The Ideal Meatloaf Ingredient When You Want To Add A Little Crunch
By Ashlyn Frassinelli
Meatloaf has a soft mouthfeel without much texture variation, so adding a bit of crunch into the mix can jazz things up. Crispy fried onions are the perfect solution.
A cup of crispy onions, crushed and added to the meatloaf mix, takes the place of breadcrumbs and adds both an extra helping of onion flavor and some much-needed crunch.
Glaze the loaf with a drizzle of barbecue or tomato sauce, then sprinkle some extra onions on top for additional flavor and to ensure a mouthful of crispiness in each bite.
Crispy onions are a welcome divergence from the smooth texture of the loaf, and their intense onion flavor also mixes well with the meaty flavor of the ground beef.
However, the fried crust absorbs moisture, so fried onions lose their crunch over time. Although the crispiness doesn't last, the onion flavor remains, even in the fridge.