Savory Delight: Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf with a Bourbon Brown Sugar Glaze

Elevate your comfort food game with the Savory Delight, a modern take on the classic meatloaf that wraps the hearty favorite in smoky bacon and crowns it with a rich, bourbon-infused brown sugar glaze. This dish transforms the traditional meatloaf into an indulgent feast, combining the savory depth of the meat with the caramelized sweetness of the glaze and the irresistible crunch of bacon. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this bacon-wrapped meatloaf with its bourbon brown sugar glaze is sure to impress and satisfy with its complex flavors and textures.

Ingredients:

For the Meatloaf:

- 2 pounds ground beef (a mix of ground pork or veal adds depth)

- 1 cup breadcrumbs

- 1/2 cup milk

- 2 eggs, beaten

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

- 8-10 slices of bacon

For the Bourbon Brown Sugar Glaze:

- 1/2 cup ketchup

- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey

- 1/4 cup brown sugar

- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

- 1 teaspoon soy sauce

- Salt and pepper to taste

 

Instructions:

Prepare the Meatloaf:

1. Mix Ingredients:

   - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.

2. Form and Wrap:

   - Shape the meat mixture into a loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Carefully wrap the bacon slices around the meatloaf, slightly overlapping each slice.

 

Make the Bourbon Brown Sugar Glaze:

1. Combine Ingredients:

   - In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together ketchup, bourbon, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer until the mixture thickens into a glaze, about 5-7 minutes.

 

Bake the Meatloaf:

1. Glaze and Bake:

   - Brush the meatloaf generously with half of the bourbon brown sugar glaze. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes.

   - Remove from oven, brush with the remaining glaze, and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

 

Serving:

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, with extra glaze on the side if desired. The Savory Delight offers a symphony of flavors that elevate the humble meatloaf into a gourmet treat. The combination of juicy meat, smoky bacon, and the sweetly complex glaze creates a comforting yet sophisticated dish that's perfect for any occasion where hearty, satisfying food is desired. Enjoy this bacon-wrapped meatloaf as a testament to the power of taking classic comfort food to new, delicious heights.