She Strengthens

Mini Meatloaf Muffins: A Twist on a Classic

Are you tired of the same old meatloaf recipe? Look no further! These mini meatloaf muffins are a game-changer. By combining ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs, you’ll create a juicy and flavorful treat that’s perfect for kids and adults alike.

The Perfect Combination

The secret to these muffins lies in the mixture of ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs. This combination creates a moist and savory base that’s elevated by the addition of mozzarella cheese and a crunchy panko topping.

Getting Started

To begin, preheat your oven to 400°F and prepare a 12-well muffin pan by coating it with cooking spray or olive oil. Next, combine 1/3 cup of panko breadcrumbs, 1/3 cup of Parmesan cheese, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small bowl until evenly moistened. Set this mixture aside for later use.

Mixing it Up

In a large bowl, beat an egg with a fork to break it up. Then, add the remaining 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, 2 pounds of ground dark-meat chicken, 1/2 cup of minced yellow onion, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil leaves, 2 medium garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Using clean hands, mix everything until just combined – be careful not to overwork the mixture.

Assembling the Muffins

Divide the mixture among the wells of the muffin pan, making sure to leave room for the mozzarella cheese. Evenly divide the 6 ounces of whole-milk mozzarella cheese among the wells, nestling them into the center of the chicken mixture and making sure to enclose them. Smooth out the tops of the “muffins” and sprinkle the reserved panko-Parmesan mixture evenly over the top.

Baking and Serving

Place the muffin pan on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, or until the meatloaf muffins are cooked through. While the muffins are baking, heat 3 cups of Basic Tomato Sauce (or marinara sauce) and keep it warm. Once the muffins are done, set the oven to broil and broil for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the panko topping is golden brown. Remove the muffins from the oven, let them cool for 5 minutes, and serve immediately with the warm tomato sauce.

Tips and Variations

For the juiciest possible meatloaf muffins, use all-dark-meat ground chicken. If you prefer a leaner option, you can use all-white-meat ground chicken, but keep in mind that the result will be drier and less flavorful. Experiment with different herbs and spices to give your meatloaf muffins a unique twist. And don’t forget to try different types of cheese and sauces to find your favorite combination!