Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

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Savor the Comfort: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Embark on a culinary journey back to the heart of comfort food with this delectable Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe. Inspired by the cozy, down-home cooking of the beloved Cracker Barrel restaurants, this dish is a heartwarming blend of savory flavors and tender textures. Imagine a meatloaf so perfectly seasoned and tender, it melts in your mouth, with a rich, glaze topping that adds just the right touch of sweetness and tang. Whether you’re gathering around the family table or entertaining guests, this meatloaf promises to be the centerpiece of a memorable meal. Let’s tie on our aprons, preheat those ovens, and whisk our way to creating a masterpiece that brings the essence of comfort food right to your plate!

Ingredients:

  • 2 eggs
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 32 Ritz crackers, crushed (this adds a lovely, buttery texture)
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion (for a nice aromatic base)
  • 4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese (a delightful cheesy twist)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (the star of the dish!)
  • 1/2 cup ketchup (for a tangy sweetness)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (enhancing the sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon mustard (for a bit of zing)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and toasty.
  2. Beat the eggs in a large mixing bowl. This is the glue that holds our meatloaf together.
  3. Stir in the milk and crushed Ritz crackers. The crackers give our meatloaf a unique texture and flavor.
  4. Add the chopped onion and shredded cheese to the mix. These ingredients are like a melody in a symphony, each playing its part.
  5. Mix in the ground beef. Get your hands in there and mix well, but gently – you don’t want to overwork the meat.
  6. Shape the mixture into a loaf on a baking tray or in a loaf pan. It’s time to give our meatloaf its iconic look.
  7. Bake for 45 minutes at 350°F (175°C). This is where the magic happens, and all the flavors meld together.
  8. Combine ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard to make a delightful topping. This topping is like the cherry on top of our meatloaf cake.
  9. After baking for 30 minutes, spread half of the topping over the meatloaf. This gives it a lovely glaze.
  10. Return the loaf to the oven for 10 more minutes, then spread the rest of the topping over it.
  11. Bake for another 5-10 minutes. This last burst of heat will caramelize the topping to perfection.