This Easy Meatloaf Glaze With Brown Sugar is the ideal complement to our fork-tender Perfect Homestyle Meatloaf. This sticky Meatloaf Glaze recipe is delicious and simple to prepare, and many of the components are kitchen essentials that we usually have in our cupboard and refrigerator.
A good meatloaf is distinguished from a terrific one by its meatloaf glaze. You can definitely use a simple ketchup glaze in an emergency, but your family will love the tantalizingly sweet and sour taste that brown sugar and cider vinegar provide to your ketchup combination.
Making the brown sugar glaze is quite easy; simply combine the ketchup, brown sugar, and cider vinegar, then brush the meatloaf with it before baking. Without the glaze, meatloaf would just be a loaf of meat. The glaze is delicious, tangy, and saucy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and savory: Unlike a straightforward ketchup glaze, this glaze is unique in that it combines salty and sweet components to create a well-balanced sauce.
- Versatile: There are several uses for this sauce outside of meatloaf, such as slathering it over burgers, grilling, and smoking meats, or cooking cocktail meatballs in it.
- Super Simple: This simple sauce only requires one bowl and a few minutes.
Jump to:
Main Ingredients
It only takes a few basic ingredients from the cupboard to make this glaze.
- Ketchup. The glaze's basis, which gives it a sweet, tomato flavor.
- Brown sugar. Adds a deep, caramelized taste to the glaze while enhancing its sweetness. For this dish, we use light brown sugar, although dark brown sugar also works nicely. Because there is more molasses, the sugar flavor will be a bit stronger.
- Vinegar. A dash of apple cider vinegar is a good way to give a little more acidity.
- Worcestershire sauce. Adds depth and richness while counterbalancing the sweetness with a little acidity and umami. You don't need to add extra salt because it's already salty enough.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder.
- Black Pepper.
How To Make A Classic Meatloaf Glaze
- Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl.
- Combine them and whisk until a smooth consistency is reached.
- About 25 minutes into baking the meatloaf, remove it from the oven and over the meatloaf, spoon the glaze.
- Bake the meatloaf for 45-50 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer reads 160 degrees Fahrenheit in the middle.
- After five minutes of resting, cut into slices and serve.
Variations And Substitutions
- Sweetness: You can use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
- Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can also be used.
- Spiciness: For more spiciness, try to add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or italian seasoning.
- Worcestershire sauce: You could add soy sauce instead of worcestershire sauce.
- Ketchup: Replace the ketchup with barbecue sauce for a smoky taste.
- Mustard: Try to add a little of spicy mustard or Dijon mustard.
Make Ahead and Storage
Make Ahead: This sauce is simple to prepare in advance and keep in the fridge until you're ready to use it.
Freezing: You can freeze a fully glazed meatloaf, but freezing just the glaze is not advised. Ensure that everything is securely covered to avoid freezer burn.
Refrigerating: Cover the original mixing bowl with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, or store any leftover meatloaf glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The meatloaf itself is kept in the fridge for three to four days.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. To keep the meatloaf from burning, I suggested applying the brown sugar glaze at the end of cooking. This makes the meatloaf moist and delicious by allowing the glaze to caramelize and combine with the meatloaf mixture.
It is possible to freeze meatloaf before cooking it. Prepare meatloaf as directed in order to freeze. Wrap securely with aluminum foil and plastic wrap, then freeze.
Cover the raw meatloaf and refrigerate overnight to defrost it. Next, adhere to the recipe's baking guidelines.
At 375°F, cook the meatloaf for 40 minutes without a lid. Bake for a further 15 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, after adding the sauce. Increase the cooking time if you're using a loaf pan that is smaller than 9 by 5 inches.
Yes, you may use honey or maple syrup for sugar. Remember that this may change the glaze's flavor and consistency.
If you tried this Classic Meatloaf Glaze With Brown Sugar or any other recipe on my website, please feel free to leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. And remember to tag me on Instagram!
Easy Sides For Meatloaf
- Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli (Ready in 10 Minutes)
- Air Fryer Cheesy Potato Wedges
- Louisiana Voodoo Fries Recipe (Wingstop Copycat)
- Super Creamy Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Easy 3-ingredient Potato Soup
Recipe
Easy Meatloaf Glaze With Brown Sugar
INGREDIENTS
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce optional
- 2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
- Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl.
