Cheddar-Stuffed Meatloaf Morsels

Cheddar-Stuffed Meatloaf Morsels are a creative and delicious twist on the classic meatloaf. These bite-sized portions are packed with juicy ground beef, savory seasonings, and a gooey, cheesy center that adds a delightful surprise with every bite. Perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even meal prepping, these mini meatloaves combine comfort food flavors with modern presentation.

Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, these morsels are baked to perfection with a golden glaze that enhances their savory profile. Whether served as a hearty appetizer, a crowd-pleasing party snack, or a fun alternative to traditional meatloaf, this recipe delivers big on flavor while being surprisingly simple to make.

This recipe is versatile enough to be adapted for different tastes, allowing you to experiment with fillings, seasonings, and even dipping sauces. These Cheddar-Stuffed Meatloaf Morsels are sure to become a family favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A Cheesy Surprise

Every bite is filled with gooey, melted cheddar, elevating the humble meatloaf into a decadent treat.

Perfect for Any Occasion

From weeknight dinners to holiday gatherings, these morsels are versatile enough to suit any event.

Kid-Friendly

The cheesy center and bite-sized format make these a hit with kids, ensuring clean plates all around.

Customizable

Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite seasonings, fillings, or glazes to make it your own.

Make-Ahead Friendly

Prepare the morsels in advance and bake them when needed for a stress-free cooking experience.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 morsels
• Serving Size: 4 morsels

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (85% lean)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

For the Glaze

• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure tender morsels.

Step 3: Shape and Stuff the Morsels

Take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it into a small disc. Place a cube of cheddar cheese in the center, then wrap the meat mixture around the cheese, sealing it completely. Roll into a ball and place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining meat and cheese.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder until smooth.

Step 5: Apply the Glaze

Brush the glaze generously over the top of each meatloaf morsel, ensuring full coverage for a glossy finish.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the morsels in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the glaze is caramelized.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the morsels to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or sides.

Ingredient Background

Ground Beef

Opt for 85% lean ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and moisture. Too much fat can cause greasiness, while too little can make the morsels dry.

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar melts beautifully, creating a gooey center. Experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss for variety.

Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs act as a binder, ensuring the morsels hold their shape while baking. Panko breadcrumbs add a slightly lighter texture.

Worcestershire Sauce

This ingredient adds depth and umami to the meatloaf, enhancing its savory flavor.

Ketchup Glaze

The sweet and tangy glaze is a classic pairing with meatloaf. Adding vinegar and brown sugar balances the sweetness with a subtle acidity.

Technique Tips

Seal the Cheese

Ensure the cheddar cube is completely sealed within the meat mixture to prevent it from leaking during baking.

Don’t Overmix

Overworking the meat mixture can result in dense and tough morsels. Mix just until combined for the best texture.

Use a Thermometer

Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the morsels are fully cooked without overbaking.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Cheddar Morsels

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.

BBQ Meatloaf Bites

Replace the ketchup glaze with your favorite barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor.

Herbed Variation

Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary into the meat mixture for an earthy, aromatic profile.

Vegetarian Option

Use plant-based ground meat and vegan cheese for a vegetarian-friendly version of this recipe.

Freezing and Storing

Refrigeration

Store leftover morsels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to restore their crispiness.

Freezing

• Unbaked Morsels: Freeze on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to the cooking time.
• Baked Morsels: Cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Tip

Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain the crisp exterior and gooey interior. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cheese rubbery.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Family Dinner

Pair these Cheddar-Stuffed Meatloaf Morsels with creamy mashed potatoes and a side of steamed vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or carrots for a complete, balanced meal. Add a dollop of gravy or drizzle of tangy barbecue sauce over the morsels for extra flavor. Include a basket of warm dinner rolls to soak up any remaining sauce for a truly comforting family feast.

Game Day Snack

Transform these morsels into the ultimate game-day snack by slicing them into bite-sized pieces and arranging them on a large platter. Include a variety of dipping sauces such as spicy aioli, garlic ranch, honey mustard, or even sriracha mayo for an added kick. Pair with snacks like nachos, pretzels, and sliders to create a winning spread that will have your guests coming back for seconds.

Holiday Appetizer

Turn these morsels into an elegant holiday appetizer by garnishing them with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve on a festive platter with a side of cranberry glaze for a seasonal touch or barbecue sauce for a smoky contrast. Add colorful garnishes like cherry tomatoes and sprigs of rosemary to complement the holiday aesthetic.

Meal Prep

For easy and nutritious meal prep, divide the morsels into individual containers with sides like roasted vegetables, quinoa, or couscous. You can even drizzle the glaze over everything for added flavor. These portions are perfect for on-the-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners, ensuring you always have a satisfying meal ready to enjoy.

Special Equipment

Mixing Bowl

Choose a large mixing bowl to combine the meat mixture ingredients thoroughly without spilling. The size also allows you to knead the mixture evenly, ensuring each morsel is perfectly seasoned.

Baking Sheet

Opt for a rimmed, heavy-duty baking sheet to prevent grease or glaze from dripping onto your oven. For easier cleanup, line the sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

Pastry Brush

A high-quality pastry brush is essential for evenly applying the glaze, giving the morsels a glossy, professional-looking finish. Silicone brushes are particularly durable and easy to clean.

Meat Thermometer

Using a meat thermometer ensures your morsels are cooked to the perfect internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), preventing undercooking or overcooking. An instant-read thermometer is particularly convenient for quick checks.

Sharp Knife

A sharp knife is vital for cutting uniform cheddar cubes that fit neatly inside each morsel. It also ensures precise slicing of garnishes like parsley or rosemary for the final presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey works well as a substitute. Choose turkey with some fat content for better flavor and moisture.

2. How can I make these gluten-free?

Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

3. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

While pre-shredded cheese can be used, it’s better to cut fresh cheese into cubes to create the gooey center.

4. What’s the best way to reheat these morsels?

Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain the crispy exterior and warm, cheesy center.

5. Can I make the morsels ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the morsels and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

6. Can I use a different glaze?

Absolutely. Try barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or a sweet chili sauce for variety.

7. What sides pair best with these morsels?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and coleslaw are excellent accompaniments.

8. How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Ensure the cheese is fully enclosed in the meat mixture and pinch any seams tightly before baking.

Conclusion

Cheddar-Stuffed Meatloaf Morsels are the ultimate comfort food in bite-sized form. With their juicy meat, melty cheese center, and tangy glaze, they are as fun to make as they are to eat. Perfect for any occasion, these morsels are versatile, easy to customize, and guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Whether you’re hosting a party, meal prepping, or looking for a cozy family dinner, this recipe delivers on flavor and convenience. Experiment with variations and serving ideas to make it your own. Once you try these cheesy, savory morsels, they’re sure to become a regular on your menu rotation.

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