This diner-inspired sandwich is piled high with thick sliced bacon infused meatloaf slices, seared until golden brown on both sides topped with a caramelized onion infused “special sauce”, fresh sliced tomatoes, crisp romaine lettuce, melted American cheese, crispy Applewood smoked bacon, and crispy onion strings, all on a warm Pretzilla Burger Bun.
GLAZE:
Whisk together ingredients in a small bowl to thoroughly combine and set aside.
CARAMELIZED ONION SPECIAL SAUCE:
Whisk together ingredients in a small bowl to thoroughly combine and set aside in the refrigerator.
MEATLOAF:
Combine bacon and onion in a non-stick sauté pan over medium heat and cook 4-5 minutes until bacon is rendered and onion is soft and translucent. Remove to a small bowl and set aside.
Tear one Pretzilla Burger Bun into four pieces and add to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse a few seconds at a time to process into coarse crumbs.
Combine roasted garlic, eggs, parsley, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons glaze, milk, and bacon-onion mixture in a large bowl and mix thoroughly.
Add ground beef and lightly knead with your hands until combined.
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Form into a 9 x 5 in. loaf shape and place on a baking pan lined with parchment paper.
Bake about 45 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145°F then brush with 2 tablespoons glaze.
Bake another 5 minutes and brush with remaining glaze.
Bake 5 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 155°F. Remove and let cool.
Reduce oven heat to 350°F.
SANDWICHES:
Cut Pretzilla Burger Buns in half horizontally and place cut side up on a baking sheet. Place in oven 5-7 minutes or until lightly toasted.
Heat oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat.
Slice meatloaf into ½” slices.
Sear the sliced meatloaf 1-2 minutes per side or until golden brown and heated through (leftover meatloaf from the refrigerator will take 3-4 minutes per side).
Spread 1 tablespoon special sauce cut sides of each bun.
Place meatloaf on bottom bun. Top with cheese, lettuce, tomato slice, 2 slices bacon, and 2 tablespoons crispy onion strings. Close sandwich and serve.