Freezing cooked bacon-wrapped meatloaf is possible, but there are some steps you can take to ensure it reheats well without drying out or getting freezer burned. Here's a general guideline to follow:
Cooling and Wrapping: Allow the cooked bacon-wrapped meatloaf to cool completely at room temperature. You can speed up the cooling process by placing it in the refrigerator for an hour or so. Once cooled, wrap the meatloaf tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For additional protection against freezer burn, you can place it inside a resealable freezer bag or airtight container.
Flash Freeze: To prevent the ingredients from sticking together or losing shape during the freezing process, you can consider flash freezing the meatloaf. Place the wrapped meatloaf on a baking sheet or plate and put it in the freezer for 1-2 hours until it's partially frozen.
Long-Term Storage: After flash freezing, transfer the partially frozen meatloaf to the intended long-term storage container, such as a labeled freezer bag or airtight container. Squeeze out any excess air before sealing to reduce the risk of freezer burn.
Reheating: When you're ready to reheat the bacon-wrapped meatloaf, there are a few methods you can try:
a. Oven: Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature (around 350°F or 175°C). Place the frozen meatloaf on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for about 30-40 minutes or until it's heated through. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes to re-crisp the bacon.
b. Thaw First: For a more even reheating, you can thaw the frozen meatloaf in the refrigerator overnight before baking it in the oven following the same guidelines mentioned above.
Monitoring Temperature: To prevent overcooking or drying out the meatloaf, consider using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
By following these steps, you can help preserve the texture and taste of the bacon-wrapped meatloaf, reducing the risk of it drying out or getting freezer burned during the freezing and reheating process.