Looking for a juicy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing turkey meatloaf that’s far from ordinary? Meet Turkey Meatloaf With Cheese, a Lithuanian Easter classic known locally as netikras zuikis—which translates to “fake rabbit” 🐇. This dish is loaded with sautéed vegetables, gooey cheese, and an optional touch of sweetness from prunes. Moist, comforting, and festive, it’s perfect for holiday celebrations or cozy family dinners alike!

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🇱🇹 What Is “Netikras Zuikis”?

Don’t let the name fool you—there’s absolutely no rabbit in this dish! In Lithuanian, netikras zuikis means “fake rabbit,” a quirky name for what is essentially a meatloaf made with ground meat (usually pork, beef, or turkey), shaped and baked until golden. But why the rabbit reference? It’s all thanks to a delightful case of culinary confusion! The dish likely came from Germany, where Hackbraten (ground meat roast) sounds similar to Hasenbraten (rabbit roast). As the recipe traveled across borders, the name fake rabbit stuck—and it became a beloved part of Lithuanian cuisine.

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🐰 Easter on the Table: A Lithuanian Tradition

In Lithuania, this cheesy turkey meatloaf often stars as a centerpiece on the Easter table. It’s not just festive—it’s fun! Traditionally, the loaf is topped with two bay leaves before baking, giving the illusion of “bunny ears” as it browns in the oven. Adorable and delicious 😍. Whether you're celebrating Easter or just craving comfort food, this dish is a standout. Moist turkey, flavorful herbs, creamy cheese, and the surprise of sweet prunes (or quail eggs for a festive twist!) make this meatloaf anything but boring.

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🧀 Ingredients (and Easy Substitutions)

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious Lithuanian-style turkey meatloaf:

• 500g ground turkey – lean works great, but a little extra fat = extra moist meatloaf.
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped – yellow, white, or red all work.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced – or ½ tsp garlic powder.
• 1 medium carrot, grated – or sub in sweet potato or butternut squash.
• 100g breadcrumbs – dried or fresh (reduce liquid if using fresh).
• 60ml milk – kefir or natural yogurt also do the trick.
• 1 egg, medium
• 100g sharp Cheddar cheese, cubed – or try Monterey Jack for a twist.
• 1 tsp dried herbs – think oregano, thyme, parsley, or Italian seasoning.
• ½ tsp sweet paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 6–8 prunes, pitted (optional, but add a festive, sweet contrast)
• 1 tbsp oil – for sautéing

💡 Want more flavor? Add 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or hide quail eggs inside instead of prunes for a playful Easter surprise.

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🍅 The Glaze (Optional But Delicious)

To add a glossy, flavorful finish, brush your meatloaf with a glaze in the last minutes of baking. Choose from:

• Classic ketchup
• DIY Tomato Glaze: Mix 2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tbsp water, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tsp brown sugar.
• BBQ sauce – for a smoky, tangy finish

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Lithuanian Turkey Meatloaf (Step-by-Step)

1. Prep the Oven & Pan:
   Preheat your oven to 190°C (370°F). Lightly grease and line a 2-lb loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
   Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook for 5 minutes until soft. Add grated carrot and garlic, and cook for another 4–5 minutes. Let the mixture cool slightly.
3. Mix the Meatloaf Base:
   In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add in the cooled veggies and mix well.
4. Add the Cheese:
   Gently fold in cubed cheese so it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
5. Layer with Prunes (or Quail Eggs):
   Spoon half of the mixture into the loaf pan. Lay prunes (or quail eggs) in a line down the center. Cover with the remaining meat mixture and press down to shape.
6. Bake the Loaf:
   Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. If using a glaze, brush it on in the last 5–8 minutes of baking.
7. Rest & Serve:
   Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a cutting board. Slice and serve warm—or enjoy it cold the next day. Bon appétit! 🥰

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve this flavorful meatloaf with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes 🥔
• Dill butter potatoes (a Lithuanian favorite)
• Steamed green beans or sautéed bell peppers
• Lithuanian cucumber salad or tomato and sour cream salad

Leftovers make incredible sandwiches the next day. Add slices to crusty bread with Dijon mustard or cranberry sauce, and a handful of fresh greens. Perfect for lunchboxes or picnics!

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🧊 Storing & Reheating Leftovers

This turkey meatloaf stores like a dream!

• Refrigerate: Wrap cooled meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat:

• In the oven at 180°C (350°F) until heated through
• On the stovetop with a splash of water and a lid
• Or microwave in short bursts to retain moisture

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🐇 Final Thoughts: A Cozy, Cheesy, Festive Favorite

Whether you're Lithuanian or just love discovering new comfort foods, this Turkey Meatloaf With Cheese brings tradition, flavor, and joy to your table. From its charming name to the cheesy surprise inside, netikras zuikis is sure to become a favorite at your Easter celebration—or any time you’re craving something warm, homey, and special ❤️.