Cozy Up with Cracker Barrel Family Meals: Recipes & Recreations
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience. From the rocking chairs on the porch to the nostalgic decor inside, it evokes a sense of home and comfort. One of the biggest draws for many families is their homestyle cooking, especially their family meal options that cater to a crowd. But what if you’re craving that familiar Cracker Barrel taste without the restaurant visit? This guide provides you with recipes and recreations of popular Cracker Barrel family meals that you can easily make in your own kitchen.
Why Recreate Cracker Barrel Family Meals at Home?
There are several reasons why you might want to try your hand at making Cracker Barrel-inspired meals at home:
* **Cost-Effective:** Eating out, especially with a large family, can be expensive. Recreating these meals at home allows you to control the ingredients and portions, often resulting in significant savings.
* **Customization:** Don’t like green beans? Want extra mac and cheese? Cooking at home lets you tailor the meal to your family’s specific preferences and dietary needs. You can easily swap ingredients, adjust seasonings, and control portion sizes.
* **Convenience:** Sometimes, the thought of packing up the family and heading out to a restaurant is daunting. Making these meals at home offers the convenience of enjoying your favorite comfort food in your pajamas.
* **Fun Family Activity:** Cooking together can be a great bonding experience. Involving your family in the preparation process can create lasting memories and teach valuable cooking skills.
* **Healthier Options:** You have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to use healthier alternatives like low-sodium broth, leaner meats, and whole-wheat flour.
Cracker Barrel Family Meal Staples: Understanding the Foundation
Before diving into specific recipes, it’s helpful to understand the core elements that define a Cracker Barrel family meal. These often include:
* **A Main Course:** Usually a hearty meat option like fried chicken, meatloaf, roast beef, or ham.
* **Sides Galore:** Cracker Barrel is known for its extensive list of sides, including mashed potatoes, gravy, mac and cheese, green beans, carrots, coleslaw, dumplings, and more.
* **Biscuits or Cornbread:** These are essential for soaking up all those delicious sauces and gravies.
* **Dessert (Optional):** From fruit cobblers to pecan pie, a sweet treat often rounds out the meal.
Recipe Recreations: Bringing Cracker Barrel Home
Now, let’s get to the recipes! These are inspired by Cracker Barrel’s family meal offerings and are designed to be easily adaptable to your family’s needs.
1. Cracker Barrel-Inspired Fried Chicken Family Meal
This is a classic for a reason! Crispy, juicy fried chicken is always a crowd-pleaser.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Chicken:**
* 1 (3-4 pound) whole chicken, cut into pieces (or your favorite chicken parts)
* 2 cups buttermilk
* 2 tablespoons hot sauce (optional)
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* Vegetable oil, for frying
* **For the Mashed Potatoes:**
* 5 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
* 1 cup milk
* 1/2 cup butter
* Salt and pepper to taste
* **For the Gravy:**
* 1/4 cup reserved chicken drippings (from frying)
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 3 cups chicken broth
* Salt and pepper to taste
* **For the Green Beans:**
* 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
* 1/4 cup chopped bacon
* 1/4 cup chopped onion
* 1 cup chicken broth
* Salt and pepper to taste
* **For the Biscuits:**
* (Use your favorite biscuit recipe or a store-bought biscuit mix)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Add the chicken pieces and marinate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, in the refrigerator. This helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
2. **Prepare the Coating:** In a separate large bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme. Mix well.
3. **Dredge the Chicken:** Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Press the flour into the chicken for a thicker coating.
4. **Fry the Chicken:** Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to 325-350°F (160-175°C). Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken should read 165°F (74°C).
5. **Drain and Rest:** Remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
6. **Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:** While the chicken is frying, boil the peeled and quartered potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the milk and butter and mash until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. **Prepare the Gravy:** After frying the chicken, carefully remove most of the oil from the skillet, leaving about 1/4 cup of chicken drippings. Place the skillet over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until a smooth roux forms. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. **Prepare the Green Beans:** Cook bacon in a skillet until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside, reserving bacon grease in the skillet. Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened. Add green beans and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until green beans are tender-crisp, about 10-15 minutes. Crumble the cooked bacon over the green beans before serving.
