Savory BBQ Bacon Cheddar Meatloaf Cupcakes with Creamy Mashed Potato Swirl
Dive into these delicious Savory BBQ Bacon Cheddar Meatloaf Cupcakes topped with a fluffy swirl of creamy mashed potatoes. Perfectly portioned in cupcake form, these meatloaves combine tender ground turkey with crispy bacon, rich cheddar cheese, and tangy barbecue sauce for an explosion of flavors in each bite. Finished with a decadent mashed potato frosting that adds a comforting touch, these delightful treats are sure to impress at any gathering or family dinner. Serve them as a fun twist on meatloaf that everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
225
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
bacon
4 slices (cooked until crisp and crumbled)
onion
1 (chopped)
ground turkey
1.5 lbs (uncooked)
breadcrumbs
0.5 cup (fine, plain or seasoned)
cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
barbecue sauce
0.5 cup (store-bought or homemade)
eggs
2 (beaten)
yukon gold potatoes
4 cups (cubed and peeled)
heavy whipping cream
0.25-0.5 cup (adjust for desired creaminess)
sour cream
0.25 cup (whipped or plain)
butter
3 tbsp (unsalted)
kosher salt
0.5 tsp (or sea salt, adjusted to taste)
black pepper
0.25 tsp (freshly ground, optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large nonstick skillet, over medium-high heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove it from the pan and place on a paper towel to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
3
In the same skillet with the reserved bacon drippings, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, barbecue sauce, beaten eggs, sautéed onions, and crumbled bacon. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
5
Lightly coat a muffin tin with cooking spray and spoon the meat mixture into each of the 12 cups, filling them about 3/4 full.
6
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatloaf cupcakes are cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Allow them to rest for 5 minutes before gently removing them from the tin.
7
Meanwhile, prepare the mashed potatoes. Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
8
For the creamiest results, pass the drained potatoes through a potato ricer back into the pot. Then, add the heavy whipping cream, sour cream, butter, salt, and black pepper. Stir with a spoon until you achieve your desired consistency. If the potatoes are too stiff, gradually add more cream until creamy but still thick enough to pipe.
9
Transfer the mashed potatoes to a pastry bag fitted with a wide star tip. Pipe the creamy mashed potatoes generously on top of each meatloaf cupcake, creating delightful swirls.
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
15g
Carbs
12g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory BBQ Bacon Cheddar Meatloaf Cupcakes?
These are individual-sized meatloaves made with ground turkey, bacon, and cheddar cheese, topped with a decorative swirl of creamy mashed potatoes to resemble a cupcake.
How many calories are in one meatloaf cupcake?
Each meatloaf cupcake contains approximately 225 calories.
Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef for the ground turkey, though it may change the nutritional content and fat levels.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long do the meatloaf cupcakes need to bake?
They should bake for 20 to 25 minutes until cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
How do I ensure the mashed potato topping is creamy?
For the creamiest results, pass the potatoes through a ricer and mix with heavy whipping cream, sour cream, and butter.
What kind of potatoes are best for this recipe?
Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended because of their naturally buttery texture and ability to mash smoothly.
Can I use store-bought barbecue sauce?
Yes, you can use either your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce or a homemade version.
How much fat is in each serving?
Each serving contains approximately 14 grams of fat.
Do I need to grease the muffin tin?
Yes, it is recommended to lightly coat the muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
How many grams of protein are in each cupcake?
Each cupcake provides 12 grams of protein.
How do I make the mashed potato swirls?
Transfer the mashed potatoes to a pastry bag fitted with a wide star tip and pipe them generously onto the meatloaf.
Should the bacon be cooked before adding it to the meatloaf?
Yes, the bacon should be cooked until crispy and then crumbled before being mixed into the ground turkey.
What is the purpose of adding eggs to the recipe?
Beaten eggs act as a binding agent to help the meatloaf maintain its cupcake shape while baking.
Can I make these meatloaf cupcakes gluten-free?
You can make them gluten-free by substituting the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond meal.
How many cupcakes does one batch make?
This recipe is designed to fill a standard 12-cup muffin tin.
What are the primary seasonings used in the meat mixture?
The mixture is flavored with barbecue sauce, sautéed onions, bacon, and cheddar cheese.
How long should the cupcakes rest after baking?
Allow the cupcakes to rest for 5 minutes before removing them from the tin to help them set.
What if my mashed potatoes are too stiff to pipe?
Gradually add more heavy whipping cream until they reach a creamy consistency that is still thick enough to hold a shape.
Is salt and pepper required for the topping?
The recipe suggests 0.5 tsp of kosher salt and 0.25 tsp of black pepper, though you can adjust these to your personal taste.
Can I use pre-shredded cheddar cheese?
Yes, pre-shredded cheddar cheese works well in this recipe for convenience.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Yes, the potatoes should be peeled and cubed before boiling for a smooth texture.
What type of breadcrumbs should I use?
You can use fine plain breadcrumbs or seasoned ones depending on your preference.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a common substitute for sour cream and will provide a similar tanginess.
What is the best way to sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped onions in the reserved bacon drippings for 3-4 minutes until they are softened.
Can I freeze these meatloaf cupcakes?
Yes, you can freeze them. It is best to freeze the meatloaf bases and add fresh potato frosting after reheating for the best texture.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, because it combines meat, cheese, and potatoes, it can be served as a complete individual meal.
How should I store leftover meatloaf cupcakes?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
What can I serve with these cupcakes?
They go well with a side of steamed green beans, a fresh garden salad, or roasted corn.