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Easy Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Bites

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These bite-sized meatloaf snacks are stuffed with gooey cheese and baked to golden perfection, making them the ultimate crowd-pleasing party appetizer. Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, they’re perfect for game days, gatherings, or lunchboxes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1/2 lb Italian sausage, casing removed
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Cheddar or mozzarella cheese block, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 24 cubes)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 small onion, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: ketchup or BBQ sauce for brushing
  • Optional: extra shredded cheese or grated Parmesan for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin with nonstick spray or oil.
  2. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes to absorb.
  3. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, Italian sausage, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, shredded cheddar, grated onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  4. Portion the meat mixture into about 1.5-tablespoon balls (about 24 portions).
  5. Flatten each ball in your palm, place a cheese cube in the center, wrap the meat around the cheese, and roll back into a ball to seal.
  6. Place each stuffed ball into the mini muffin tin.
  7. If desired, brush tops with ketchup or BBQ sauce and sprinkle with extra cheese or Parmesan.
  8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until browned and cheese is bubbly. Internal temperature should reach 160°F for beef or 165°F for poultry.
  9. Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from the tin. Serve warm.

Notes

For gluten-free, use GF breadcrumbs. For dairy-free, use plant-based cheese. Don’t overmix the meat for tender bites. Seal cheese well to prevent leaking. You can prep the mixture and cube cheese ahead of time. Freeze unbaked bites for later and bake from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to bake time. Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for a crispier crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf bites, cheesy meatloaf, party snack, appetizer, stuffed meatloaf, finger food, game day, easy recipe

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/easy-cheesy-stuffed-meatloaf-bites-recipe-best-party-snack/