Craving classic American comfort food? You’re in luck! Cracker Barrel’s famous meatloaf is a beloved staple, known for its juicy texture and irresistible sweet and tangy glaze. This easy, homemade copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe brings that same nostalgic flavor right to your kitchen. Get ready to bake a perfectly tender meatloaf that will quickly become a family favorite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
This recipe makes it simple to enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality meal without leaving home. You’ll adore this homemade Cracker Barrel Meatloaf for several reasons:
- Restaurant Quality at Home: Enjoy the classic taste of Cracker Barrel’s menu in your own kitchen.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses straightforward, easy-to-find items you likely already have.
- Perfect for Family Dinner: A hearty and comforting meal everyone will love.
- Moist and Flavorful: Each slice is tender, juicy, and packed with savory flavor.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the seasoning or glaze to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your own delicious Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe at home. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that signature flavor and texture.
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced (optional)
- 45 Ritz crackers, crushed (about 1 ½ cups)
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 pounds 80% lean ground beef
For the Glaze:
- ⅔ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
Notes & Substitutions
- Ritz crackers are crucial for the signature buttery taste and binding texture; there’s no direct substitute for this Cracker Barrel Meatloaf ingredient. For ground beef, 80% lean offers the best balance of flavor and moisture.
- You can swap cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or colby. Whole milk adds richness, but half-and-half makes it even creamier.
- Feel free to experiment with other finely diced aromatics like carrots or celery. Adjust the glaze’s brown sugar or mustard for your ideal sweet and tangy balance.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this delightful Cracker Barrel Meatloaf at home.
- Large mixing bowl: For combining all your meatloaf ingredients.
- Medium sauté pan: To cook your aromatics before adding them to the mixture.
- Baking sheet with parchment paper: Ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
- Instant-read thermometer: Essential for checking the meatloaf’s internal temperature.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
- Spatula or spoon: Handy for mixing and spreading the glaze.
Instructions For Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
Making this homemade Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe is a straightforward process, perfect for beginners. Follow these easy steps to achieve a perfectly moist and flavorful result with that classic sweet glaze.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking. This ensures your meatloaf will lift off easily.
- Heat the olive oil in a medium sauté pan over medium heat. Add the finely diced yellow onion and green bell pepper (if using). Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes until they are softened and fragrant. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the vegetables to cool completely. This prevents them from cooking the meat too early.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, whisked eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, whole milk, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Stir these ingredients together until they are well combined, forming a thick, moist base.
- Next, add the 80% lean ground beef and the cooled onion and bell pepper mixture to the bowl. Using your hands, gently mix all the ingredients until they are just evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough meatloaf.
- Turn the meatloaf mixture out onto your prepared baking sheet. Shape it into an oblong loaf, about 9×5 inches and 2 inches high. Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for an initial 30 minutes.
- While the meatloaf bakes, prepare the signature glaze. In a small bowl, stir together the ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard until smooth. This creates a sweet and tangy topping for your Cracker Barrel style meatloaf.
- After the meatloaf has cooked for 30 minutes, carefully remove it from the oven. Spoon the prepared glaze evenly over the top of the partially baked meatloaf, spreading it to coat. Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking for another 30-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer.
- To ensure food safety, the USDA recommends cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Allow it to cool and rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, ensuring your homemade meatloaf is incredibly moist and flavorful.
Pro Tips for the Best Meatloaf
Achieve an outstanding homemade meatloaf every time with these helpful tips.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the ingredients just until combined. Overworking the meat can result in a dense, tough meatloaf. Gentle hands make for a tender result.
- Don’t Skip Resting: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking. This lets the juices redistribute, ensuring every slice of your Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is incredibly moist.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: An instant-read thermometer is your best friend. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for perfect doneness, never under or overcooked.
- Drain Excess Fat: If your meatloaf produces a lot of fat during baking, carefully drain it off the pan before adding the glaze. This prevents a greasy final product.
