Ham Logs: A Savory Family Tradition

The scent of baking ham mingled with sweet and tangy tomato sauce instantly transports me back to my childhood Christmases. My Aunt Carol, a whirlwind of holiday cheer, always had a batch of these “Ham Logs” nestled amongst the traditional roasts and casseroles. They weren’t just food; they were edible hugs, miniature meatloaves bursting with flavor and love. While the adults enjoyed them alongside their holiday cocktails, we kids would sneak extra logs, savoring each bite of the sweet-savory perfection. Now, decades later, I carry on the tradition, bringing that same sense of warmth and nostalgia to my own family’s table.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 90 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Servings: 12
• Yield: 12 Ham Logs
• Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs ground ham
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 1/4 cups brown sugar
• 1/3 cup vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Shallow baking pan

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven rack is positioned in the center for even baking.

2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the ground ham, ground beef, eggs, graham cracker crumbs, and milk. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. Don’t overmix, as this can make the logs tough.

3. Shape the mixture into individual serving “logs”. Each log should be approximately 3-4 inches long and about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. You should yield around 12 logs, depending on your desired size.

4. In a separate bowl, prepare the sauce. Whisk together the can of tomato sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and dry mustard until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth.

5. Place the formed ham logs in a shallow baking pan. Arrange them so that they are not touching each other to ensure even baking and proper sauce coverage.

6. Baste the ham logs with half of the prepared sauce. Ensure that each log is generously coated. The sauce will help to keep the logs moist and add a delicious glaze.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.

8. Remove the baking pan from the oven and baste the ham logs with the remaining sauce. Again, ensure each log is thoroughly coated.

9. Return the baking pan to the oven and bake for an additional 45 minutes, or until the ham logs are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The sauce should be nicely caramelized and slightly thickened.

10. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful log.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For a smoother sauce, use a blender or immersion blender to combine the ingredients.
• If you don’t have graham cracker crumbs, you can substitute with breadcrumbs, but the flavor will be slightly different.
• To prevent the logs from sticking to the pan, you can lightly grease the baking pan before placing the logs inside.
• Monitor the logs during baking. If the sauce starts to burn before the logs are fully cooked, cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil.
• To test for doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the center of a log. It should register 160°F (71°C).
• Make-ahead tip: The ham log mixture can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Shape the logs just before baking. The sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored separately.
• If you want a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• If the logs are browning too quickly, reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Ham Logs hot, drizzled with the sauce from the pan. They are delicious served with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple salad. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave individual logs or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. The ham logs can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheating frozen logs in the oven is preferable to retain moisture.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	765.9 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	328 g	43%
Total Fat	36.5 g	56%
Saturated Fat	13 g	65%
Cholesterol	196.3 mg	65%
Sodium	1995.4 mg	83%
Total Carbohydrate	69.1 g	23%
Dietary Fiber	1.7 g	6%
Sugars	54.1 g	N/A
Protein	39.6 g	79%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Different Ground Meat: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter option.
• Vegetarian Adaption: Although these are “Ham Logs” you could use a plant-based ground “beef” and finely diced smoked tofu in place of the ham. This drastically changes the recipe, but could appeal to a wider range of diners.
• Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of brown sugar to your preference. Some people prefer a less sweet sauce.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use leftover cooked ham instead of ground ham?
A: Yes, you can. Grind the cooked ham in a food processor until finely ground before using it in the recipe.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time and freeze them?
A: Absolutely! Prepare the logs, bake them, and then freeze them. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: How do I prevent the sauce from burning in the oven?
A: If the sauce starts to burn, loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil during the last part of the baking time.

Q: What can I serve with these ham logs?
A: Mashed potatoes, green beans, corn on the cob, or a simple side salad are all great options.

Q: Can I use a different type of vinegar?
A: Yes, you can experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar, but keep in mind that this will alter the flavor of the sauce.

Final Thoughts

These Ham Logs are more than just a recipe; they are a taste of home, a connection to cherished memories, and a simple yet satisfying dish that’s sure to please. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner, I hope they bring as much joy to your table as they have to mine. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the variations and make them your own! And please, share your feedback – I’d love to hear how you and your family enjoy this savory treat. Perhaps a side of creamy coleslaw would be the perfect accompaniment to these delectable ham logs. Enjoy!