Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

If you’ve ever dined at Cracker Barrel, chances are you’ve fallen in love with their mouthwatering meatloaf. There’s just something about its tender, flavorful goodness that keeps me coming back for more. The good news is you don’t have to wait for your next visit to enjoy this culinary delight. With my carefully crafted Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe, you can recreate that delectable experience right in your own kitchen.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making Cracker Barrel meatloaf, ensuring that every bite is as close to the original as possible. From selecting the finest ingredients to mastering the perfect blend of spices, I’ve got you covered. So, tie on your apron, prepare your taste buds, and embark on a savory journey that leaves your family and friends craving more of this Southern classic.

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Cracker Barrel meatloaf has garnered immense popularity among food enthusiasts for its authentic Southern flavor and comforting familiarity. This iconic dish has become a staple in the Cracker Barrel menu, drawing in loyal customers who can’t resist its juicy texture and delectable blend of seasonings. With its widespread acclaim and countless rave reviews, the popularity of Cracker Barrel meatloaf extends far beyond the restaurant walls, making it a sought-after recipe for home cooks eager to recreate its irresistible charm.

When it comes to achieving the perfect meatloaf—one that transcends the realms of dryness and blandness—the mastery lies within the culinary wisdom of Cracker Barrel.

Their secret lies in the meticulous selection of ingredients. They begin with lean ground beef, infusing it with a symphony of flavors by incorporating sautéed vegetables, buttery Ritz crackers, sharp cheddar cheese, eggs, milk, and a tempting glaze crafted from the harmonious marriage of ketchup and brown sugar.

But the magic doesn’t stop there. Cracker Barrel holds a few treasured tricks up its sleeve, ensuring that your meatloaf emerges from the oven with unparalleled tenderness and juiciness. These trade secrets passed down through generations, elevate their recipe to an extraordinary level of culinary excellence.

Ingredients Of Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Lean ground beef: The foundation of Cracker Barrel meatloaf, lean ground beef ensures a moist and flavorful texture while keeping the dish relatively low in fat.

Sauteed vegetables: A medley of sauteed vegetables such as onions, bell peppers, and garlic adds depth and complexity to the meatloaf, infusing it with aromatic flavors and subtle sweetness.

Ritz crackers: Crushed Ritz crackers serve as the binding agent in the meatloaf mixture, helping to hold it together while contributing a buttery, crispy element that enhances both the texture and taste.

Sharp cheddar cheese: The addition of sharp cheddar cheese brings a rich, tangy note to the meatloaf, melting into the mixture during cooking and imparting a delightful savory element.

Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, ensuring the meatloaf retains its shape while adding moisture and contributing to its tender consistency.

Milk: Including milk helps keep the meatloaf moist and prevents it from becoming overly dry during the cooking process.

Ketchup: A key component of the savory glaze, ketchup lends a hint of sweetness and acidity, balancing the flavors of the meatloaf and adding a glossy finish.

Brown sugar: Combining with the ketchup, brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness to the glaze, caramelizing during baking and creating a delectable, slightly sticky coating on the meatloaf.

Tips And Tricks For The Best Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

These essential tips and tricks make tender and juicy meatloaf easier. From using a mixture of ground meats for the enhanced flavor to properly shaping and resting the meatloaf, these techniques will guarantee a moist and delightful result that will leave your taste buds craving more.

Use a mixture of ground meats: Combine lean ground beef with ground veal to enhance the flavor and moisture of the meatloaf, creating a more succulent and well-rounded final result.

Sauté the vegetables: Sautéing the onions, bell peppers, and garlic before incorporating them into the meatloaf mixture adds depth and sweetness to the flavors, making the meatloaf more aromatic and delicious.

Crush the Ritz crackers finely: Ensure the Ritz crackers are crushed into fine crumbs to create a cohesive texture in the meatloaf, allowing them to blend seamlessly with the other ingredients and provide a subtle buttery taste throughout.

Let the meatloaf mixture rest: After combining all the ingredients, rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more harmonious and flavorful meatloaf.

Use a meat thermometer: To ensure the meatloaf is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption while maintaining juiciness.

Make a savory glaze: Enhance the taste of the meatloaf by brushing it with a savory glaze made from ketchup, brown sugar, and spices. This glaze adds a touch of sweetness, tanginess, and a beautiful caramelized finish.

Shape the meatloaf properly: Form the meatloaf into a compact loaf shape with slightly tapered ends, ensuring even cooking and an appealing presentation.

Let it rest before slicing: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute and produces a more tender and moist meatloaf when sliced.

Customize with your favorite seasonings: Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings such as Worcestershire sauce, dried herbs, or spices to personalize the flavor profile of your meatloaf and make it uniquely yours.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to experiment with these variations to add a delightful twist to your Cracker Barrel meatloaf and discover new flavors that suit your preferences.

BBQ Glazed Meatloaf: Replace the traditional ketchup-brown sugar glaze with a tangy, smoky barbecue sauce for a flavor-packed twist. Brush the sauce generously over the meatloaf before baking, creating a caramelized and slightly charred coating.

Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf: Elevate the cheesy goodness by creating a stuffed meatloaf. Form a meatloaf patty, add a layer of shredded cheese in the center, and then encase it with another layer of meat mixture. As it bakes, the cheese melts, creating a gooey surprise in every slice.

Spicy Southwest Meatloaf: Infuse your meatloaf with a Southwest flair by adding ingredients like diced green chilies, cumin, chili powder, and shredded pepper jack cheese. This variation brings a touch of heat and vibrant flavors to your classic meatloaf recipe.

Mushroom and Onion Meatloaf: Saute sliced mushrooms and onions until golden brown, then mix them into the meatloaf mixture. The caramelized vegetables lend a rich and earthy taste, adding depth to the overall flavor profile of the meatloaf.

How To Store Leftover Cracker Barrel Meatloaf?

Allow the meatloaf to cool: Let the leftover meatloaf cool down to room temperature before storing it to prevent condensation and maintain its texture.

Wrap tightly: Wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to seal in moisture and prevent it from drying out in the refrigerator.

Use airtight containers: Alternatively, place the meatloaf in an airtight container, ensuring a proper seal to maintain freshness and prevent any odors from permeating.

Label and date: Clearly label the container or wrap it with the date of storage to easily keep track of its freshness and ensure timely consumption.

Refrigerate promptly: Place the wrapped or containerized meatloaf in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking to prevent the growth of bacteria.

Consume within 3-4 days: Leftover meatloaf is best consumed within 3-4 days. If you won’t be able to finish it within that time, consider freezing it for longer-term storage.

Can You Freeze Leftover Cracker Barrel Meatloaf?

Yes, leftover Cracker Barrel meatloaf can be frozen for longer-term storage. Once the meatloaf has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic or aluminum foil, ensuring no exposed areas are exposed. Then, place the wrapped meatloaf in a freezer-safe bag or container to protect it from freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen meatloaf in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it in the oven or microwave. Freezing extends the shelf life of the meatloaf for up to 2-3 months, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade meal at your convenience.

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe