Introduction

Halloween is the perfect time to transform classic comfort foods into spooky, fun dishes that bring smiles to both kids and adults. This Mummy Meatloaf with String Cheese Wrapping is a creative twist on the traditional meatloaf, turning it into a festive centerpiece that looks like a wrapped-up mummy fresh out of the tomb! Juicy, savory, and flavorful on the inside, while decorated with string cheese “bandages” and olive “eyes” on the outside, this dish is as fun to make as it is to eat.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines everything I enjoy in a Halloween dish: comforting flavors, easy preparation, and an impressive, spooky presentation. The string cheese “bandages” make it playful, while the tender, juicy meatloaf delivers classic homestyle comfort. It’s also very versatile—you can swap in turkey, chicken, or even make a vegetarian version. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that makes dinner time extra exciting for kids (and the kid in all of us).

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Family-Friendly Fun: Kids adore the silly mummy look, while adults appreciate the hearty, classic flavor.
Perfect for Parties: A fantastic Halloween dinner centerpiece that makes your table festive and memorable.
Customizable: You can adjust spices, fillings, and even the meat base to fit your family’s preferences.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the meatloaf ahead of time and bake just before serving—stress-free entertaining!

Preparation and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: ~380–420 per serving (varies depending on meat and cheese type)

Cuisine and Course

Cuisine: American (Halloween-inspired)
Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

1 ½ lbs ground beef (or turkey/chicken for lighter version)
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup milk
2 tbsp ketchup (plus extra for topping)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning

For the Wrapping and Decoration:

6–8 sticks of string cheese, peeled into thin strips
2 olive slices (for eyes)
A small dab of mustard or ketchup (to secure the eyes)

Simple Cooking Directions

Mix meatloaf ingredients.
Shape into a mummy-like oval loaf.
Bake until almost cooked through.
Brush with ketchup, add string cheese strips in crisscross “bandages.”
Bake briefly to soften cheese.
Add olive “eyes.”
Serve and enjoy!

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease.
Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined (don’t overwork).
Shape the Mummy: Transfer mixture to baking sheet and shape into an oval loaf resembling a mummy body. Smooth the top.
Bake Meatloaf: Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Add Ketchup Glaze: Remove from oven, brush top with a thin layer of ketchup for flavor and color.
Wrap with String Cheese: Peel string cheese into thin strips and lay across the meatloaf in crisscross fashion to look like mummy bandages.
Final Bake: Return meatloaf to oven for 5–10 minutes, just until cheese softens (don’t let it fully melt).
Add Eyes: Place olive slices on the “face” area, securing them with a dab of mustard or ketchup.
Rest and Serve: Allow meatloaf to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

How to Serve

Serve on a large platter with parsley “grass” or roasted veggies around the mummy.
Pair with mashed potatoes (you can pipe them into ghost shapes for added Halloween fun).
Offer extra ketchup or a spooky “blood-red” dipping sauce on the side.

Additional Recipe Tips

Use a meat thermometer for best results—this prevents over- or undercooking.
Don’t wrap cheese too early; add it near the end to prevent melting away.
For added flavor, stuff the meatloaf with cheese, mushrooms, or spinach before baking.

Variations

Mini Mummies: Make smaller, individual mummy loaves for kids or party appetizers.
Vegetarian Mummy Loaf: Substitute with lentils, black beans, mushrooms, and breadcrumbs.
Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or use pepper jack cheese for the bandages.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and sauces.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze (Unbaked): Assemble meatloaf without cheese, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before baking.
Freeze (Baked): Slice and freeze cooked meatloaf for up to 1 month. Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Special Equipment Needed

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet or loaf pan
Parchment paper
Meat thermometer
Knife for slicing

FAQ

Q: Can I use shredded cheese instead of string cheese?
Yes, but string cheese gives the best “bandage” effect.

Q: My cheese melted too much—what went wrong?
It stayed in the oven too long after adding cheese. Bake just 5–10 minutes max.

Q: Can I prepare this ahead?
Yes! Shape the loaf a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake fresh when ready to serve.

Q: Can I use different meats?
Yes—ground turkey, chicken, or a beef-pork mix all work great.

Conclusion

The Mummy Meatloaf with String Cheese Wrapping is the ultimate Halloween dinner dish: comforting, delicious, and spooky enough to thrill your guests. With juicy meatloaf inside, playful cheese bandages, and silly olive eyes, it’s the perfect combination of flavor and fun. This recipe is versatile, make-ahead friendly, and guaranteed to become a Halloween tradition at your table.