Meatloaf is a classic dish that is popular all over the world – whether it’s a classic American recipe, an Italian-style bake, an Asian-inspired fusion, or something else! When baking meatloaf, the question arises: should you cover the dish or not? The answer is, it depends on the recipe.
Generally, the answer is no. Covering the meatloaf can restrict air flow and trap steam, thus resulting in a soggy texture. It may also prevent the top from browning and crisping during baking. If this is the outcome you’re looking for, then cover it – but it’s not the usual practice and it’s important to be aware of the consequences.
Remove any cover material during the last 10 minutes of cooking. This will allow the top to brown and crisp up for a more pleasing presentation. If you want a more deeply browned and crisped top, you can use a pastry brush to baste the top surface with a bit of oil or melted butter.
The exception to this is when preparing a meatloaf that may not have the proper top to brown. If your recipe calls for adding catsup or mustard to the top, for instance, the wetness of the topping won’t allow it to brown. Thus, in this case, you can cover the dish before baking.
Typically, covering a meatloaf isn’t the best idea since it can lead to a dry and overcooked interior. However, if you’re working with a leaner cut of meat and you don’t have a lot of added fat, you may want to consider covering it during the first portion of the cook time. This will trap the moisture in the dish, resulting in a juicier, more succulent result. Just be sure to remember to remove the covering during the final 10 minutes.
To sum up, it’s best not to cover a meatloaf while baking. This ensures that the top of the dish will brown and crisp up and allows air to circulate, producing a more even bake. Covering the dish with foil or a lid may retain moisture, but it can also produce a soggy texture. If you want a more moist and juicy final product, you should include added fat and/or consider covering the dish during the first portion of the cook time. Lastly, be sure to uncover the dish during the last 10 minutes of baking to ensure the top does brown.