Cracker Barrel Meatloaf: A Copycat Recipe to Delight Your Taste Buds
Cracker Barrel's meatloaf is legendary. That savory, comforting flavor has made it a beloved staple on their menu. But what if you could enjoy that same delicious taste without leaving your home? This blog post will guide you through a copycat Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe, allowing you to recreate this classic dish in your own kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe!
Understanding the Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Magic
Before we dive into the recipe, let's explore what makes Cracker Barrel's meatloaf so special. It's not just about the ingredients; it's the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Their meatloaf boasts:
- A rich and savory meat mixture: A blend of ground beef and sometimes other meats, seasoned just right.
- A tender and juicy interior: The key to a great meatloaf is achieving that perfect balance of moistness.
- A slightly sweet and tangy glaze: Often a ketchup-based glaze with a hint of sweetness.
This recipe aims to capture all these elements, giving you a meatloaf that tastes remarkably similar to the restaurant version.
The Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe
This recipe serves 6-8 people. Prep time is approximately 20 minutes, and cooking time is around 1 hour.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Glaze:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- Combine the meatloaf ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in a tough meatloaf.
- Shape the meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
- Glaze the meatloaf: Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil.
- Rest: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your delicious homemade Cracker Barrel-style meatloaf with classic sides like:
- Mashed potatoes
- Green beans
- Gravy
- Cornbread
Tips for Meatloaf Success
- Don't overmix the meat: Overmixing can make the meatloaf tough.
- Use good quality ground beef: The flavor of the meatloaf will depend heavily on the quality of the ground beef you use.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking.
- Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is cooked through.
This recipe is designed to help you recreate the delicious taste of Cracker Barrel's meatloaf at home. Enjoy the process and the satisfying results! Remember to share your culinary creations and tag us – we’d love to see your delicious meatloaf masterpieces!
