Bacon-Wrapped Cheddar Meatloaf with Pickle Relish
Juicy, smoky, and loaded with cheesy goodness
If you think you know meatloaf, think again. This recipe takes the traditional comfort food to the next level by wrapping it in crispy bacon, stuffing it with sharp cheddar cheese, and adding a tangy kick from dill pickle relish. It’s smoky, cheesy, crunchy, and downright addictive—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any dinner table.
Ingredients
→ Meatloaf Base
1/2 cup dill pickle relish, drained
2 pounds lean ground beef
1/4 cup crispy fried onions (or 2 tbsp onion flakes or 1 tsp onion powder)
2 eggs
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoked flavoring (liquid smoke or smoked paprika)
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, diced
16 slices uncooked bacon, divided
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Mix Meatloaf Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, pickle relish, fried onions (or substitute), eggs, panko breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked flavor. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
3. Form the Meatloaf
On a clean surface or baking sheet, shape half of the meat mixture into a loaf, about 9×5 inches. Sprinkle the diced sharp cheddar evenly over the top. Cover with the remaining meat mixture and gently press to seal.
4. Wrap with Bacon
Carefully lay 8 slices of bacon across the top of the meatloaf, overlapping slightly. Then, fold the bacon slices underneath or around the sides, wrapping the loaf in a bacon blanket.
5. Bake
Place the wrapped meatloaf on the baking sheet. Arrange the remaining 8 slices of bacon around the loaf or lay them on top for extra bacon coverage.
Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the bacon is crispy.
6. Rest & Serve
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing easier.
Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or your favorite side dishes.
Tips & Variations
For extra smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the mix.
Substitute cheddar with pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Add a glaze of BBQ sauce or ketchup on top before baking for a sweet finish.
Use turkey or a mix of beef and pork for a different texture.