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Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Bites

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food, but what if we made it bite-sized, wrapped it in smoky bacon, and added gooey, melty cheese? Enter Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Bites! These little morsels take everything you love about traditional meatloaf and elevate it into a fun, flavorful appetizer or dinner dish. Perfectly seasoned meatloaf is stuffed with cheese, wrapped in bacon, and baked to crispy, cheesy perfection.

The first time I made these, I was hosting a game night and wanted something hearty yet shareable. When the tray came out of the oven, everyone’s eyes lit up. They’re the kind of dish that turns a casual gathering into an unforgettable feast. Let’s dive into this recipe and create the ultimate bite-sized indulgence.

Recipe Resume

Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Bites combine the classic flavors of meatloaf with the smoky goodness of bacon and the creamy richness of cheese. These bites are perfect for entertaining, offering a burst of flavor in every bite. They’re easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Exciting Story

The idea for these meatloaf bites came from a holiday party where I wanted to serve something both nostalgic and elevated. As I wrapped the meatballs in bacon and tucked cheese into the center, I couldn’t help but feel excited about the reaction they’d get. When I pulled them from the oven, golden and glistening, I knew I had a winner. The guests couldn’t stop raving, and now these little bites have become my go-to for gatherings, potlucks, and even family dinners.

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Why These Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Bites

What Makes It Special

  • Bite-Sized Delight: Perfectly portioned for easy serving.
  • Flavor Explosion: Smoky bacon, savory meatloaf, and melted cheese in every bite.
  • Versatile: Great as an appetizer, snack, or main course.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike.

What You Need for Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Bites

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 8-10 slices of bacon, halved
  • 4 oz cheddar cheese, cubed
  • 1/4 cup ketchup (for glaze)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar (for glaze)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard (for glaze)

How to Make Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Bites

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top.
  2. Mix the Meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, milk, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
  3. Form the Bites: Take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of cheddar cheese in the center and shape the meat around it, forming a ball.
  4. Wrap in Bacon: Wrap each meatball with a half slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if necessary. Place the wrapped meatballs on the prepared wire rack.
  5. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Brush the glaze over each bacon-wrapped meatball.
  6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the meat is cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F/70°C).
  7. Serve: Remove the meatloaf bites from the oven, let them cool slightly, and serve warm. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Tips for Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Bites

  1. Don’t Overmix: Mix the meatloaf ingredients just until combined to keep the bites tender.
  2. Use Thick-Cut Bacon: For a heartier bite, opt for thick-cut bacon.
  3. Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda for different flavors.
  4. Wire Rack: Cooking on a wire rack allows the bacon to crisp evenly.
  5. Toothpick Trick: Secure the bacon with toothpicks to prevent it from unraveling while baking.
  6. Make Ahead: Assemble the bites a day in advance and store in the fridge until ready to bake.
  7. Freezer-Friendly: Freeze uncooked bites and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
  8. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture for a spicy twist.

Substitutions and Variations

  1. Turkey or Chicken: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  2. Vegan Version: Use plant-based ground meat, vegan cheese, and tempeh bacon.
  3. Gluten-Free: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  4. Different Cheese: Try blue cheese or feta for a tangy flavor.
  5. BBQ Glaze: Swap the ketchup glaze for your favorite barbecue sauce.
  6. Italian-Inspired: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and basil to the meat mixture.
  7. Sweet and Savory: Drizzle with honey or maple syrup before baking.
  8. Herbaceous Touch: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the meat mixture.

Make a Healthier Version

  1. Lean Protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
  2. Less Cheese: Use smaller cheese cubes or low-fat cheese.
  3. Reduce Sodium: Opt for low-sodium bacon and reduce the salt in the meat mixture.
  4. Whole Grain: Use whole wheat breadcrumbs.
  5. Baked, Not Fried: Baking on a wire rack allows excess fat to drip away.
  6. Add Veggies: Incorporate finely chopped carrots, zucchini, or spinach into the meat mixture.
  7. Natural Sweetener: Use honey or maple syrup in the glaze instead of brown sugar.
  8. Portion Control: Make smaller bites for lighter servings.

Closing for Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Bites

These Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Bites are proof that good things come in small packages. With their smoky bacon, gooey cheese, and savory meatloaf center, they’re a guaranteed hit for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a party snack, or a main course, these bites deliver big on flavor and fun. So preheat your oven, grab your ingredients, and get ready to wow your guests (or just treat yourself)! Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions for Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Bites

  1. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, assemble the bites and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
  2. Can I freeze these? Absolutely! Freeze uncooked bites on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.
  3. What if I don’t have a wire rack? Bake directly on a parchment-lined baking sheet, but flip the bites halfway through for even cooking.
  4. Can I use pre-cooked bacon? Pre-cooked bacon may not wrap well, but it can be used if you secure it with toothpicks.
  5. What’s the best cheese to use? Cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack work beautifully, but feel free to experiment.
  6. How do I ensure the bacon is crispy? Bake on a wire rack and broil for the last 2-3 minutes if needed.
  7. Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  8. What sides pair well with this dish? Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
  9. Can I use turkey bacon? Yes, but keep in mind it may cook faster than regular bacon.
  10. How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
  11. Can I grill these? Yes, cook them on a grill over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the meat is cooked through.
  12. Can I make this recipe without cheese? Absolutely! The bites are still delicious without the cheese filling.
Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Bites

Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Bites

0 from 0 votes
Recipe by Alexandra Course: All Word Recipes
Servings

4

 

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal
Total time

0

minutes
Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • 1 lb 1 ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

  • 1/2 cup 1/2 breadcrumbs

  • 1/4 cup 1/4 grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 large 1 egg

  • 1/4 cup 1/4 milk

  • 1 small 1 onion, finely diced

  • 2 cloves 2 garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp 1 Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tsp 1 dried oregano

  • 1/2 tsp 1/2 smoked paprika

  • 1/2 tsp 1/2 salt

  • 1/4 tsp 1/4 black pepper

  • 8 8 -10 slices of bacon, halved

  • 4 oz 4 cheddar cheese, cubed

  • 1/4 cup 1/4 ketchup (for glaze)

  • 1 tbsp 1 brown sugar (for glaze)

  • 1 tsp 1 Dijon mustard (for glaze)

Directions

  • Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top.
  • Mix the Meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, milk, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
  • Form the Bites: Take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of cheddar cheese in the center and shape the meat around it, forming a ball.
  • Wrap in Bacon: Wrap each meatball with a half slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if necessary. Place the wrapped meatballs on the prepared wire rack.
  • Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Brush the glaze over each bacon-wrapped meatball.
  • Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the meat is cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F/70°C).
  • Serve: Remove the meatloaf bites from the oven, let them cool slightly, and serve warm. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

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