1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Add Cheese: Fold in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese into the meat mixture until evenly distributed.
3. Form the Meatloaf Bites
- Portion the Meat: Take a small portion of the meatloaf mixture (about 1-2 tablespoons) and flatten it in your hand.
- Add Filling: Place a small amount of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese filling in the center of the flattened meat mixture.
- Enclose the Filling: Fold the edges of the meat mixture around the cheese filling, shaping it into a compact ball. Make sure the cheese filling is completely enclosed to prevent leaking during baking.
- Repeat: Continue forming meatloaf bites until all the meat mixture and cheese filling are used up.
4. Prepare the Glaze
- Mix Glaze Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
5. Bake the Meatloaf Bites
- Glaze the Bites: Brush the tops of each meatloaf bite with the prepared glaze, using a pastry brush to ensure even coating.
- Bake: Place the meatloaf bites on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatloaf bites are cooked through and the cheese is melted and gooey.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Cool Slightly: Remove the meatloaf bites from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the meatloaf bites for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve Warm: Arrange the cheesy stuffed meatloaf bites on a serving platter. Serve them warm as appetizers, accompanied by extra ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips and Variations: Customizing Your Meatloaf Bites
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses such as pepper jack, Swiss, or provolone for varied flavors.
- Add-In Ideas: Mix in finely chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach into the meat mixture for added texture and nutrition.
- Mini Muffin Tin: Instead of shaping into balls, use a mini muffin tin to create mini meatloaf muffins for easy serving and portion control.
Conclusion: Enjoy Every Bite
Cheesy stuffed meatloaf bites are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines the comfort of meatloaf with the gooey delight of melted cheese. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking to enjoy a savory snack, these bites are sure to be a hit. Serve them warm and watch them disappear quickly! Enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness in every bite.