Cracker Barrel is a beloved chain known for its classic American comfort food, reminiscent of a home-cooked meal.
Many of its dishes have become favorites for people who enjoy hearty, satisfying flavors. This article features the 10 Cracker Barrel copycat recipes, allowing you to recreate the magic of their cuisine right in your kitchen.
Table of Contents
These recipes are not only delicious but are also designed to be easy to follow, ensuring even beginners can whip up a comforting meal.
1. Hashbrown Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs frozen hash browns, thawed
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 (10.75 oz) can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 pint sour cream
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients together.
- Transfer to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips:
- For a crunchier top, sprinkle with crushed cornflakes and an extra dab of butter before baking.
Variations:
- Add diced ham or bacon for a meaty twist.
2. Fried Apples
Ingredients:
- 4 large tart apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add apples and cook until slightly soft.
- Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cook until apples are tender and glazed.
Tips:
- Serve warm as a side dish or over ice cream for dessert.
3. Meatloaf
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp mustard
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine beef, sausage, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Shape into a loaf and place in a baking dish.
- Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spread over the meatloaf.
- Bake for 1 hour or until thoroughly cooked.
Tips:
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing for easier cutting.
4. Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook chicken in broth until tender. Shred and set aside.
- Mix flour, baking powder, butter, and milk to form a dough.
- Roll dough and cut into pieces.
- Bring broth to a boil. Drop dumplings and chicken into the broth.
- Simmer until dumplings are cooked.
Tips:
- Keep the broth boiling while adding dumplings to prevent them from sticking together.
5. Pecan Pancakes
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- Butter for frying
Instructions:
- Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk milk and egg.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients. Fold in pecans.
- Heat a griddle and grease with butter. Pour 1/4 cup batter for each pancake.
- Cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook the other side.
Tips:
- Serve with maple syrup and extra pecans on top.
6. Country Fried Steak
Ingredients:
- 4 beef cube steaks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- Mix flour with garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Beat eggs with milk in another bowl.
- Dip each steak in flour, then in egg mixture, then again in flour.
- Fry in hot oil until crispy and golden.
- Drain on paper towels.
Tips:
- Serve with country gravy and mashed potatoes.
7. Chicken Fried Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- Flatten chicken to even thickness.
- Mix flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Dip chicken in beaten egg mixed with buttermilk, then in flour.
- Fry in hot oil until golden and cooked through.
- Drain on paper towels.
Tips:
- Perfect with honey mustard or ranch dressing.
8. Grilled Chicken Tenderloins
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup Italian dressing
- 2 tsp lime juice
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions:
- Marinate chicken in dressing, lime juice, and honey for at least 1 hour.
- Grill over medium heat until cooked through.
Tips:
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
9. Old Country Store Fried Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Soak chicken pieces in buttermilk overnight.
- Mix flour with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat chicken in flour mixture.
- Fry in hot oil until crispy and cooked through.
Tips:
- Keep the temperature consistent for even frying.
Conclusion
Recreating Cracker Barrel’s comforting dishes at home can bring a touch of nostalgia and warmth to your meals. T
hese copycat recipes are straightforward, making it easy for anyone to prepare a delicious and hearty meal that feels like a treat from Cracker Barrel itself.
Whether you’re craving a creamy casserole or a crispy fried treat, there’s a recipe here to satisfy your taste buds.
Enjoy experimenting with these classics, and don’t hesitate to put your personal spin on them to suit your preferences!