Autumn is close at hand, and that means apples are in season.  My local market has beautiful seasonal apples, and I love to include them in savory dishes – including this fragrant meatloaf.

This twist on classic meatloaf flavors a 1/2 and 1/2 combination of turkey and pork with sweet apple, fresh sage, and onion.

I like to bake this meatloaf free form to encourage browning.  Using a loaf pan works as well.  Here’s to the beautiful apple, and delicious, cozy meals at home.  Enjoy!

Apple Sage Meatloaf

1 LB ground pork
1 LB ground turkey
1 yellow onion, diced fine
2 TB olive oil
1 apple, grated (no need to peel skin)
1 piece rustic bread, cubed into small pieces
1 TB minced fresh sage
2 eggs
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper

I start by sauteeing the diced onion in olive oil.  (You may omit this step, and instead mix raw onion with the remaining ingredients.)  Mix all ingredients until cohesive.

Option one:  free-form loaf on rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Option two:  place meatloaf mixture into a standard loaf pan

Bake at 400 for about 35 – 40 minutes, or until firm and cooked through.  Cool just enough to slice and enjoy.  Great main dish to make ahead and heat in the microwave.

*for a gluten free version, substitute 2/3 cup uncooked old fashioned rolled oats or gluten free bread for the bread in the recipe above.