10 Best Meatloaf Topping Sauces
Tangy Tomato Glaze
A classic choice for topping your meatloaf, this tangy tomato glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness and acidity.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Cooking method:
- In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
- Spread the glaze evenly over the top of your uncooked meatloaf.
- Bake the meatloaf according to your recipe’s instructions, allowing the glaze to caramelize slightly.
Spicy Sriracha Honey
For those who like a kick with their meatloaf, the spicy sriracha honey glaze offers a bold flavor profile.

Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Cooking method:
- In a small mixing bowl, combine honey, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, and lime juice.
- Brush the mixture generously over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake until the glaze forms a sticky, spicy coating on the meatloaf.
Balsamic Onion Jam
This rich and savory balsamic onion jam topping adds depth and complexity to your meatloaf.
Ingredients:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar

Cooking method:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add onions and sauté until caramelized.
- Stir in balsamic vinegar and brown sugar, cooking until thickened.
- Spread the jam over your meatloaf before baking for a sweet, tangy finish.
Mustard Maple Drizzle
Sweet meets savory in this mustard maple drizzle, ideal for those who enjoy a unique twist.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cooking method:
- Whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and salt in a bowl.
- Pour over the meatloaf, using a brush to ensure even coverage.
- Bake for a beautifully glazed, flavorful top.
Smoky Barbecue Sauce
Nothing beats a classic smoky barbecue sauce for a hearty, bold finish.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Cooking method:
- Mix barbecue sauce, molasses, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until well blended.
- Spread evenly over the meatloaf.
- Bake as per usual, letting the smoky flavors infuse into the meat.
Creamy Horseradish Topping
A creamy horseradish topping adds a zesty punch to your meatloaf.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking method:
- Combine sour cream, prepared horseradish, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Spread over the cooked meatloaf for a cool yet spicy contrast.
- Serve immediately for a fresh, tangy experience.
Garlic Parmesan Crunch
This topping offers a delicious, crunchy texture with a Parmesan twist.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Cooking method:
- Combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, melted butter, and garlic powder.
- Sprinkle over uncooked meatloaf before baking.
- Cook until the topping is golden brown and crunchy.
Sweet Pineapple Glaze
For a tropical twist, try this sweet pineapple glaze.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Cooking method:
- Mix pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and grated ginger in a saucepan.
- Simmer until slightly thickened, then brush over the meatloaf.
- Bake for a sweet and tangy pineapple-flavored finish.
Blue Cheese and Chive Spread
For a gourmet touch, a blue cheese and chive spread can elevate your meatloaf.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking method:
- Blend blue cheese, cream cheese, and chives together until smooth.
- Spread over the cooked meatloaf.
- Allow it to melt slightly before serving.
Chipotle Adobo Sauce
Add a smoky, spicy kick with this chipotle adobo sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup adobo sauce from canned chipotles
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
Cooking method:
- Combine adobo sauce, ketchup, honey, and lime juice.
- Brush over the meatloaf, ensuring a generous coating.
- Bake until the sauce sets into a spicy, rich glaze.