Name: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb Ground beef (90/10 preferred); 1 lb Ground pork; 1 Yellow onion (Finely diced); 1 Green bell pepper (Finely diced); 1 cup Ritz crackers (Crushed, or GF alternative); 2 Eggs; 1/2 cup Milk (Whole milk); 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese (Shredded); 1 tbsp Maple syrup (Optional); 1/2 cup Ketchup; 1/4 cup Brown sugar (Packed); 1 tbsp Yellow mustard; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1/4 tsp Garlic powder

Jump to Recipe

There’s just something magical about classic comfort food, and nothing quite captures that homey, soul-satisfying feeling like Cracker Barrel Meatloaf. This southern-inspired recipe delivers a perfect balance of tender ground meats, sweet and savory glaze, and a melty burst of sharp cheddar in every bite. Whether you’re craving a hearty family dinner or aiming to impress friends with a nostalgic favorite, this meatloaf brings all the charm of a roadside diner straight to your own table.

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cracker Barrel Meatloaf lies in its simplicity—there’s no need for fancy ingredients, just genuine, flavorful staples that each bring something special to the table. From juicy ground beef and pork right down to the sweet maple syrup in the glaze, every component makes a difference you can truly taste.

Ground beef (1 lb, 90/10 preferred): Lean yet juicy, it’s the sturdy base that keeps the whole loaf tender.
Ground pork (1 lb): Adds rich flavor and a touch of extra moisture for the perfect bite.
Yellow onion (finely diced): Offers a hint of sweetness and a soft texture throughout.
Green bell pepper (finely diced): Brings subtle crunch and a pop of color.
Ritz crackers (1 cup, crushed): The buttery crumbs bind the meatloaf while adding a little richness; subs work for gluten-free needs.
Eggs (2): Act as the glue, holding everything together for beautiful, sliceable pieces.
Milk (1/2 cup, whole milk best): Adds softness and silkiness; don’t skip it!
Sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): That melty, cheesy interior is pure comfort.
Maple syrup (1 tbsp, optional but recommended): Adds subtle sweetness to complement the savory glaze.
Ketchup (1/2 cup): The base for your signature sweet tomato glaze.
Brown sugar (1/4 cup, packed): Melts into the glaze for deep, caramel-like sweetness.
Yellow mustard (1 tbsp): Cuts the sweetness and brightens the glaze.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tsp): Adds an umami punch you’d miss if it weren’t there.
Garlic powder (1/4 tsp): Subtle savoriness ties all the flavors together.

How to Make Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Start by dicing your onion and green bell pepper as finely as you can—this lets them melt right into your meatloaf. Sauté them over medium heat with a splash of oil until they’re soft and just starting to take on a little color, then set them aside to cool. This little bit of extra love keeps the veggies from adding raw texture or overly sharp flavor to your Cracker Barrel Meatloaf.

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

Crank your oven to 350°F, and while it’s warming up, grab a loaf pan and line it with parchment for easy lifting and cleanup. A little prep now means you’ll slice perfect pieces later without any sticking drama.

Step 3: Mix the Meat Base

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, eggs, milk, crushed Ritz crackers, and shredded cheddar. Don’t forget a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Work it together gently with your hands or a fork to keep the mix light and tender rather than dense.

Step 4: Add the Sautéed Veggies

Once the onions and peppers have cooled a bit, add them straight into the meat mixture. Fold gently to distribute those sweet, flavorful bits throughout your Cracker Barrel Meatloaf. This simple technique spreads flavor evenly without overmixing.

Step 5: Shape the Loaf

Transfer your savory mixture into the prepared loaf pan, carefully pressing it into an even loaf shape. Packing it just enough helps the meatloaf hold together, but don’t compress too tightly or you’ll lose that signature crumbly tenderness.

Step 6: First Glaze and Bake

Whisk together your ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, maple syrup (if using), Worcestershire, and garlic powder until smooth. Brush half this drool-worthy glaze over the top of your loaf, reserving the rest. Slide the pan into the oven and let your meatloaf bake for about 45 minutes.