9. **Bake the Biscuits:** Prepare biscuits according to your chosen recipe or package instructions.
10. **Assemble the Meal:** Serve the fried chicken with mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, and warm biscuits.
2. Cracker Barrel-Inspired Meatloaf Family Meal
Meatloaf is another quintessential comfort food, and Cracker Barrel’s version is particularly satisfying.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Meatloaf:**
* 2 pounds ground beef
* 1 pound ground pork
* 1 cup breadcrumbs
* 1 cup milk
* 1 large onion, finely chopped
* 2 eggs, beaten
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
* **For the Glaze:**
* 1/2 cup ketchup
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon vinegar
* **For the Mac and Cheese:**
* 1 pound elbow macaroni
* 1/2 cup butter
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 3 cups milk
* 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
* Salt and pepper to taste
* **For the Carrots:**
* 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1/4 cup water
* Salt and pepper to taste
* **For the Cornbread:**
* (Use your favorite cornbread recipe or a store-bought cornbread mix)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Meatloaf:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, eggs, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix well with your hands until everything is evenly combined.
2. **Shape the Meatloaf:** Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.
3. **Prepare the Glaze:** In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar.
4. **Bake the Meatloaf:** Spread the glaze evenly over the meatloaf. Bake for 1 hour, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the meatloaf reads 160°F (71°C). Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
5. **Prepare the Mac and Cheese:** Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside. While the macaroni is cooking, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until a smooth roux forms. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. **Prepare the Carrots:** In a saucepan, combine the carrots, butter, brown sugar, and water. Bring to a simmer and cook until the carrots are tender and the sauce has thickened, about 15-20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. **Bake the Cornbread:** Prepare cornbread according to your chosen recipe or package instructions.
8. **Assemble the Meal:** Serve the meatloaf with mac and cheese, glazed carrots, and warm cornbread.
3. Cracker Barrel-Inspired Ham Family Meal
A glazed ham makes a wonderful centerpiece for any family gathering, and Cracker Barrel’s is known for its sweetness and smoky flavor.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Ham:**
* 1 (8-10 pound) bone-in spiral-cut ham
* **For the Glaze:**
* 1 cup brown sugar
* 1/2 cup honey
* 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
* 1/4 cup pineapple juice
* **For the Sweet Potato Casserole:**
* 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
* 1/2 cup butter, softened
* 1/2 cup brown sugar
* 1/4 cup milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
* **For the Pecan Topping:**
* 1/2 cup chopped pecans
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted
* **For the Fried Apples:**
* 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
* 1/4 cup butter
* 1/2 cup brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon cinnamon
* 1/4 cup apple cider or juice
* **For the Biscuits:**
* (Use your favorite biscuit recipe or a store-bought biscuit mix)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Ham:** Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the ham in a roasting pan and cover it tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for about 10-12 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
2. **Prepare the Glaze:** While the ham is baking, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and pineapple juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the glaze has thickened slightly.
3. **Glaze the Ham:** During the last 30 minutes of baking time, remove the foil from the ham and brush it generously with the glaze. Return the ham to the oven and continue baking, basting with the glaze every 10 minutes, until the glaze is caramelized and the ham is heated through.
4. **Prepare the Sweet Potato Casserole:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Boil the sweet potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the sweet potatoes and mash them until smooth. Add the butter, brown sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix well.
5. **Prepare the Pecan Topping:** In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix well.
6. **Assemble and Bake the Sweet Potato Casserole:** Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
7. **Prepare the Fried Apples:** Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced apples and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add the brown sugar and cinnamon. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the apples are caramelized and the sauce has thickened. Stir in the apple cider or juice.
8. **Bake the Biscuits:** Prepare biscuits according to your chosen recipe or package instructions.
9. **Assemble the Meal:** Serve the glazed ham with sweet potato casserole, fried apples, and warm biscuits.
