No matter what type of meatloaf you plan to make, this all-purpose meatloaf glaze will taste amazing and perfectly complement the meat. It sets, shines and stays put without sliding off.
Recipe Essentials
Many of these ingredients may already be in your fridge or pantry, which makes it an easy sauce to whip up on the fly. A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.
- Ketchup – The tomato-based condiment gives the glaze a boost of sweet flavor and a little bit of tanginess.
- Brown sugar – Brown sugar also sweetens the sauce and helps to give it molasses-like flavor as it caramelizes while cooking.
- Worcestershire sauce
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Coarse kosher salt
- Ground black pepper
What To Serve With Meatloaf Glaze
Meatloaf glaze is obviously great on meatloaf, so try it on any easy meatloaf recipe. Here are a few ideas for inspiration:
This sweet and savory sauce can also be used for homemade meatballs, and on burgers made of beef, turkey, or ground pork. It’s also delicious on hot dogs or sausage, or even as a glaze for grilled chicken or baked pork chops. And, feel free to spoon it over your side dishes for your meatloaf, from green beans to mashed potatoes.
Variations
This quick and easy meatloaf glaze is a great base for you to build on or change.
- Sweetener – You can swap brown sugar for honey or agave or even use grape jelly for cocktail meatballs.
- Barbecue Sauce – For a super zesty meatloaf topping, use BBQ sauce instead of ketchup
- Reserve – Make a little extra sauce and keep it on the side to use after the meatloaf has been baked. Note: To avoid contamination, place the extra sauce in a separate bowl before using a spoon or other tool to dip into it to apply to the meatloaf.
- Mustard – For a tangy glaze, try adding yellow mustard. You can also add white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Spices and Herbs – Mix in Italian seasoning, finely chopped fresh parsley, or other spices and herbs that you like.
- Heat – For some spiciness, try adding chili sauce, red pepper flakes, chili powder, or cayenne pepper.
- Balsamic – Make a balsamic brown sugar glaze by replacing some of the ketchup with balsamic vinegar. Adjust the other ingredients as necessary to achieve the right texture.
Common Questions About Meatloaf Glaze
Meatloaf glaze is a combination of condiments like Worcestershire Sauce and ketchup with other ingredients like salt, pepper, and a sweetener. Ingredients for meatloaf glaze are probably already in your kitchen, or are easy to find at the grocery store.
Of course you can use meat glazes on any type of meat (or other proteins like seafood) but you can also brush it onto veggies, too.
Glaze helps to add flavor and moisture to the meat. The sugar in the glaze also helps to create a bit of a crust.
If this is happening, try applying in two stages. Finish with a hotter temperature and allow it to rest briefly before slicing.
More Homemade Sauces
We love delicious savory sauces. Here are a few favorites.
Meatloaf Glaze Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- dash of black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, stir together the 1 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt and dash of black pepper.
- Spread on top of meatloaf and cook according to the recipe instructions (some call for the topping before baking, some halfway through, others at the end.)
- If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.
Notes
Nutrition
The glaze on the meatloaf is everything, if you ask me. 😉 Can’t wait to try this the next time I make meatloaf.
That’s what I’m talking about! I already love making glaze for meatloaf because I use it on my chicken and pork, too. Your version is a little different than mine, so I can’t wait to make it!
This was delicious! By far the best part of the meatloaf 😉
When do you put the glaze on the meatloaf as it’s cooking or halfway
It depends- I prefer to put mine on halfway through cooking so the top can get browned.
So delicious! My family loved it. Had very very little leftover. I thought mine was the best until I tried this one.
This was such a unique and unexpected recipe that does not disappoint! Was the perfect touch of flavor to a classic dish; definitely, the best way to enjoy meatloaf!
Meatloaf glaze is THE BEST! I usually just mix some ketchup, yellow mustard and brown sugar together and slather over uncooked meatloaf! I’m def going to try your version. Thanks!
Super simple and very good.
I will use it again I am sure
So good tSting
I made a turkey meatloaf in the slow cooker. Once it was done, I put this glaze on top and put it under the broiler for a few minutes. It was just the right finish to the meatloaf and added the perfect flavor. Thanks!
Awesome! That is what we love to hear!
Love the Sweet & Savory flavor of this glaze!! It works great on any meatloaf!!
The best meat loaf glaze I’ve ever tried it was perfect
So I added ancho chilli bbq rub and steakhouse seasoning to it. Along with more worchestershire sauce, onion powder and dried onions. I had garlic salt not powder. But It tastes amazing with the added stuff!