If you enjoy cooking at home, you’ve undoubtedly heard of Cracker Barrel. A popular institution, Cracker Barrel is well-known for its comfort cuisine and warm, rustic ambiance.
Among their menu selections, their well-known Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is one that really sticks out. This meatloaf, loaded with flavour and served with all the toppings, is the definition of comfort food.
This post will examine the ingredients, preparation methods, and tricks for creating a restaurant-quality version of the Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe.
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
The taste of Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is renowned for its mouth-watering texture and soft texture. With the help of this recipe, you can make this comforting classic dish right in your own kitchen. What you’ll need is as follows:
Ingredients:
2 pounds of ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup diced onions
1/4 cup diced green bell peppers
1/4 cup diced celery
1/4 cup ketchup
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Preparation
1. Set the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine the ground beef and ground pork in a large mixing bowl. Stir them until thoroughly mixed.
3. Breadcrumbs, chopped green bell peppers, chopped onions, chopped celery, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, dried parsley, dried oregano, and paprika should all be added to the bowl. Combine all the ingredients and stir until they are well combined.
4. After forming the ingredients into a loaf, put it in a baking dish.
5. The meatloaf should be baked for one hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), in the preheated oven.
6. Before serving, take the cooked meatloaf out of the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes.
Tips for the Perfect Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
Here are some pointers to remember in order to make your homemade version of Cracker Barrel Meatloaf taste just as good as the restaurant version:
1. Use a balance of ground beef and ground pork. The combination of the two meats gives the meatloaf more taste and wetness.
2. Avoid over-blending the ingredients. A dense and tough meatloaf can be the consequence of overmixing. Just enough stirring is needed to evenly incorporate the ingredients.
3. Before slicing, let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes. This will allow the fluids to redistribute and will make slicing the meatloaf easier.
Check out the: Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Tips & Tricks
Do not over-mix the meat
Don’t overmix the meat while putting the ingredients for your meatloaf together. Overmixing may cause the texture to become rough and thick.
Gently stir the ingredients just until they are well combined to prevent this. This will assist in preserving the moist, delicate texture that characterises excellent meatloaf.
Don’t cook your meatloaf too high
It’s important to avoid the urge to increase the heat in order to expedite the cooking process, even though it may be tempting. Overheating your meatloaf might cause it to become dry and cook unevenly.
Rather, maintain a moderate oven temperature, usually about 175°C or 350°F. This makes it possible for the meatloaf to cook gradually and uniformly, giving it a juicy, soft finish.
Veggies are key
Adding vegetables to your meatloaf not only enhances the flavour but also adds moisture and texture. Celery, diced onions, and green bell peppers are frequently used veggies in meatloaf recipes, such as the well-known Cracker Barrel Meatloaf.
These veggies enhance the overall juiciness of the meatloaf in addition to contributing fragrant flavours. Don’t cut corners when it comes to the vegetables; they make a fantastic meatloaf.
Give the meatloaf space in the pan
Make sure you allow space around the borders of the meatloaf when you shape and place it in the baking dish. This keeps the meatloaf from boiling in its own juices and ensures complete cooking by allowing the heat to flow evenly.
Allowing the meatloaf to have some room in the pan helps the outside of the loaf to brown and caramelise, creating a delicious crust.
You will have no trouble making the ideal meatloaf that is tasty, moist, and guaranteed to satisfy your palate if you adhere to these suggestions.
Thus, combine all of your components, stir them together gently, add your vegetables, and give your meatloaf the room it needs. Everyone will be requesting seconds of the delectable homemade meatloaf that you’ve worked so hard to prepare.
Which ingredients are required for making Cracker Barrel Meatloaf?
Beef : The primary ingredient in this recipe is beef. For the cracker barrel meatloaf, use two pounds of lean ground beef.
Onion : This meal has a little sweetness due to the onion. For this dish, use a small onion, chopped finely.
Bell Pepper : Cut a half bell pepper into dice for this dish. The flavour of the bell pepper is somewhat peppery. If you would like not to use bell pepper, you can.
Ritz Crackers : Take one and a half sleeves of Ritz crackers and crush them for this recipe.
Eggs : Eggs enhance the flavour and make the meatloaf tender. This recipe calls for three eggs.
Cheese : Add four ounces of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded. For this recipe, Colby cheese is an option.
Milk : To give the beef combination some softness and a lovely texture, add some milk.
Salt : A teaspoon of salt can be added to improve the dish’s flavour.
Black Pepper : One-fourth teaspoon of black pepper should be added to give it some spice.
