This Cracker Barrel Copycat Meatloaf recipe brings Southern comfort food to your kitchen, delivering the signature moist texture and sweet-tangy glaze from the restaurant.
The recipe is quite popular, with cooks praising it as “the BEST meatloaf” and even better than the original.
🧑🍳 How to Make Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
Here’s a consolidated recipe based on the most trusted sources:
Ingredients:
· Main Loaf:
· Ground Beef: 2 pounds (80% lean for best moisture).
· Ritz Crackers: 1.5 sleeves (about 45 crackers), finely crushed.
· Onion & Bell Pepper: 1/2 cup each, finely diced.
· Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, shredded.
· Eggs: 2 large, whisked.
· Milk: 1/2 cup, whole or 2%.
· Seasoning: 1 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper.
· Glaze:
· Ketchup: 2/3 cup.
· Brown Sugar: 2 tbsp.
· Yellow Mustard: 1 tsp.
Instructions:
1. Sauté Vegetables: Cook diced onion and green bell pepper in a little oil until soft (about 5-7 minutes). Let them cool completely.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the crushed crackers, eggs, cheese, milk, salt, pepper, and the cooled vegetables. Mix these “binder” ingredients well first.
3. Add Beef: Add the ground beef to the bowl. Gently mix with your hands or a spatula just until combined. Overmixing leads to a tough, dry meatloaf.
4. Form & Initial Bake: Shape the mixture into a loaf in a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
5. Add Glaze & Finish: While it bakes, mix the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard for the glaze. After 30 minutes, remove the meatloaf, spread the glaze evenly over the top, and return it to the oven.
6. Final Bake & Rest: Bake for another 30-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature in the center reaches 160°F (71°C). Crucially, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to lock in the juices.
💡 Key Tips for Success
· The Ritz Secret: The buttery Ritz crackers are the signature ingredient, creating a distinct flavor and texture you can’t replicate with plain breadcrumbs.
· Temperature is Key: An instant-read thermometer is the best tool to prevent overcooking. Pull the loaf at 155°F–it will rise to a safe 160°F while resting.
· The Loaf Pan Debate: A loaf pan helps maintain shape and ensures even cooking, but a baking sheet yields crispier edges. If using a pan, consider placing a few bread slices underneath to absorb excess grease.
· Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the raw meatloaf, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. You can also freeze the baked or unbaked loaf for up to 3 months.
🥗 What to Serve With Your Meatloaf
For a true Cracker Barrel experience, pair your meatloaf with classic Southern sides:
· Creamy mashed potatoes.
· Buttermilk biscuits or cornbread.
· Classic sides like fried okra, green beans, or mac and cheese.
📊 Nutrition Information
A typical serving (about 2 slices) contains approximately:
· Calories: 520 kcal
· Protein: 35g
· Fat: 35g
· Carbohydrates: 17g
· Sodium: ~930mg
Note: This nutrition data is an estimate for the restaurant version; homemade versions may vary, especially if you use leaner meat or adjust the glaze.
I hope this guide helps you recreate a delicious homemade version. If you have a preferred method for shaping meatloaf (loaf pan vs. baking sheet) or favorite sides to pair with it, let me know and I can offer more tailored tips.