Meatloaf

By Emily Raunig

Meatloaf, that classic comfort food, is a versatile and hearty dish that has been a staple in households for generations. While a well-seasoned, perfectly cooked meatloaf is delicious on its own, adding creative toppings and variations can take this humble dish to new heights.

We are big on comfort food, generous portions, and value at JT's Grill, so making meatloaf the star of our Wednesday special only made sense. You can enjoy our mouthwatering meatloaf with a side of our delicious mashed potatoes and your choice of corn or green beans. If you haven't had our green beans, your life is not quite complete. We're just saying- they are crazy good.

If you are planning to stay in and take a stab at your delicious entrée, we have some suggestions to change up your meatloaf toppings.

Classic Ketchup Glaze:

• Ketchup Glaze: The classic choice, a ketchup glaze, is a tangy and sweet topping that caramelizes beautifully as the meatloaf bakes. It adds a burst of flavor and a hint of nostalgia.

Creative Toppings:

• Bacon and BBQ Sauce: Top your meatloaf with crisp bacon strips and a drizzle of your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky, savory twist.
• Mushroom Gravy: A luscious mushroom gravy elevates your meatloaf to a restaurant-worthy dish. The earthy flavors of mushrooms complement the meat perfectly.
• Caramelized Onions: Slow-cooked, golden-brown caramelized onions add sweetness and depth of flavor to your meatloaf.
• Cheese and Tomato: Layer slices of tomato and melt your favorite cheese on top of your meatloaf for a gooey, flavorful topping.

Global Inspirations:

• Salsa Fresca: A dollop of fresh salsa adds a zesty, Tex-Mex flair to your meatloaf. Top with chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.
• Greek Tzatziki: Slather your meatloaf with creamy tzatziki sauce, cucumber, and tomato for a Mediterranean twist that's both refreshing and tangy.

Healthy and Unique:

• Quinoa and Pesto: Swap some meat in your meatloaf recipe with quinoa and top it with homemade pesto for a nutritious and herbaceous topping.

• Sweet Potato Mash: A layer of mashed sweet potatoes provides a creamy, sweet contrast to the savory meatloaf. This option is ideal for those looking for a lower-carb alternative to classic mashed potatoes.

Breakfast-Inspired:

• Sunny-Side-Up Egg: Top your meatloaf with a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg for a delightful breakfast-inspired twist. The runny yolk adds a silky richness to every bite.

Vegetarian and Vegan Variations:

For those looking to enjoy meatloaf without the meat, consider these alternatives:

• Lentil and Mushroom Loaf: A mixture of lentils, mushrooms and spices creates a hearty and savory "meatloaf" for vegetarians.
• Vegan Walnut and Bean Loaf: Using a combination of walnuts, beans and flavorful seasonings, you can create a meatless meatloaf that's satisfying and delicious.

Meatloaf is a versatile canvas for culinary creativity, allowing you to explore various flavors and toppings. Whether you're a fan of classic ketchup glaze, prefer global-inspired toppings, seek healthier alternatives or want to try a meatless variation, there's a meatloaf recipe to suit your tastes.