Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

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Sure! Here’s a big, flavorful, detailed Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe with everything from its history to preparation to tips for meatloaf lovers. Let’s dive into this delicious Southern comfort classic.

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe (Ultimate Guide)

Introduction

Meatloaf is a staple of American home cooking—hearty, nostalgic, and comforting. But not all meatloaf is created equal. Cracker Barrel’s meatloaf is special—it’s moist, flavorful, slightly sweet, and studded with cheddar cheese and buttery Ritz crackers. This version has become famous for its balance of savory and sweet, with a glaze that’s to die for. It’s the kind of dish that brings families to the table—and keeps them coming back.

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of eating at Cracker Barrel, you know their meatloaf is one of their most requested items. And now, you can recreate it in your own kitchen.

A Brief History of Meatloaf

Meatloaf has roots going all the way back to Ancient Rome, where they mixed ground meats with bread and wine. But the modern American meatloaf took shape in the late 1800s as a way to stretch meat and reduce waste. During the Great Depression, it became a symbol of thrift and ingenuity. Today, it’s a nostalgic comfort food, often passed down through generations.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 is ideal)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2/3 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed (or saltine crackers)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

For the Sweet Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)

Instructions & Method

Step 1: Prep the Oven & Pan

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf

  • In a large bowl, beat the eggs and milk together.
  • Stir in the crushed crackers, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, and other seasonings.
  • Add the shredded cheese.
  • Crumble in the ground beef and gently mix everything together. Use your hands or a large spoon, but don’t overmix—it makes the loaf tough.

Step 3: Form the Loaf

  • Shape the mixture into a loaf shape and place it on the prepared baking sheet or in the loaf pan.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

  • In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth.
  • Spoon half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf before baking.

Step 5: Bake

  • Bake uncovered for 45 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and spoon the remaining glaze over the top.
  • Return to oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Step 6: Rest & Serve

  • Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy.

Formation of the Dish

This dish forms the perfect harmony of texture and taste:

  • The crackers act as a binder and give it a light, fluffy texture.
  • The cheddar melts into the loaf, adding richness.
  • The ketchup glaze caramelizes slightly, adding a touch of sweetness to the savory loaf.
  • The vegetables add subtle crunch and color.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your meatloaf with:

  • Mashed potatoes and brown gravy
  • Green beans or fried okra
  • Cornbread or yeast rolls
  • Macaroni and cheese for extra comfort

Meatloaf Lovers’ Tips

  1. Don’t overmix your meat mixture—it leads to dense, rubbery meatloaf.
  2. Use 80/20 ground beef for the juiciest results.
  3. Let it rest before slicing so the juices redistribute.
  4. Make extra! Leftover meatloaf makes amazing sandwiches.
  5. Customize it—add mushrooms, switch cheddar for pepper jack, or spice it up with chili flakes.

Conclusion

This Cracker Barrel-style meatloaf recipe brings Southern comfort to your kitchen. It’s a dish made for sharing—with family, friends, or even lucky neighbors. Whether you’re serving it on a weeknight or for a Sunday supper, it’s sure to be remembered, loved, and requested again and again.

Make it once and you’ll see—it’s not just meatloaf, it’s legendary meatloaf.

Want more classics like this? Just let me know what you’re craving next!

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