Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Ingredients

2 eggs

2⁄3 cup milk

32 Ritz crackers, crushed (any brand round butter cracker is fine )

1⁄2 cup chopped onion

4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 teaspoon salt

1⁄4 teaspoon pepper

1 1⁄2 lbs ground beef (I use ground chuck)

1⁄2 cup ketchup

1⁄2 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon mustard

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350*.Beat eggs. Add milk and crackers. Stir in onion and cheese. Add ground beef. Mix well. Shape into a loaf.Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.Combine ketchup, brown sugar and mustard to make topping. Spoon half of the topping over the meatloaf after 30 mins of baking. Return loaf to oven for 10 more mins of baking. Spoon the rest of the topping over meatloaf, return to oven and bake for 5-10 mins more.

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf is known for its delicious, comforting flavors, and while the original recipe is fantastic, there are plenty of ways you can vary it or tweak it to your liking. Here are some variations and tips:

Variations:

1. Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf:
   • Add a layer of shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend) in the middle of the meatloaf before baking. The melted cheese inside adds a rich, gooey surprise.
2. Bacon Meatloaf:
   • Mix in some cooked and crumbled bacon into the meatloaf mixture for an extra smoky flavor. Alternatively, wrap the top of the meatloaf in strips of bacon before baking.
3. BBQ Meatloaf:
   • Instead of using the traditional tomato-based topping, try brushing the meatloaf with barbecue sauce. You can also mix a bit of BBQ sauce into the meat mixture for added flavor.
4. Veggie-packed Meatloaf:
   • For an extra burst of vegetables, add finely chopped carrots, celery, onions, or bell peppers into the meatloaf mixture. They will soften while baking and add moisture and flavor.
5. Spicy Meatloaf:
   • If you like some heat, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or even a bit of hot sauce into the meat mixture. This gives the meatloaf a nice spicy kick.
6. Italian Meatloaf:
   • Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a bit of Parmesan cheese to the meat mixture. Topping it with marinara sauce instead of the traditional glaze would turn it into a hearty Italian-style dish.
7. Turkey or Chicken Meatloaf:
   • For a leaner alternative, you can swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken. Keep in mind that these meats tend to be drier, so adding a little more moisture (such as an extra egg, breadcrumbs, or some olive oil) will help.

Tips for Perfect Meatloaf:

1. Don’t Overmix:
   • When combining the meatloaf ingredients, mix them gently. Overmixing can result in a dense and tough meatloaf.
2. Add Moisture:
   • To keep the meatloaf moist, add ingredients like breadcrumbs, oats, or a small amount of milk or broth. These will absorb some of the juices as they cook and prevent the meatloaf from drying out.
3. Rest Before Slicing:
   • After baking, let the meatloaf rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice more flavorful and easier to cut.
4. Use a Meat Thermometer:
   • Meatloaf should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for beef or 165°F (74°C) for poultry. A meat thermometer will help you avoid undercooking or overcooking.
5. Topping Variations:
   • Cracker Barrel meatloaf traditionally has a sweet glaze, often ketchup-based with brown sugar. You can try different glazes such as a honey mustard glaze, balsamic glaze, or even a mixture of ketchup with a little Worcestershire sauce and chili powder for more depth.
6. Use a Loaf Pan or Freeform:
   • You can bake the meatloaf in a loaf pan for a traditional shape, or form it into a freeform loaf on a baking sheet. Freeforming it allows more edges to crisp up, which some people prefer.
7. Rest the Meat Before Mixing:
   • Let the ground meat sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before mixing it with the ingredients. This helps the meatloaf hold together better and cook more evenly.

Leftover Ideas:

• Meatloaf Sandwich: Slice leftover meatloaf and place it between two pieces of bread for a hearty sandwich. Add pickles, cheese, or sauce to enhance the flavor.
• Meatloaf Tacos: Crumble leftover meatloaf and use it as a filling for tacos, adding toppings like sour cream, salsa, and lettuce.
• Meatloaf Casserole: Break up the meatloaf and layer it in a casserole with mashed potatoes and some cheese for a comforting meal.

These variations and tips should give you the flexibility to enjoy Cracker Barrel-style meatloaf with a personalized twist. Enjoy!