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Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes with Potato Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 113 reviews

These Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes with Potato Frosting combine savory ground beef and pork seasoned with smoked paprika and a bourbon-infused BBQ glaze, wrapped in crispy bacon, and topped with creamy mashed potato frosting. Perfectly portioned and full of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors, they make a fun and satisfying twist on classic meatloaf.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf

  • 1½ pounds lean ground beef
  • ½ pound ground pork
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about ½ cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ⅓ cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 12 slices thin-cut bacon

BBQ Glaze

  • ¾ cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon or apple juice
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)

Potato Frosting

  • 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and chunked
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • ⅓ cup sour cream
  • ¼ to ½ cup warm milk (as needed)
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped chives (optional)
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray to prepare for baking the meatloaf cupcakes.
  2. Prepare the BBQ glaze: In a small saucepan, whisk together BBQ sauce, bourbon or apple juice, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and optional liquid smoke. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside to cool.
  3. Mix the meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, diced onion, minced garlic, eggs, panko breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, onion powder, and cayenne if using. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Mix until just combined to keep the meatloaf tender.
  4. Portion the meatloaf: Divide the mixture evenly into 12 portions and press each portion firmly into the prepared muffin cups, shaping like cupcakes.
  5. Wrap with bacon: Wrap each meatloaf portion with one slice of bacon, securing the ends underneath or with a toothpick to hold in place. Brush the tops generously with the prepared BBQ glaze.
  6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 22–28 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). At the 20-minute mark, brush additional glaze on top for more flavor.
  7. Optional broil: For a caramelized finish, broil the meatloaf cupcakes for 1–2 minutes after glazing, watching carefully to prevent burning. Let rest for 5–7 minutes before removing from the tin.
  8. Make the potato frosting: While meatloaf bakes, boil peeled and chunked potatoes in salted water for 12–15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well, return potatoes to the pot, and let steam for 1 minute to remove excess moisture. Mash the potatoes with butter and sour cream. Gradually stir in warm milk until the mixture is creamy but still thick. Season with salt and black pepper. Fold in chopped chives and cheddar cheese if using.
  9. Assemble and serve: Pipe or spoon the mashed potato frosting onto each meatloaf cupcake to resemble frosting on cupcakes. Garnish with extra chives or a drizzle of BBQ glaze if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your smoky, savory cupcake feast.

Notes

  • Using lean ground beef and pork helps keep the meatloaf moist yet not greasy.
  • Feel free to omit the cheddar cheese for a simpler flavor or to accommodate dietary preferences.
  • If you don’t have bourbon, apple juice is a great non-alcoholic substitute in the glaze.
  • Watch closely if broiling to avoid burning the glaze and bacon.
  • Potato frosting can be made ahead and reheated gently before piping on meatloaf.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level or omit entirely for mild flavor.

Keywords: meatloaf cupcakes, bourbon BBQ glaze, bacon wrapped meatloaf, potato frosting, smoked paprika, savory cupcakes, comfort food

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/smoky-bourbon-bbq-bacon-wrapped-meatloaf-cupcakes-with-potato-frosting-recipe/