Prepare yourself for a culinary adventure straight from the heart of Lancaster County with this mouthwatering Lancaster County Ham Loaf recipe! 🍖🥧🌽 Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive Thanksgiving feast, this Amish/Mennonite specialty dish promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. 😋
With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little bit of love, you’ll soon be savoring the rich flavors and hearty goodness of this traditional favorite. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 pound ham, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2/3 cup milk
For the sauce:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dry mustard
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan and set it aside.
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Grind the ham if it’s not already ground. This step ensures a smooth and uniform texture for your ham loaf.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped ham, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, and milk. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed.
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Shape the mixture into a loaf shape and place it into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula for an even finish.
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Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the loaf is cooked through and golden brown on top.
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While the loaf is baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, water, vinegar, and dry mustard. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and mustard.
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Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
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Pour the sauce over the baked ham loaf, making sure to coat it evenly.
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Return the loaf to the oven and continue baking for another hour. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to caramelize beautifully.
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Once the ham loaf is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
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Serve slices of this delectable Lancaster County Ham Loaf with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or glazed carrots, for a truly comforting meal that will delight your family and friends.
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Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this Lancaster County classic, and savor every bite of this beloved Amish/Mennonite specialty dish. 😊🍽️
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 316.8
- Fat: 9.8g
- Saturated Fat: 3.1g
- Cholesterol: 95.2mg
- Sodium: 1309.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 28.9g
- Fiber: 0.7g
- Sugar: 18.7g
- Protein: 27.3g
Cooking Tips:
- If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can adjust the amount of brown sugar to your taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Feel free to customize the seasoning of the meat mixture to suit your preferences. You can add herbs, spices, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
With its irresistible blend of savory ham, tender turkey, and sweet, tangy sauce, this Lancaster County Ham Loaf is sure to become a new family favorite! So why wait? Gather your ingredients and start cooking up a taste of Pennsylvania Dutch country today! 🌟
