Make restaurant-quality comfort food at home with this Cracker Barrel Style Meatloaf tender, juicy, and glazed with a sweet-savory topping. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Cracker Barrel Style Meatloaf Recipe
Nothing says classic American comfort food like a warm slice of Cracker Barrel Style Meatloaf. Moist, flavorful, and topped with a caramelized brown-sugar ketchup glaze, this old-fashioned favorite has been a staple at the beloved country restaurant for decades.
The secret to perfect meatloaf lies in the balance of ingredients — seasoned ground beef, crushed buttery crackers, sautéed onions, and a hint of sweetness from the glaze. This recipe recreates that nostalgic flavor while keeping things easy enough for any home cook.
If you’ve ever wished you could bring that Cracker Barrel magic to your own table, this copycat recipe is exactly what you need.
Table of Contents
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Ingredients
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Step-by-Step Directions
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Tips for a Juicy Meatloaf
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Glaze Perfection
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Variations
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Serving Suggestions
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Storage & Reheating
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Nutritional Information
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Final Thoughts
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
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2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
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1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or buttery saltines)
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½ cup milk
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2 large eggs
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1 medium onion, finely diced
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½ cup diced green bell pepper
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for depth)
For the Glaze:
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½ cup ketchup
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¼ cup brown sugar, packed
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1 teaspoon yellow mustard
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½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9 × 5-inch loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a small skillet, heat 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil over medium heat.
Add the onion and green bell pepper, sautéing until soft and fragrant — about 5 minutes.
Let cool slightly before mixing into the meat.
Why this step matters: cooking the vegetables first removes their raw taste and ensures a tender meatloaf texture.
Step 3: Combine the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
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Crushed crackers
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Milk
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Eggs
Whisk until the crackers absorb some of the milk and form a paste.
Add the sautéed vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir to blend.
Step 4: Add the Ground Beef
Gently fold the ground beef into the cracker mixture using clean hands or a spatula.
Mix only until just combined — overmixing can make the meatloaf dense and tough.
Step 5: Shape the Loaf
Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan or shape it by hand on the baking sheet into a 10-inch loaf. Smooth the top evenly.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together:
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Ketchup
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Brown sugar
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Mustard
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Vinegar
Spread half of the glaze over the top of the uncooked loaf; reserve the rest for later.
Step 7: Bake
Bake uncovered for 55–60 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) is reached.
Halfway through baking (around 30 minutes), brush the remaining glaze over the top.
Continue baking until the glaze caramelizes and bubbles slightly.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps each slice moist and tender.
Tips for a Juicy Meatloaf
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Use a mix of ground meats: Combine beef with a bit of pork for richer flavor.
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Don’t overmix: Gentle mixing ensures tenderness.
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Add moisture: Milk, eggs, and crushed crackers are key to soft texture.
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Rest before slicing: Prevents dryness and crumbling.
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Line the pan: Makes cleanup easy and prevents sticking.
Glaze Perfection
The glaze is what makes Cracker Barrel-style meatloaf irresistible. It’s a perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and savory.
For a deeper flavor, replace yellow mustard with Dijon or add a dash of hot sauce.
If you like a thicker glaze, let it simmer in a saucepan for 5 minutes before spreading it over the loaf.
Variations
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Cheesy Meatloaf: Add 1 cup shredded cheddar to the mixture for a rich twist.
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BBQ Version: Substitute ketchup with smoky BBQ sauce in the glaze.
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Vegetable Boost: Mix in finely grated carrots or zucchini for added nutrition.
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Mini Meatloaves: Bake in a muffin tin for individual portions (reduce baking time to 25 minutes).
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Air Fryer Option: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes in smaller portions.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Cracker Barrel-style meatloaf with classic comfort sides:
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The ultimate companion to soak up that sweet glaze.
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Green Beans or Steamed Broccoli: Add a fresh balance.
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Mac and Cheese: A Southern favorite that doubles the comfort factor.
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Buttered Corn or Glazed Carrots: Sweet, tender sides that match beautifully.
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Buttermilk Biscuits or Cornbread: Perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner spread.
For an elegant touch, garnish with chopped parsley or drizzle a little extra glaze just before serving.
Storage & Reheating
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Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freeze: Wrap slices tightly and freeze up to 3 months.
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Reheat: Warm covered in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
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Tip: Add a spoonful of broth or water before reheating to keep it moist.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 9 g |
| Sodium | 720 mg |
| Cholesterol | 125 mg |
Values are approximate and depend on specific ingredients used.
Final Thoughts
This Cracker Barrel Style Meatloaf captures everything you love about the restaurant classic the tender texture, the rich beefy flavor, and that shiny brown-sugar glaze that brings it all together.
It’s hearty, comforting, and simple to prepare ideal for Sunday dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want to bring a taste of Southern hospitality to your table. Serve it with mashed potatoes and a side of gravy, and you’ll have a meal that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
