Why You’ll Love this Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
If you’ve been searching for the perfect comfort food recipe that never disappoints, this copycat Cracker Barrel meatloaf is about to become your new favorite.
The secret? Those crushed Ritz crackers that add the most incredible texture and buttery flavor you can’t get with breadcrumbs.
I’m obsessed with how the sharp cheddar cheese melts throughout, creating little pockets of gooey goodness in every bite.
And that sweet-tangy glaze? Simply divine. It caramelizes slightly while baking, giving you that authentic Cracker Barrel experience without leaving your kitchen.
Truly, comfort food perfection on a plate.
What Ingredients are in Cracker Barrel Meatloaf?
When it comes to recreating that famous Cracker Barrel meatloaf at home, the magic is in the ingredients. This isn’t your basic meatloaf with just ground beef and breadcrumbs—no, it’s a beautiful blend of textures and flavors that come together to create that unmistakable comfort food experience.
The secret that makes this recipe stand out from others? The combination of Ritz crackers and cheddar cheese that creates a rich, moist texture you simply can’t get with traditional recipes.
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 2 eggs
- ⅔ cup milk
- 32 Ritz crackers, crushed
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup ketchup (for topping)
- ½ cup brown sugar (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon mustard (for topping)
Quality matters with these ingredients, especially the ground beef. I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the right balance of flavor and moisture—too lean and your meatloaf might end up dry.
And while the recipe calls for sharp cheddar, you could experiment with extra sharp for even more flavor punch. The Ritz crackers are non-negotiable though—their buttery flavor is what gives this meatloaf its distinctive Cracker Barrel character that plain breadcrumbs simply can’t replicate.
How to Make this Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
Making this copycat Cracker Barrel meatloaf is surprisingly simple, and I promise the results are worth every minute. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F—this moderate temperature allows the meatloaf to cook through without drying out.
In a large mixing bowl, beat 2 eggs until they’re well combined, then pour in 2/3 cup milk. Next, add 32 crushed Ritz crackers (about one sleeve), and let them soak up some of that liquid while you prep the remaining ingredients. This crackers-soaking-in-liquid step? Absolutely critical for that signature moisture.
Now for the fun part—fold in 1/2 cup chopped onion and 4 ounces of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, followed by 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Once those ingredients are well distributed, it’s time to add 1 1/2 pounds of ground beef. Mix everything together using your hands (they’re really the best tools for the job), but be gentle! Overmixing can make your meatloaf tough.
Shape the mixture into a loaf on a baking sheet or in a loaf pan, and pop it in the oven for 30 minutes of its 45-minute total cooking time.
While the meatloaf is baking, prepare that irresistible sweet glaze that makes this recipe so special. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon mustard, stirring until smooth.
After the meatloaf has been cooking for 30 minutes, take it out and spread half of this glaze over the top, then return it to the oven for another 10 minutes. For the finishing touch, add the remaining glaze and bake for a final 5-10 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches
160°F.
For an alternative cooking method that delivers deeper flavors and textures, consider using a deep dish oven for your meatloaf preparation.
For even more convenience, you can prepare this comfort food classic using a slow cooker instead of the oven for an effortless weeknight dinner option.
Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing—this helps the meatloaf hold together better and allows the juices to redistribute for maximum flavor in every bite.
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of this Cracker Barrel meatloaf lies not just in following the recipe exactly, but also in making it your own.
Don’t have Ritz crackers? Saltines or breadcrumbs work beautifully. Want a leaner option? Try ground turkey or a beef-pork blend.
For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
Dairy-free? Skip the cheese or use a non-dairy alternative.
The glaze is customizable too—honey instead of brown sugar creates a subtle difference, while adding a splash of bourbon takes it to new heights.
Can’t eat onions? Grated carrots provide moisture and sweetness without the bite.
What to Serve with Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
A perfectly prepared Cracker Barrel meatloaf deserves equally delicious companions on your dinner plate.
I always recommend classic mashed potatoes—buttery, creamy, and ready to catch any stray meatloaf glaze.
Green beans sautéed with a touch of bacon add that perfect southern touch, don’t you think?
For bread, nothing beats warm buttermilk biscuits or cornbread.
And if you’re feeling indulgent, mac and cheese makes this meal the ultimate comfort food experience.
Crisp coleslaw provides a rejuvenating contrast to the hearty meatloaf.
Want something lighter?
A simple garden salad works beautifully too.
Final Thoughts
While many meatloaf recipes claim to capture that restaurant-quality taste, this Cracker Barrel copycat truly stands the test of time. I’m convinced it’s those crushed Ritz crackers and sharp cheddar cheese that make all the difference.
The sweet, tangy glaze creates that perfect caramelized finish we all crave. Isn’t it amazing how simple ingredients transform into something so comforting? Much like how adding a bay leaf to beef dishes enhances their flavor profile with subtle complexity.
Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week, this recipe delivers reliability with every slice. The classic version using ground beef or round creates that perfect hearty texture that makes meatloaf so satisfying. Sometimes the classics just can’t be improved upon, and this meatloaf? It’s comfort food perfection on a plate.
