Holiday Ham Loaf

Nothing brings family and friends together quite like a shared Holiday Ham Loaf. This savory, sweet, and tangy dish is a wonderful centerpiece for a festive meal—perfect for Christmas, Easter, or any special occasion. With the whipped topping, it’s a unique alternative to a traditional glazed ham, and once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become a holiday favorite in my kitchen.

If you enjoy hearty, comforting mains, you might also like my Spaghetti Casserole, Tuna Noodle Casserole and Sloppy Joes for a Crowd.

A delicious take on a favorite comfort food – with a funky whipped cream topping.  Wait.  What?  Whipped cream on a meatloaf?  Yep.  You won’t believe how much you will love the horseradish-infused whipped cream with this savory ham loaf. 

And that caramelized glaze!  This unique recipe comes again from my Aunt Lydia who made this every year for our family Christmas lunch at her house.  While there are always a few folks who don’t appreciate this distinctive flavor combination (Hannah), most of the family looked forward to enjoying this every year.  When my aunt passed away, my sister, Jamie, took over the tradition of baking this for us each Christmas.  

If you can get a butcher to grind some pork and ham together, you’ll get the best result.  If not, you can grind some ham steaks (or process them gently in a food processor) and use packaged ground pork. 

Don’t skip basting with the basting liquid 4 times during the baking time.  It will slowly caramelize on the top and sides.  My family always fights over the end pieces because it has all of those crispy caramelized edges!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A festive twist on traditional ham for the holidays
• Perfectly balanced sweet, tangy, and savory flavors
• So unique with that whipped topping
• Easy to prepare but special enough for a celebratory meal

Ingredients Needed

For the Loaves:

• Ground ham: The star of the show; you can ask your butcher to grind it for you.
• Ground pork: Adds moisture and balances the ham’s salty flavor.
• Eggs: Helps bind everything together. Use free range if you can.
• Milk: Keeps the mixture moist and tender.
• Bread crumbs: Provides structure and helps the loaves hold their shape.

For the Basting Sauce:

• Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and caramelizes beautifully.
• Water & Vinegar: Creates a sweet-tangy base to balance the richness of the meat.
• Prepared mustard & Cloves: Infuses a warm, spiced note that complements the ham.

For the Whipped Topping:

• Whipped cream: Light, fluffy, and creamy.
• Horseradish: Adds a bold, zesty contrast to the sweet glaze.

How to Make Holiday Ham Loaf

Crafting this festive main dish is a breeze. For the full printable recipe, check out the recipe card at the end of this post.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, water, vinegar, mustard, and cloves.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. In a large bowl, gently mix ground ham, ground pork, eggs, milk, and bread crumbs until just combined—don’t overmix.

3. Shape the mixture into two flat loaves and place them on the prepared baking sheet.Bake for 30 minutes, then baste with the sauce.
4. Continue baking for a total of 90 minutes, basting every 20 minutes.
5. In the final minutes of baking, whip the cream and fold in the horseradish.
6. Transfer the cooked loaves to a serving platter, slice, and serve with the horseradish whipped cream on the side.

Helpful Tips

• Don’t Overmix: Gently combine the meat mixture to keep it tender and juicy.
• Consistent Basting: Baste every 20 minutes to ensure a flavorful, glossy glaze.
• Use Foil: Lining the baking sheet with foil makes cleanup a breeze.

Storage Information

Refrigerator: Store leftover slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Make Ahead: Assemble the loaves and sauce a day in advance, then bake and baste on serving day for a stress-free holiday meal.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with fluffy mashed potatoes or buttery rolls.
• Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad.
• Add a tangy relish or chutney for extra brightness.

Variations

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap the pork for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, less calorific option.
• Honey-Glazed Twist: Replace brown sugar with some honey if you like.
• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of allspice or nutmeg to the sauce for extra warmth and holiday flair.

More Comfort Food Recipes for the Holidays

• Sweet Potato Casserole
• Classic Potato Salad
• Old South Sausage Pie
• All American Apple Pie