Founded in Tennessee in 1969, Cracker Barrel has become a roadside attraction in of itself, growing to over 600 locations in over 40 states across the country. If you’re homesick for mama’s cooking, cracker barrel biscuit recipe things satisfy your craving for down-home goodness more than chicken fried steak.
We pretty much get all the feels when it comes to frying just about anything found in the kitchen. While fried chicken seems to take all the glory, chicken fried steak is the dark horse that deserves our attention. What stands out about Cracker Barrel’s version, called Country Fried Steak, is they’ve really nailed the meat to breading ratio. This dish may push your maximum sodium count for the day, but it’s so worth it.
While on the topic of poultry, it’s been reported that Cracker Barrel sells over 11 million orders each year of another popular dish, their Chicken n’ Dumplins. What is now affordable fare found on nearly every menu that celebrates Southern cooking, the dish did not start out that way. Thanks to availability and affordability, these little pillows of goodness now have us fondly recalling trips to our Grandma’s house, not financial hardships. Cracker Barrel’s version is slow-cooked and hearty, with tender chunks of all-white meat chicken. While you may be familiar with some recipes that call for an almost biscuit-like dumpling, their’s features a flat version of the carb that almost mimics a noodle. Okay — stick with us on this one.
A side of oil-drenched broccoli may not necessarily sound appealing. While the vibrant green vegetable is basically the epitome of starchy health, it’s not the first thing we’re going to grab when hitting up a chain restaurant. At only 40 calories a serving, this side will also leave room for the true stars of the show, their delectable main dish options, like roast beef and meatloaf. Other sides clock in at a whopping 450 calories for a loaded baked potato and over 300 calories for cornbread dressing. Ham has long been a staple in mankind’s diet dating back to B. Be it a holiday ham on Easter or Christmas, a classic playground-friendly ham and cheese sandwich, or a beautifully curated charcuterie board, where would we be without the fatty goodness? Now, you’ll never have to choose between salty and sweet again thanks to Cracker Barrel’s Sugar Cured Ham.
The age-old battle of sugar versus sodium comes to rest here with a perfect balance in another one of their staple dishes. Universally known, yet often poorly portrayed, macaroni and cheese is really the pinnacle of comfort food. We’re talking perfectly al dente noodles, butter, and cheese coming together in a baked bliss. The French have excelled in this combo, but Americans know how to continually reinvent this versatile dish.