Ohhh this one is a comfort-food classic 😍 Let’s turn it into a big, irresistible, comment-ready recipe people will save, share, and beg you to post again.
🍽️ Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
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✨ Introduction
If you’ve ever sat down at Cracker Barrel and thought, “Why does their meatloaf taste so good?”—this recipe is your answer. This Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is tender, juicy, and packed with that sweet-and-savory flavor everyone loves. It’s classic, homestyle cooking at its best, made right in your own kitchen.
Perfect for Sunday dinners, busy weeknights, or whenever you’re craving real comfort food.
📜 A Little History
Meatloaf has been a staple of American kitchens since the early 1900s, prized for being affordable, filling, and adaptable. Cracker Barrel made it iconic by perfecting the balance of moisture, seasoning, and that signature tangy-sweet topping. This copycat version stays true to the original while being simple enough for home cooks everywhere.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
1 lb ground beef
½ cup crushed Ritz crackers
½ cup milk
1 egg
½ cup finely chopped onion
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Topping:
½ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
🧑🍳 Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine crushed crackers and milk. Let soak for 1–2 minutes.
Add ground beef, egg, onion, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix gently until just combined.
Shape mixture into a loaf and place in a greased baking dish or loaf pan.
In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard.
Spread topping evenly over the meatloaf.
Bake uncovered for 50–60 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
🔧 Cooking Method Explained
Panade Method (crackers + milk): Keeps the meatloaf moist and tender.
Gentle Mixing: Prevents a dense or tough loaf.
Sweet-Savory Glaze: Adds flavor and seals in moisture.
❤️ Why Meatloaf Lovers Can’t Get Enough
Juicy, never dry
Perfectly seasoned
Signature Cracker Barrel flavor
Family-friendly
Great leftovers
This recipe is adored by comfort-food lovers, home cooks, and anyone who loves classic Southern-style meals.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Mashed potatoes & gravy
Green beans or corn
Mac and cheese
Warm dinner rolls
🏁 Conclusion
This Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf brings restaurant-quality comfort straight to your dinner table. Simple ingredients, timeless flavor, and guaranteed smiles with every bite.
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👉 Comment “Yummy” if you’d like the full recipe! 😋