Ketchup : Put a half cup of ketchup on top of the scrumptious meatloaf.
Brown Sugar : Combine the ketchup with brown sugar. Two tablespoons of brown sugar should be used.
Mustard : To give the dish a hint of mustard flavour, mix one teaspoon of mustard with ketchup.
Check out the: What Time Does Cracker Barrel Close?
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Serving Suggestions
A wide range of sides and condiments go nicely with Cracker Barrel meatloaf. To improve your eating experience, try these serving ideas:
Mashed potatoes : Meatloaf goes well with creamy mashed potatoes. They provide the savoury tastes with a silky, buttery contrast.
Gravy : To add even more flavour and richness to the meatloaf, pour some homemade gravy over it.
Coleslaw : When combined with the flavourful meatloaf, a crisp, tart coleslaw can be a welcome diversion. The zesty dressing and crunchy cabbage help balance out the dish’s heaviness.
Roasted Vegetables : Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans are tasty and nourishing side dishes.
Crusty bread : For a filling supper, serve some warm crusty bread alongside.
Macaroni & Cheese : Serve your meatloaf with macaroni and cheese for the ultimate comfort dish. The flavourful and rich mix of the meaty meatloaf and the creamy, cheesy spaghetti is incredibly delicious.
Garlic Bread : To let the meatloaf’s tastes and fluids soak in, serve warm, garlicky bread slices with it. It’s a flavourful accent that’s easy on the palate yet still gratifying.
Salad : A crisp and fresh salad can offer a light and reviving contrast to the meatloaf’s heaviness. Have a salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and mixed greens dressed with a zesty vinaigrette.
How Much Time Do You Need To Make Cracker Barrel Meatloaf?
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Resting Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Minutes | 1 Hour 10 Minutes | 15 Minutes | 1 Hour 40 Minutes |
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe Video
How to Store and Freeze
Leftover cooked meatloaf can be refrigerated for up to two days after chilling; reheat pieces in a skillet or microwave.
Additionally, meatloaf can be frozen before or after cooking for a maximum of six months.
For food safety, freeze uncooked meatloaf only after the meat hasn’t been frozen or thawed in the refrigerator. Allow the meatloaf to cool completely after cooking. Whether it’s cooked or raw, cover the meatloaf with foil and freeze it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then preheat it in an oven set at 350°F for about an hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Include extra glaze before the final fifteen minutes.
Check out the: Cracker Barrel Nutrition Menus 2024
Cracker Barrel Social Media Handles
| Websites | Links |
|---|---|
| https://www.facebook.com/crackerbarrel/ | |
| https://www.instagram.com/crackerbarrel/ | |
| https://twitter.com/crackerbarrel | |
| Giphy | giphy.com/crackerbarrel |
| https://www.pinterest.com/crackerbarrel/ | |
| Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/user/CrackerBarrelOCS/videos |
| Linkdin | linkedin.com/cracker-barrel |
Contact Information
Cracker Barrel Office Address : P.O. Box 787, Lebanon, TN 37087
Official Website : www.crackerbarrel.com
Call : 800-333-9566
Day & Time : Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM CST
Mail : P.O. Box 787, Lebanon, TN 37087
Contact Form :
You can also contact the team of Cracker Barrel by using the contact form on their website.
Conclusion
A classic staple of homestyle, the Cracker Barrel Meatloaf adds cosiness and warmth to the meal. This recipe will make meatloaf that tastes just as good as it does at Cracker Barrel, especially if you follow the advice given.
This recipe is likely to suit the palates of all your visitors, whether you’re preparing for a casual family meal or hosting dinner guests.
So grab your ingredients, heat up the oven, and get ready to indulge in some delicious Cracker Barrel bliss at home.
FAQs
You’ll need ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, green bell peppers, onions, celery, ketchup, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, thyme, basil, and oregano to create Cracker Barrel Meatloaf.
The meatloaf should be baked at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Depending on the size of your meatloaf and your oven, cooking times may vary slightly.
The meatloaf can indeed be frozen. Place it in a freezer-safe container after securely wrapping it in aluminium foil or plastic wrap. It keeps for up to three months in the freezer. Prior to reheating, let it defrost in the fridge.
Of course! A leaner substitute for ground beef is ground turkey. But be aware that if you use ground turkey, the meatloaf’s flavour and texture can vary slightly.
Replace the breadcrumbs in the recipe for gluten-free Cracker Barrel Meatloaf with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Make certain that every other component is free of gluten.