Meatloaf Recipe With Crackers

Once you try this Meatloaf Recipe With Crackers, you’ll be making it on repeat!

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What’s not to love about meatloaf? This iconic dinner dish is loved by moms, kids, and foodies around the world, and it absolutely deserves its spot here on FFF. I just discovered the secret to making the most irresistible, delectable meatloaf ever. I’m telling you guys, this one ingredient could make all the difference in your meatloaf and have you never looking back!

Well, actually, let me start from the beginning. It all began in the kitchen with my mother over a decade ago. We were making our favorite from-scratch meatballs, but in typical “my mother” fashion, we were unprepared. We were out of half the seasonings we needed, and we didn’t even have breadcrumbs to bind the meatballs.

What we did have, though, was a few sleeves of Ritz crackers. I looked at my mother. My mother looked at me. We shared a thought, as we so often did: How bad can it be? We had cooked with crackers before, in our famous stuffed mushrooms every Christmas. I dumped the sleeve of Ritz into a Ziploc bag and began crushing them with a rolling pin while Mom continued meatball business as usual. (Albeit, with a few makeshift spices.) The meatballs were a smash! They became a staple in our mother-daughter recipe book, and we proudly named them “Makeshift Meatballs.”

So, what the heck does that have to do with making meatloaf taste good? Well, here I am a decade later, discovering that if I substitute the breadcrumbs in my favorite meatloaf recipe with those same salty crackers, my meatloaf turns out even better. I proudly introduce you to pure meatloaf magic!

Is This Meatloaf Recipe With Crackers Healthy?

The beef in meatloaf is rich in protein. Bell pepper and onion add some vitamins and minerals. However, something to keep in mind is that this meatloaf is high in fat and calories. Use lean beef or even ground turkey if you’re trying to cut back on fat. Those who are lactose intolerant can use a plant-based milk. Bear in mind that due to the ketchup, saltines, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard, this recipe is also high in sodium. You may want to skip the salt and enjoy the meatloaf in moderation, if that’s a concern.

Why Use Crackers?

Traditionally, a good meatloaf is made with breadcrumbs. However, I’ve found that breadcrumbs can be plain and make the meatloaf denser. Using crackers like Ritz or saltines (which are used in this recipe and are addictive all on their own, by the way!) not only adds more flavor to your meatloaf but also results in a lighter texture and a more tender bite. This is because they retain more moisture.

FAQs & Tips

How Do I Store Leftovers?

You can store your leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 4 days. I like to slice the loaf, adding parchment paper between the slices, before storing it. This allows for easier reheating. Just pop a slice in the microwave for 30-second intervals until it’s warmed through. You can also freeze meatloaf for 3 months.

What Crackers To Use

This recipe calls for saltines, but you can use Ritz depending on your preference. Both will add saltiness to your meatloaf, but Ritz crackers have a higher fat content, resulting in a richer, more tender meatloaf. Either way, it’s going to be delicious.

Why Milk Instead Of Water?

Milk contains both water and fat, which helps keep the meatloaf moist and binds the ingredients better. The protein and sugars in the milk will also produce a crust that will brown more beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

If you ask me (or my mother, since she’s been such an influence on this recipe), you’ve got to serve meatloaf with two things: greens and a yummy dessert. The Best Roasted Broccoli, Crispy Asparagus, or Shaved Brussels Sprouts are excellent sides to balance out the meat-heavy main. In terms of dessert, try Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler or Butterscotch Pudding.

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