- Combine them and whisk until a smooth consistency is reached.
- About 25 minutes into baking the meatloaf, remove it from the oven and over the meatloaf, spoon the glaze.
- Bake the meatloaf for 45-50 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer reads 160 degrees Fahrenheit in the middle.
- After five minutes of resting, cut into slices and serve.
NOTES
- Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper if you prefer a little heat.
- Replace the ketchup with barbecue sauce for a smoky taste.
- To make it tangier, add a tablespoon of yellow mustard.
Brooke Myers says
'A huge, bulky sweater wrapped around my shoulders' – what a perfect description of meatloaf! With this glaze, it’s going to be even more comforting. Yum!
Laura Parker says
"Delectable" is definitely the right word for this glaze! I’m all about those sweet-and-tangy vibes in my meals. Can't wait to share this deliciousness with my friends.
Scarlett Bailey says
I’m so excited to try this! Meatloaf always reminds me of home, and that sweet-and-tangy sauce sounds like just what I need to recreate those cozy vibes. Yum!
Fiona Garcia says
This glaze sounds absolutely delightful! I love how simple ingredients can elevate a classic dish like meatloaf. Can't wait to give it a try and impress my family at dinner!
Bella Gray says
Oh wow, the sweetness from the brown sugar combined with the tanginess of the ketchup sounds so good! Meatloaf is such a nostalgic dish for me; this glaze is going to make it even more special!
Anna Brooks says
Oh wow, that glaze looks so easy yet so flavorful! The combination of ketchup and brown sugar is just mouthwatering. Meatloaf nights are about to get even better!
Mary Wells says
I’m all about those comfort foods, and meatloaf is definitely one of them. This glaze will take it up a notch for sure—can already imagine the amazing aroma wafting through the house!
Christina Jenkins says
Ooh, I'm loving the idea of caramelized brown sugar on meatloaf! It really does feel like a warm hug in food form. Can't wait to bring this recipe into my kitchen!
Eloise Edwards says
This glaze sounds absolutely divine! I love how simple it is to whip up, and I can already imagine that sweet and tangy flavor enhancing the meatloaf. Can't wait to give it a try!
Paula Price says
'Elevates your meatloaf' – yes, yes, yes! I’m always looking for ways to upgrade classic recipes, and this one seems like an absolute winner. Excited to try it out!
Genesis Flores says
Meatloaf with a homemade glaze? Yes, please! I totally agree that the right sauce can take comfort food to the next level. This will definitely be on my dinner menu soon!
Jillian Anderson says
This glaze looks so easy to make, and who doesn't love that caramelized finish? I'm definitely adding this recipe to my dinner rotation—can't resist a good meatloaf moment!
Isabella Collins says
"Sticky texture"? Count me in! This glaze sounds deliciously simple, and I love that I can use pantry staples. Can't wait to dig in after trying this recipe!
Gianna Fox says
I love how versatile this glaze is! It's perfect not just for meatloaf but for other dishes too. I'm excited to experiment with different flavors as suggested!
Eloise Edwards says
Yum! I adore meatloaf and this glaze seems like a game-changer. I love that it’s quick to whip up too—perfect for those busy weeknights when comfort food is needed!
Courtney Ford says
This recipe has me drooling already! The combination of flavors in that glaze is just perfect for meatloaf. Can’t wait to see how it turns out in my kitchen!
Hanna says
This recipe looks so delicious, def going to try this meatloaf glaze
Candace Nelson says
This recipe is calling my name! Meatloaf has always been a family favorite, and this glaze sounds like the perfect finishing touch. Time to gather those ingredients!
Claire says
I love meatloaf! This glaze sounds so yummy!
Hailey says
I can't wait to try this recipe! It sounds easy and delicious.
Jessica says
Wow, this glaze looks perfect for my meatloaf. Thank you for sharing!
Alice says
Meatloaf is my favorite comfort food. This glaze will make it even better!
Samantha says
I'm so excited to make this! The ingredients are simple and I have them all at home.
Brittany says
This glaze sounds amazing! I love the idea of adding brown sugar.
Isabella says
Thanks for the tips! I think I’ll add some BBQ sauce too.
Daisy says
I always wanted a good meatloaf recipe. This looks perfect!
Miranda says
'Delectable' is the right word! Can't wait to taste it myself!