Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe irresistible aroma of smoky bacon sizzling in the oven fills the kitchen, hinting at the delightful transformation about to unfold. Today, I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes, a playful twist on a classic comfort food that’s sure to become a family favorite. These mini delights come packed with juicy, flavorful meatloaf, infused with a touch of bourbon and wrapped in crispy bacon for an unforgettable bite. Not only do they make a stunning centerpiece for any gathering, but they’re also ready in just 25 minutes—a win for busy home chefs looking to impress. Plus, their customizable nature means you can tailor them to your taste, whether you’re craving a leaner option or a vegetarian twist. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s get cooking! Why Are These Meatloaf Cupcakes Amazing? Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves meatloaf, and turning it into cupcakes makes it even more fun! Unique Flavor: The smoky bourbon BBQ sauce elevates traditional flavors, making each bite irresistible. Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, these cupcakes are perfect for busy weeknights. Customizable: Swap ingredients like ground turkey for leaner options or experiment with different BBQ sauces. Perfect for Gatherings: Serve these alongside BBQ Beef Tacos or BBQ Chicken Thighs for a flavorful spread that will wow your guests! Kid-Friendly: Kids will love the fun presentation and delicious taste, ensuring everyone is happy at the table. Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes Ingredients For the Meatloaf Mixture • Ground Beef – Provides rich flavor and moisture; substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option (add 1 tbsp olive oil). • Ground Pork – Adds flavor and fat for tender cupcakes; no direct substitutes recommended. • Breadcrumbs – Acts as a binding agent; panko offers extra crunch or substitute with regular breadcrumbs. • Egg – Binds the meat mixture; no substitutes recommended. • Bourbon BBQ Sauce – Infuses smoky sweetness; regular BBQ sauce can be used, mixed with a splash of bourbon for enhanced flavor. For the Bacon Wrap • Thick-Cut Bacon – Wraps around the cupcakes for flavor and texture; avoid thin bacon as it cooks down too much. For the Topping • Mashed Potatoes – Provides creamy topping; use Russet potatoes for best results, Yukon Golds can be waxy. • Chives/Smoked Paprika – Garnish for added flavor and presentation; enhances the visual appeal of the Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures that the bacon crisps perfectly while creating a delicious caramelization on the meatloaf. Prepare a muffin tin by lightly greasing it or lining it with muffin cups for easy removal later. Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, and smoky bourbon BBQ sauce. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until just blended; be careful not to overwork the meat to maintain a tender texture. This mixture will form the flavorful base for your Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes. Step 3: Form the Meatloaf Cupcakes Once mixed, take a portion of the meat mixture and shape it into a golf-ball sized ball. Now comes the fun part! Take a slice of thick-cut bacon and wrap it around each meatball, ensuring the ends are tucked underneath to hold everything together. Place each wrapped meatloaf portion into the prepared muffin tin, standing upright. Step 4: Bake the Cupcakes Slide the muffin tin into your preheated oven and let the Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes bake for about 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the bacon is crispy and the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C). Keep an eye out for golden-brown bacon as this indicates perfect crispness. Step 5: Prepare Mashed Potatoes While the meatloaf cupcakes are baking, prepare your mashed potatoes on the stovetop. Boil peeled and diced Russet potatoes until they are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and mash them with butter, cream, and seasoning until smooth and creamy, ready to top your meatloaf cupcakes. Step 6: Pipe the Mashed Potatoes Once the smoky meatloaf cupcakes are baked and slightly cooled, it’s time to pipe the smooth mashed potatoes on top. Using a piping bag fitted with a star tip will give a beautiful swirl that resembles frosting. You can be generous with the potatoes, creating a delightful and creamy layer above each cupcake. Step 7: Add the Finishing Touch For an extra pop of flavor, brush the tops of the mashed potatoes with a little additional smoky bourbon BBQ sauce. This step brings an extra layer of the delicious BBQ flavor you love, finishing off your Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes beautifully, ready to serve and impress! Expert Tips for Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes Chill Mixture: Refrigerate the meat mixture for 15-20 minutes before shaping. This helps the bacon wrap stay in place more easily during baking. Dry Bacon: Pat the thick-cut bacon dry before wrapping to prevent slipping and ensure better crispiness once baked. Use a Star Tip: Pipe the mashed potatoes on top using a star piping tip for a visually appealing swirl that enhances the presentation of your Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes. Pre-Cook Bacon: For maximum crispiness, consider partially cooking the bacon strips before wrapping them around your meatloaf cupcakes. This technique gives the bacon a head start on achieving that perfect crunch! Make Ahead Options These Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the meat mixture up to 24 hours in advance; just refrigerate it tightly covered to maintain moisture and prevent any browning. Additionally, you can form the meatloaf cupcakes and refrigerate them for up to 3 days before baking. When you’re ready to cook, simply pop them in the preheated oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re coming straight from the fridge. For the mashed potatoes, whip them up and store them separately; they’re best piped fresh for optimal creaminess just before serving. This way, you’ll enjoy these delightful meatloaf cupcakes with all the amazing flavors and textures—with minimal effort on busy weeknights! How to Store and Freeze Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes Fridge: Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat uncovered in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to maintain the crispy bacon texture. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the uncooked meatloaf cupcakes wrapped in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen; add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time. Reheating: If you have leftover cooked cupcakes, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, allowing the bacon to regain its crispness. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving. Making Ahead: Prepare the meat mixture in advance and shape the wrappers, storing in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes for an easy and quick meal whenever you’re ready to enjoy your Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes! Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes Variations Feel free to get creative and customize these meatloaf cupcakes to suit your tastes and dietary needs! Dairy-Free: Substitute mashed potatoes with a creamy cauliflower puree for a lighter, dairy-free option. The flavors still shine through while being a bit guilt-free! Vegetarian Delight: Swap out the meat for a mixture of lentils and diced mushrooms, plus smoked paprika to bring in that BBQ vibe. It’s an unexpected twist that will charm even the meat eaters at the table. Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture for a flavorful heat that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Pair it with a cool ranch dip for balance! Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or finely ground oats in place of regular breadcrumbs. Your invitados won’t even notice the difference while devouring these scrumptious bites! Bourbon-Free: If bourbon isn’t your thing, use apple cider vinegar mixed with BBQ sauce for a well-rounded yet non-alcoholic flavor that maintains the spirit of this dish. Flavor Boost: Experiment with different BBQ sauces like hickory or chipotle for varying degrees of smokiness and sweetness. This is a great way to showcase your favorite flavors without straying too far from the original! Sweet & Savory: Incorporate finely chopped apples or dates into the meat mixture. This adds a delightful sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the smoky bacon. Just imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen! Meal Prep Friendly: Make a bulk batch and freeze half before baking. On a busy night, just pop them right into the oven frozen, adjusting the cooking time for a quick and satisfying meal. Pair these with some sides like BBQ Chicken Thighs to complete your feast! What to Serve with Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes Indulging in these delightful meatloaf cupcakes is just the beginning of a wonderful meal experience. Creamy Coleslaw: A refreshing tanginess complements the smoky flavors perfectly, adding a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender meatloaf. Grilled Asparagus: Tender, slightly charred asparagus spears bring a fresh, green element to the plate, enhancing the entire meal’s balance. A light drizzle of olive oil elevates these veggies even further. Honey Butter Cornbread Muffins: These sweet and buttery muffins are the ultimate comfort food pairing, perfect for soaking up any leftover BBQ sauce on your plate. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy, sweet, and a tad smoky, these fries offer a delightful contrast to the flavor profile of the meatloaf cupcakes, creating harmony with every bite. Tossed in a hint of paprika, they are irresistible. Cucumber and Tomato Salad: This vibrant salad of ripe tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers dressed in a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich meatloaf and keeps the entire meal feeling vibrant and light. Apple Cider Sangria: A fruity and slightly spiced drink that beautifully complements the BBQ notes, enhancing the overall dining experience. This refreshing beverage adds a celebratory touch to your table. Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes Recipe FAQs How ripe should my ingredients be? For the best flavor and texture, use fresh ground beef and pork without any gray or brown patches. Ensure your breadcrumbs are fresh and not stale, as this can affect the binding of the meat mixture. How should I store leftover meatloaf cupcakes? Store unfrosted Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat uncovered in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to prevent the bacon from becoming soggy. Can I freeze the meatloaf cupcakes? Absolutely! To freeze, wrap uncooked cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, bake directly from frozen, adding 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time. What if my bacon isn’t crispy after baking? If your bacon doesn’t crisp up perfectly, it may need to be cooked at a slightly higher temperature or for a longer time. Be sure to preheat your oven adequately, and consider partially cooking the bacon before wrapping. If all else fails, place the baked cupcakes under a broiler for a couple of minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning. Are these cupcakes suitable for a specific diet? Yes! To accommodate dietary restrictions, you can substitute ground turkey for a leaner version. For a dairy-free option, use vegan butter and dairy-free milk in the mashed potatoes. Always keep an eye on any allergies related to meat products, wheat in breadcrumbs, or other specific ingredients when serving to guests. Can I prepare these ahead of time? Certainly! You can prepare the meat mixture and wrap the bacon around the meatloaf cupcakes a day in advance. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking, making it super convenient for a quick meal or special occasion. Enjoy the flavorful experience when you’re ready to serve your Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes! Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes Delight! Delightful Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes that are flavorful, quick to prepare, and an instant crowd-pleaser for dinner. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsChilling Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 55 minutes mins Servings: 12 cupcakesCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Meatloaf Mixture1 pound Ground Beef Substitute with ground turkey for leaner option (add 1 tbsp olive oil)1 pound Ground Pork Adds flavor and fat for tender cupcakes1 cup Breadcrumbs Panko offers extra crunch or substitute with regular breadcrumbs1 large Egg Binds the meat mixture; no substitutes recommended1/2 cup Bourbon BBQ Sauce Regular BBQ sauce can be used, mixed with a splash of bourbon for enhanced flavorFor the Bacon Wrap12 slices Thick-Cut Bacon Wraps around the cupcakes for flavor and texture; avoid thin baconFor the Topping2 cups Mashed Potatoes Use Russet potatoes for best resultsto taste Chives/Smoked Paprika Garnish for added flavor and presentation Equipment Muffin tinMixing BowlPiping bag Method Step‑by‑Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a muffin tin by lightly greasing it or lining it with muffin cups.In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, and smoky bourbon BBQ sauce until just blended.Shape the meat mixture into golf-ball sized balls, wrap each with a slice of thick-cut bacon, and place in the muffin tin.Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).Prepare mashed potatoes by boiling peeled and diced Russet potatoes until fork-tender, then mash with butter and cream.Pipe the smooth mashed potatoes on top of the meatloaf cupcakes using a piping bag fitted with a star tip.Brush the tops with a little additional smoky bourbon BBQ sauce for extra flavor before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1cupcakeCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 15gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg NotesRefrigerate the meat mixture for 15-20 minutes before shaping for easier wrapping. Pat bacon dry for better crispiness. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
