Kamil Perry
Meatloaf is a classic comfort food, but adding cheese takes it to the next level. Whether you prefer shredded cheese or cheese cubes, there are a few different ways to add cheese to your meatloaf. Some recipes call for cheese to be added to the centre of the meatloaf, while others suggest sprinkling cheese on top towards the end of the bake time. If you're looking for a gooey, cheesy centre, adding cheese to the middle of your meatloaf is the way to go. However, if you want a simple, cheesy topping, sprinkling cheese on top of your meatloaf before it's finished baking will give it a delicious, melted cheese crust.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Mozzarella, cheddar, gouda, provolone, Swiss, blue cheese, feta, American, or any melty cheese |
| Form of cheese | Cubed, shredded, grated, or melted |
| When to add cheese | 15 minutes before the end of cooking, after baking, or before baking |
| Cheese placement | On top of the meatloaf, in the center, or mixed into the meat |
| Baking temperature | 350°F, 400°F, or 375°F |
| Baking time | 45 minutes to 1 hour |
| Resting time | 10-15 minutes |
| Internal temperature | 145°F to 160°F |
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What You'll Learn
The best cheeses for meatloaf
Meatloaf is a classic comfort food, and adding cheese to it takes it to the next level. When making a cheese-stuffed meatloaf, it's important to choose a cheese that will melt well and create a gooey, cheesy centre. Here are some of the best cheeses to use:
Mozzarella
Mozzarella is a popular choice for meatloaf due to its excellent melting properties. It creates a gooey, stretchy texture that is irresistible. You can use shredded, cubed, or even small mozzarella balls to stuff into the centre of your meatloaf.
Cheddar
Cheddar cheese is another great option for meatloaf. It has a sharp, distinct flavour and melts relatively well. Cheddar cubes can be mixed into the meatloaf mixture, creating pockets of cheesy goodness in each slice.
Gouda
Gouda is a semi-hard cheese that melts easily, making it perfect for meatloaf. It has a mild, nutty flavour that pairs well with the other ingredients commonly used in meatloaf, such as ketchup or BBQ sauce.
Cream Cheese
While not as traditional as the other options, cream cheese can also be used in meatloaf. Its creamy texture and mild flavour can add a unique twist to your meatloaf recipe.
When making a cheese-stuffed meatloaf, it's important to create a trench in the centre of the meatloaf mixture and fill it with cheese, being careful to seal the cheese inside. This ensures that the cheese stays put and doesn't all melt out during baking.
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How to prepare the meat
Preparing the meat for a meatloaf is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Firstly, preheat your oven to 350°F (or 400°F according to one source). Line a rimmed baking sheet or a loaf pan with parchment paper or foil. If you're using a loaf pan, you can grease it with oil or butter to ensure the meatloaf doesn't stick.
In a large bowl, combine your choice of ground meat with the other ingredients, such as breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add grated or minced onion to the mixture for extra flavour. It's important not to overmix the meat, so use your hands to gently combine the ingredients until they are just mixed through.
Once the mixture is ready, transfer it to your prepared baking sheet or loaf pan. Shape the meat into a loaf shape, typically around 10 inches long, 5 inches wide, and 1.5 inches thick. If you're adding cheese to the centre of your meatloaf, use your hands or a spoon to create a trench in the centre of the meat, going down deep but leaving at least 1 inch of meat at the bottom. You can then add your desired cheese to the trench, ensuring it is fully enclosed by the meat.
Finally, spread any remaining ketchup or glaze on top of the meatloaf, or simply leave it plain if you plan to add cheese on top during the baking process. Now your meatloaf is prepared and ready for the oven!
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How to prepare the cheese
There are a few different ways to prepare cheese for a meatloaf. One popular method is to stuff the meatloaf with cheese, creating a gooey, cheesy centre. To do this, shape your meat mixture into a loaf, then create a trench in the centre. Fill the trench with shredded cheese or cubed cheese, then seal it with the remaining meat mixture.
You can use a variety of cheeses for the stuffing, such as mozzarella, cheddar, gouda, or provolone. Just make sure it's a cheese that melts well. If you're using shredded cheese, you can mix it into the meat mixture as well as using it for the centre.
Another option is to top the meatloaf with cheese. You can do this by adding shredded cheese or tomato sauce and shredded mozzarella to the top of the loaf towards the end of the bake time.
If you're using a loaf pan, you can try flipping the pan over onto a baking sheet before adding the cheese, so that the cheese is on the bottom of the pan. This will help the cheese stay inside the meatloaf when you flip it back over after baking.
You can also experiment with different types of cheese and sauces to find your preferred combination. For example, cheddar cheese might pair well with ketchup or BBQ sauce, while Swiss cheese could go well with a mushroom topping.
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When to add the cheese
When making a meatloaf, there are a few different ways to add cheese to the dish. One option is to add the cheese to the centre of the meatloaf, creating a stuffed or filled effect. This can be done by forming the meat mixture into a loaf shape, then creating a trench in the centre of the loaf. The trench is then filled with cheese before being sealed with the remaining meat mixture. This method ensures that the cheese is contained within the meatloaf and creates a gooey, cheesy centre.
Another option is to add the cheese on top of the meatloaf. This can be done by spreading the cheese over the meatloaf before baking, or adding it towards the end of the bake time. Adding cheese towards the end of baking allows for a melted, gooey cheese topping. It is important to note that the cheese may melt and ooze out of the meatloaf, so it is recommended to use a loaf pan to catch any excess grease and cheese.
The type of cheese used is also a consideration. Mozzarella, cheddar, Swiss, gouda, and provolone are all popular choices for meatloaf due to their melting capabilities. It is recommended to use a cheese that melts well and to adjust the seasonings to complement the chosen cheese.
Experimentation is encouraged when adding cheese to a meatloaf, and different combinations of cheese and toppings can be explored to find your preferred flavour profile.
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Cooking time and temperature
For a cheese-stuffed meatloaf, it is recommended to bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes at 350°F. Then, add tomato sauce and shredded cheese to the top and return it to the oven until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, which typically takes about 15 additional minutes. Allowing the meatloaf to rest for at least 10 minutes, and up to 15 minutes, is crucial to let the juices settle, making it easier to slice and ensuring the slices hold their shape.
Another recipe suggests baking the meatloaf for about an hour at 350°F, resulting in a total cooking time of 75 minutes. This longer cooking time is due to the inclusion of a soup mix in the recipe, which requires additional time to cook thoroughly.
When preparing a meatloaf with cheese on top, it is essential to consider the type of cheese used. For example, shredded cheese may melt into the meat, resulting in a messier presentation. Cubed cheese, on the other hand, creates pockets of cheesy goodness when sliced. Additionally, different cheeses have varying melting points, so choosing a cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda, is crucial for achieving the desired result.
To ensure the cheese remains on top of the meatloaf, one suggestion is to create a trench in the centre of the meatloaf mixture, fill it with cheese, and then seal it with the remaining meat mixture. This technique ensures that the cheese is contained within the meatloaf, minimising the risk of it melting out during the baking process.
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Frequently asked questions
To ensure the cheese stays on top of the meatloaf, you can add the cheese towards the end of the bake time. You can also use shredded cheese or cheese cubes, as these melt well and can be mixed with the meat to seal it in.
You can use any variety of cheese that melts well. Mozzarella, cheddar, gouda, provolone, and cream cheese are all good options.
You should put cheese on top of your meatloaf towards the end of the baking time. This will ensure that the cheese melts and gets cooked but does not burn.
