Cheddar Jalapeno Meatloaf

Tired of bland, boring meatloaf? Give yours a flavor kick with cheddar jalapeno meatloaf. This recipe takes classic comforting meatloaf up a notch, swapping the typical ketchup glaze for a spicy cheddar topping. Diced jalapeños provide mild heat while sharp cheddar offers a bold, rich contrast. Easy to whip up and full of flavor, this meatloaf is sure to become a new family favorite.

An Introduction to Meatloaf

Let’s review the basics behind this classic American comfort food:

Main Ingredients

Ground beef or turkey, eggs, breadcrumbs, onions, seasoning.

Binding Agents

Eggs, breadcrumbs, or oats hold the mixture together and add moisture.

Shaping

Typically baked free-form or in a loaf pan for easy slicing.

Cooking Method

Meatloaf is baked in the oven until cooked through with a browned crust.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, salad, rice, etc.

With the right ingredients and technique, meatloaf can be crave-worthy.

Using Jalapeños for Spicy Heat

Jalapeños add mild spice and flavor contrast to meatloaf. Here’s an overview:

Scoville Units

Jalapeños register 2,500-8,000 units, providing mild to moderate heat.

Flavor

They have bright, grassy heat that builds slowly.

Preparation

Use seeds and membranes for more heat. Go seedless for milder spice.

Pickled

Pickled jalapeños add tangy flavor in addition to heat.

Uses

Great in salsas, nachos, chili, fajitas, sandwiches, dips, and burgers.

Jalapeños infuse food with moderate spicy flavor.

Selecting Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Aged cheddar provides rich, bold flavor and creamy texture. Look for:

Aging Time

The longer aged, the sharper and more complex the flavor.

Color

Aged cheddar ranges from mild yellow to sharply tangy white.

Texture

Longer aging makes cheddar more crumbly when melted.

Flavors

Opt for cheddar with bold “sharp” flavor to stand up to meatloaf.

Melting Ability

Aged cheddar melts smoothly while retaining some texture.

For best flavor, use a nice aged, extra sharp cheddar.

Recipe for Cheddar Jalapeño Meatloaf

This meatloaf is simple to make yet full of flavor.

Meatloaf Ingredients:

• 1 1⁄2 lbs ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1⁄4 cup milk
• 2 jalapeños, diced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper

Cheddar Topping Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded extra sharp cheddar
• 2 tbsp cream cheese
• 1 tbsp milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. In a bowl, combine beef, onion, eggs, breadcrumbs, milk, jalapeños, chili powder and salt & pepper.
2. Pack into a greased loaf pan. Spread cheese topping over meatloaf.
3. Bake 50-60 minutes until meatloaf reaches 160°F. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies or salad for a hearty, flavorful dinner.

Expert Tips for Great Meatloaf

Use these helpful tricks:

• Don't overmix the meat or meatloaf may turn out dense.
• Spread cheese topping on near end to allow it to melt before overbrowning.
• For safety, use an instant read thermometer to check doneness.
• Let rest before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
• Store leftovers in fridge for up to 4 days.

With proper preparation, your meatloaf will turn out perfectly moist and delicious.

Unique Meatloaf Recipes Through History

Meatloaf has been iterated upon creatively across different cultures over time:

Early European Versions

Countries like Germany, France and England had their own versions of ground meat loaves.

Thrifty American Classic

Meatloaf surged as a way to stretch meat in 1950s America.

School Lunch Staple

Meatloaf became a low-cost, nutritious cafeteria food from the 1950s-1970s.

Hawaiian Meatloaf

Hawaiian meatloaf contains pineapple and is glazed with ketchup and brown sugar.

Modern Twists

Today’s meatloaf recipes showcase global spices and creative additions.

This humble dish takes on new personality in the hands of creative home cooks.

Conclusion

Cheddar jalapeño meatloaf puts a flavorful spin on a comforting American classic. The spicy jalapeños and sharp aged cheddar pair wonderfully with the savory beef and caramelized crust. Simple to prepare but packed with satisfying flavor, this meatloaf delivers while keeping dinnertime easy. So spice up your next meatloaf night with this mouthwatering recipe twist.

FAQs

What are other good mix-ins for meatloaf?

Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, sautéed onion, herbs and spices all work well in meatloaf.

Can you make individual meatloaf muffins?

Yes, use a muffin pan for perfectly portioned “meatloaf muffins”. Adjust cook time down to 25-35 minutes.

What sides go with spicy cheddar meatloaf?

Cooling sides like roasted potatoes, buttered noodles, coleslaw, and veggies complement the heat.

What other cheeses work well?

Pepper jack, Monterey jack, Swiss, provolone, blue cheese and fontina are all good melty options.

Can you top meatloaf with veggies?

Sliced tomatoes, roasted red peppers, grilled onions/zucchini make delicious savory toppings.

In summary, cheddar jalapeño meatloaf is a simple way to infuse comforting, old-school meatloaf with big, bold new flavors.