Cracker Barrel’s Holiday Menu: Festive Recipes to Recreate at Home
The holidays are a time for gathering with loved ones, enjoying delicious food, and creating lasting memories. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store has long been a beloved destination for holiday meals, offering comforting and classic dishes that evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia. While visiting Cracker Barrel is a treat, recreating some of their holiday menu favorites at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. This article will guide you through recreating several iconic Cracker Barrel holiday dishes, complete with detailed recipes and instructions.
Understanding the Cracker Barrel Holiday Menu Appeal
Before diving into the recipes, let’s understand why Cracker Barrel’s holiday menu resonates with so many. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the experience. Cracker Barrel offers:
* **Comfort Food Classics:** Dishes like turkey, ham, dressing, and mashed potatoes are staples of the holiday season, offering a sense of familiarity and tradition.
* **Homestyle Cooking:** The recipes are simple, wholesome, and made with fresh ingredients, reminiscent of home-cooked meals.
* **Generous Portions:** Cracker Barrel is known for its generous portions, ensuring everyone leaves feeling satisfied.
* **Nostalgia:** The restaurant’s ambiance and menu evoke feelings of nostalgia, reminding people of holidays spent with family.
With these elements in mind, we can begin to replicate the Cracker Barrel holiday experience in our own kitchens.
Recreating Cracker Barrel’s Holiday Feast: Recipes and Instructions
Here are several recipes inspired by Cracker Barrel’s holiday menu, designed to help you create a memorable and delicious feast at home:
1. Roast Turkey with Gravy
No holiday meal is complete without a succulent roast turkey. This recipe aims to replicate Cracker Barrel’s moist and flavorful turkey.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (12-14 pound) turkey, thawed
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 onion, quartered
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 4 cups chicken broth
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup cold water
* 2 tablespoons butter
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Turkey:** Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey cavity. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
2. **Season the Turkey:** In a small bowl, combine olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder. Rub the mixture all over the turkey, inside and out. This ensures even seasoning and helps create a crispy skin.
3. **Stuff the Cavity:** Place the quartered onion, chopped carrots, and celery stalks inside the turkey cavity. These vegetables add flavor and moisture to the turkey as it roasts.
4. **Roast the Turkey:** Place the turkey in a roasting pan and add 2 cups of chicken broth to the bottom of the pan. This helps keep the turkey moist and prevents it from drying out. Cover the turkey with foil.
5. **Cooking Time:** Roast the turkey for approximately 3-4 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C). The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the turkey. Remove the foil during the last hour of cooking to allow the skin to brown.
6. **Basting:** Baste the turkey with the pan juices every 30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
7. **Resting:** Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey.
8. **Make the Gravy:** While the turkey is resting, prepare the gravy. Skim the fat from the pan juices, leaving about 1/4 cup of fat in the pan. Place the roasting pan on the stovetop over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until a roux forms.
9. **Add Broth:** Gradually whisk in the remaining 2 cups of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
10. **Finishing Touches:** In a small bowl, mix the cold water and cornstarch to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the gravy and simmer for 1 minute to thicken. Stir in the butter for richness and flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
11. **Carve and Serve:** Carve the turkey and serve with the gravy. Enjoy!
2. Country Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
Cracker Barrel’s country ham is a sweet and savory delight. This recipe captures the essence of their ham with a simple yet delicious brown sugar glaze.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (8-10 pound) bone-in country ham
* 1 cup packed brown sugar
* 1/2 cup pineapple juice
* 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
* 1 tablespoon ground cloves
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Ham:** Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Rinse the ham under cold water. If the ham has a thick skin, score it in a diamond pattern. This helps the glaze penetrate the ham.
2. **Make the Glaze:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves until well combined. The pineapple juice adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that complements the ham’s saltiness.
3. **Glaze the Ham:** Place the ham in a roasting pan and pour the glaze over the ham, making sure to coat it evenly. Use a brush or spoon to spread the glaze into the score lines.
4. **Bake the Ham:** Bake the ham for approximately 2-3 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham registers 140°F (60°C). Baste the ham with the glaze every 30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
5. **Resting:** Once the ham is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
6. **Slice and Serve:** Slice the ham and serve warm. The sweet and savory glaze will be a hit!
3. Cornbread Dressing
Cracker Barrel’s cornbread dressing is a comforting and flavorful side dish that perfectly complements the main course. This recipe aims to replicate that classic flavor.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (14.5 ounce) package cornbread mix, prepared according to package directions
* 1 loaf white bread, cubed and dried
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1/2 cup chopped celery
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 1/4 cup melted butter
* 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 2 large eggs, beaten
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Cornbread:** Prepare the cornbread according to the package directions. Let it cool slightly and then crumble it into a large bowl.
2. **Dry the Bread:** Spread the cubed white bread on a baking sheet and bake at 200°F (93°C) for about 30-45 minutes, or until the bread is completely dry. Alternatively, you can leave the bread out overnight to dry.
3. **Combine Ingredients:** Add the dried bread to the bowl with the crumbled cornbread. Pour in the chicken broth and let it soak for about 10 minutes. This helps to moisten the bread and cornbread.
4. **Sauté Vegetables:** In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the celery and onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the sautéed vegetables to the bowl with the bread and cornbread mixture.
5. **Season:** Add the poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix well to combine.
6. **Add Eggs:** In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Pour the eggs over the bread and cornbread mixture and mix well. The eggs help to bind the dressing together.
7. **Bake the Dressing:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the dressing into the baking dish and spread it evenly.
8. **Bake Time:** Bake the dressing for 30-40 minutes, or until it is golden brown and set. The top should be slightly crispy.
9. **Serve:** Let the dressing cool slightly before serving. This is a perfect accompaniment to turkey or ham.
4. Macaroni and Cheese
Cracker Barrel’s macaroni and cheese is a creamy and cheesy classic that everyone loves. This recipe aims to replicate that comforting flavor and texture.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound elbow macaroni
* 1/2 cup butter
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 4 cups milk
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
* 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Macaroni:** Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain well and set aside. It’s important not to overcook the macaroni, as it will become mushy in the final dish.
2. **Make the Cheese Sauce:** In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until a roux forms. This will help to thicken the cheese sauce.
3. **Add Milk:** Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to break up any lumps. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened. Stir constantly to prevent scorching.
4. **Season:** Add the salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the sauce. Mix well to combine.
5. **Add Cheese:** Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. It’s important to add the cheese gradually to prevent it from clumping.
6. **Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce:** Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat. Make sure all the macaroni is evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
7. **Bake (Optional):** For a crispier top, you can pour the macaroni and cheese into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until it is bubbly and golden brown.
8. **Serve:** Serve the macaroni and cheese hot. This is a crowd-pleasing side dish that is perfect for any holiday meal.
5. Green Bean Casserole
Cracker Barrel’s Green Bean Casserole offers a simple and satisfying side dish. This recipe is a from-scratch version.
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
* 2 tbsp olive oil
* 1 large onion, thinly sliced
* 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 cups vegetable broth
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 tsp salt
* 1/4 tsp black pepper
* 1 cup French fried onions
**Instructions:**
1. **Blanch Green Beans:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender-crisp. Drain and immediately immerse in an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
2. **Sauté Onion and Mushrooms:** Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until softened and lightly golden, about 8-10 minutes. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until softened and browned, another 5-7 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
3. **Make Cream Sauce:** Sprinkle flour over the onion and mushroom mixture. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
4. **Add Cream and Season:** Stir in heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. **Combine Ingredients:** Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with the cream sauce. Stir gently to coat the beans evenly.
6. **Bake (Optional):** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the green bean mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
7. **Add Fried Onions:** Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the French fried onions evenly over the top. Bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
8. **Serve:** Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. This is a classic side dish that is perfect for any holiday meal.
6. Sweet Potato Casserole
Cracker Barrel’s Sweet Potato Casserole is a rich and decadent dessert-like side dish. This recipe replicates the flavor and texture of the original.
**Ingredients:**
* 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
* 1/2 cup butter, softened
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
**Topping:**
* 1 cup packed brown sugar
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/3 cup butter, cold and cubed
* 1 cup chopped pecans
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook Sweet Potatoes:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
2. **Mash Sweet Potatoes:** Return the drained sweet potatoes to the pot and mash until smooth using a potato masher or an electric mixer. Make sure there are no large lumps.
3. **Add Butter, Sugar, Milk, Vanilla, and Salt:** Add the softened butter, granulated sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix until well combined and smooth. The mixture should be creamy and evenly colored.
4. **Make the Topping:** In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, cold cubed butter, and chopped pecans. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make sure the butter is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
5. **Assemble and Bake:** Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture. The topping should cover the entire surface.
6. **Bake Time:** Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sweet potato mixture is heated through. The topping should be slightly crispy.
7. **Serve:** Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. This sweet and decadent side dish is a perfect addition to any holiday meal.
7. Apple Cobbler
To round out the Cracker Barrel inspired meal, let’s look at dessert with a classic Apple Cobbler.
**Ingredients:**
* 6 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
**Cobbler Topping:**
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup milk
* 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) cold butter, cubed
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Apple Filling:** In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly. The lemon juice helps to prevent the apples from browning.
2. **Make the Cobbler Topping:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk and stir until just combined. Do not overmix. The batter should be slightly lumpy.
3. **Cut in the Butter:** Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
4. **Assemble and Bake:** Pour the apple filling into a greased 9-inch square baking dish. Drop spoonfuls of the cobbler topping evenly over the apple filling. The topping should cover most of the apple filling.
5. **Bake Time:** Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly. The topping should be slightly crispy.
6. **Serve:** Let the cobbler cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired. This warm and comforting dessert is a perfect way to end a holiday meal.
Tips for Recreating the Cracker Barrel Experience
Beyond the recipes, here are a few tips to help you recreate the full Cracker Barrel holiday experience at home:
* **Ambiance:** Create a warm and inviting atmosphere with cozy lighting, festive decorations, and classic holiday music.
* **Presentation:** Serve the dishes in rustic serving dishes and platters to mimic Cracker Barrel’s homestyle presentation.
* **Sides and Extras:** Don’t forget the sides! Offer a variety of sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, and biscuits.
* **Drinks:** Serve classic holiday drinks like sweet tea, lemonade, or hot apple cider.
* **Dessert:** In addition to the apple cobbler, offer other classic desserts like pecan pie or pumpkin pie.
* **Company:** Most importantly, gather with loved ones and enjoy each other’s company. The holidays are about creating memories and sharing good times.
Adapting Recipes to Your Preferences
These recipes are a starting point. Feel free to adapt them to your own preferences and dietary needs. For example:
* **Vegetarian/Vegan Options:** Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and use plant-based butter and milk alternatives.
* **Lower-Sugar Options:** Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipes or use sugar substitutes.
* **Gluten-Free Options:** Use gluten-free flour and cornbread mix.
Conclusion
Recreating Cracker Barrel’s holiday menu at home is a wonderful way to bring the warmth and comfort of the holidays into your own kitchen. By following these recipes and tips, you can create a memorable and delicious feast that will be enjoyed by family and friends. Remember, the most important ingredient is love, so gather your loved ones, get cooking, and create lasting memories this holiday season! Happy cooking and happy holidays!