This meatloaf glaze recipe uses only 3 ingredients - ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar - ready in minutes. It's the perfect topping for meatloaf and secret to big flavor. Recipe includes ingredient swaps and easy addons to make it your own.
Got a hankering for meatloaf? Don't forget the glaze! A good Meatloaf Glaze can make or break your dish. If you're looking for that true classic flavor, you need only 3 ingredients.
These are the flavors I grew up on, the way my Mother did it when I was a kid. I like to make it with a few simple addons that make it that much better without taking away that true, classic taste.
Try it with my Classic Meatloaf Recipe and you'll see how delicious it is, despite being so simple.
Meatloaf Glaze Ingredients & Swaps
What is meatloaf glaze made of? Here are the classic ingredients.
- Ketchup. Tomato sauce (passata) is a good swap, but you'll need to add more spices. Try it with my homemade ketchup recipe - I add extra zing.
- Brown Sugar. For sweet to balance the savory, and for "glaze" factor. Good swaps are maple syrup, honey, or molasses. For a Sugar Free version, skip it and use more ketchup and vinegar.
- Apple Cider Vinegar. Red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar are easy swaps (with less tang). Worcestershire sauce is a great swap, and often I add them both.
Optional Add Ons
- Yellow Mustard. For extra tang.
- Hot Sauce. Or a pinch of cayenne or sriracha. For some spicy heat. Add as much as you'd like.
- Garlic Powder. Add any other seasonings you love, like onion powder, dried herbs, or your favorite blend. We love it with my homemade Cajun seasoning recipe.
The full ingredients list with measurements is listed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
How to Make Meatloaf Glaze
- Whisk together the ingredients in a mixing bowl until smooth.
- Use or cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
It's fairly thick, but not as thick as ketchup, like a meatloaf dressing.
Recipe Tips & Notes
- Experiment with Ratios. Feel free to add more or less of what you love, then taste and adjust. Want more ketchup? Add 1-2 more tablespoons. Want it sweeter? Add more brown sugar. Spicier? Bring on the hot sauce!
How to Use It
Use this glaze for your next meatloaf topping. It's enough to glaze a 2-pound meatloaf at least 2-3 times. I like to glaze at least once during baking, then at the end before serving. Consider making a bit extra to serve on the side for those who like it saucy.
It's not just for meatloaf. Consider it your new meatloaf sauce recipe, ready to add zing and savory flavor to burgers, hot dogs, a meatloaf sandwich, or anything off the grill.
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Want More Sauce Recipes?
- My homemade taco sauce recipe is great for all your favorite tacos.
- My homemade chili sauce is similar, with lots of tang.
- My cocktail sauce recipe might bring back great memories, too!
Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or use Worcestershire sauce)
Optional Add-Ons
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or use your favorite seasoning blend)
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard for extra tang
- Pinch of cayenne or dash of hot sauce for a touch of zingy heat
Instructions
- Add the ingredients to a mixing bowl and whisk together until smooth
- Use to glaze meatloaf (or other use) or cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
Nutrition Information
FAQs
What Goes in Meatloaf Glaze?
The primary ingredients are ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar or Worcestershire sauce. You can add in other ingredients, like spices and hot sauce, to make it your own.
Should I Glaze Meatloaf Before Cooking?
No, it is better to bake/cook the meatloaf most of the way through before glazing. About 15 minutes before it is done, glaze it once, then glaze it again after it is done baking and has cooled a bit.
Do I Have to Use Brown Sugar?
No. For a sugar-free meatloaf glaze, use more ketchup with a bit more apple cider vinegar or Worcestershire sauce for more of a savory glaze.
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