Description

Mini meatloaf poppers with a gooey cheese center—easy to grab, utterly addictive, and perfect for game days, cocktail parties, or casual get-togethers!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatloaf Bites

1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
¼ lb (115 g) ground pork (optional for extra juiciness)
½ cup (50 g) panko breadcrumbs
⅓ cup (80 ml) milk
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 small yellow onion, finely minced (about ½ cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

For the Cheesy Centers

4 oz (115 g) sharp cheddar or mozzarella, cut into ½″ cubes (about 24 cubes)

For the Glaze (optional)

¼ cup ketchup
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Pinch of chili flakes (optional)

Garnish

Chopped fresh parsley or chives

Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the cheese
: Cut your cheese into ½″ cubes and place in the freezer for 10 minutes—this helps them hold shape inside the meat.

2️⃣ Soak the breadcrumbs
: In a small bowl, combine panko and milk. Let sit until the crumbs absorb the liquid (2–3 minutes).

3️⃣ Make the meat mixture
: In a large bowl, add ground beef, pork (if using), soaked breadcrumbs, beaten egg, ketchup, Worcestershire, minced onion, garlic, mustard, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Gently mix with clean hands or a spoon just until combined—avoid over-working.

4️⃣ Form and stuff
: Scoop out heaping tablespoons of meat mixture (about 2 Tbsp each). Flatten into 2″ disks in your palm. Place a frozen cheese cube in the center, then fold the meat around it, sealing fully. Roll into smooth balls (should make ~24).

5️⃣ Arrange in the pan
: Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Line a rimmed baking sheet or 9×13″ pan with parchment. Place meatloaf bites in a single layer, spaced slightly apart.

6️⃣ Bake the bites
: Bake uncovered for 12 minutes.

7️⃣ Add the glaze (optional)
: Meanwhile, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and chili flakes. After 12 minutes, brush each meatball generously with glaze. Return to oven for 5–7 minutes more, until the glaze is tacky and the meat is cooked through (internal temperature 160 °F/71 °C).

8️⃣ Garnish & serve
: Transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives and serve hot with toothpicks.

Notes

Cheese choices: Pepper jack adds a spicy kick; fontina or Gruyère lend a nuttier flavor.
Air-fryer option: Cook at 360 °F (180 °C) for 10 minutes, then glaze and air-fry 3 minutes more.
Make-ahead: Form and stuff bites, then freeze on a tray until firm. Transfer to a bag and freeze up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding ~5 minutes to each bake step and brushing glaze twice.
Sauce swaps: Serve with ranch, BBQ, or honey-mustard dipping sauce instead of the glaze.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 20 min