Ask A Minnesota Chef: 5 Mouth-Watering Meatloaf Tips
It has often been said that everyone has their own idea on how meatloaf should be made. Search "meatloaf recipe" on the internet and get hundreds of ideas on how to make this traditional cold weather dish. With all of the ideas out there, culinary experts undoubtedly have their own personal touches to add to a classic meatloaf and turn an average meal into a delicious dish. Minnesota is full of amazing chefs, and also happens to be a state that appreciates a good meatloaf. The combination of gives us great tips to spice up meatloaf recipes.
Many Minnesotans have dabbled in the restaurant business and have had the opportunity to work with great chefs. However, not everyone in the booming hospitality industry has a desire to craft a perfect meatloaf. These tips have been gleaned from the brains of several chefs and restaurant workers around the state who do, in fact, have a love of meatloaf. Try a more traditional recipe with the addition of one of these ideas or just craft your own dish using one of these great recipes.
Create A Loaf With Variety
Yes, meatloaf calls for the main ingredient of meat. However, the type of meat used is negotiable. Tiffany Foley, a Minnesotan with a long history in the restaurant business, recommends using a combination of meats to add flavor and in some cases, reduce fat. Combinations of beef and turkey, or pork and beef, make for a richer and more flavorful meatloaf. The option to be adventurous is also there, you can use ground buffalo, venison, or some other combination of a new and tasty meat.
Go Gluten-Free And Pack In The Protein
Heidi Jensen, a local line cook, is also gluten intolerant. She enjoys the challenge of modifying recipes to meet her needs and in many cases, making traditional favorites even better. Instead of using breadcrumbs to keep the meatloaf formed, Heidi recommends using a protein-packed seed such as quinoa. Taking out the amount of breadcrumbs and replacing them with an equal amount of cooked rice or quinoa will give your meatloaf the density it needs and eliminate the gluten. This swap will also help to keep the texture the same without sacrificing taste.
Move Your Loaf Out Of The Oven And Onto The Grill
Give that meatloaf some grill marks and make it blackened on the outside while it stays juicy and tender on the inside. Chef Alex Victoria from uptown Minneapolis likes to play around with traditional grill rubs and throw just about anything on the grill. Grilling your meatloaf will give the same old recipe a different taste and can even bring this winter dish into the summer for a year-round treat. Throw potatoes and vegetables on the grill alongside your loaf for a complete package.
Mix It Up In Muffin Tins
This may be a bit of an old-school Betty Crocker tip, but meatloaf muffins are intensely underrated. A great way to control portions, cook the meatloaf faster and store leftovers, meatloaf muffins are a great way to serve this delicious dish. When serving a family of picky eaters, muffin meatloaf can also be made to increase the spiciness for those that want it and keep it simpler for those who don't. Foley recommends serving meatloaf muffins with lots of great fall vegetables.
Sweeten It Up With Honey
Adding ingredients to meatloaf can increase complexity and give it a flavor that may compliment the wine or side dish you picked to go with dinner. Common additives are honey and bacon. Honey gives it a little sweetness and can even make the blandest recipe more palatable without creating something too spicy. Bacon is also a good option for those who love saltiness and want to add a little more fat to the mix.
Related: Best Fall Salads In Minnesota
Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for the last 10 years. Her hobbies include exercising, driving kids around, watching Minnesota sports, and reading self-help literature. Examiner.com.
