Bacon-Wrapped Mini Meatloaf: The Delicious Recipe to Try Now!

Think meatloaf, but make it tiny, Bacon-Wrapped, cheesy in the middle, and cute enough to earn a round of applause at your next dinner party or kid-approved snack hour. If you love the comforting flavor of classic meatloaf but want something quicker, cuter, and just as satisfying, mini meatloaf is your answer.

Mini meatloaves cook faster than the traditional loaf, have perfectly crisp edges all around, and are super easy to customize. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly and ideal for portion control, though we won’t blame you for going back for seconds.

What’s the Story Behind Mini Meatloaf?

Ah, meatloaf, the dish that's been sliding onto plates since the days when your grandma was still chasing chickens in the backyard. Its roots go all the way back to ancient Rome. It really took off in the U.S. during the Great Depression when stretching meat with bread became less “gourmet hack” and more “we need dinner tonight.”

These mini meatloaves are essentially all the heartiness of the classic, rebranded into fun-size. No knife required. Bonus points if you serve them with a toothpick and a smile.

Pro Tips for The Best Mini Meatloaf

• Soak the bread well as that soggy bread is the glue holding your meat together.
• Wrap the meat tightly with the bacon. Don’t wrap it like a burrito, more like a tight little meat hug which will keep  everything together.
• For the best experience, pair with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or slide one into a sandwich bun.
• Mix gently as overmixing the meat makes it tough.

Can I Make Mini Meatloaf Ahead of Time?

Absolutely. You can prep them, wrap them, and park them in the fridge a day ahead. When it’s go time, just bake. They're also freezer-friendly if you're into that kind of long-term relationship.

What Kind of Cheese Works Best?

You want something that melts nicely and doesn’t pull a disappearing act. Mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda are great choices. Just skip anything too hard or crumbly.

Can I Use Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?

Sure! Ground turkey or chicken works well if you’re keeping things lighter. Just watch the moisture, leaner meats dry out faster, so you may want to add a splash of oil or an extra egg.

How Do I Get the Bacon Crispy When Wrapped Around the Meatloaves?

You could increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 5-10 minutes of baking; or you can broil the meatloaves for 2-3 minutes at the end!

How Do I Keep the Bacon From Falling Off?

Tuck the ends underneath the meatloaf balls when placing them in the tray. The bacon will tighten as it cooks and hold everything in place like a pro.

Do I Need to Grease the Baking Tray?

Not really. The bacon handles that for you. It releases enough fat to keep things from sticking. But if you're nervous, a light spray won’t hurt.

Can I Add Veggies to The Mix?

Definitely. Finely chopped bell peppers, carrots, or even spinach can go in with the meat without changing the vibe. Just don’t go overboard, it’s still meatloaf, not a salad.

How to Store Any Leftovers

Let the mini meatloaves cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the oven or air fryer to get that bacon crisp again, microwave works too, but it’ll be softer. Or do you want to freeze? Wrap them individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

How to Make Mini Meatloaf

Step 1

Step 1

Tear the bread into small chunks and toss it into a bowl. Pour the milk on top and mash everything with a fork until it becomes a soggy mess. Set aside.

Tear the bread into small chunks and toss it into a bowl. Pour the milk on top and mash everything with a fork until it becomes a soggy mess. Set aside.

Step 2

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine the minced meat, eggs, onion, garlic, parsley, coriander, salt, and pepper. Now add the milk-soaked bread and roll up your sleeves and mix it all together with your hands.

In a large bowl, combine the minced meat, eggs, onion, garlic, parsley, coriander, salt, and pepper. Now add the milk-soaked bread and roll up your sleeves and mix it all together with your hands.

Step 3

Step 3

Take a bit of the meat mixture and form a small ball. Press a piece of cheese into the center and seal it up. Then, wrap each ball with a slice of bacon.

Take a bit of the meat mixture and form a small ball. Press a piece of cheese into the center and seal it up. Then, wrap each ball with a slice of bacon.

Step 4

Step 4

Place each wrapped meatball seam-side down in a glass baking dish. Give them a little space to breathe. Pop the tray into a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) and bake for 30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the meat is cooked through.

Place each wrapped meatball seam-side down in a glass baking dish. Give them a little space to breathe. Pop the tray into a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) and bake for 30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the meat is cooked through.