Growing up, my family went to Cracker Barrel nearly every weekend. In fact, Cracker Barrel now owns quite the antique collection, with over 100,000 items. Plus, all of those antique items you see hanging on the walls in the dining room are all vintage items inspired by local history. Famous for their checker boards, all-you-can-eat biscuits, tabletop peg games, and old-fashioned country store with vintage candy, games, and even rocking chairs. Since then, they’ve become an interstate institution. The first Cracker Barrel was opened off Interstate 40 in Lebanon, Tennessee in 1969 by Dan Evins. Or if you’re lazy like me, you can let it thaw in the refrigerator (or the kitchen counter) and then warm it up in the microwave. When you’re ready to pull it out, add additional sauce on top and place it in the oven at 350F for about 20 to 30 minutes or until hot.
Then wrap it in foil and place in a sealed plastic Ziploc bag. You can double the recipe and have meals ready-to-go for a few weeks.īe sure to let it cool to room temperature first. If you’re looking to add a few veggies, you can also use green beans, asparagus, broccoli, or a nice side salad. You can pick and choose your side dishes to fit any occasion.
Mac & Cheese – This is my personal favorite.Mashed Potatoes – This buttery smooth starch pairs perfectly with the savory deliciousness of meatloaf.What to Serve With MeatloafĪ few side dishes can turn this simple meal into a family favorite. This allows the edges to caramelize and form a really nice crust.Īllow it to breathe by using a baking sheet or large baking pan. It’s not the end of the world, but I’ve learned that you need to allow the meatloaf to breathe while cooking. This causes the meatloaf to steam and results in what we call a “meat brick”. It’s these little tweaks and additions that make all the difference between a bland, boring meatloaf and one that you’ll want to make again and again.įor a long time, I made the mistake of filling up a 5×9 inch loaf pan from edge to edge. You can even add in some finely chopped carrots and celery as well. The onion and green pepper make a huge difference when it comes to meatloaf.
Instead you want to shoot for 325 F to 350 F for a moist meatloaf. I’ve seen recipes that call for temperatures as high as 425 degrees F. When shaping your loaf, looser is better. It’s also important not to compress the meat too much when you’re forming the loaf. If you’re a perfectionist like me, this one requires a bit of self-control.īut if it makes a better meatloaf, so I try and combat my OCD tendencies. One of the secrets to a juicy meatloaf is not to over mix your ingredients. Mixing your ingredients too much will result in a tough, dry meatloaf. But I’ve since learned from the error of my ways. You can also use half ground beef and half ground pork to enhance the flavor and texture of your loaf. 80% lean ground beef is the best ratio for a moist, juicy meatloaf that cooks to perfection.
This is often caused by using leaner meat. People often complain that their meatloaf is too dry. Plus, there are a few trade secrets that will ensure your meatloaf turns out tender and juicy. They use lean ground beef, sauteed vegetables, buttery Ritz crackers, sharp cheddar cheese, eggs, milk and a savory glaze made from ketchup and brown sugar. This is where Cracker Barrel gets everything right. What makes the difference between a meatloaf that turns out dry and bland versus one that is moist and delicious? Especially if you’ve ever had the “mystery meat” that’s often served in school cafeterias.īut when you make it with love (and a few simple tips), this classic meal quickly becomes a comfort food family favorite. Here, interior designers from around the South share their predictions for what's trending in kitchen design for 2022 and beyond.But fair warning – with this recipe, it might not last long. We're turning away from big-box stores and toward vintage items-first, out of necessity due to supply-chain issues, and now, for design reasons-to add charm and character to every room in the house, including the kitchen. An overall trend toward celebrating the history and originality of our homes is displacing ultramodern aesthetics and sharp lines as we all look to create cozier, colorful, more personalized spaces that better suit our lifestyles. 16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022 There's no denying how the pandemic fundamentally changed the world-including how we live (and work) inside our homes.