I recently discovered the Brenda Gantt Meatloaf Recipe and it has quickly become a family favorite. This meatloaf is moist, flavorful, and easy to make. It’s the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in.

Brenda Gantt is a Southern cook known for her delicious recipes that have been passed down through generations. Her meatloaf recipe is no exception. It’s a classic dish that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The ingredients are simple and easy to find, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner.

Brenda Gantt’s Background

Culinary Journey

Brenda Gantt, born and raised in Andalusia, Alabama, has been cooking for over 50 years. She learned to cook from her mother and grandmother, who were both excellent cooks. Brenda’s passion for cooking started at a young age, and she began to experiment with different recipes in her teenage years.

After graduating from high school, Brenda attended culinary school in Birmingham, Alabama, where she honed her skills and learned new techniques. She worked in various restaurants in the area before opening her own restaurant, Brenda’s Country Cooking, in Andalusia.

Inspiration Behind the Recipe

Brenda’s Meatloaf recipe has been a staple on her restaurant’s menu for years. The inspiration behind the recipe came from her mother’s meatloaf recipe, which she adapted and made her own. Brenda’s Meatloaf is made with a blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned breadcrumbs, onions, bell peppers, and a few secret ingredients that give it a unique flavor.

Brenda takes pride in using fresh, locally sourced ingredients in all of her recipes. She believes that the quality of the ingredients is just as important as the recipe itself. Brenda’s Meatloaf has become a fan favorite, and people come from all over to try it at her restaurant.

Overall, Brenda’s passion for cooking and dedication to using fresh ingredients has made her a respected figure in the culinary world. Her meatloaf recipe is just one of many delicious dishes that she has created over the years.

How to Make Brenda Gantt’s Meatloaf

Brenda Gantt’s meatloaf recipe comes together in three simple stages – preparing the ingredients, mixing everything together, and baking until the loaf is perfectly browned.

Ingredients:

• Ground beef (approximately 2.27 pounds)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 eggs
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped (adjust based on preference)
• Crushed crackers (amount not specified in the transcript)
• 1 can of tomato sauce (amount not specified in the transcript)

Kitchen Equipment:

• Loaf pan
• Large bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Knife and cutting board

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, eggs, chopped bell pepper, chopped onion, and crushed crackers. Adjust the amount of onion and bell pepper based on your preference.
3. Crush the crackers and add them to the mixture. The transcript doesn’t specify the amount, so you can use your judgment.
4. Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it on a greased broiler pan.
5. Pour half of the can of tomato sauce over the top of the meatloaf, creating a little trench in the middle.
6. Place a small amount of water in the bottom of the broiler pan to prevent sticking.
7. Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for an unspecified amount of time. Keep an eye on it, and when it’s done, the transcript suggests a temperature of 375°F.
8. Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest before slicing.

Special Notes

Here are some extra tips for ensuring your Brenda Gantt meatloaf turns out moist and delicious:

• Use fresh, high quality ground beef for best flavor and texture. I recommend 80% lean.
• Don’t overmix when forming the meatloaf. Gentle is key to prevent denseness.
• If dough seems dry, add another Tablespoon of milk until it sticks together well.
• Insert a meat thermometer to accurately test doneness instead of judging by look.
• Letting the meatloaf rest after baking allows juices to reabsorb for a tender, sliceable loaf.

Recipe Variations

While I love the traditional recipe, Brenda Gantt’s meatloaf takes well to adaptations too:

Cheesy Meatloaf – Mix in shredded cheddar, parmesan, or goat cheese for extra richness.

Italian Meatloaf – Add chopped mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, parsley, fennel seeds. Use marinara sauce instead of ketchup on top.

Southwestern Meatloaf – Mix in corn, black beans, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, top with avocado salsa.

Hawaiian Meatloaf – Blend pineapple and brown sugar into the glaze. Stud with ham for a luau loaf.

No matter what flavor profile you end up going with, Brenda Gantt’s method will set you up for success. Feel free to tag @BrendaGantt with your meatloaf creations!

Serving Suggestions

Brenda Gantt’s versatile, classic meatloaf pairs well with all different sides. Here are some of my favorites:

• Mashed Potatoes – Smooth, creamy potatoes are the ultimate meatloaf sidekick. I make mine with garlic, butter, cream cheese, and chives.
• Green Beans – For a pop of color and freshness, quickly sauté green beans in olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper.
• Cornbread – Warm slices of homemade cornbread soak up the meatloaf juices perfectly. I love honey butter on top too.
• Roasted Vegetables – Coat carrots, Brussels sprouts, squash in oil, salt, pepper, thyme then roast while the meatloaf bakes.

And don’t forget the condiments! From ketchup, brown gravy, ranch dressing and beyond – have fun playing with different sauces and dips.

Storing Leftover Meatloaf

One of the things I really appreciate about Brenda Gantt’s recipe is that the leftovers keep and reheat remarkably well. Meatloaf sandwiches the next day? Yes please!

Storage: Allow cooked meatloaf to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. Properly stored, it will keep for 4-5 days. You can also wrap cooled meatloaf well and freeze it for up to 3 months.

Reheating:
Thin slices can be quickly warmed in the microwave or pan-fried in butter. For whole slices or halves, I prefer baking them wrapped in foil at 325°F for 15-25 minutes. This keeps the exterior crispy while thoroughly heating the interior.

Frequently Asked Questions

Over the years cooking Brenda Gantt’s meatloaf, I’ve gotten tons of questions on preparation methods and substitutions. Here are some common FAQs:

Is bread really necessary? I’ve found the breadcrumbs help bind everything together while also maintaining moisture compared to just meat alone. That said, you could try substituting with oats or crushed crackers instead.

Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef? Ground turkey or chicken can work well too. You may want to add slightly more breadcrumbs to account for the leanness. I suggest baking for less time and testing earlier for doneness.

What type of loaf pan should I use?
Ideally, opt for a light colored metal, ceramic or glass pan to promote even heating. Dark coated pans can lead to overbrowning on the outside before the inside cooks through. An 8” x 4” size works perfectly.

What’s the best way to mix everything? I prefer gently mixing the loaf by hand instead of overworking it in the food processor. Use a light folding motion until just combined then form into loaf shape.

Have another question? Ask me below in the comments!

Conclusion

There you have it – my complete guide to whipping up the ultimate comfort food, Brenda Gantt’s classic meatloaf recipe! From my top ingredient tips to storage advice, I covered all the details you need to make this reliably delicious dish at home. I’ve been cooking this recipe for over 20 years now, but feel free to experiment with unique add-ins and sides. Customize it to your tastes – that’s part of the fun!

Now it’s your turn to give Brenda Gantt’s iconic meatloaf a shot. Invite over family, whip up some mashed potatoes and green beans, and dive into slices of tender, juicy meatloaf burst­ing with flavor. The aroma alone as it bakes is enough to make your mouth water. And don’t forget that tangy drizzle of ketchup on top!

Let me know how your meatloaf turns out or leaving a comment here. I can’t wait to see your creations putting this classic recipe to delicious use. Enjoy!