Mini Turkey Bacon Meatloaf with Bacon Gravy

Meatloaf was one of those meals that my mom made maybe once a year, 

because my dad couldn't handle it more often than that. 

And that one time a year it was the typical beef in a loaf-pan, slathered in ketchup variety.

Well I got urge to attempt to make foods that don't sound appealing 

into a really delicious and appealing meal.

So when I found this recipe from Feeding My Temple,

I knew it was the perfect thing to pair with crispy roasted Brussels sprouts

The ground turkey cuts down on the heaviness of ground beef while still being completely filling and the muffin tin helps you control portion very simply!

But I wanted some added flavor

and have never been a fan of the ketchup topping

So we added bacon crumbles to the mixture and the top for added crunch and flavor. 

And then used the bacon drippings to make a pan gravy!

These guys almost resemble meatballs more than meatloaf and I think would also be complemented well with a marinara or vodka sauce. 

We served ours along with bacon gravy, creamy mashed potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts... and it was a big hit. I couldn't even finish three little loaves. 

What You'll Need:

1 large egg

3/4 cup milk

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup quick cooking oats

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp all purpose seasoning

1 lb ground turkey

6 slices bacon

2 tbsp flour

3/4 to 1 1/2 cup milk 

What To Do:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a muffin tin with non stick cooking spray.

Prepare bacon either in the oven or stovetop, until crispy. Reserve 2 tbsp of bacon drippings. Let cool on paper towels, then crumble 4 of the pieces. 

In a large bowl, combine egg, milk, cheese, oats, bacon crumbles and seasoning. Add the ground turkey, mixing well.

Fill each muffin cup with a large scoop of meat mixture, and top with remaining 2 pieces of bacon crumbled. 

Bake for 25-30 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat bacon drippings. Mix in flour, creating a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes over medium heat. Gradually add in milk, mixing well, to desired consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste. 

Serve meatloaves immediately smothered with gravy!

Recipe adapted from Feeding My Temple

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Jalapeno Bites

Add this to your appetizer go-to list,

because it's a sure win across age groups and taste preferences

Plus it doesn't take a whole lot of food to make 

plenty of individual portions!

And bacon makes everything better.

You'll Need:

1 boneless skinless chicken breast

1 jalapeno pepper

1 pkg bacon

2 oz cream cheese

brown sugar

chili powder 

toothpicks

What To Do:

Cube the chicken and cut the bacon strips in half. 

Deseed the jalapeno and slice it in half longways 

and then chop each half into little slices. 

Assemble the parts, beginning with the strip of bacon 

then layer on the chicken, small dollop of cream cheese

 and jalapeno slice. Secure together with a toothpick. 

Roll each bite in brown sugar and chili powder. 

Place on a baking sheet and bake at 375 for twenty minutes 

or until the bacon is done to your liking!

Do you think bacon makes everything better?