
Ring in the New Year with Cracker Barrel Inspired Comfort: A Delicious Menu & Recipes
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are all about cozy gatherings, celebrating with loved ones, and indulging in comforting, hearty meals. While Cracker Barrel might be known for its classic Southern fare any time of year, it provides excellent inspiration for a New Year’s feast that’s sure to please a crowd. Skip the fancy restaurants and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere at home with a menu reminiscent of Cracker Barrel’s down-home cooking. This article provides a complete New Year’s menu inspired by Cracker Barrel, along with detailed recipes to help you recreate those comforting flavors in your own kitchen.
## Why a Cracker Barrel Inspired New Year’s Menu?
Cracker Barrel’s appeal lies in its simplicity and focus on traditional, family-style dishes. It evokes a sense of nostalgia and comfort, perfect for reflecting on the past year and looking forward to the new one. A Cracker Barrel inspired menu is:
* **Crowd-pleasing:** The dishes are generally familiar and enjoyed by people of all ages.
* **Budget-friendly:** Many of the ingredients are readily available and affordable.
* **Make-ahead friendly:** Several components can be prepared in advance, easing the stress on the day of the celebration.
* **Heartwarming and comforting:** The flavors are rich, satisfying, and perfect for a chilly winter evening.
## The Complete Cracker Barrel Inspired New Year’s Menu
Here’s a suggested menu, complete with recipes, to help you create a memorable New Year’s celebration:
**Appetizers:**
* Fried Apples
* Mini Corn Muffins with Honey Butter
**Main Course:**
* Homestyle Chicken
* Country Fried Steak with White Gravy
**Sides:**
* Macaroni and Cheese
* Hashbrown Casserole
* Green Beans with Bacon
* Mashed Potatoes
**Dessert:**
* Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake
* Peach Cobbler
**Drinks:**
* Sweet Tea
* Hot Chocolate
## The Recipes: Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s dive into the recipes for each dish, providing detailed instructions and tips to ensure success.
### Appetizer 1: Fried Apples
These sweet and spiced apples are a quintessential Cracker Barrel side dish, but they work perfectly as a warm and inviting appetizer.
**Ingredients:**
* 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
* 1/2 cup butter
* 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 cup water
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
**Instructions:**
1. **Melt the butter:** In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. **Add the apples:** Add the sliced apples to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften slightly.
3. **Add sugars and spices:** Stir in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well to coat the apples.
4. **Add water and lemon juice:** Pour in the water and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. **Simmer and reduce:** Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the sauce has thickened.
6. **Serve warm:** Serve the fried apples warm, either on their own or as a topping for ice cream or yogurt.
**Tips:**
* **Apple variety:** Using a mix of apple varieties provides a more complex flavor and texture.
* **Don’t overcook:** Avoid overcooking the apples, as they will become mushy. You want them to be tender but still hold their shape.
* **Adjust sweetness:** Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking, depending on the tartness of the apples you use.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for extra warmth.
### Appetizer 2: Mini Corn Muffins with Honey Butter
These bite-sized corn muffins are perfect for snacking and dipping in sweet honey butter.
**Ingredients (Corn Muffins):**
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 cup yellow cornmeal
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup milk
* 1/4 cup vegetable oil
* 1 large egg
**Ingredients (Honey Butter):**
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 1/4 cup honey
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
**Instructions (Corn Muffins):**
1. **Preheat and prepare:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease or line a mini muffin tin.
2. **Combine dry ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. **Combine wet ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, and egg.
4. **Combine wet and dry:** Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. **Fill muffin tin:** Fill each mini muffin cup about 2/3 full.
6. **Bake:** Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. **Cool:** Let the muffins cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
**Instructions (Honey Butter):**
1. **Combine ingredients:** In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
2. **Add honey and cinnamon:** Gradually add the honey and cinnamon (if using) and beat until well combined.
3. **Serve:** Serve the honey butter with the warm corn muffins.
**Tips:**
* **Buttermilk:** Substitute buttermilk for regular milk for a tangier flavor.
* **Add-ins:** Add a handful of shredded cheddar cheese or chopped jalapenos to the batter for a savory twist.
* **Honey variation:** Experiment with different types of honey, such as clover or wildflower honey, for subtle flavor variations.
* **Make ahead:** The corn muffins can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
### Main Course 1: Homestyle Chicken
This tender and flavorful chicken is a Cracker Barrel classic. This recipe aims to replicate the comfort of that familiar dish.
**Ingredients:**
* 8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 cup milk
* 2 large eggs, beaten
* 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
* Vegetable oil, for frying
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare chicken:** If the chicken breasts are thick, pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
2. **Combine flour and spices:** In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
3. **Prepare egg wash:** In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the milk and eggs.
4. **Prepare breadcrumbs:** In a third shallow dish, place the breadcrumbs.
5. **Coat chicken:** Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, then dip it in the egg wash, and finally coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs gently to help them adhere.
6. **Fry chicken:** Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil is ready when a small piece of breadcrumb sizzles immediately when dropped into it.
7. **Cook:** Carefully place the chicken breasts in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C).
8. **Drain:** Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
9. **Serve:** Serve the homestyle chicken hot, with your choice of sides.
**Tips:**
* **Brining:** For extra juicy chicken, brine the chicken breasts in a salt water solution for 30 minutes before coating.
* **Double dip:** For a thicker coating, double dip the chicken in the egg wash and breadcrumbs.
* **Oven-baked option:** For a healthier option, bake the coated chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
* **Don’t overcrowd:** Avoid overcrowding the skillet when frying, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
### Main Course 2: Country Fried Steak with White Gravy
Another Cracker Barrel staple, country fried steak is a hearty and satisfying main course perfect for a chilly New Year’s Day.
**Ingredients (Country Fried Steak):**
* 4 cube steaks (beef cutlets)
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 cup milk
* 2 large eggs, beaten
* Vegetable oil, for frying
**Ingredients (White Gravy):**
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 2 cups milk
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
**Instructions (Country Fried Steak):**
1. **Prepare steaks:** If the cube steaks are thick, pound them to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch.
2. **Combine flour and spices:** In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. **Prepare egg wash:** In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the milk and eggs.
4. **Coat steaks:** Dredge each cube steak in the flour mixture, then dip it in the egg wash, and finally coat it thoroughly with the flour mixture again. This double coating helps create a crispy crust.
5. **Fry steaks:** Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil is ready when a small amount of the flour mixture sizzles immediately when dropped into it.
6. **Cook:** Carefully place the cube steaks in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the steaks are golden brown and cooked through.
7. **Drain:** Remove the steaks from the skillet and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the oil in the skillet for making the gravy.
**Instructions (White Gravy):**
1. **Melt butter:** In the same skillet with the reserved oil, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. **Add flour:** Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and golden brown (this is called a roux).
3. **Gradually add milk:** Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
4. **Simmer and thicken:** Bring the gravy to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir frequently to prevent scorching.
5. **Season:** Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. **Serve:** Serve the country fried steak hot, topped with the white gravy.
**Tips:**
* **Cube steak preparation:** Tenderizing the cube steak before cooking helps to make it more tender. You can use a meat mallet to pound the steak or score it with a knife.
* **Gravy consistency:** If the gravy is too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
* **Flavor variations:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the gravy for a subtle kick.
* **Make ahead:** The white gravy can be made ahead of time and reheated gently over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a little milk if needed to thin it out.
### Side Dish 1: Macaroni and Cheese
A classic comfort food that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound elbow macaroni
* 1/2 cup butter
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 3 cups milk
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or medium), divided
* 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook macaroni:** Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
2. **Make the cheese sauce:** 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, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and golden brown.
3. **Add milk:** Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
4. **Simmer and thicken:** Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir frequently to prevent scorching.
5. **Season:** Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. **Add cheese:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 3 cups of the cheddar cheese and the Monterey Jack cheese (if using) until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. **Combine macaroni and cheese sauce:** Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
8. **Bake (optional):** For a baked macaroni and cheese, transfer the macaroni and cheese to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. **Serve:** Serve the macaroni and cheese hot.
**Tips:**
* **Cheese variations:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, fontina, or provolone, for a richer flavor.
* **Add-ins:** Add cooked bacon, ham, or vegetables to the macaroni and cheese for extra flavor and texture.
* **Breadcrumb topping:** For a crispy topping, combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the macaroni and cheese before baking.
* **Make ahead:** The macaroni and cheese can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
### Side Dish 2: Hashbrown Casserole
A creamy, cheesy, and comforting casserole that’s perfect for a holiday meal.
**Ingredients:**
* 30 ounces frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
* 1/2 cup butter, melted
* 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
* 1 pint (16 ounces) sour cream
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
* 1/4 cup chopped onion (optional)
* 2 tablespoons cornflakes, crushed (optional topping)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat oven:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Combine ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, melted butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salt, pepper, chopped onion (if using), and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well.
3. **Transfer to baking dish:** Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. **Top with cheese:** Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. If desired, sprinkle crushed cornflakes over the cheese for a crispy topping.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and bubbly.
6. **Serve:** Serve the hashbrown casserole hot.
**Tips:**
* **Thawing hash browns:** Make sure to thaw the hash browns completely before using them in the casserole. This will help prevent the casserole from being watery.
* **Cream of mushroom soup:** Substitute cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken soup for a different flavor.
* **Add-ins:** Add cooked bacon, ham, or sausage to the casserole for extra flavor and protein.
* **Make ahead:** The hashbrown casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed before serving.
### Side Dish 3: Green Beans with Bacon
Simple yet flavorful, green beans with bacon are a classic Southern side dish.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
* 6 slices bacon, diced
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook bacon:** In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, reserving the bacon grease.
2. **Sauté onion and garlic:** Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the bacon grease and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
3. **Add green beans:** Add the green beans to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are slightly tender.
4. **Add broth and seasonings:** Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. **Simmer:** Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the green beans are tender-crisp.
6. **Add bacon:** Stir in the cooked bacon just before serving.
7. **Serve:** Serve the green beans with bacon hot.
**Tips:**
* **Canned green beans:** Canned green beans can be used in place of fresh green beans. Drain the canned green beans before adding them to the skillet.
* **Smoked paprika:** Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
* **Brown sugar:** Add a teaspoon of brown sugar for a touch of sweetness.
* **Vinegar:** Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy flavor.
### Side Dish 4: Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes are a must-have for any comfort food meal.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
* 1/2 cup butter
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
**Instructions:**
1. **Boil potatoes:** Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
2. **Drain potatoes:** Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot.
3. **Mash potatoes:** Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or an electric mixer until smooth.
4. **Add butter and milk:** Add the butter and milk and continue mashing until the potatoes are creamy and fluffy. Add the sour cream (if using) and mix well.
5. **Season:** Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. **Serve:** Serve the mashed potatoes hot.
**Tips:**
* **Potato variety:** Yukon gold potatoes can be used in place of russet potatoes for a creamier texture.
* **Warm milk:** Warm the milk before adding it to the potatoes to help them mash more easily.
* **Garlic:** Add roasted garlic to the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
* **Herbs:** Add fresh herbs, such as chives or parsley, to the mashed potatoes for a pop of color and flavor.
### Dessert 1: Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake
A rich and decadent chocolate cake with a secret ingredient: Coca-Cola!
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 2 cups granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
* 1 cup Coca-Cola
* 1/2 cup buttermilk
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**Frosting:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 3 cups powdered sugar
* 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 6 tablespoons Coca-Cola
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**Instructions (Cake):**
1. **Preheat oven:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. **Combine dry ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. **Combine wet ingredients:** In a saucepan, combine the butter and Coca-Cola. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the butter is melted.
4. **Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients:** Pour the hot butter mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well. The batter will be thin.
5. **Add buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla:** Add the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
6. **Pour into baking pan:** Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
7. **Bake:** Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. **Cool:** Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before frosting.
**Instructions (Frosting):**
1. **Beat butter:** In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
2. **Add powdered sugar and cocoa powder:** Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with the Coca-Cola, and beat until well combined.
3. **Add vanilla:** Add the vanilla extract and beat until smooth and creamy.
4. **Frost the cake:** Frost the cooled cake with the chocolate frosting.
**Tips:**
* **Coca-Cola:** Don’t worry, the cake won’t taste strongly of Coca-Cola. It simply enhances the chocolate flavor and makes the cake incredibly moist.
* **Buttermilk substitute:** If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
* **Nuts:** Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the frosting for extra flavor and texture.
* **Make ahead:** The cake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Frost the cake just before serving.
### Dessert 2: Peach Cobbler
A warm and comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup milk
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 4 cups sliced peaches (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat oven:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Combine dry ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. **Add milk:** Add the milk and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. **Melt butter in baking dish:** Pour the melted butter into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. **Pour batter over butter:** Pour the batter over the melted butter in the baking dish.
6. **Arrange peaches:** Arrange the sliced peaches evenly over the batter. Sprinkle with cinnamon (if using).
7. **Bake:** Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the peaches are tender.
8. **Cool:** Let the cobbler cool slightly before serving.
9. **Serve:** Serve the peach cobbler warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
**Tips:**
* **Peach variety:** Use ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor. Freestone peaches are easier to slice.
* **Frozen peaches:** If using frozen peaches, thaw them slightly before using.
* **Canned peaches:** If using canned peaches, make sure to drain them well.
* **Nuts:** Add chopped pecans or almonds to the cobbler for extra flavor and texture.
## Drinks
**Sweet Tea:** Brew a large batch of sweet tea to capture that true Southern Cracker Barrel feel. Plenty of recipes are available online, adjusting the sweetness to your preference.
**Hot Chocolate:** A cozy and comforting drink, especially for a New Year’s Eve celebration. Top with marshmallows, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings.
## Tips for a Stress-Free New Year’s Celebration
* **Plan ahead:** Make a detailed menu and shopping list well in advance.
* **Prepare in advance:** Several components of the meal, such as the macaroni and cheese, hashbrown casserole, and desserts, can be made ahead of time.
* **Delegate:** Ask family members or friends to help with the cooking or bring a dish to share.
* **Set the mood:** Create a warm and inviting atmosphere with decorations, music, and comfortable seating.
* **Relax and enjoy:** Most importantly, relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones!
By following these recipes and tips, you can create a delicious and memorable Cracker Barrel inspired New Year’s menu that will impress your guests and provide a comforting start to the new year. Happy New Year, and happy cooking!