Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

Some recipes just have that magical ability to transport you straight to a cozy table surrounded by loved ones, and this Cracker Barrel-inspired meatloaf is one of those dishes. It’s hearty, flavorful, and the ultimate comfort food, just like the one you’d order at the restaurant but even better because it’s made fresh in your kitchen. The secret? A balance of savory ground beef, buttery Ritz crackers, and that tangy, sweet ketchup glaze. Trust me—one bite of this meatloaf, and you’ll understand why it’s been a family favorite in countless homes.

this RECIPE

A little story about family dinners and nostalgia

Growing up, meatloaf nights were always a thing in my house. My mom would serve hers with buttery mashed potatoes and green beans, and it was the kind of meal that just made the whole day feel better—no matter what had happened at school or work. When I discovered the Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe, it was like revisiting that comforting feeling, but with a little twist. The addition of cheddar cheese and crushed Ritz crackers added a richness and texture that made it feel like a hug on a plate. To this day, whenever I make this recipe, it takes me back to those evenings, sitting around the table with everyone laughing and passing plates.

The origin story of Cracker Barrel’s iconic meatloaf

Cracker Barrel has always been synonymous with hearty, home-cooked meals, and their meatloaf is one of the most beloved items on the menu. The restaurant itself was founded in 1969 in Lebanon, Tennessee, with a mission to serve up Southern-inspired dishes that feel like home. Meatloaf has long been a staple in Southern kitchens, typically made with pantry staples like breadcrumbs, ketchup, and eggs. Over the years, Cracker Barrel put their own twist on the classic by using buttery Ritz crackers instead of breadcrumbs and adding cheddar cheese for extra richness. It’s a perfect example of how small tweaks to a traditional recipe can make it unforgettable.

Let’s talk ingredients: why they matter

When making this meatloaf, each ingredient plays a vital role in building the flavor and texture. Let’s break it down:

• Lean ground beef (80/20 blend): The heart of the dish. The fat content keeps the meatloaf moist without being greasy. If you’re out of ground beef, ground turkey works well too, though the flavor will be slightly milder.
• Ritz crackers: These buttery crackers are the game-changer here, adding a slight sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you’re out of Ritz, you can substitute panko breadcrumbs or even crushed saltine crackers, but Ritz really takes it to another level.
• Cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar melts beautifully into the meat, adding a savory, creamy bite.
• Green bell pepper and onion: These veggies bring sweetness and crunch, cutting through the richness of the meat. I’ve even used red bell pepper in a pinch, which works well too.
• Half-and-half or milk: This keeps the meatloaf tender and prevents it from drying out. Use whatever milk you have on hand, though the richness of half-and-half is ideal.
• Eggs: They act as the glue, holding the meatloaf together.
• Ketchup glaze: Sweet, tangy, and just slightly smoky, this glaze is the perfect finishing touch. The Coles worcestershire sauce is the secret ingredient that deepens the flavor.

Kitchen gear: What you’ll need to make life easier

When making this recipe, you’ll want to have a few tools handy:

• Mixing bowls: A large one for the meat mixture and a smaller one for the glaze.
• Disposable gloves: If you’re like me and prefer mixing the meatloaf with your hands, gloves make cleanup much easier.
• Rimmed baking sheet: Line it with parchment paper or foil to catch any drippings. Trust me, this step saves you from serious scrubbing later.
• Instant-read thermometer: This is key to making sure your meatloaf is perfectly cooked to 160°F, ensuring it’s safe to eat while staying juicy.
• Whisk or small spatula: For blending the glaze ingredients smoothly.

Step-by-step: My foolproof method (and a few tips)

1. Prep the oven and baking sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or heavy-duty foil. This little prep step will save you a world of hassle when it’s time to clean up.

2. Combine the meatloaf mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed Ritz crackers, shredded cheddar, chopped green bell pepper, diced onion, half-and-half, beaten eggs, salt, and pepper. Here’s where the magic happens! I recommend using your hands to mix it (with gloves if you prefer). It helps everything combine evenly, but don’t overmix—just until everything’s blended.

3. Shape and bake

Transfer the meatloaf mixture onto your prepared baking sheet and shape it into a rectangle, about 10 inches long and 6 inches wide. Pop it into the oven and bake for 30 minutes.

4. Whip up the glaze

While the meatloaf is baking, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and set aside.

5. Glaze and finish baking

After 30 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and evenly spread the glaze over the top. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 40 minutes. Check with an instant-read thermometer to make sure the center reaches 160°F.

6. Let it rest

Here’s the hardest part—waiting! Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, so every slice is perfectly tender and juicy.

Variations and adaptations to try

• Gluten-free: Swap the Ritz crackers for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
• Vegan or vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based and use dairy-free cheese and plant-based milk.
• Spicy twist: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a bit of heat.
• Seasonal additions: In the fall, try mixing in a bit of grated carrot or zucchini for extra moisture. In summer, roasted red peppers make a great addition.
• Regional flavors: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika.

Serving and presentation ideas

Serve this meatloaf alongside creamy mashed potatoes and a side of roasted green beans or steamed broccoli. For a pop of color, garnish the plate with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or freshly cracked black pepper. Want to keep things casual? Slice the meatloaf thick and serve it in a sandwich roll with some extra glaze.

Drink pairings

This dish pairs wonderfully with non-alcoholic beverages that balance its rich flavors:

• A glass of iced tea with a squeeze of lemon is a classic choice.
• Lemonade, especially if it’s homemade, adds a refreshing citrusy kick.
• If you’re serving it in cooler months, warm apple cider complements the savory-sweet glaze beautifully.

Storage and reheating tips

Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, slice the meatloaf and warm it in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices, though the oven retains the best texture. For freezing, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Scaling the recipe for any crowd

This recipe serves about 8 people with generous portions, but it’s easy to adjust. For a smaller crowd, halve the ingredients and bake for about 50 minutes total. For a larger group, double the recipe and split it between two baking sheets—just be sure to rotate them halfway through baking.

Encouragement to get cooking

There’s no better way to bring people together than with a dish that feels like home, and this Cracker Barrel-inspired meatloaf is just the ticket. It’s simple to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone around the table. So grab your mixing bowl, preheat that oven, and get ready to serve up some smiles!

FAQs

1. Can I skip the green bell pepper and onion?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of green bell pepper or onion, you can leave them out or substitute them with finely diced celery, grated carrot, or even minced mushrooms for added moisture and flavor.

2. What if I don’t have Ritz crackers?
No worries! Panko breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers work just fine, though Ritz gives the dish its signature buttery texture.

3. Can I make the meatloaf ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare and shape the meatloaf up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before baking.

4. How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
An instant-read thermometer is your best friend here. The center should reach 160°F for safe eating.

5. Can I freeze the meatloaf?
Yes, you can! Cooked meatloaf freezes beautifully. Slice it into portions, wrap tightly, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

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