Step 7: Final Glaze and Bake Again

After that first bake, pull out your meatloaf and coat it with the remaining glaze. This double-glazing gives Cracker Barrel Meatloaf its signature glossy finish and sweet, tangy top. Return the loaf to the oven for another 15–20 minutes, or until the center registers 160°F and the edges are caramelized just right.

Step 8: Rest Before Slicing

Your patience pays off here! Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before you slice. This little break lets juices redistribute, so each piece is moist and holds together perfectly.

How to Serve Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Garnishes

A little flourish goes a long way—a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives does wonders for color and freshness. If you love a little extra pop, add a dash of black pepper or even a pinch more shredded cheddar right before serving.

Side Dishes

The classic choice for Cracker Barrel Meatloaf has to be a generous scoop of creamy mashed potatoes, but don’t stop there! Pair it with buttery green beans, sweet glazed carrots, or warm cornbread for the ultimate comfort spread. The meatloaf’s flavors play well with practically any homestyle side dish you love.

Creative Ways to Present

Let’s get playful—try slicing the meatloaf and layering it into a toasted sandwich with extra glaze for a lunch-time treat, or turn leftover slices into savory sliders for a laid-back gathering. This dish is endlessly versatile, and those personal touches make it your own!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cracker Barrel Meatloaf keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply wrap tightly in foil or store in an airtight container for up to four days. Keeping it well-sealed prevents it from drying out and makes it easy to reheat without losing flavor.

Freezing

For longer storage, meatloaf is freezer-friendly! Wrap cooled, unsliced portions in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to three months. When ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best texture and taste.

Reheating

To reheat, place slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 325°F until warmed through (about 20 minutes). A little splash of water or extra glaze helps bring back moisture. Avoid the microwave if you can—it’ll stay juicier and more delicious in the oven.

FAQs

Can I make Cracker Barrel Meatloaf without pork?

Absolutely! You can swap the ground pork for more beef or even a mix of ground turkey and beef. The flavor will shift slightly, but you’ll still have a moist, tender loaf.

What’s the secret to a moist meatloaf?

It’s all about balance: the right mix of meat, eggs, milk, and cracker crumbs ensures Cracker Barrel Meatloaf stays comfortingly moist. Be careful not to overmix and always let it rest before slicing.

Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?

Yes—you can assemble the meatloaf and store it covered in the fridge up to 24 hours in advance. Just bring it to room temperature before baking for even cooking.

Are there gluten-free alternatives for the cracker crumbs?

Definitely! Gluten-free buttery crackers or even gluten-free oats make great substitutes. Just choose a brand you enjoy, as they do influence texture slightly.

How do I know when my meatloaf is fully cooked?

The most reliable way is to use an instant-read thermometer—it should hit 160°F in the center. The glaze should also look sticky and slightly caramelized around the edges.

Final Thoughts

Homey, unfussy, and downright delicious, Cracker Barrel Meatloaf deserves a place in everyone’s comfort food rotation. Give it a try—you’ll taste why this dish is a favorite, and find yourself coming back for seconds every single time.

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 26 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe is a comforting classic that combines ground beef and pork with a savory-sweet glaze, creating a moist and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. The addition of Ritz crackers and cheddar cheese adds a delicious twist to this traditional favorite.

Instructions

Sauté Veggies: Chop onion and bell pepper; sauté until soft; let cool
Preheat Oven: Preheat oven and prep loaf pan
Mix Meat Base: Combine beef, pork, eggs, milk, crackers, cheddar, and extras
Add Veggies: Gently combine sautéed veggies with meat mixture
Shape Loaf: Form loaf and transfer to pan
First Bake with Glaze: Apply half of the glaze; bake for 45 minutes
Final Glaze & Bake: Apply remaining glaze; bake for 15–20 more minutes
Rest Before Serving: Allow meatloaf to rest before slicing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American