This bacon wrapped meatloaf recipe brings comfort food to the next level. Juicy ground veal and melted cheese are wrapped in crispy smoked bacon, creating a hearty and satisfying dish for any family dinner. Bacon wrapped meatloaf recipe is easy to make ahead, reheat, and even freeze — perfect for busy schedules.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s rich, cheesy, and wrapped in bacon — what’s not to love? This meatloaf is moist and flavorful on the inside, with a deliciously crispy exterior. It’s simple to prepare, bakes in under an hour, and pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, salad, or roasted vegetables.
Recipe Origins
Inspired by European comfort food, this meatloaf features ground veal and French Reblochon cheese. Wrapping meatloaf in bacon is popular in American cuisine, especially in Southern and Midwestern homes, where it adds extra flavor and moisture to the dish.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 530
Fat: 38g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 38g
Sodium: 720 mg
Quick Facts
Preparation Time: 15 min
Cooking Time: 45 min
Servings: 4
Difficulty: ⭐⭐
Storage and Reheating Tips
Wrap leftovers in foil and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes, still wrapped in foil, to keep the meatloaf moist. You can also freeze slices for up to one month — thaw overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or a gratin for a classic pairing. Roasted vegetables like carrots or zucchini also work great. A light salad or tomato chutney adds contrast. You can even serve it with a melted cheese sauce for extra indulgence.
Common Mistakes
Overbaking: Dries out the meat, especially veal
Skipping the rest time: Makes slicing harder
Too much cheese: Can cause the loaf to fall apart
Loose bacon wrap: Leads to uneven cooking and texture
Recipe Variations
All-Beef: Use ground beef instead of veal
Cheese Swap: Try mozzarella or cheddar instead of Reblochon
Low-Carb: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour
BBQ Twist: Brush with barbecue sauce before baking
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, mozzarella, gouda, or cheddar all melt well and taste great.
Is veal necessary for this recipe?
No, you can use beef or a mix depending on what you have.
Can I prep this in advance?
Absolutely. Shape and wrap the meatloaf a day ahead and refrigerate until baking time.
Ingredients
- 600g ground veal
- 12 slices smoked bacon
- 1 egg
- 150g Reblochon cheese
- 50g breadcrumbs
- 2 shallots
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
1- Peel and finely chop the shallots
2- Cut the rind off the Reblochon and dice the cheese
3- In a large bowl, combine ground veal, shallots, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper
4- Fold in the Reblochon cubes gently
5- Wet your hands and shape the mixture into a thick loaf
6- Wrap the meatloaf entirely with bacon slices, overlapping slightly
7- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment or silicone
8- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 45 minutes
9- Let rest wrapped in foil for 5 minutes before slicing
