Why You Need To Start Adding Tequila To Your Meatloaf Glaze

The right glaze really makes a meatloaf stand out, and not just because it prevents it from getting bone-dry while it bakes. It adds both flavor and a beautiful finish to the meatloaf, especially when you top it with garnishes like chives, parsley, and bacon. You can change the whole vibe of your meatloaf with a glaze, creating everything from a basic ketchup-topped meatloaf to a version inspired by Asian flavors and coated in hoisin sauce. Of course, the inside of the meatloaf matters — a super moist turkey meatloaf is going to taste different than a ground beef or mixed version. But every kind of meatloaf benefits from a glaze, especially when that glaze includes a little tequila.

Chowhound spoke to Blair Lonergan, aka The Seasoned Mom, who knows all about good cooking. She explains that "Tequila pairs well with sweet, acidic cocktails, like a margarita, so it would work well with a sweet ketchup-based glaze, too." She also likes to add Worcestershire sauce to her ketchup-based glaze  "for a little salty, umami flavor", as well as brown sugar and cider vinegar for an epic meatloaf. And it's no surprise that tequila would fit right in with the flavor profile. "The earthy notes of the tequila may also be nice with the savory meat, especially turkey or pork," she adds.

Mexican meatloaf is a natural fit or a glaze that contains a little tequila, especially if you make it with cumin, fresh cilantro, chili powder, and chipotle powder. But, there are plenty of other types of meatloaf that level up when you add some tequila in the last few minutes of baking. The salty sweet notes of hoisin in Asian-style meatloaf pairs well with the smoky sweetness of tequila, and the spirit also shines in a glaze made with the many flavors of Sweet Baby Ray's or a black garlic ketchup glaze.

Add your favorite tequila to any kind of meatloaf glaze when you're whisking together all the other wet ingredients, but start with a small amount so you don't create glaze that's too tequila-forward. And, there's a way to lower the alcohol content in the glaze before you add it to the meatloaf, if you want. "If you're concerned with the alcohol in the tequila, you can simmer/reduce the tequila in a saucepan on the stovetop before adding it to the glaze," Blair Lonergan said.

You can create an even more flavorful and nuanced tequila glaze for meatloaf with other ingredients. Dijon mustard adds some zest and tang, maple syrup and molasses add some sweetness. Lonergan also suggests adding BBQ sauce for a bolder glaze, as well as apple butter, hot sauce, or balsamic vinegar to take things to the next level.