Forget the turkey, the ham, or the roast. When it comes to my holiday table, there’s one dish that consistently steals the show: meatloaf. It might not be the flashiest dish, but year after year, it disappears faster than any other, leaving behind a trail of satisfied sighs and requests for seconds.
For me, this humble dish isn’t just about the deliciousness (although, let’s be honest, flavor is king!). It’s about the nostalgia, the comfort, and the way it brings everyone together. It’s the centerpiece of countless memories, a tradition passed down through generations, and the star of every potluck I attend.
But creating the perfect meatloaf isn’t just about throwing some ground meat and breadcrumbs together. It’s about achieving that elusive balance of moistness, flavor, and texture. It’s about the secret ingredients, the unexpected twists, and the little techniques that elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
So, if you’re tired of the same old holiday fare and are looking for a dish that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, then look no further. In this blog post, I’m going to unveil the secrets to making the best meatloaf you’ve ever tasted, the kind that will have everyone reaching for seconds and asking for the recipe. Get ready to transform this weeknight staple into a holiday hero!
Ingredients
- 350 g (12.35 oz) bacon
- 350 g (12.35 oz) potatoes
- 3 g (0.11 oz) salt
- 3 g (0.11 oz) black pepper
- 3 g (0.11 oz) sweet paprika
- 600 g (21.16 oz) pork chop
- 250 g (8.8 oz) hard cheese
- Baking tray (size 10 cm x 24 cm)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Prepare the tray: Arrange the bacon strips in a single layer on the baking tray.
- Layer the potatoes: Slice the potatoes thinly and spread them evenly over the bacon. Season with salt, black pepper, and sweet paprika.
- Add the pork chop: Place the pork chop on top of the potato layer.
- Bake: Slide the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes.
- Cheese time! After 35 minutes, take the tray out of the oven and sprinkle the grated hard cheese over the entire dish.
- Back to the oven: Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Tips
- For added flavor, you can marinate the pork chop in your favorite spices before placing it on the potato layer.
- If you don’t have sweet paprika, you can substitute it with regular paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.
- This dish can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a larger crowd. Just be sure to use a larger baking tray to accommodate all the ingredients.
Enjoy this delicious and extraordinary meatloaf!
