Cracker Barrel Meatloaf: A Homestyle Classic You Can Make at Home

When it comes to comfort food, Cracker Barrel’s famous meatloaf is always at the top of the list. Juicy, flavorful, and topped with a tangy-sweet glaze, this dish captures the warmth of homemade cooking. If you’ve ever sat in a rocking chair outside Cracker Barrel and enjoyed a hearty meal inside, you know how unforgettable their meatloaf is. Luckily, you don’t have to wait for your next road trip to enjoy it—you can make it in your own kitchen.

This step-by-step recipe will walk you through creating the perfect Cracker Barrel-style meatloaf at home.

Why This Meatloaf Stands Out

Unlike many meatloaf recipes, Cracker Barrel’s version includes Ritz crackers and shredded cheddar cheese, which add a buttery flavor and rich, cheesy bite. The glaze is simple—just ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard—but it ties everything together beautifully. The result is a moist, tender loaf with just the right balance of savory and sweet.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatloaf:

2 pounds ground beef (80/20 for best juiciness)
1 medium onion, finely diced
1 small green bell pepper, finely diced
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed into fine crumbs
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup milk
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Glaze:

½ cup ketchup
¼ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon yellow mustard

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Finely dice the onion and green bell pepper. Sauté them in a skillet with a small drizzle of oil over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until softened. This step brings out their sweetness and ensures they blend smoothly into the meatloaf. Let them cool slightly.

Step 2: Crush the Crackers

Place the Ritz crackers in a resealable bag and crush them with a rolling pin until you have fine crumbs. These will act as a flavorful binder, keeping the meatloaf moist while adding a buttery taste.

Step 3: Mix the Meatloaf Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, sautéed vegetables, eggs, crushed crackers, cheddar cheese, milk, salt, and pepper. Use your hands (clean or gloved) to gently mix until just combined. Do not overmix, or the meatloaf will turn out dense instead of tender.