Turkey Meatloaf Studded with Cheese Curds
THIS MEATLOAF IS DRESSED-UP COMFORT FOOD. Made with ground turkey, chicken sausage, and cheese curds, it’s a healthy dish that might just replace your mom’s recipe as the best meatloaf around. You can use any cheese, but we like using curds because they don’t melt completely, adding texture in every bite, while the cheese curds on the outside of the meatloaf get deliciously caramelized. The leftovers make terrific meatloaf sandwiches.
Recipe information
Yield
serves 6
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Lightly oil a rimmed baking sheet or loaf pan.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine the turkey and sausage and mix thoroughly.
Step 3
In a medium bowl, combine the cheese, onion, celery, garlic, herbs, salt, black pepper, cayenne, bread crumbs, and 6 tablespoons water, mixing gently. Add the cheese mixture to the meat mixture and combine gently. Do not overmix.
Step 4
Form the meat mixture into a loaf that is uniform in thickness, approximately 2 1/2 to 3 inches high and 8 inches long, and place it on the prepared baking sheet or loaf pan. Moisten your hands with a little water and pat down the loaf to form a smooth surface.
Step 5
Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until golden brown and a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the meatloaf registers 160˚F. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Make Ahead
Step 6
The baked meatloaf will keep, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
