Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

 

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf: A Southern Comfort Classic You Can Make at Home

Few dishes capture the essence of homestyle comfort quite like Cracker Barrel’s iconic meatloaf. Moist, tender, perfectly seasoned, and topped with that signature tangy glaze—this is the meatloaf that has earned a loyal following for decades. It strikes that perfect balance of savory and sweet, rustic and refined, nostalgic and crave-worthy.

Now, you don’t need to make a road trip to enjoy it. With simple ingredients and a little kitchen time, you can recreate this beloved classic right in your own home.

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Why This Meatloaf Stands Out

1. Old-Fashioned Flavor, Perfect Texture
Cracker Barrel’s style uses Ritz crackers instead of breadcrumbs, giving the loaf its signature buttery flavor and soft tenderness.

2. A Ketchup-Based Glaze That’s Irresistible
The sweet-tangy glaze caramelizes beautifully while baking, adding a glossy finish and deep flavor to every slice.

3. Comfort Food at Its Best
This is one of those dishes that instantly evokes family dinners, cozy evenings, and the warm hospitality of a Southern kitchen.

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Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 pounds ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 1 green bell pepper, minced

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers

• ½ cup milk

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Glaze:

• ½ cup ketchup

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 1 tsp mustard or 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional for tang)

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How to Make Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

1. Prep and Mix

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, crackers, milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
Mix gently—just enough to combine. Overmixing can make the meatloaf dense.

2. Shape and Bake

Form the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish or loaf pan.
Bake for 45 minutes.

3. Add the Glaze

Mix the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard (if using).
Spread the glaze generously over the top of the meatloaf.
Return to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the glaze is shiny and slightly caramelized.

4. Rest and Serve

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
This helps it hold together and stay extra juicy.

Pair with mashed potatoes, green beans, cornbread, or mac and cheese to complete the classic Cracker Barrel-style meal.

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Tips for the Best Meatloaf

• Use 80/20 beef for the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor.

• Finely chop vegetables so they blend seamlessly into the loaf.

• Don’t skip the resting time—it makes slicing much easier.

• Double the glaze if you love it extra saucy.