Pennsylvania Dutch Grilled Ham Loaf

Introduction

This Amish-style Grilled Ham Loaf brings the traditional comfort of Pennsylvania Dutch cooking straight to your backyard with the unmatched performance of the Arteflame Grill. This recipe showcases a savory-sweet ham loaf made from ground ham and pork, grilled to juicy perfection using the reverse sear method. With no lid required, no messy pans, and minimal cleanup, this dish offers rich flavor and ease with every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground ham
• 1 lb ground pork
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp finely chopped onion
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp dried mustard powder
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (for glaze)
• 2 tbsp yellow mustard (for glaze)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for grill)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour a little vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins in the center of the Arteflame grill fire bowl.
3. Stack firewood on top of the napkins and light them.
4. Allow the grill to heat up for about 20 minutes until the center grate exceeds 1,000°F and the flat top reaches searing temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Ham Loaf Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine ground ham, ground pork, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, pepper, salt, and dried mustard.
2. Mix thoroughly until fully combined.
3. Use your hands to shape the mixture into a loaf approximately 8" x 4".

Step 3: Sear the Ham Loaf

1. Melt butter on the griddle top near the center grate.
2. Place the loaf directly on the center grill grate for a quick sear.
3. Rotate the loaf on each side for about 2-3 minutes to develop a crispy outer crust and lock in juices.

Step 4: Glaze and Finish Cooking

1. Move the seared loaf to the outer flat griddle zone to finish cooking slowly and evenly.
2. Mix brown sugar and yellow mustard in a bowl to create your glaze.
3. Brush the glaze over the ham loaf every 10 minutes as it cooks.
4. Cook the loaf until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (remove it from the grill at 130°F to allow for carryover cooking).

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Let the loaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
2. Plate and serve directly from the grill with your favorite sides.

Tips

• Always use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without overcooking.
• Butter adds flavor and helps create a golden crust; avoid olive oil on the griddle.
• Shift the loaf strategically on the cooktop to utilize different heat zones for even cooking.
• No need for a lid—the Arteflame’s live fire and cooktop do the job perfectly.
• Prep your sides while the grill preheats to maximize efficiency.

Variations

1. BBQ Bacon Ham Loaf: Add crumbled cooked bacon and brush on your favorite BBQ sauce instead of mustard glaze.
2. Maple Glazed Ham Loaf: Replace brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a sweet, smoky finish.
3. Cheddar-Stuffed Ham Loaf: Add a layer of shredded sharp cheddar in the center before forming into a loaf.
4. Apple-Onion Ham Loaf: Stir in finely chopped sautéed apples and onions for a fruity twist.
5. Smoky Chipotle Ham Loaf: Blend chipotle powder into the meat mix and use chipotle mustard in the glaze.

Conclusion

This Pennsylvania Dutch Grilled Ham Loaf is pure Amish-style comfort food taken to the next level with the reverse-sear method and flame-kissed cooking of the Arteflame Grill. Once you taste the juicy inside and caramelized glaze crust, you'll never make it another way again. Whether it's a family dinner or outdoor gathering, this recipe is bound to wow your guests.

Best pairings

• Grilled buttered corn on the cob with sea salt
• Cast-iron seared green beans with onion and garlic
• Fire-roasted sweet potatoes with a honey-butter drizzle
• A crisp Pennsylvania Riesling or a hoppy IPA
• Buttermilk cornbread grilled golden on the flat top