- Crispy Glaze Finish: For an extra caramelized, crispy glaze, you can broil the meatloaf for the last 1-2 minutes after it’s fully cooked. Watch it carefully to prevent burning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overworking the Meat Mixture: This is the most common mistake. It squeezes out moisture and develops the meat’s proteins, leading to a dry, rubbery texture.
- Baking at Too High a Temperature: Too hot an oven can cause the outside to cook too quickly and dry out before the inside is done. Stick to 350°F.
- Not Letting the Meatloaf Rest: Cutting into it too soon lets all the delicious juices run out, resulting in a dry meatloaf. Patience is key for a juicy outcome.
- Ignoring Internal Temperature: Don’t guess if it’s done. Using a thermometer ensures food safety and optimal texture for your savory meatloaf.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is versatile and makes for fantastic leftovers.
Serving Suggestions
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The ultimate classic pairing for a comforting meal.
- Homemade Macaroni and Cheese: A rich, cheesy side that complements the savory meat.
- Southern-Style Green Beans: Tender green beans with bacon add a touch of freshness.
- Fluffy Buttermilk Biscuits: Perfect for soaking up any extra meatloaf juices.
- Sweet Cornbread Muffins: A slightly sweet, warm bread option.
- Simple Side Salad: A light, refreshing contrast to the hearty main dish.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store any leftover slices of this delicious meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze whole or sliced portions. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheating: Reheat slices gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warm through, or use the microwave for a quicker option. Add a little extra glaze or gravy if desired to maintain moisture.
Variations
- Spicy Meatloaf: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a subtle kick.
- Smoky Flavor: Incorporate a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke for an extra layer of depth to your meatloaf.
- Mushroom Infusion: Sauté finely chopped mushrooms with the onions and bell peppers for an earthy flavor and added moisture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Simply swap the Ritz crackers for your favorite gluten-free cracker crumbs to make this a gluten-free meatloaf.
Nutrition Information
This nutrition information for your delicious Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe is an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal!
| Nutrition Fact | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving | 2 slices |
| Calories | 693 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 31 g |
| Protein | 36 g |
| Fat | 47 g |
| Saturated Fat | 18 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 19 g |
| Trans Fat | 2 g |
| Cholesterol | 191 mg |
| Sodium | 1115 mg |
| Potassium | 650 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 14 g |
| Vitamin A | 523 IU |
| Vitamin C | 18 mg |
| Calcium | 248 mg |
| Iron | 5 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different ground meat?
You can certainly use ground turkey or a mix of beef and pork for this recipe. Keep in mind that leaner meats like turkey might require a bit more moisture, so adjust the milk slightly.
Why are Ritz crackers essential?
Ritz crackers provide a unique buttery flavor and a tender crumb. They also act as an excellent binder, helping your Cracker Barrel Meatloaf hold its shape while adding moisture.
Can I prepare the meatloaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix the meatloaf ingredients and shape the loaf up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake, or freeze it unbaked for up to one month.
How do I prevent my meatloaf from drying out?
The key is not to overmix the meat and to use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Allowing it to rest after baking also helps keep the juices locked in for a perfectly moist result.
Conclusion
This copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe truly brings the beloved comfort food experience right into your home. It’s an easy-to-follow, beginner-friendly recipe that delivers incredible flavor and a perfectly juicy texture every time.
With its savory meat and sweet, tangy glaze, this meal is guaranteed to satisfy. Give this recipe a try tonight and share your comments and ratings below! We love hearing from you.
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper (if using). Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Cool completely.
- In a large bowl, combine crushed crackers, eggs, cheese, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Add ground beef and cooled vegetables. Mix gently with hands until evenly combined. Do not overmix.
- Shape mixture into a loaf (9×5 inches) on the baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a small bowl. Spoon over meatloaf. Return to oven and bake for 30–40 minutes more, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Remove from oven and rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Notes
- Ritz crackers are essential for flavor and texture; do not substitute.
- You can use Monterey Jack or colby cheese instead of cheddar.
- Half-and-half may be used in place of whole milk for creamier texture.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Looking for more comfort recipe like this? Come hang out with me over on Facebook and Pinterest where I drop new recipes, family favorites, and quick how-to guides almost every day.
