Homemade Cracker Barrel Coleslaw: A Southern Comfort Classic

Cracker Barrel is renowned for its homestyle cooking, and one of its most beloved side dishes is the creamy, tangy coleslaw.

Whether you’re enjoying a hearty meal of fried chicken or comforting meatloaf, this coleslaw serves as the perfect complement.

The combination of crunchy, fresh cabbage with a smooth, sweet-and-tangy dressing creates a harmony of flavors and textures that makes it irresistible.

Making Cracker Barrel coleslaw at home is easier than you think, and it allows you to recreate the exact flavors you’ve come to love.

In this post, we’ll walk you through a simple recipe to help you make this classic side dish in your own kitchen.

Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, a barbecue, or a holiday gathering, this coleslaw is sure to impress.

What Makes Cracker Barrel Coleslaw So Special?

Cracker Barrel’s coleslaw is more than just a side dish; it’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures that elevate any meal.

What truly sets it apart is its creamy yet tangy dressing that complements the crisp crunch of freshly shredded cabbage.

Unlike other versions, this coleslaw avoids being overly mayonnaise-heavy or too vinegary, instead offering a smooth and balanced dressing that coats every piece of cabbage without overwhelming it.

The secret to Cracker Barrel coleslaw lies in the careful combination of simple ingredients.

The sweetness of sugar balances out the acidity of vinegar, while a touch of salt enhances all the flavors.

The cabbage is shredded finely enough to provide a tender bite, but not so finely that it loses its delightful crunch.

Additionally, the subtle presence of carrots adds a pop of color and mild sweetness to the mix, giving the coleslaw more depth without taking away from the signature flavors.

When you make this coleslaw at home, you get the benefit of freshness and the ability to adjust flavors to your liking.

The coleslaw’s rich, creamy texture paired with the slight tang from the vinegar makes it incredibly versatile—whether served alongside a main course or on top of a burger.

This unique combination of flavors and textures is what makes Cracker Barrel’s coleslaw a favorite at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Cracker Barrel Coleslaw

To make Cracker Barrel’s famous coleslaw at home, you only need a few simple ingredients that come together to create the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and tangy flavors.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Green Cabbage: This is the base of your coleslaw.
  You’ll want to use a fresh, firm head of green cabbage, shredded finely for a nice texture that’s both crunchy and tender.
• Carrots: Freshly grated carrots add a subtle sweetness and a pop of color to the dish, enhancing both the flavor and visual appeal.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy foundation for the coleslaw dressing.
  It creates a smooth, rich texture that helps the cabbage and carrots come together in perfect harmony.
• Sugar: A bit of sweetness is key to balancing the tangy vinegar.
  The sugar helps mellow out the acidity without overpowering the other flavors.
• Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar works best for the tanginess that cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise, giving the coleslaw its refreshing bite.
• Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings bring out the flavors of the cabbage and enhance the overall taste of the dressing.
• Optional:
  • Mustard: A touch of yellow mustard adds a slight sharpness, giving the coleslaw an extra kick.
  • Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can add more brightness and complement the vinegar’s tang.

These ingredients combine to create a coleslaw that’s perfectly balanced and full of flavor, making it the ideal side dish for any occasion.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cracker Barrel Coleslaw at Home

Making Cracker Barrel’s coleslaw at home is simple, and with these step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to whip up a batch in no time.

Follow along to recreate this classic recipe.

Step 1: Preparing the Cabbage and Carrots

Start by shredding the cabbage into thin, bite-sized pieces.

A sharp chef’s knife or a mandoline slicer works best for this task, but if you don’t mind a coarser texture, pre-shredded cabbage from the store can save time.

Just make sure the shreds aren’t too large, as you want the coleslaw to have a pleasant crunch without being difficult to eat.

Next, grate the carrots. Freshly grated carrots give the coleslaw a vibrant color and a delicate sweetness.

You can use a box grater or a food processor to do this quickly.

Aim for fine or medium-sized shreds, which will mix well with the cabbage and not overpower the texture of the dish.

Step 2: Mixing the Coleslaw Dressing

In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir the ingredients together until the sugar has dissolved and the dressing is smooth.

The key here is to achieve a creamy consistency without the dressing being too thick, so if it feels too heavy, you can add a tiny splash of vinegar or water to loosen it up.

For an added layer of flavor, you can incorporate a teaspoon of mustard or a squeeze of lemon juice into the dressing.

Both ingredients add a hint of sharpness and brighten up the entire dish, but they’re optional depending on your taste preferences.

Step 3: Combining the Vegetables and Dressing

Once your cabbage and carrots are prepped and your dressing is smooth, it’s time to combine the two.

In a large mixing bowl, toss the shredded cabbage and grated carrots together.

Then, pour the dressing over the vegetables, mixing gently to ensure everything is well-coated. Take your time to ensure that each shred of cabbage and carrot is evenly covered in the dressing.

The key is to be gentle during this step, as over-mixing can cause the cabbage to break down too much and lose its satisfying crunch.

Step 4: Letting the Coleslaw Chill

Now comes the most important step for bringing all the flavors together: chilling the coleslaw.

Transfer your freshly mixed coleslaw to a covered container and refrigerate it for at least an hour.

This chilling time allows the cabbage to soften slightly while the dressing fully absorbs into the vegetables, creating that classic, creamy texture.

If you have time, letting the coleslaw sit overnight in the fridge will allow the flavors to meld even further, giving you a coleslaw that’s even more flavorful the next day.

Tips for Perfecting Your Cracker Barrel Coleslaw

Making Cracker Barrel’s coleslaw is simple, but there are a few tips and tricks that can elevate your dish to perfection.

