Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

• 2 pounds ground beef (80% lean)
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 25 crackers)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

For the Glaze

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers, milk, eggs, cheese, onion, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
3. Add the ground beef and mix gently with your hands or a spatula until evenly blended. Do not overmix — this keeps the meatloaf tender.
4. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared pan.
5. In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce for the glaze.
6. Spread half of the glaze evenly over the meatloaf before baking.
7. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil, spread remaining glaze on top, and bake uncovered for another 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
8. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Storage Options

Store leftover Cracker Barrel Meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months — thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute half the beef with ground turkey.
• Ritz crackers add buttery flavor, but saltine crackers or breadcrumbs can be used instead.
• Make it extra cheesy by adding 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar instead of 1/2 cup.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overmix the meat — this can make it dense.
• Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
• For more sweetness, double the glaze recipe.
• Add finely chopped bell peppers for extra flavor and color.

Variations

• BBQ Meatloaf: Replace the ketchup glaze with your favorite BBQ sauce.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the meat mixture.
• Mini Meatloaves: Shape into smaller loaves and bake for 25–30 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What makes Cracker Barrel’s meatloaf special?

The use of buttery Ritz crackers, shredded cheese, and the sweet ketchup glaze gives it its signature flavor and texture.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the meatloaf, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Bake as directed when ready to serve.

How do I prevent my meatloaf from falling apart?

Be sure to use enough binders (eggs and crackers) and let it rest after baking before slicing.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. If doubling, use two loaf pans or bake one large meatloaf longer, checking for 160°F internal temperature.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Cracker Barrel Meatloaf with classic sides like mashed potatoes, brown gravy, green beans, or mac and cheese for a full Southern-style comfort meal.

Conclusion

This homemade Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe brings the restaurant’s signature comfort right to your kitchen. Juicy, cheesy, and glazed to perfection, it’s the perfect dish for Sunday dinners, potlucks, or any time you crave a taste of true Southern home cooking.