Prepare to embark on a culinary journey filled with grace and sophistication as you dive into the Pepperjack Bacon Double-Stack Melt Meatloaf, a creation that celebrates the art of elegant comfort food. This irresistible dish is a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and sensations, inviting you to indulge in a refined and indulgent dining experience.
Why You’ll Love This Pepperjack Bacon Double-Stack Melt Meatloaf
This ultimate meatloaf masterpiece is a true delight for the senses. Layers of tender, juicy meatloaf are infused with the rich, melted goodness of pepperjack cheese and the smoky, crispy delight of bacon, creating a heavenly fusion of flavors that will leave you craving for more. The decadent double-stack construction adds a touch of elegance and indulgence, making this dish a true gourmet experience.
Ingredients
To craft this luscious Pepperjack Bacon Double-Stack Melt Meatloaf, you will need a carefully curated selection of ingredients that include ground beef, pepperjack cheese, bacon, breadcrumbs, eggs, onions, garlic, and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. Each component plays a vital role in creating the refined and flavorful masterpiece.
- 2 pounds – Ground beef
- 8 ounces – Pepperjack cheese, sliced
- 12 slices – Smoked bacon, cooked until crispy
- 1 cup – Breadcrumbs
- 2 – Eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 medium – Onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons – Dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon – Smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon – Cayenne pepper
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Pepperjack Cheese: Cheddar or Swiss cheese — a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey or ground pork — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Pepperjack Bacon Double-Stack Melt Meatloaf
To create this magnificent Pepperjack Bacon Double-Stack Melt Meatloaf, follow these captivating steps:
Step 1 — Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onions, garlic, thyme, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix these ingredients until they are well-incorporated, creating a cohesive and flavorful meatloaf base.
Step 2 — Assemble the Double-Stack
Divide the meatloaf mixture into two equal portions and shape them into rectangular loaves. Carefully layer the pepperjack cheese slices and crispy bacon on top of one of the loaves, creating a decadent and tempting double-stack. Place the second loaf on top, effectively encasing the pepperjack and bacon layers within the meatloaf.
Step 3 — Bake the Meatloaf
Transfer the Pepperjack Bacon Double-Stack Melt Meatloaf to a baking dish and bake it in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The aroma that fills your kitchen during this process will be both comforting and inspiring.
Step 4 — Finish with Flair
Once the meatloaf is perfectly cooked, you can consider adding a final touch of elegance by garnishing it with fresh thyme sprigs or a drizzle of a whiskey-maple glaze, further enhancing the refined and sensory-rich experience.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Cheese Variety: To add a personal touch to this irresistible Pepperjack Bacon Double-Stack Melt Meatloaf, you can experiment with different cheese varieties, such as cheddar or Swiss, to suit your taste preferences.
- Filling Additions: For a delightful twist, you can also try incorporating a layer of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables between the meatloaf layers, creating a truly indulgent and satisfying dish.
- Meatloaf Texture: Remember, the key to a successful meatloaf is to handle the mixture gently and avoid overworking the meat, ensuring a tender and juicy result.
- Vegetable Integration: To add more wholesome and nutrient-rich elements, consider incorporating finely chopped or grated vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers, into the meatloaf mixture.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or a side of creamy mashed potatoes for a complete and comforting meal.
Storage: Any leftover Pepperjack Bacon Double-Stack Melt Meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it a perfect option for meal prepping or enjoying as a delicious lunch the following day.
Reheat: When ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat the meatloaf in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Make-Ahead: This meatloaf recipe can be prepared in advance and refrigerated or frozen for later use. Simply assemble the meatloaf, wrap it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the meatloaf in the refrigerator overnight and bake it according to the recipe instructions.
Nutrition Information
This Pepperjack Bacon Double-Stack Melt Meatloaf is a hearty and satisfying dish that provides a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Each serving is a rich source of essential nutrients, including iron, vitamin B12, and zinc, making it a nourishing option for your dinner table.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 20 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Sodium: 810 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the meatloaf in advance?
Absolutely! This meatloaf recipe can be prepared in advance and refrigerated or frozen for later use. Simply assemble the meatloaf, wrap it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw the meatloaf in the refrigerator overnight and bake it according to the recipe instructions.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Certainly! While pepperjack cheese adds a delightful spicy and creamy flavor to this meatloaf, you can experiment with other cheese varieties that complement the dish. Consider using cheddar, Swiss, or even a blend of cheeses to suit your personal preferences.
How can I make the meatloaf even more moist and tender?
To ensure a moist and tender meatloaf, you can try adding a small amount of milk or beef broth to the meatloaf mixture. This will help keep the meat from drying out during the baking process. Additionally, be careful not to overmix the meatloaf, as this can result in a dense and tough texture.
Can I make this recipe into individual meatloaf cups?
Absolutely! This meatloaf recipe can easily be adapted to make individual meatloaf cups. Simply divide the meatloaf mixture into a greased muffin tin, layer with the pepperjack cheese and bacon, and bake for a shorter amount of time, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
How can I add more vegetables to this meatloaf?
For an even more wholesome and nutrient-rich meatloaf, consider incorporating finely chopped or grated vegetables into the meatloaf mixture. Carrots, celery, bell peppers, or zucchini would all be excellent additions, adding both flavor and texture to the dish.
Try These Next
- Double Bacon Swiss Mushroom Melt Meatloaf
- Smoked Bacon Triple Cheese Stack Meatloaf
- Delicious Double Bacon Cheeseburger Mac Cheese Meatloaf
Pepperjack Bacon Double-Stack Melt Meatloaf
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Pepperjack Bacon Double-Stack Melt Meatloaf, a refined twist on a classic comfort dish. Juicy meatloaf layered with pepperjack cheese and crispy bacon, baked to perfection.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 large eggs
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup shredded pepperjack cheese
6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, garlic, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Layer half of the meat mixture in a loaf pan, then add half of the pepperjack cheese and half of the bacon on top.
4. Add the remaining meat mixture, then top with the remaining cheese and bacon.
5. Spread barbecue sauce over the top.
6. Bake for 1 hour or until cooked through.
Notes
For an extra kick, add jalapeños to the meat mixture. Serve with a side of mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg