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