4. Cracker Barrel-Inspired Roast Beef Family Meal
Slow-cooked roast beef is a comforting and flavorful option for a family meal.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Roast Beef:**
* 3-4 pound beef chuck roast
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 4 cups beef broth
* 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
* Salt and pepper to taste
* **For the Dumplings:**
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 3/4 cup milk
* 1/4 cup melted butter
* **For the Coleslaw:**
* 1 (16 ounce) bag coleslaw mix
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup sugar
* 2 tablespoons vinegar
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* Salt and pepper to taste
* **For the Mashed Potatoes:**
* 5 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
* 1 cup milk
* 1/2 cup butter
* Salt and pepper to taste
* **For the Biscuits:**
* (Use your favorite biscuit recipe or a store-bought biscuit mix)
**Instructions:**
1. **Sear the Roast Beef:** Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Season the chuck roast generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned. Remove the roast from the pot and set aside.
2. **Sauté the Vegetables:** Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
3. **Braise the Roast Beef:** Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Add the thyme and rosemary. Bring to a simmer. Return the roast beef to the pot. The liquid should cover about two-thirds of the roast. If needed add water/broth.
4. **Bake the Roast Beef:** Cover the pot tightly and bake for 3-4 hours, or until the roast is fork-tender.
5. **Prepare the Dumplings:** While the roast is baking, prepare the dumplings. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the milk and melted butter. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. **Add the Dumplings:** During the last 30 minutes of baking time, remove the pot from the oven. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering broth around the roast. Return the pot to the oven and bake, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and cooked through.
7. **Prepare the Coleslaw:** In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
8. **Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:** While the roast is baking, boil the peeled and quartered potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the milk and butter and mash until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. **Bake the Biscuits:** Prepare biscuits according to your chosen recipe or package instructions.
10. **Assemble the Meal:** Serve the roast beef with dumplings, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, and warm biscuits.
Tips for Success: Making Your Cracker Barrel Recreations Even Better
* **Quality Ingredients:** Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a noticeable difference in the final flavor of your meals.
* **Proper Seasoning:** Don’t be afraid to season your dishes generously. Taste as you go and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan (Especially When Frying):** Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy, unevenly cooked food.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** A meat thermometer is your best friend for ensuring that your meats are cooked to a safe and delicious temperature.
* **Let Meats Rest:** Letting meats rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful product.
* **Make Ahead:** Many of these recipes can be partially or fully prepared ahead of time, making them ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment:** Feel free to adjust the recipes to your liking. Add your favorite spices, swap out vegetables, or try different variations of the glazes and sauces.
* **Embrace the Imperfection:** Remember, these are recreations. Don’t strive for perfection; embrace the homemade quality and enjoy the process.
Adapting Recipes for Dietary Needs
These recipes can be easily adapted to accommodate various dietary needs:
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free flour for dredging chicken or making gravy. Ensure your biscuits and cornbread are also gluten-free.
* **Dairy-Free:** Substitute plant-based milk and butter alternatives in mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and sweet potato casserole.
* **Vegetarian:** Substitute the meat main courses with plant-based alternatives like lentil loaf, vegetarian pot pie, or grilled halloumi.
* **Low-Sodium:** Use low-sodium broth and reduce the amount of salt added to the recipes.
* **Lower-Fat:** Use leaner cuts of meat, trim excess fat, and bake instead of fry.
Beyond the Recipes: Creating the Cracker Barrel Atmosphere
Recreating the food is only half the battle. To truly capture the Cracker Barrel experience, consider these elements:
* **Decor:** Use rustic decorations like mason jars, checkered tablecloths, and vintage signs.
* **Music:** Play some classic country music in the background.
* **Games:** Have a checkerboard or a set of dominoes on hand for some old-fashioned fun.
* **Rocking Chairs:** If you have a porch, add some rocking chairs for a relaxing touch.
By recreating these Cracker Barrel family meals at home, you can enjoy delicious comfort food without leaving the comfort of your own kitchen. With a little planning and preparation, you can create a memorable and satisfying dining experience for your family and friends.