Best Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe – Comfort Food Made Easy! 🍴

Table of Contents: Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Craving the hearty, homestyle taste of Cracker Barrel’s famous meatloaf? This Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe delivers the same tender texture and sweet-tangy glaze that keeps diners coming back—right from your own kitchen! Perfect for Sunday dinners, potlucks, or cozy weeknight meals, this dish is pure comfort food nostalgia.

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Introduction: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about a slice of Cracker Barrel Meatloaf—moist, flavorful, and topped with that signature sweet-and-savory glaze. While the restaurant keeps its recipe under wraps, this copycat Cracker Barrel dish comes incredibly close, using simple ingredients like Ritz crackers, cheddar cheese, and a tangy ketchup-mustard topping.

Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, prepping an easy weeknight dinner, or just missing the taste of restaurant-style meatloaf, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The secret? A perfect balance of textures—crushed crackers for lightness, milk for moisture, and a rich glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.

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Alternate Names & Variations

This dish goes by many names, and if you’re searching for similar recipes, you might also look for:

– Southern-style meatloaf
– Classic diner meatloaf
– Cheesy Ritz cracker meatloaf

For a twist, try swapping the ground beef with ground turkey or adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.

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Ingredients: Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Here’s what you’ll need for this restaurant-style meatloaf:

For the Meatloaf:

– 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend for best moisture)
– ½ onion, finely diced
– ½ small green bell pepper, finely diced
– 1 ½ sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed (about 1 ½ cups)
– ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 3 large eggs
– ½ cup milk
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Glaze:

– ¾ cup ketchup
– 2 ½ Tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 ½ teaspoon yellow mustard

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Step-by-Step Instructions: Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

1. Prep the Oven & Pan

– Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients

– In a large bowl, combine ground beef, diced onion, bell pepper, crushed Ritz crackers, cheddar cheese, eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
– Use your hands (or a fork) to gently mix—avoid overworking to keep the texture tender.

3. Shape & Bake

– Press the mixture into the loaf pan, smoothing the top.
– Bake uncovered for 45 minutes.

4. Make the Glaze

– While the meatloaf bakes, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a small bowl.

5. Add Glaze & Finish Baking

– After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf and spread the glaze evenly over the top.
– Return to the oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

6. Rest & Serve

– Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing—this helps it hold its shape.

Chef’s Tip: For extra caramelization, broil the glazed meatloaf for 1–2 minutes at the end.

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Recipe Card (Quick Reference)

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 1 hour 5 mins | Total Time: 1 hour 20 mins | Servings: 6–8 | Calories: ~450 per serving

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Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

– Ritz crackers replace breadcrumbs for a lighter, buttery texture—just like Cracker Barrel’s version.
– Shredded cheddar cheese melts into the loaf, adding richness without drying it out.
– The sweet-tangy glaze caramelizes into a sticky, restaurant-quality finish.

For best results:
– Use 80/20 ground beef for juiciness.
– Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to prevent crumbling.
– Double the glaze if you love extra sauce!

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Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

– Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
– Freeze: Wrap slices tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
– Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15–20 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.

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People Also Ask: Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

What ingredients make Cracker Barrel meatloaf so special?

Cracker Barrel’s meatloaf stands out for its buttery Ritz cracker base, which keeps it tender, and the cheddar cheese that adds richness. The sweet-and-tangy glaze (ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard) caramelizes into a sticky, flavorful crust, mimicking the diner’s signature taste.

How do you get the same texture as Cracker Barrel meatloaf at home?

The key is using crushed Ritz crackers instead of breadcrumbs, which create a lighter, more delicate texture. Mixing in milk and eggs ensures moisture, while avoiding overworking the meat prevents toughness. Letting it rest before slicing also helps maintain the perfect consistency.

Can you freeze Cracker Barrel-style meatloaf?

Yes! After cooling, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through. For best results, add fresh glaze after reheating.

What glaze does Cracker Barrel use on their meatloaf?

Cracker Barrel’s glaze is a simple mix of ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard, creating a balance of sweet and tangy flavors. This combination caramelizes beautifully in the oven, giving the meatloaf its signature glossy finish.

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Conclusion: Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

This Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf brings the beloved diner classic to your dinner table—juicy, cheesy, and topped with that irresistible glaze. Whether you’re serving it for a family meal or a nostalgic comfort food fix, this recipe is sure to impress.

Did you try it? Share your results in the comments or tag us on social media—we’d love to see your take on this restaurant-style meatloaf!

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Happy cooking! 🍽️

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