Meatloaf is one of those timeless dishes that provides comfort and warmth, much like a big, cozy hug after a long day. There’s something undeniably comforting about a hearty slice of meatloaf, especially when it’s served with mashed potatoes, vegetables, or a simple salad. The Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe is a standout in the world of classic meatloaf, with its perfect blend of flavors, moisture, and texture. Known for its tender, juicy meat, rich flavor, and simple yet satisfying ingredients, this recipe will surely bring a smile to your face and warmth to your table.
Let’s dive into the details of this delicious and easy-to-make Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe, which combines ground beef, savory seasonings, crushed Ritz crackers, sharp cheddar cheese, and a sweet and tangy topping for a meal that’s both simple and special.
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 2/3 cup milk
- 32 Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Optional for topping:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will allow your oven to reach the proper temperature while you prepare the ingredients, ensuring that your meatloaf cooks evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Cracker Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 eggs and 2/3 cup milk. Whisk the eggs and milk together until they are fully combined and smooth. This mixture will help hold the ingredients together and create a moist meatloaf.
Next, add the 32 crushed Ritz crackers to the bowl. These crackers are the secret to achieving a light, airy texture in the meatloaf. They absorb the moisture from the eggs and milk, keeping the meatloaf tender and juicy while also providing a subtle crunch and flavor. Mix the crackers well with the egg and milk, ensuring they are evenly soaked. This step is crucial because the crackers will form the base of your meatloaf mixture.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Onions
Once the cracker mixture is ready, add 1/2 cup of chopped onion and 4 ounces of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. The onions bring a touch of sweetness and texture to the dish, while the sharp cheddar cheese adds a rich, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the savory meat.
Stir these ingredients into the mixture until everything is well combined. The cheese will melt into the meatloaf as it bakes, creating pockets of gooey, flavorful goodness.
Step 4: Add Ground Meat
Now it’s time to incorporate the star of the show—ground meat. The recipe traditionally calls for 1 to 1.5 pounds of ground beef, but you can also use a mixture of beef and pork for a richer flavor and texture. The ground pork will add extra moisture and tenderness to the meatloaf, while the beef provides the hearty, savory base.
Add the ground meat to the mixture, and gently mix it in. Be careful not to overmix, as overworking the meat can make the meatloaf dense and tough. A gentle fold will help keep the meatloaf tender.
Step 5: Season the Mixture
To season the meat mixture, add 1 teaspoon of salt. This is the basic seasoning, but feel free to get creative and add other spices if desired. For example, a dash of black pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder can elevate the flavor profile and add extra depth to the meatloaf.
Taste the mixture to see if more seasoning is needed. Remember that the cheese and crackers will add some saltiness, so adjust accordingly. If you’re using ground pork, you may not need as much salt since pork is naturally more flavorful and fatty than beef.
Step 6: Form the Meatloaf
Once your meat mixture is seasoned to perfection, it’s time to form the loaf. You have a couple of options for this step. You can either grease a loaf pan and transfer the meat mixture into it, or you can shape the meat mixture by hand into a free-form loaf and place it on a baking sheet.
If you’re using a loaf pan, press the meat mixture evenly into the pan to ensure there are no air pockets. If you’re shaping it on a baking sheet, form the meat into a compact loaf shape and press down lightly to remove any excess air. The goal is to create an evenly shaped loaf that will cook consistently.
Step 7: Add Topping (Optional)
For the finishing touch, you can create a sweet and tangy topping for your meatloaf. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of ketchup and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Stir the mixture until the brown sugar is fully dissolved into the ketchup.
Spread this glaze generously over the top of the meatloaf. The sweetness of the brown sugar and the tanginess of the ketchup will caramelize during baking, creating a beautiful, flavorful crust on top of the meatloaf.
Step 8: Bake the Meatloaf
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour. Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. The meatloaf is done when it reaches 160°F (71°C). The exact time may vary depending on the size of your loaf and your oven, so it’s always a good idea to check on it about halfway through.
If the top of the meatloaf is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil to prevent it from becoming too dark while the center continues to cook.
Step 9: Rest and Serve
After the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf, making it easier to slice and preventing the juices from spilling out when you cut into it.
Once rested, slice the meatloaf into thick portions. Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad. The meatloaf can also be served with a side of gravy or additional ketchup if desired.
Why This Recipe Works:
This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe is designed to be both flavorful and easy to prepare. Here’s why it works so well:
- The Ritz Crackers: The use of Ritz crackers is key to creating a moist, tender meatloaf. They absorb the moisture from the eggs and milk, keeping the meatloaf from becoming dry while adding a unique, buttery flavor that makes each bite irresistible.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The sharp cheddar cheese adds a creamy, tangy richness to the meatloaf. As it melts, it enhances the overall flavor, balancing out the savory taste of the meat with a bit of cheese-induced indulgence.
- Sweet and Tangy Glaze: The optional ketchup and brown sugar glaze adds a beautiful, caramelized top to the meatloaf. The sweetness of the brown sugar contrasts with the savory meat, while the ketchup provides a slight tang that cuts through the richness.
- Simplicity: This recipe uses basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, making it an affordable and accessible meal. The preparation is straightforward, with minimal steps, and the results are always satisfying.
Variations and Tips:
While this recipe is delicious on its own, here are a few variations and tips to make it your own:
- Add Vegetables: If you want to sneak in some extra vegetables, finely chop some bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots and mix them into the meat mixture. These vegetables will add moisture and a subtle flavor boost.
- Spice It Up: Add a bit of heat by incorporating red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or jalapeños into the meat mixture. This will give the meatloaf a spicy kick that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the glaze.
- Use Different Cheeses: While sharp cheddar is the classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a combination of cheeses to change the flavor profile of the meatloaf.
- Leftover Meatloaf: If you have leftovers, don’t worry! Leftover meatloaf makes for great sandwiches the next day. Simply place a slice of meatloaf between two slices of bread and add your favorite condiments, like mustard, mayonnaise, or pickles, for a quick and delicious lunch.
- Freezing Instructions: If you want to make the meatloaf ahead of time, you can freeze it before baking. Simply shape the meatloaf and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to cook it, bake it straight from the freezer, but add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the cooking time.
Conclusion:
The Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe is the epitome of comfort food—simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and always satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing a meal to impress guests, this meatloaf is sure to become a new favorite. The combination of Ritz crackers, cheddar cheese, and the sweet glaze creates a well-balanced dish that is as comforting as it is delicious. Try it out, and enjoy a meal that brings warmth and joy to your table!
