Chef John’s Zombie Meatloaf is a creepy, creative, and absolutely delicious Halloween dinner idea. This spooky twist on classic meatloaf is shaped like a gruesome zombie head, complete with creepy features crafted from onions, ketchup, and hard-boiled eggs. Perfect for Halloween parties or family dinners, it’s equal parts frightful and flavorful.
Zombie Meatloaf :
With its terrifying presentation and savory taste, Zombie Meatloaf is a dish that both scares and delights. It makes an unforgettable centerpiece that will have your guests snapping photos before diving in for a bite of this eerie yet comforting meal.
History:
Meatloaf has been a beloved comfort food for centuries, with recipes dating back to Ancient Rome. Over time, it became a staple in American kitchens, especially during the 20th century. For Halloween, creative cooks and food bloggers, including Chef John, transformed traditional meatloaf into a spooky masterpiece, shaping it into zombie faces for a frightfully fun meal.
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Chef John’s Zombie Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup ketchup (plus extra for decoration)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 hard-boiled eggs (for zombie eyes)
- Onion slices (for teeth and facial details)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let soak for 5 minutes.
- Add ground beef, chopped onion, garlic, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined.
- Shape the mixture into a zombie head on a baking sheet lined with foil.
- Insert hard-boiled eggs into eye sockets, leaving yolks exposed for a creepy look.
- Use onion slices for teeth and other facial details.
- Brush ketchup over the face for a bloody effect.
- Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use lean beef for less grease but keep some fat for flavor.
- Adding pork creates a richer taste.
- Line the pan with foil for easy cleanup.
- Chill the mixture for 15 minutes before shaping to hold better.
- Get creative with decorations for a scarier effect.
Tips for Zombie Meatloaf :
- Add food coloring to onions for extra gory details.
- Use olives instead of eggs for scarier eyes.
- Add bacon strips as “zombie skin” for extra flavor.
- Serve with mashed potatoes dyed green for a creepy side.
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Make mini meatloaf heads for kids’ portions.
FAQs for for Meatloaf :
Q: Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate, then bake before serving.
Q: Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works but may need extra breadcrumbs for firmness.
Q: How do I keep it from falling apart?
Make sure to use enough breadcrumbs and eggs as binders.
Q: Can I freeze leftover zombie meatloaf?
Yes, freeze slices in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Q: Can kids help with this recipe?
Definitely! They’ll enjoy shaping the zombie face and decorating it.
Conclusion:
Chef John’s Zombie Meatloaf is more than just dinner—it’s an experience. Creepy, gory, and delicious, this Halloween dish is a guaranteed hit for parties or family nights. It brings classic comfort food together with festive creativity, making it the star of your Halloween table.