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

These Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes are a fun twist on classic meatloaf. Each mini meatloaf is wrapped in bacon, glazed with smoky bourbon BBQ sauce, and topped with creamy mashed potatoes piped on like cupcake frosting.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf Cupcakes

• 1½ lbs (680 g) ground beef (80/20)
• ½ lb (225 g) ground pork
• 8–10 slices bacon
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Smoky Bourbon BBQ Glaze

• ¾ cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons bourbon
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Note: If you prefer not to use alcohol, replace the bourbon with apple juice plus ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.

Mashed Potato “Frosting”

• 2 lbs (900 g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ⅓–½ cup warm milk
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish

• Chopped chives
• Crumbled cooked bacon
• Extra BBQ sauce for drizzling

Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes

1. Boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.
2. Drain and mash with the butter, warm milk, sour cream, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Stir in the cheddar cheese, if using. Keep warm.

2. Make the Meatloaf

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
3. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix gently until just combined.
4. Wrap the inside edge of each muffin cup with a slice of bacon.
5. Divide the meat mixture evenly among the cups, pressing gently into the bacon.
6. Bake for 20 minutes.

3. Glaze

1. Whisk together the BBQ sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika.
2. Brush the glaze generously over each meatloaf cupcake.
3. Return to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the bacon is crisp and the meat reaches 160°F (71°C).

4. Decorate

1. Let the meatloaf cupcakes rest for 5 minutes.
2. Transfer the mashed potatoes to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
3. Pipe the mashed potatoes onto each meatloaf cupcake like frosting.
4. Sprinkle with chives and crumbled bacon, then drizzle with extra BBQ sauce if desired.

Prep Time

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour

Tips

• Use a wire rack over a baking sheet instead of a muffin tin if you want the bacon to become even crispier.
• Chill the mashed potatoes for 10 minutes before piping if they’re too soft.
• Pepper Jack or smoked Gouda can be added to the potatoes for extra flavor.
• Serve with roasted vegetables, green beans, corn on the cob, or a crisp coleslaw.

These savory meatloaf cupcakes are perfect for parties, family dinners, or whenever you want to turn comfort food into a fun and memorable mea