Here’s a copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe—soft, juicy, slightly sweet-savory, and topped with that signature ketchup glaze.
🍽️ Cracker Barrel Meatloaf (Copycat)
Ingredients:
Meatloaf:
- 900g ground beef (80/20 works best)
- 1 cup finely crushed Ritz crackers (or breadcrumbs)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
🍅 Glaze:
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard (optional but classic touch)
- 1 teaspoon vinegar (optional for balance)
🥣 Instructions:
1. Mix meatloaf
In a large bowl, combine:
- ground beef
- crushed crackers
- cheese
- milk
- eggs
- onion
- salt, pepper, garlic powder
Mix gently—don’t overwork or it gets tough.
2. Shape
- Form into a loaf shape in a baking dish or loaf pan.
3. Make glaze
- Mix ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and vinegar
- Spread half over the top before baking
4. Bake
- Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 45–60 minutes
- Halfway through, add remaining glaze
5. Rest
- Let it sit 10 minutes before slicing (keeps it juicy)
🍽️ Serve with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Green beans
- Corn or mac & cheese
💡 Tips for that Cracker Barrel texture:
- Don’t overmix the meat
- Crushed crackers make it softer than breadcrumbs
- Cheese adds moisture + richness
- Slight sweetness in glaze is key
If you want, I can also give you:
- 🔥 Air fryer meatloaf version
- 💰 Budget version (no cheese, fewer ingredients)
- 🍔 Mini meatloaf “fast food” style version