The primary time I tasted Cracker Barrel’s meatloaf, I used to be transported again to Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s farmhouse desk. There’s one thing about that completely seasoned, hearty slice topped with tangy glaze that appears like a heat hug on a plate. After years of experimenting to recreate that taste and texture at residence, I’m thrilled to share this genuine copycat recipe.
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In contrast to many imitations floating across the web, this recipe stays true to the unique—no cheese or fancy substances required. Simply sincere, easy consolation meals that brings the entire household to the desk with smiles. Whether or not you’re a longtime Cracker Barrel fan or just craving a basic American meal, this meatloaf recipe deserves a particular place in your recipe assortment.
What Makes This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe Particular?
Cracker Barrel’s meatloaf has earned its legendary standing for good motive. Every slice delivers the proper steadiness of hearty meat, savory greens, and that signature tangy-sweet glaze that caramelizes on high. The feel is good—agency sufficient to carry its form when sliced but tender and moist with every chew.
What really units this copycat recipe aside is its authenticity. Many recipes incorrectly add cheese, however the actual Cracker Barrel meatloaf doesn’t comprise any. This recipe stays true to the restaurant model, utilizing Ritz crackers as an alternative of breadcrumbs for a buttery taste and excellent texture that breadcrumbs merely can’t ship.
Gear Wanted
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Giant mixing bowl
- Loaf pan (9×5 inch)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Meat thermometer
- Small bowl for mixing glaze
Components
For the Meatloaf:
- Floor chuck – Offers wealthy taste and the proper fats content material for moist, flavorful meatloaf
- Giant eggs – Act as a binder to carry the meatloaf collectively whereas including moisture
- Ritz crackers – Supply a buttery taste and lighter texture than conventional breadcrumbs
- White onion – Provides pure sweetness and fragrant taste all through the meatloaf
- Inexperienced bell pepper – Contributes contemporary taste, colour, and delicate crunch
- Milk – Helps soften the cracker crumbs and provides moisture to the combination
- Diced tomatoes – Present bursts of juicy taste and assist preserve the meatloaf moist
- Salt – Enhances all of the flavors within the meatloaf
- Floor black pepper – Provides a delicate warming spice with out overpowering
For the Glaze:
- Ketchup – Kinds the bottom of the tangy, candy topping
- Brown sugar – Creates caramelization and balances the acidity of the ketchup
- Yellow mustard – Provides tanginess and depth to the glaze
- Worcestershire sauce – Brings umami and complexity to the sweet-tangy topping
The way to Make Cracker Barrel’s Meatloaf
- Preheat the oven to 350 levels.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, cooking spray, or aluminum foil; this ready baking sheet will make cleansing a breeze.
- In a big bowl, beat the eggs nicely, then add cracker crumbs, onion, inexperienced pepper, milk, salt, drained diced tomatoes, and floor black pepper. Combine nicely.
- Add floor beef and blend nicely. End up the meatloaf combination right into a loaf pan.
- Place meatloaf into the preheated oven. Bake for half-hour.
- In a small bowl, put together the scrumptious glaze by combining ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Unfold glaze over meatloaf and cook dinner for an additional half-hour or till the middle has an inner temperature of 160 levels. You possibly can test the temperature with a meat thermometer.
- Take away from oven and let it relaxation for about 5 minutes earlier than serving.
Tips about The way to Prepare dinner and Serve Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
- Be light with the meat. Squeezing floor beef is a superb strategy to do away with pressure, however it would additionally damage the feel of the meatloaf. Resist the urge to over-mix, and use simply the information of your fingers if you mix the substances.
- Fats is your buddy on this Southern meatloaf recipe. Sure, you can also make meatloaf with floor turkey or lean beef, however if you happen to achieve this, it’s best to anticipate a dry meatloaf. For one of the best taste, use 80 p.c lean floor beef. You possibly can generally discover it labeled as a floor chuck on the packaging.
- Get the suitable grind. Most grocery shops promote just one dimension of floor beef. Get it. Don’t fear. Your meatloaf will end up simply tremendous. However, if you’re fortunate sufficient to purchase meat the place the butcher will grind it contemporary, ask for a rough grind.
- Leftovers make an excellent sandwich! In case you have a little bit of meatloaf leftover, chilly meatloaf sandwiches are a should. Serve a chilly slice between toasted bread with lettuce, tomato, and additional glaze. It’s so scrumptious you’ll want to make leftovers on function!
What to Serve with Meatloaf
Chances are you’ll marvel what it’s best to serve with a scrumptious selfmade meatloaf. One phrase: Potatoes. Listed here are some potato aspect dishes that can work nicely together with your meatloaf.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Enable leftover meatloaf to chill utterly, then retailer in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap cooled meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for as much as 3 months. For finest outcomes, slice earlier than freezing for simpler portioning later.
Reheating:
- Skillet technique (for crispy edges): Soften a small quantity of butter in a skillet over medium warmth. Add meatloaf slices and warmth for 2-3 minutes per aspect.
- Oven technique (finest for sustaining texture): Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet, cowl with foil, and warmth for 15-20 minutes till warmed via.
- Microwave technique (quickest): Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cowl with a moist paper towel, and warmth for 1-2 minutes or till sizzling.
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
Lower your expenses and learn to make Cracker Barrel Meatloaf at residence with this simple copycat recipe. Take pleasure in a basic meatloaf with a wealthy tomato sauce.
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Fee
Add to Assortment
Servings: 10
Energy: 253kcal
Components
Meatloaf Components
- 1 1/2 kilos floor chuck
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
- 1/4 cup finely diced inexperienced bell pepper
- 14.1 ounces diced tomatoes 1 can – drained
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon floor black pepper
Meatloaf Glaze
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Directions
Meatloaf Glaze Preparation
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In a small bowl mix ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
Meatloaf Preparation
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Preheat oven to 350 ℉. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for straightforward elimination if desired.
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In a big bowl, beat the eggs nicely, then add the cracker crumbs, onion, inexperienced pepper, milk, salt, drained diced tomatoes, and pepper. Combine nicely.
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Add the bottom beef and blend nicely. End up the meatloaf combination onto the ready pan; form right into a loaf.
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Bake for half-hour then unfold topping on high of the meatloaf. Bake for a further half-hour or till the middle is 160 ℉.
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Let stand for 5-10 minutes to relaxation, then slice and serve.
Notes
Professional Ideas for Excellent Meatloaf
- Deal with with care: Be light when mixing the substances and shaping your loaf. Overmixing or compacting too firmly may end up in a dense, powerful texture.
- Fats is taste: When you may be tempted to make use of leaner meat, the 80/20 floor chuck gives the correct quantity of fats for taste and moisture. Leaner meat will lead to a drier meatloaf.
- Even cooking: If utilizing a loaf pan, place it on a baking sheet to catch any overflow and guarantee even warmth distribution.
- Temperature issues: Use a meat thermometer to make sure your meatloaf reaches an inner temperature of 160°F (71°C) for meals security with out overcooking.
- Let it relaxation: Enable your meatloaf to relaxation for 5-10 minutes earlier than slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and prevents the slices from falling aside.
Gear
Vitamin
Energy: 253kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 14g | Fats: 16g | Saturated Fats: 6g | Ldl cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 472mg | Potassium: 347mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 180IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 2mg
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Have a look at extra of my copycat restaurant favorites and simple beef recipes.
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