Paula Deen Ham Loaf Recipe | Juicy, Sweet & Savory Comfort Food

Craving a classic Southern comfort dish? My Paula Deen Ham Loaf Recipe is the perfect blend of savoury ham, cheesy goodness, and a touch of mustard for depth of flavour. This recipe is easy to prepare, full of homey flavour, and makes the ultimate family-dinner centrepiece. Whether you’re hosting a Sunday meal or planning a holiday spread, this ham loaf will bring warmth, comfort, and plenty of smiles to the table.

Preparation Steps

Making this Paula Deen Ham Loaf is a simple, fuss-free process. Follow these easy steps to bring this Southern classic to life.

Mixing the Ingredients

To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, grab a large mixing bowl. Add in the ground ham, cracker crumbs, eggs, milk, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until thoroughly combined.

Shaping the Ham Loaf

Once everything is combined, transfer the mixture into a greased loaf pan. Smooth out the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.

Sprinkle the grated cheese generously over the top of the loaf. The cheese will melt into a golden, bubbly crust that adds flavour and texture to every bite.

Baking Instructions

Slide the loaf pan into your preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the ham loaf is fully cooked through. A meat thermometer should read 160°F (71°C) when inserted into the center of the meat.

After baking, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps lock in the juices and makes it easier to cut neat slices.

Serving and Decoration

Serving Suggestions

Paula Deen’s Ham Loaf is hearty enough to be the star of any meal, but pairing it with the right sides elevates the experience. Here are some delicious Southern-inspired pairings:

• Mashed Potatoes with Gravy – Creamy, buttery potatoes complement the savoury ham loaf perfectly.
  
• Green Beans or Collard Greens – Adds a fresh, slightly earthy balance to the rich loaf.
  
• Cornbread or Dinner Rolls – Great for soaking up every last drop of flavour.
  
• Mac and Cheese – A true Southern staple that makes the meal extra comforting.
  

This makes terrific mak makes. Slice it thin and serve on toasted bread with mustard for an incredible next-day sandwich.

Toppings and Glaze Options

While the recipe is delicious as is, you can add a sweet or tangy glaze to give your ham loaf that extra “wow” factor. Some of my favourite options include:

• Brown Sugar & Mustard Glaze – Mix equal parts brown sugar and mustard, then brush on during the last 15 minutes of baking.
  
• Honey Glaze – A drizzle of honey creates a sweet, sticky finish.
  
• Pineapple Glaze – Combine pineapple juice, a little brown sugar, and mustard for a fruity twist.
  

Adding a glaze not only boosts flavour but also gives the ham loaf a beautiful, glossy presentation that’s perfect for holidays and family gatherings.

Storage Instructions

Keeping the Ham Loaf Fresh

If you have leftovers, don’t worry, this ham loaf reheats beautifully. Store cooled slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 325°F for about 10–15 minutes or microwave in short intervals until heated through.

Freezing Ham Loaf

You can also freeze this Paula Deen Ham Loaf for more extended storage. Wrap the entire cooled loaf (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use leftover ham for this recipe?

Yes! If you have leftover baked ham, grind or finely chop it in a food processor. Using leftover ham not only reduces waste but also adds a deeper, smoky flavour to your ham loaf.

2. Can I make the ham loaf ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can mix the ingredients and shape the loaf a day ahead. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake. When you’re ready, pop it in the oven.

3. Do I have to add cheese on top?

Not at all! The cheese adds a lovely golden crust, but you can skip it if you prefer a more traditional ham loaf. Alternatively, you can experiment with different cheeses such as sharp cheddar or pepper jack, for a spicy kick.

4. What can I use instead of cracker crumbs?

If you don’t have cracker crumbs, bread crumbs, or crushed cornflakes, they work perfectly as substitutes. They’ll give the loaf structure and hold everything together.

5. How do I know when the ham loaf is fully cooked?

The best way to check is with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). This ensures the loaf is cooked through while still moist.

6. Can I freeze cooked ham loaf?

Yes, cooked ham loaf freezes beautifully. Just slice it into portions, wrap tightly, and store in a freezer-safe bag. It will last up to 2 months in the freezer.

Conclusion

This Paula Deen Ham Loaf Recipe is the perfect combination of simple ingredients, rich flavour, and Southern charm. With ground ham, cheesy goodness, and just the right touch of mustard, it’s a dish that feels both comforting and special. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner, a holiday meal, or even meal prep, this ham loaf is sure to become a family favourite.

The best part? It’s versatile; you can serve it with classic Southern sides, add a glaze for a festive touch, or slice it thin for sandwiches the next day. No matter how you enjoy it, this recipe brings a taste of Paula Deen’s warm Southern kitchen straight to yours.

So preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and let’s bake up some Southern goodness. Once you try this recipe, I guarantee it will earn a regular spot at your dinner table!