Description
Halloween Meatloaf is a spooky, cheesy dinner that’s big on flavor and fun. These mini meatloaves are perfect for Halloween parties or family meals — complete with olive eyes and crescent roll “bones.” Everyone gets a kick out of these creepy-cute bites!
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf
2 pounds ground beef
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 Tablespoon minced onion
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup quick‑cook oatmeal
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
¾ cup milk
2 large eggs
1 cup ketchup
¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons yellow mustard
24 peas or green olives (for eyes)
12 thinly sliced green onions (for tails)
For the “Bone” Breadsticks
2 packages refrigerated crescent rolls
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Heat your oven to 350 °F (about 175 °C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them (with 1″ edges if your sheets have them).
2. Mix the Meatloaf
In a large bowl, combine:
- Ground beef
- Kosher salt
- Minced onion
- Garlic powder
- Quick‑cook oatmeal
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Milk
- Eggs
Use your hands (or a sturdy spatula) to thoroughly blend everything so no dry pockets remain and the mixture is uniform.
3. Shape the Loaves
Divide the mixture into 12 portions. Shape each portion into an oval loaf on the prepared baking sheets. (If you want “rats” or themed shapes, you can press in the details now.)
To decorate:
- Press a pea or green olive into the front of each oval to form an “eye.”
- Tuck a slice of green onion at the back as a “tail.”
4. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Ketchup
- Light brown sugar
- Yellow mustard
Spoon this sauce evenly over the top of each meatloaf.
5. Bake the Meatloaf
Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through (internal temp ~160 °F or when juices run clear).
6. Prepare the “Bones”
While the meatloaf bakes, increase oven temperature (or use a second oven) to 375 °F (about 190 °C).
Unroll the crescent rolls and separate into individual triangles. Gently roll each triangle into a thin rope shape; tie small knots at the ends to look like bones. Arrange them on a parchment‑lined baking sheet (or bake directly if not doing bones).
Bake the “bones” for 11–13 minutes, until golden.
7. Finish the Breadsticks
While they’re still hot, whisk together melted butter, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Brush this mixture over the hot rolls and then sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese.
8. Serve & Enjoy
Arrange your meatloaf “creatures” on a serving tray, lay the bone rolls alongside, and let everyone pick their favorite spooky critter to dig into.
Notes
Avoid overmixing for tender meatloaf.
Crescent bones can be shaped ahead.
Freeze extra loaves for quick dinners later.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini meatloaf
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Protein: 23g