The Best Christmas Roast Recipe

Sausage & Herb Christmas Meatloaf: A Festive Holiday Main Dish

The holiday season calls for special dishes that bring warmth and celebration to your table. This Sausage & Herb Christmas Meatloaf combines the comforting familiarity of a classic meatloaf with festive ingredients that make it perfect for your Christmas feast. Studded with cranberries, fragrant with fresh herbs, and wrapped in bacon, this showstopper will quickly become a new holiday tradition that your family requests year after year.

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Why This Meatloaf is Perfect for Christmas

Christmas dinner deserves something special, and this isn't your everyday meatloaf. The combination of high-quality pork sausage and ground beef creates a rich, tender texture while fresh herbs like sage, rosemary, and thyme bring quintessential holiday flavors to every bite. The addition of cranberries provides bursts of tartness that cut through the richness, while the bacon wrap creates a show-stopping presentation.

What makes this recipe truly perfect for the holidays is its make-ahead friendly nature. During the Christmas season when time is precious, being able to prepare your main dish a day or two in advance is invaluable. This meatloaf actually improves in flavor when made ahead, allowing you to focus on family time rather than last-minute cooking.

Ingredients You'll Need

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 lb (454g) high-quality pork sausage, removed from casings
• 1 lb (454g) lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (120g) fresh breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• ¾ cup (90g) dried cranberries
• 3 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• Zest of 1 orange
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 12 slices smoked streaky bacon

For the Glaze:

• ½ cup (120ml) cranberry sauce
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x5 inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal, or line a baking sheet if shaping the loaf by hand.
2. Prepare the bacon liner by laying bacon slices across the width of the loaf pan, slightly overlapping each piece and allowing the ends to hang over the sides. Alternatively, lay them on the prepared baking sheet in the shape of your loaf.
3. Sauté the aromatics by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Combine the meats in a large bowl. Add the cooled onion mixture, breadcrumbs, eggs, cranberries, herbs, orange zest, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
5. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well combined, but avoid overmixing which can make the meatloaf tough.

6. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the bacon-lined loaf pan, or form it by hand on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Fold the overhanging bacon over the top of the meatloaf, creating a woven pattern if desired for an extra festive touch.
8. Make the glaze by combining all glaze ingredients in a small saucepan. Heat gently until well combined and slightly thickened.
9. Brush half the glaze over the bacon-wrapped meatloaf, reserving the rest for later.
10. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove from the oven and brush with the remaining glaze. Return to the oven and bake for another 25-35 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Tips for Success

Choosing the Right Ingredients

• Sausage selection: Italian sausage adds wonderful flavor, but you can also use breakfast sausage or any high-quality pork sausage.
• Fresh herbs matter: While dried herbs can work in a pinch, fresh herbs provide superior flavor and aroma that really elevate this holiday dish.
• Bacon quality: Choose thick-cut, high-quality bacon for the best results. Applewood or hickory smoked varieties add extra flavor.

Texture and Moisture

• Don't overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the texture tender.
• Test for seasoning: Cook a small patty of the mixture to taste for seasoning before shaping the entire loaf.
• Rest before slicing: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 15 minutes before slicing to help it hold together better.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the greatest advantages of this Sausage & Herb Christmas Meatloaf is that it can be prepared in advance, giving you more time to enjoy with your loved ones during the holidays.

Prepare in Advance

You can assemble the meatloaf up to 24 hours before baking. Simply prepare as directed, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come to room temperature.

Storage

Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It actually improves in flavor as the herbs and spices meld together, making it perfect for holiday meal planning.

Freezing

This meatloaf freezes beautifully. You can freeze it either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, thaw completely in the refrigerator before cooking. If freezing after baking, slice it first for easier reheating of individual portions.

Serving Suggestions

Transform your Christmas dinner table with this stunning meatloaf as the centerpiece, accompanied by these perfect holiday sides:

Side Dishes

• Creamy mashed potatoes with butter and chives
• Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon and balsamic glaze
• Honey-glazed carrots with fresh thyme
• Garlic and herb roasted potatoes

Sauces & Accompaniments

• Extra cranberry sauce on the side
• Rich mushroom gravy
• Caramelized onion jam
• Fresh herb butter for dinner rolls

Presentation Ideas

• Serve on a wooden board garnished with fresh herbs
• Decorate the platter with cranberries and orange slices
• Add a sprig of rosemary to each serving plate
• Pre-slice and arrange in a fan pattern for elegant serving

Variations and Dietary Adaptations

This versatile recipe can be adapted to accommodate different dietary needs while still maintaining its festive Christmas appeal:

Flavor Variations

• Mediterranean: Replace cranberries with sun-dried tomatoes and use herbs like oregano and basil.
• Apple & Sage: Substitute diced apples for cranberries and increase the sage for a different festive flavor.
• Mushroom & Thyme: Add 1 cup of finely chopped sautéed mushrooms and extra thyme for an earthy variation.

Dietary Adaptations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
• Lower Fat: Use leaner meats like ground turkey or chicken, though you may need to add a bit of olive oil for moisture.
• Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free as written.

Sausage & Herb Christmas Meatloaf Recipe

4.8

Based on 24 reviews

Flavor

4.8

Texture

4.7

Ease

4.5

Presentation

4.9

30 minutes	60-70 minutes	1 hour 45 minutes (including rest time)
8-10 servings	Moderate	Christmas dinner, holiday gatherings

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 lb (454g) high-quality pork sausage, removed from casings
• 1 lb (454g) lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (120g) fresh breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• ¾ cup (90g) dried cranberries
• 3 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• Zest of 1 orange
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 12 slices smoked streaky bacon

For the Glaze:

• ½ cup (120ml) cranberry sauce
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x5 inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. Arrange the bacon slices across the width of the loaf pan, slightly overlapping each piece and allowing the ends to hang over the sides.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onions in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. In a large bowl, combine the pork sausage and ground beef. Add the cooled onion mixture, breadcrumbs, eggs, cranberries, sage, rosemary, thyme, orange zest, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
5. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well combined, but avoid overmixing.
6. Transfer the mixture to the bacon-lined loaf pan, pressing down firmly and creating a smooth top.
7. Fold the overhanging bacon over the top of the meatloaf, creating a woven pattern if desired.
8. In a small saucepan, combine all glaze ingredients and heat gently until well combined and slightly thickened.
9. Brush half the glaze over the bacon-wrapped meatloaf.
10. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove from the oven and brush with the remaining glaze.
11. Return to the oven and bake for another 25-35 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
12. Let the meatloaf rest for 15 minutes before removing from the pan and slicing.
13. Garnish with fresh herbs and cranberries before serving.

Notes

Make-Ahead: Prepare up to 24 hours in advance, cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: Cover with foil and reheat in a 325°F (165°C) oven until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes, or microwave individual slices.

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Create a New Christmas Tradition

This Sausage & Herb Christmas Meatloaf brings together the comfort of a classic dish with the festive flavors of the holiday season. Its make-ahead convenience, impressive presentation, and delicious taste make it the perfect centerpiece for your Christmas table. The combination of savory sausage, aromatic herbs, and sweet-tart cranberries creates a memorable dish that your family and friends will request year after year.

As you gather around the table this Christmas, consider starting a new tradition with this special meatloaf that celebrates the flavors of the season while allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time making memories with loved ones. From our kitchen to yours, we wish you a delicious and joy-filled holiday season!

Share Your Christmas Meatloaf Creation!

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