Here are some pointers to ensure your coleslaw is always a hit:

Adjusting the Sweetness and Tanginess

The key to the perfect coleslaw lies in balancing the sweetness and tang.

If you prefer a sweeter coleslaw, you can add a little extra sugar to the dressing, but be careful not to overdo it, as you want the tanginess of the vinegar to shine through.

Similarly, if you love a more vinegary coleslaw, feel free to increase the amount of vinegar by a tablespoon or so to suit your taste.

Taste the dressing before mixing it with the cabbage and adjust accordingly.

Let It Rest

One of the most important tips is to let your coleslaw rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.

This resting period allows the flavors to meld together, creating a richer, more cohesive dish.

For the best results, make the coleslaw a few hours in advance or even the day before.

It will taste even better the next day!

Avoid Overmixing

When combining the cabbage, carrots, and dressing, it’s important to be gentle.

Overmixing can cause the cabbage to break down too much, leading to a soggier, less crunchy coleslaw.

Stir the ingredients gently until everything is evenly coated in the dressing, but don’t overdo it.

Customize with Add-ins

While the traditional Cracker Barrel coleslaw is simple and classic, there are plenty of ways to add a personal touch.

For example, consider mixing in some finely chopped green onions or even a handful of raisins for a bit of sweetness.

You could also experiment with adding finely chopped apples, celery, or even a pinch of celery seeds to enhance the flavor.

Make It Vegan or Gluten-Free

If you need a vegan or gluten-free version of this coleslaw, it’s easy to make substitutions.

Simply swap out the mayonnaise for a vegan alternative, such as cashew or coconut-based mayo, and ensure that your vinegar and sugar are both free of animal byproducts.

This way, everyone can enjoy a refreshing and delicious serving of coleslaw.

What to Serve with Cracker Barrel Coleslaw

Cracker Barrel coleslaw is an incredibly versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with a wide variety of meals.

Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or a casual weeknight dinner, this coleslaw complements many main dishes.

Here are some perfect pairings to consider:

Southern Comfort Food

Cracker Barrel’s coleslaw is a natural companion to other Southern-style dishes. Serve it alongside fried chicken, barbecue ribs, or meatloaf for a hearty, comfort-food meal.

The creamy coleslaw helps balance the rich, savory flavors of these main dishes, adding a light, refreshing element.

Grilled and Barbecued Meats

Barbecues and grilled meats are another fantastic option for serving coleslaw.

Whether it’s grilled chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, or burgers, the crunch and tanginess of the coleslaw cut through the richness of the meat, offering a delightful contrast.

Coleslaw also works as a topping for burgers and sandwiches, giving them an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Fish and Seafood Dishes

Coleslaw is a classic side dish for fried fish or shrimp.

It’s especially great alongside fish tacos or fried catfish, where the light, crispy texture of the cabbage complements the tender seafood.

The tangy dressing adds brightness to seafood, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

Summer Dishes

During the warmer months, Cracker Barrel coleslaw is a must-have at barbecues, picnics, or potlucks.

Its creamy yet light texture makes it ideal for pairing with other summer staples like grilled vegetables, potato salad, or corn on the cob.

The freshness of the coleslaw provides a cooling effect, making it especially refreshing on hot days.

Holiday Feasts

For holiday meals like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, coleslaw can serve as a lovely side dish to balance out heavier, richer options like roast turkey, ham, or mashed potatoes.

It adds a fresh, crisp contrast to the traditional dishes, making it a great addition to any festive spread.

Conclusion

Cracker Barrel’s coleslaw is a timeless and beloved side dish that’s easy to make and sure to impress.

Its balance of crunchy cabbage, sweet carrots, and creamy tangy dressing makes it the perfect addition to almost any meal.

Whether you’re serving it alongside fried chicken, pulled pork, or a hearty holiday spread, this coleslaw brings freshness and flavor to the table.

With just a few simple ingredients and some easy steps, you can recreate the restaurant-style coleslaw at home and enjoy it any time you like.

Don’t forget to let it chill for that extra burst of flavor, and feel free to adjust the sweetness or tang to suit your personal taste.

So, next time you’re planning a meal, make this Cracker Barrel coleslaw a part of it.

Your guests (and family) will be asking for the recipe, and you’ll be proud to share it!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use pre-shredded cabbage for Cracker Barrel coleslaw?
Yes, you can use pre-shredded cabbage to save time.

However, freshly shredded cabbage has a better texture, so if you have the time, it’s worth shredding it yourself.

Pre-shredded cabbage may also be a bit coarser than the finer texture typically found in Cracker Barrel coleslaw.

2. How long does Cracker Barrel coleslaw last in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container, Cracker Barrel coleslaw can last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

It’s best to enjoy it within the first few days for the freshest taste, but it will still taste great after a couple of days.

3. Can I make Cracker Barrel coleslaw vegan?
Yes, you can make this coleslaw vegan by substituting the mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative, such as vegan mayo or cashew cream.

Also, ensure the sugar is vegan-friendly if that’s a concern.

4. How can I make the coleslaw creamier?
If you prefer a creamier coleslaw, simply add a little more mayonnaise to the dressing.

You can also use sour cream or Greek yogurt for an even richer texture, but keep in mind this will slightly alter the flavor profile.

5. Can I add other vegetables to the coleslaw?
Absolutely! While the classic Cracker Barrel coleslaw recipe is simple, you can add other vegetables to customize it.

Try adding finely chopped green onions, apples, or celery for a twist.

Just be careful not to overwhelm the base flavors of the cabbage and dressing.