There’s a reason so many people crave the meatloaf from Cracker Barrel. It’s the ultimate comfort food! It is savory, tender, and has that signature tangy glaze that you just can’t get enough of. If you have been searching for a copycat **cracker barrel meatloaf recipe** that tastes just like the original, your search is over. My version is incredibly similar to the classic and will bring that familiar, comforting flavor right to your dinner table. This **cracker barrel meatloaf recipe** is a true family favorite. It is simply one of the best out there.
This **meatloaf recipe cracker barrel** style is all about the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of ground beef and pork makes for a rich, moist meatloaf. The buttery cracker crumbs are the secret to keeping it light and tender, while the sweet and tangy tomato glaze on top seals in all the flavor. You’ll be amazed at how close this **cracker barrel meatloaf copycat recipe** is to the real thing. It’s the perfect way to get the taste you love without leaving your home. You will love this **cracker barrel meatloaf recipe** and it will be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tastes incredibly similar to the Cracker Barrel classic.
- The combination of beef and pork makes it extra tender and juicy.
- The buttery crackers give it a uniquely light texture.
- The homemade glaze is the perfect sweet and savory topping.
- It’s the perfect comforting dinner for any day of the week.
A lot of people think the secret to the perfect **cracker barrel meatloaf** is a complicated process, but it’s not. It’s all about using the right ingredients and the right technique. The **cracker barrel meatloaf ingredients** are simple, but when they are combined correctly, they create a perfect result. This **recipe for cracker barrel meatloaf** is designed to give you that classic flavor with minimal effort. This **cracker barrel meatloaf recipe** is one you will use again and again.
The **cracker barrel recipe for meatloaf** is often served with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and some fresh green beans. This classic pairing is perfect for a full, satisfying meal. The meatloaf is also fantastic as leftovers for a sandwich the next day. This **cracker barrel meatloaf recipe** is versatile and delicious. For a great healthy complement, check out our powerful Elderberry Syrup. For more professional cooking and health tips, you can explore resources from The New York Times Cooking. This **cracker barrel meatloaf recipe** is simply a must-try.
What about the secret to **meatloaf with ritz crackers**? The crumbs from the crackers absorb all the wonderful juices from the meat as it cooks. This helps to keep the loaf moist and tender. This is a crucial step that makes all the difference. This **cracker barrel meatloaf recipe** is all about those little details. You will love the final result. This **cracker barrel meatloaf recipe** is a great way to enjoy a classic meal.
Ingredients
The key to this **cracker barrel meatloaf recipe** is the combination of meats and the buttery crackers. The **cracker barrel meatloaf ingredients** are designed to give you a perfect, tender loaf every time. The glaze is also a key component. The full list of ingredients for this **cracker barrel meatloaf recipe** is designed to give you the most authentic taste possible.
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
Instructions
Making a great **cracker barrel meatloaf recipe** is a simple process. The steps are easy to follow and will lead to a perfect, tender result every time. You will be amazed at how a few simple steps can create such a rich and delicious meal. Follow these steps for the perfect **cracker barrel meatloaf recipe**.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Mix the Meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, crushed crackers, finely diced onion, milk, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix everything together with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix. This is the key to a perfect **cracker barrel meatloaf recipe**.
- Form the Loaf: On the prepared baking sheet, shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape, about 9×5 inches.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake: Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This is crucial for a moist **cracker barrel meatloaf recipe**.
Pro Tips
Using a mix of ground beef and ground pork is what gives this **cracker barrel meatloaf recipe** its signature juicy texture. The fat from the pork keeps the meatloaf from drying out during baking. This is a great tip for a perfect **cracker barrel meatloaf recipe**.
Do not overmix the meat. Overmixing can result in a dense, tough meatloaf. Mix until the ingredients are just combined. This is a crucial step for the best **cracker barrel meatloaf copycat recipe**.
Using a baking sheet instead of a loaf pan allows the heat to circulate around the meatloaf, giving it a more even cook and a better crust. This is the best way to cook a perfect **cracker barrel meatloaf recipe**.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have buttery crackers, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but the texture will be slightly different. The buttery crackers are a key part of the classic **cracker barrel meatloaf recipe**.
You can use all ground beef if you prefer, but it’s recommended to use a blend that contains some fat, like 85/15, to ensure the meatloaf stays moist. The combination of beef and pork is a signature of this **cracker barrel meatloaf recipe**.
For a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free crackers. The glaze ingredients are naturally gluten-free. This is a great way to make a gluten-free **cracker barrel meatloaf recipe**.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this classic **cracker barrel meatloaf recipe** with creamy mashed potatoes and green beans. The potatoes are perfect for soaking up the delicious glaze. This is a classic dinner that everyone loves.
Leftover meatloaf makes for a fantastic sandwich the next day. Simply slice the cold meatloaf and serve it on bread with a little bit of mayo or ketchup. It’s the perfect lunch. This is a great way to enjoy this **cracker barrel meatloaf recipe** a second time.
You can also serve this meatloaf with a side of mac and cheese or a simple green salad. It is a very versatile dish that goes with many different sides. This **cracker barrel meatloaf recipe** is a family favorite.
FAQs About Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
what’s the recipe for cracker barrel meatloaf
The **cracker barrel meatloaf recipe** is a copycat version that uses a mixture of ground beef and ground pork, along with buttery crackers, an egg, and a few seasonings. It is topped with a simple glaze made from ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard, and then baked to perfection. This **cracker barrel meatloaf recipe** is designed to taste just like the original.
do you use yellow mustard for cracker barrel meatloaf recipe
Yes, the classic Cracker Barrel meatloaf glaze does use yellow mustard. The mustard, along with ketchup and brown sugar, creates a sweet and tangy glaze that is a key part of the **cracker barrel meatloaf recipe** and its signature flavor. This is a great tip for making a perfect **cracker barrel meatloaf recipe**.
Why is Cracker Barrel meatloaf so tender?
The **cracker barrel meatloaf recipe** is so tender due to two main factors: the combination of ground beef and pork, and the use of buttery crackers. The fat from the pork keeps the meat moist, while the crackers absorb moisture and create a light, tender texture. This is the secret to a perfect **cracker barrel meatloaf recipe**.
How is cracker barrel meatloaf cooked?
The **cracker barrel meatloaf recipe** is cooked by baking it in the oven at a moderate temperature. This ensures that the meatloaf cooks evenly without drying out. A baking sheet is often used instead of a loaf pan to create a better crust and more even cooking. This is a great way to make this **cracker barrel meatloaf recipe**.
What is the secret ingredient in Cracker Barrel meatloaf?
The main secret ingredient in the **cracker barrel meatloaf recipe** is the use of crushed buttery crackers. The crackers act as a binder and absorb the meat juices, resulting in a meatloaf that is incredibly moist and tender. This is the key to a delicious **cracker barrel meatloaf recipe**.
Conclusion
This copycat **cracker barrel meatloaf recipe** is the perfect solution for a delicious, comforting, and simple dinner. With its tender texture and a savory-sweet glaze, it’s a dish that will quickly become a family favorite. You will love how easy this **cracker barrel meatloaf recipe** is. Enjoy every single bite of this amazing **cracker barrel meatloaf recipe**.