Homemade Pimento Loaf

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Introduction

Pimento Loaf is an American deli classic, especially popular in the mid-20th century when luncheon meats were at their peak. It’s a bologna-style meatloaf made from finely ground pork and beef (sometimes veal), seasoned with spices, and filled with diced pimentos. Unlike bologna or olive loaf, it doesn’t rely on olives but rather the sweet tang of red pimentos that add both flavor and color. It’s typically baked, cooled, and sliced thin for sandwiches. Making it at home is special because you get to control the flavors, texture, and quality of meat—without all the preservatives in store-bought versions.

Ingredients

For the Meat Base:

  • 2 lbs ground pork
  • 1 lb ground beef (lean)
  • 1 lb ground veal (optional, can substitute more pork or beef)
  • 2 cups ice water
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup nonfat dry milk powder (binder)
  • ½ cup bread crumbs or cracker crumbs
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp white pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp mustard powder

For the Flavor Boost:

  • 1 Tbsp sugar
  • 2 tsp curing salt (Prague Powder #1 – optional if you want that classic deli pink color)
  • ½ tsp nutmeg (traditional deli meat spice)

The Star Ingredient:

  • 1 cup diced pimentos (jarred, well-drained and patted dry)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Meat Mixture
  • In a large chilled mixing bowl, combine the pork, beef, and veal. Mix until evenly blended.
  • Add eggs, dry milk powder, breadcrumbs, and all seasonings. Slowly add the ice water while mixing to keep the mixture emulsified and sticky.
  1. Add the Pimentos
  • Gently fold in the diced pimentos. Don’t overmix at this stage—just enough to spread them evenly.
  1. Shape the Loaf
  • Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Pack the meat mixture into the pan, pressing down to remove air pockets. Smooth the top.
  1. Bake
  • Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
  • Place the loaf pan in a water bath (set the loaf pan inside a larger pan filled with hot water halfway up the sides). This keeps it moist and prevents cracking.
  • Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  1. Cool and Slice
  • Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
  • Carefully remove loaf, wrap in foil, and refrigerate overnight before slicing. This allows flavors to develop and firm up the texture.

Methods

  • Grinding Method: If starting from whole cuts, grind meats twice (fine grind) for a smooth texture.
  • Curing Method: Using curing salt gives that authentic deli look and taste. If skipping, the loaf will be more like traditional baked meatloaf but still delicious.
  • Serving Method: Slice thin with a sharp knife or deli slicer. Perfect for sandwiches, cheese boards, or even fried slices.

History

Pimento loaf became popular in American delis and lunch counters during the 1940s–1960s. It was marketed as an affordable, flavorful cold cut alternative to ham or roast beef. The use of pimentos was inspired by Mediterranean flavors, as pimentos were introduced to the U.S. through Spanish and Southern cuisine. It shares a family with olive loaf, but with a sweeter, less briny taste.

Benefits

  • Protein-rich: Provides essential amino acids from beef, pork, and veal.
  • Customizable: Homemade means you control sodium and fat levels.
  • Economical: Yields a large amount for sandwiches at a fraction of deli prices.
  • Nostalgic comfort food: Brings back memories of retro lunchboxes and old-school delis.

Nutrition (per 2 oz slice – approximate)

  • Calories: 140
  • Protein: 11g
  • Fat: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Sugar: 1g

(Values vary depending on meat blend and curing salt use.)

Formation

The loaf is formed by emulsifying ground meats into a fine paste, binding with eggs and milk powder, then incorporating pimentos for flavor and texture. The baking and chilling process allows it to slice cleanly like deli meat.

Lovers of Pimento Loaf

  • Retro food lovers: Those who adore vintage American cuisine.
  • Sandwich fans: It pairs perfectly with mustard, cheese, and pickles.
  • Homesteaders & DIY cooks: People who love making cold cuts from scratch.
  • Nostalgic eaters: Anyone who grew up with deli sandwiches from corner shops.

Conclusion

Pimento Loaf is more than just a cold cut—it’s a slice of American food history. With its smooth meat blend and pops of sweet red pimento, it bridges nostalgia and practicality. Making it at home not only gives you better flavor and quality, but it also turns a forgotten deli staple into a family favorite once again.

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