Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Copycat Recipe

March 15, 2025

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The primary time I tasted Cracker Barrel’s meatloaf, I used to be transported again to Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s farmhouse desk. There’s one thing about that completely seasoned, hearty slice topped with tangy glaze that seems like a heat hug on a plate. After years of experimenting to recreate that taste and texture at residence, I’m thrilled to share this genuine copycat recipe.

Copycat Cracker Barrel meatloaf slices on a plate in front of the meatloaf.

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In contrast to many imitations floating across the web, this recipe stays true to the unique—no cheese or fancy substances required. Simply trustworthy, easy consolation meals that brings the entire household to the desk with smiles. Whether or not you’re a longtime Cracker Barrel fan or just craving a traditional American meal, this meatloaf recipe deserves a particular place in your recipe assortment.

What Makes This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe Particular?

Cracker Barrel’s meatloaf has earned its legendary standing for good cause. Every slice delivers the proper steadiness of hearty meat, savory greens, and that signature tangy-sweet glaze that caramelizes on high. The feel is good—agency sufficient to carry its form when sliced but tender and moist with every chew.

What actually units this copycat recipe aside is its authenticity. Many recipes incorrectly add cheese, however the true Cracker Barrel meatloaf doesn’t comprise any. This recipe stays true to the restaurant model, utilizing Ritz crackers as an alternative of breadcrumbs for a buttery taste and preferrred texture that breadcrumbs merely can’t ship.

Tools Wanted

Measuring cups and spoons
Giant mixing bowl
Loaf pan (9×5 inch)
Baking sheet
Parchment paper or aluminum foil
Meat thermometer
Small bowl for mixing glaze

ketchup, brown sugar and more to make a meatloaf glaze

Substances

For the Meatloaf:

Floor chuck – Gives wealthy taste and the proper fats content material for moist, flavorful meatloaf
Giant eggs – Act as a binder to carry the meatloaf collectively whereas including moisture
Ritz crackers – Provide a buttery taste and lighter texture than conventional breadcrumbs
White onion – Provides pure sweetness and fragrant taste all through the meatloaf
Inexperienced bell pepper – Contributes recent taste, shade, and refined crunch
Milk – Helps soften the cracker crumbs and provides moisture to the combination
Diced tomatoes – Present bursts of juicy taste and assist maintain the meatloaf moist
Salt – Enhances all of the flavors within the meatloaf
Floor black pepper – Provides a mild warming spice with out overpowering

For the Glaze:

Ketchup – Varieties the bottom of the tangy, candy topping
Brown sugar – Creates caramelization and balances the acidity of the ketchup
Yellow mustard – Provides tanginess and depth to the glaze
Worcestershire sauce – Brings umami and complexity to the sweet-tangy topping

ground beef, onions, green bell pepper and more to make meatloaf

Easy methods to Make Cracker Barrel’s Meatloaf

Preheat the oven to 350 levels.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, cooking spray, or aluminum foil; this ready baking sheet will make cleansing a breeze.
In a big bowl, beat the eggs effectively, then add cracker crumbs, onion, inexperienced pepper, milk, salt, drained diced tomatoes, and floor black pepper. Combine effectively.
Add floor beef and blend effectively. Prove the meatloaf combination right into a loaf pan.
Place meatloaf into the preheated oven. Bake for half-hour.
In a small bowl, put together the scrumptious glaze by combining ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
Unfold glaze over meatloaf and prepare dinner for an additional half-hour or till the middle has an inner temperature of 160 levels. You’ll be able to verify the temperature with a meat thermometer.
Take away from oven and let it relaxation for about 5 minutes earlier than serving.

Copycat Cracker Barrel meatloaf on a plate and the meatloaf behind it.

Tips about Easy methods to Prepare dinner and Serve Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Be light with the meat. Squeezing floor beef is a wonderful technique to eliminate pressure, however it can additionally destroy the feel of the meatloaf. Resist the urge to over-mix, and use simply the ideas of your fingers while you mix the substances.
Fats is your buddy on this Southern meatloaf recipe. Sure, you can also make meatloaf with floor turkey or lean beef, however should you accomplish that, it’s best to anticipate a dry meatloaf. For one of the best taste, use 80 % lean floor beef. You’ll be able to typically discover it labeled as a floor chuck on the packaging.
Get the suitable grind. Most grocery shops promote just one dimension of floor beef. Get it. Don’t fear. Your meatloaf will prove simply high-quality. However, if you’re fortunate sufficient to purchase meat the place the butcher will grind it recent, ask for a rough grind.
Leftovers make a fantastic sandwich! When you’ve got a little bit of meatloaf leftover, chilly meatloaf sandwiches are a should. Serve a chilly slice between toasted bread with lettuce, tomato, and further glaze. It’s so scrumptious it would be best to make leftovers on function!

What to Serve with Meatloaf

You might surprise what it’s best to serve with a scrumptious home made meatloaf. One phrase: Potatoes. Listed below are some potato facet dishes that may work effectively together with your meatloaf.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Permit leftover meatloaf to chill utterly, then retailer in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap cooled meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for as much as 3 months. For finest outcomes, slice earlier than freezing for simpler portioning later.

Reheating:

Skillet methodology (for crispy edges): Soften a small quantity of butter in a skillet over medium warmth. Add meatloaf slices and warmth for 2-3 minutes per facet.
Oven methodology (finest for sustaining texture): Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet, cowl with foil, and warmth for 15-20 minutes till warmed by way of.
Microwave methodology (quickest): Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cowl with a humid paper towel, and warmth for 1-2 minutes or till sizzling.