Q: What’s in the glaze?

The glaze is a simple, golden blend of brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, and pineapple juice or water, which caramelizes beautifully as it bakes.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the loaf and glaze it up to a day in advance and bake when ready. It also freezes well, either baked or unbaked.

Q: What do you serve with ham loaf?

It pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted carrots, or a fresh green salad.

What You Need to Make Golden Glazed Ham Loaf Delight

For the Ham Loaf:

• 1 lb ground ham
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• ¾ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon or yellow mustard
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Glaze:

• ⅔ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• ¼ cup pineapple juice (or water)

How to Make Golden Glazed Ham Loaf Delight

Step 1: Prep the Oven & Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a loaf pan or small baking dish.

Step 2: Mix the Ham Loaf

3. In a large bowl, combine ground ham, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, sugar, mustard, and pepper.
4. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the mixture.
5. Shape into a loaf and place in the prepared pan.

Step 3: Make the Glaze

6. In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, and pineapple juice.
7. Heat over medium until sugar is dissolved and glaze begins to bubble slightly. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Bake the Ham Loaf

8. Pour half the glaze over the loaf.
9. Bake uncovered for 1 hour, basting once or twice with remaining glaze.
10. Bake until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and glaze is golden and sticky.

Step 5: Rest & Serve

11. Let the loaf rest for 5–10 minutes, then slice and serve with your favorite sides.

Tips for the Best Ham Loaf

✔ Grind your own ham in a food processor for a fresh, meaty texture.
✔ Use soft breadcrumbs or soak dry crumbs in milk first to keep the loaf moist.
✔ Don’t skip the glaze—it’s what makes this dish shine (literally and flavor-wise!).
✔ Let it rest after baking to lock in juices before slicing.
✔ Double the recipe and freeze one loaf for later—it reheats beautifully!

Reader Reviews

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma L. – “This is comfort food perfection! The glaze made the whole kitchen smell amazing.”

🌟🌟🌟🌟 James K. – “I used leftover holiday ham and it worked great. The loaf was tender and full of flavor.”

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Samantha W. – “So nostalgic! Reminds me of my grandma’s Sunday dinners. We served it with scalloped potatoes—yum!”

🌟🌟🌟🌟 Lucas R. – “I made this for a family gathering and there were no leftovers. The glaze was next-level.”

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica T. – “Easy, budget-friendly, and so good. This one’s going in my regular dinner rotation!”

Printable Recipe

Golden Glazed Ham Loaf Delight

Yield: 8

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Additional Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

This Golden Glazed Ham Loaf Delight is a comforting, sweet-and-savory classic made with ground ham, pork, breadcrumbs, and a sticky brown sugar glaze—perfect for holiday dinners or cozy family meals.

Print

Ingredients

• For the Ham Loaf:
• 1 lb ground ham
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• ¾ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon or yellow mustard
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• For the Glaze:
• ⅔ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• ¼ cup pineapple juice (or water)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven & Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   
2. Grease a loaf pan or small baking dish.
   

Step 2: Mix the Ham Loaf

1. In a large bowl, combine ground ham, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, sugar, mustard, and pepper.
   
2. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the mixture.
   
3. Shape into a loaf and place in the prepared pan.
   

Step 3: Make the Glaze

1. In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, and pineapple juice.
   
2. Heat over medium until sugar is dissolved and glaze begins to bubble slightly. Remove from heat.
   

Step 4: Bake the Ham Loaf

1. Pour half the glaze over the loaf.
   
2. Bake uncovered for 1 hour, basting once or twice with remaining glaze.
   
3. Bake until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and glaze is golden and sticky.
   

Step 5: Rest & Serve

1. Let the loaf rest for 5–10 minutes, then slice and serve with your favorite sides.

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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!

If this Golden Glazed Ham Loaf Delight brought a little retro comfort to your kitchen, please share it with someone who appreciates classic recipes! Whether you pin it, post it, or save it for a rainy day, this dish deserves a spot in every home cook’s recipe box. Don’t forget to tag #funcraftykitchen so I can see your beautiful ham loaves!