Ham loaf is a classic comfort food that is enjoyed by many. It’s a simple mixture of ground ham, eggs, breadcrumbs and seasonings baked into a tasty loaf. Figuring out exactly how long to bake ham loaf can be tricky though. Underbake it and the inside will be raw and mushy. Bake it too long and you’ll end up with an overly dry loaf. Follow this guide to learn how long you should bake ham loaf to get perfect results every time.
Choosing the Right Size Pan
The first step is to choose the right size pan for your ham loaf. A standard loaf pan that is 9×5 inches works well for a 2 pound ham loaf. If making a larger 3 pound loaf use a larger pan that is 10×6 inches. Too small of a pan will cause the ham loaf to cook unevenly and be underdone in the middle. An oversized pan will lead to the edges drying out before the center cooks through.
Preheating is a Must
Always start by preheating your oven fully before baking ham loaf. Most recipes call for baking at 350°F. Be sure to give your oven at least 15-20 minutes to reach this temperature. Baking in an oven that hasn’t preheated properly can throw off cook times.
Average Cook Times
On average a 2 pound ham loaf will take 60-70 minutes to fully cook through at 350°F. For a larger 3 pound loaf allow around 75-90 minutes. These times can vary a bit though depending on your specific oven. Older ovens tend to run slightly hotter or cooler than the set temperature. Get to know your oven’s quirks by testing cook times.
Check for Doneness
The best way to confirm your ham loaf is fully baked is to use an instant read thermometer. Insert it into the center of the loaf, being careful not to hit any bones. The internal temperature should read 160°F when done. If it’s still below 155°F, return to the oven for 5-10 more minutes.
Covering with Foil
For extra moist ham loaf, cover loosely with foil for the first half of baking. Remove for the last 20-30 minutes so the top can brown. The foil traps in steam and prevents the surface from drying out before the interior cooks through. Just be sure not to wrap the foil too tightly or it will steam instead of baking.
Frozen Ham Loaf
If baking a frozen premade ham loaf, thaw it fully in the fridge overnight first. Once thawed, bake as you would a fresh ham loaf but add 5-10 extra minutes to compensate for the chilled center. Check temperature to confirm doneness. Underbaking frozen loaves is common.
Glazing and Basting
Feel free to glaze or baste your ham loaf during baking for extra flavor and moisture. A sweet glaze with brown sugar, honey or maple syrup works well. Brush on a thin layer about 30 minutes before the loaf is done baking so it has time to caramelize slightly.
Let It Rest
Always allow ham loaf to rest at least 10-15 minutes before slicing into it after baking. This gives time for the juices to redistribute so they don’t all run out when you cut into it. Tent loosely with foil as it rests to keep warm. Resist the urge to slice too soon!
Adjusting Bake Time
If your ham loaf seems to bake faster or slower than the averages provided, adjust your recipe bake time accordingly. Write down the time it took so you remember for next time. All ovens have hot and cool spots so rotated the pan halfway through baking for the most even results.
Baking the perfect ham loaf takes a little trial and error to get just right in your oven. Follow these tips and with a few tries you’ll have mastered how long to bake for moist, fully cooked ham loaf every time! Use a thermometer to eliminate guesswork and enjoy this tasty classic.
How do you grind ham for ham loaf?
The easiest way to grind ham is to use your food processor. Slice cooked, cold ham into small chunks, and add them to the bowl of the food processor. Cut the ham into small pieces in short bursts with the pulse function until the ground meat is fluffy. Don’t overdo it or the ham will end up too smooth (like a puree). Use the medium-texture plate on a meat grinder to get the ham chunks to the right size.
Step 3: Add the glaze
Meanwhile, whisk together the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ground mustard and water.
When the loaf is done baking, take it out of the oven and pour the glaze over the top. Put the ham loaf back in the oven and bake for another 40 minutes, or until a thermometer reads 145°F in the middle. Baste the loaf with glaze every so often.
Editor’s Tip: You can set aside a small amount of glaze to side when you first pour it over the loaf. In the next few minutes, while the loaf is still baking, baste it once or twice with the glaze you saved.
Mic’s Kitchen – Old Fashioned Ham Loaf
FAQ
How to cook John F. Martin ham loaf?
How many minutes per pound to bake a ham?
What is ham loaf made of?
How long do you cook a ham Loaf in the oven?
After 1 hour, remove the ham loaf from the oven and pour glaze on top evenly. Bake for 20 more minutes or until the glaze caramelizes. Make sure to double-check through the oven window that it doesn’t burn. Finally, take the ham loaf out of the oven. Give it a few minutes to cool and settle, and then slice it.
Is honey baked ham as good as regular ham?
The addition of honey will affect the calorie content of the food. One tablespoon of honey contributes to approximately 64 calories. In addition, the use of heat when making baked ham will reduce the quality of the honey.
How long do you cook a frozen ham Loaf?
Once the ham loaf is properly thawed, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). The average cooking time for a frozen ham loaf is approximately one hour. However, it is essential to check the internal temperature of the loaf before considering it fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
What temperature should a ham Loaf be baked at?
As mentioned earlier, the ideal temperature for baking ham loaf is 350°F (175°C). However, the baking time can vary depending on the size of the loaf and your oven’s individual temperature settings. To ensure that your ham loaf is fully cooked and safe to eat, it’s important to use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature.