Cracker Barrel Meatloaf – Best Homemade Recipe

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is juicy, flavorful, and topped with a sweet, tangy glaze just like the restaurant favorite! This easy meatloaf recipe is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even special occasions. Serve it with buttery biscuits, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete comfort food experience.

Why You’ll Love This Meatloaf Recipe

Juicy & Moist – No more dry, bland meatloaf!
Family Favorite – A nostalgic comfort food everyone loves.
Easy & Budget-Friendly – Made with simple pantry staples.
Perfectly Seasoned – A delicious balance of savory, cheesy, and slightly sweet flavors.

Ingredients & Their Roles

For the Meatloaf:

2 eggs – Helps bind the meatloaf together.
2/3 cup milk – Adds moisture for a tender texture.
32 Ritz crackers (crushed) – A buttery alternative to breadcrumbs.
1/2 cup chopped onion – Adds flavor and a little texture.
4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese – Gives a rich, cheesy taste.
1 teaspoon salt – Enhances overall flavor.
1/4 teaspoon pepper – Adds mild heat and depth.
1 1/2 lbs ground beef – The star of the dish!

For the Glaze:

1/2 cup ketchup – The base of the glaze.
1/2 cup brown sugar – Adds sweetness and a caramelized finish.
1 teaspoon mustard – Adds a tangy kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and mix in milk and crushed Ritz crackers.

3. Stir in chopped onion, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper.

4. Add ground beef and mix until just combined—avoid overmixing!

5. Shape into a loaf and place in a lightly greased baking dish.

Step 2: Bake the Meatloaf

6. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.

Step 3: Make & Apply the Glaze

7. While the meatloaf bakes, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard.

8. After 30 minutes of baking, spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf.

9. Bake for 10 more minutes, then add the remaining glaze.

10. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until caramelized.

Pro Tips for the Best Meatloaf

Don’t Overmix – Overworking the beef can make the meatloaf dense.
Use Fresh Onion – It adds moisture and flavor.
Let It Rest – Rest the meatloaf for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Double the Recipe – Freeze extra portions for easy meals.

Serving Suggestions

With Mashed Potatoes – The ultimate comfort food pairing!
With Steamed Veggies – For a well-balanced meal.
With Cornbread – A Southern classic side dish.

Final Thoughts – A Comfort Food Classic!

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is a must-try family dinner that’s juicy, cheesy, and topped with a perfect glaze. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to be a hit at your dinner table.

Did you try this recipe? Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out!