Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Spider Meatloaf Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 6 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Description

Spider Meatloaf is a fun and hearty twist on classic meatloaf, shaped like a spider with a juicy blend of pork and beef, surrounded by sausages acting as legs. This dish is perfect for gatherings and kid-friendly meals, combining flavorful herbs, spices, and a creative presentation baked to golden perfection in the oven.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 4.5 oz white bread (crust removed)
  • 1.7 lbs ground meat (half pork, half beef)
  • 3 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 3 garlic cloves, grated
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika powder
  • 2 teaspoons medium mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 ½ teaspoons fine sea salt (to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

For Decoration and Assembly

  • 8 long sausages
  • 2 large black olives (for the spider’s eyes)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Tray – Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly oil a baking tray to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook Onion – Finely chop the onion, then heat the vegetable oil in a pan and cook the onion until soft and golden. Set aside and allow to cool.
  3. Soak Bread – Soak the white bread chunks in some water for a few minutes, then squeeze out the excess water and place the bread in a large mixing bowl.
  4. Combine Meat Mixture – Add the ground pork and beef to the bowl containing soaked bread. Then add the lightly beaten eggs, grated garlic cloves, sweet paprika powder, mustard, dried thyme, cooked onion, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly by hand until well combined.
  5. Shape Spider Body and Head – Use about two-thirds of the meat mixture to form an oval-shaped body on the baking tray. From the remaining mixture, form the spider’s head and place it near the body on the tray. Insert the two black olives into the head to represent eyes.
  6. Roast Meatloaf – Place the baking tray into the preheated oven and roast the spider-shaped meatloaf for 40 minutes, allowing it to brown and cook through partially.
  7. Add Sausages – Remove the tray from the oven and arrange the 8 long sausages around the spider body to act as legs. They do not need precise placement at this stage.
  8. Continue Roasting – Return the tray to the oven and continue roasting the meatloaf and sausages for another 20 minutes. During this time, turn the sausages once to ensure even cooking until both sausages and meatloaf are cooked through.
  9. Serve the Spider Meatloaf – Carefully transfer the body and head of the spider meatloaf onto a large serving platter and place the sausages arranged as legs around it. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Use half pork and half beef for a balanced flavor and moisture in the meatloaf.
  • Soaking the bread in water and squeezing out excess moisture keeps the meatloaf moist and tender.
  • Turning the sausages midway ensures they cook evenly and achieve a nice color.
  • Use long sausages to mimic the spider’s legs for a visually fun presentation.
  • This meatloaf can be served with mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad to complement the rich flavors.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/spider-meatloaf-recipe/