Pineapple Ham Loaf
Description
This Pineapple Ham Loaf is a comforting classic that balances the salty richness of ground ham with the bright, tropical sweetness of crushed pineapple. The loaf is moist and tender, held together with bread crumbs and eggs, while a homemade glaze made from pineapple juice, ginger, and cornstarch adds a glossy, zesty finish. Its perfect for holiday dinners, Sunday suppers, or any occasion where you want to serve something hearty yet elegant. The combination of warm spices like cloves and fresh herbs like parsley creates a complex flavor profile that pairs beautifully with simple sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350F (175C).
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Lightly grease a 9-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter.
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Spread 1 cup of drained crushed pineapple evenly in the bottom of the prepared loaf pan.
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In a large bowl, combine the ground ham, bread crumbs, chopped onion, parsley, ground cloves, and 1/4 cup brown sugar.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1/3 cup pineapple juice, and cider vinegar.
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Pour the egg mixture into the ham mixture and stir until well combined.
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Pack the ham mixture tightly on top of the pineapple layer in the loaf pan, pressing down firmly.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
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While the loaf bakes, prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan, whisk together cornstarch, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and ground ginger.
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Slowly stir in 2 cups pineapple juice and lemon juice into the cornstarch mixture to avoid lumps.
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Cook the glaze over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it comes to a boil and thickens until translucent.
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Remove glaze from heat and let stand for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
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Remove ham loaf from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
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Slice the loaf and serve with the warm pineapple glaze drizzled over each serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 20.0kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.0g0%
- Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 0.4mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 5.2g2%
- Dietary Fiber 0.6g3%
- Sugars 4.0g
- Protein 0.2g1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For a crispier top, you can broil the loaf for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
Ensure the pineapple is well-drained to prevent the loaf from becoming too soggy.
This dish can be made ahead. Bake the loaf, let it cool, then refrigerate. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven before serving. Warm the glaze separately.
If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the brown sugar in the glaze by half.
Ground cloves can be strong; adjust to taste, starting with 1/8 teaspoon if sensitive to spice.
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