Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites

This cheesy stuffed meatloaf bites recipe transforms the classic comfort food into perfect finger-food portions, each with a gooey cheese surprise in the center. These savory bites bring all the flavor of traditional meatloaf in a fun, party-friendly format that both kids and adults adore.

I first created these meatloaf bites for a game day gathering when I wanted something more exciting than standard meatballs. They were such a hit that they've become my go-to appetizer whenever I need to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: The foundation of our recipe with 80/20 lean to fat ratio providing the best flavor
• Breadcrumbs: Absorb moisture and help bind the meat while keeping the texture light
• Milk: Adds moisture and tenderizes the meat for perfect texture
• Egg: Essential binder that holds everything together
• Onion: Provides aromatic sweetness and moisture
• Garlic: Adds depth and savory notes to complement the beef
• Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning that enhances all other flavors
• Worcestershire sauce: Delivers that umami punch that makes meatloaf distinctive
• Ketchup: Creates a sweet tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully
• Mustard: Adds a slight tang to balance the sweetness of the ketchup
• Cheddar cheese: The star filling that creates the gooey center use sharp cheddar for more flavor
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the rich flavors and adds color both in the mixture and as garnish

How To Make Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites

Preheat Oven:

Set your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. The parchment prevents sticking and helps the meatloaf bites develop a nice exterior while containing any cheese that might escape.

Mix The Base:

Combine ground beef breadcrumbs milk egg chopped onion minced garlic salt pepper and Worcestershire sauce in a large bowl. Mix with your hands until just combined avoid overmixing as this will make your meatloaf tough. The mixture should be moist but hold together when shaped.

Form The Cheese Filled Bites:

Take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a small pinch roughly half a teaspoon of grated cheddar in the center. Gently fold the meat around the cheese completely sealing it inside then roll between your palms to form a perfect ball about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place on the prepared baking sheet leaving about an inch between each bite.

Create The Glaze:

Whisk together ketchup and mustard in a small bowl until completely blended. This simple glaze adds tangy sweetness and helps the exterior caramelize. Use a pastry brush to coat the top of each meatloaf bite with a generous layer of glaze.

Bake To Perfection:

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You'll know they're done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F and the tops have developed a beautiful caramelized glaze. The cheese inside should be completely melted but still contained within the meat.

Garnish And Serve:

Sprinkle the finished meatloaf bites with freshly chopped parsley for color and a fresh flavor contrast. Serve immediately while the cheese centers are hot and melty.

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The grated cheddar is truly the heart of this recipe. I discovered purely by accident that allowing the cheese to come to room temperature before stuffing creates an even meltier center. My husband who usually claims to dislike meatloaf has been known to sneak these straight from the cooling rack before dinner is served.

Serving Suggestions

These cheesy meatloaf bites shine as an appetizer but can easily become a main course when paired with sides. Serve them alongside mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables for a complete meal, or offer them on toothpicks with a small bowl of additional ketchup or barbecue sauce for dipping. For a fun twist, serve them slider style on small dinner rolls with additional melted cheese on top.

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Clever Variations

The basic recipe is delicious as is, but there are endless ways to customize these bites. Try stuffing them with different cheeses like pepper jack for heat, mozzarella for extra stretch, or blue cheese for tang. You can also add different seasonings to the meat mixture ranch seasoning packet, Italian herbs, or taco seasoning all work beautifully. For an extra special touch, wrap each meatloaf bite in a strip of bacon before baking for added flavor and presentation points.

Storage Tips

These meatloaf bites reheat beautifully making them perfect for meal prep. Store cooled bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, arrange fully cooled bites on a parchment lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They'll keep for up to 3 months. Reheat refrigerated bites in the microwave for 30 seconds or in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Frozen bites can go straight into a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use any cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack, to customize the flavor.

→ Can these be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf bites ahead, refrigerate them, and bake just before serving. They also reheat well.

→ How do I know when the bites are fully cooked?

The meatloaf bites should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.

→ Can these be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked or cooked bites. For best results, freeze uncooked bites and bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

→ What can I serve with these meatloaf bites?

Pair them with mashed potatoes, a side salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For appetizers, serve with dipping sauces.