Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. The name itself conjures images of rocking chairs, a warm fireplace, and the comforting aroma of home-cooked meals. While their main courses are certainly a draw, the restaurant’s extensive selection of side dishes often steals the show. These aren’t just afterthoughts; they’re integral to the Cracker Barrel experience, offering a taste of Southern hospitality and culinary tradition. But with so many options, navigating the side dish menu can be a bit overwhelming. This comprehensive guide will explore each offering, providing insights into their flavors, ingredients, and overall appeal.
A Journey Through Cracker Barrel’s Side Dish Universe
Cracker Barrel’s side dish menu is a testament to variety. Whether you’re craving something creamy and comforting, fresh and crisp, or tangy and flavorful, there’s a side to satisfy every palate. The secret to their success lies in their commitment to classic recipes and quality ingredients. Let’s embark on a detailed exploration of these beloved accompaniments.
The Creamy Classics
Many of Cracker Barrel’s most popular sides fall into the “creamy and comforting” category. These are the dishes that evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth, perfect for pairing with hearty main courses.
Macaroni n’ Cheese: A Timeless Favorite
No discussion of Cracker Barrel sides is complete without mentioning their Macaroni n’ Cheese. This dish is a quintessential comfort food, made with elbow macaroni and a creamy, cheesy sauce. The sauce is rich and flavorful, with a distinct cheddar cheese taste. It’s a simple yet satisfying side that appeals to both children and adults. The texture is smooth and creamy, and the overall flavor profile is comforting and familiar. The richness of the cheese makes it a perfect counterpoint to savory dishes.
Hashbrown Casserole: A Cracker Barrel Staple
The Hashbrown Casserole is another must-try side at Cracker Barrel. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish made with shredded potatoes, cheese, and a creamy sauce. The potatoes are cooked to a tender consistency, and the cheese adds a rich and savory element. This casserole is often considered one of Cracker Barrel’s signature sides, and it’s easy to see why. The combination of textures and flavors is incredibly appealing, and it’s a perfect complement to many of their main courses. It’s a creamy delight that keeps people coming back for more.
Dumplins: A Southern Tradition
The Dumplins at Cracker Barrel are a hearty and comforting side dish steeped in Southern culinary tradition. These aren’t light and fluffy; instead, they’re thick, chewy, and simmered in a savory chicken broth. The broth itself is flavorful and rich, imbuing the dumplings with a delicious, savory taste. They are a perfect representation of Southern comfort food, offering a warm and satisfying experience. The density of the dumplings makes them a filling side, capable of holding their own against even the most substantial main courses.
The Vegetable Medley
Cracker Barrel offers a selection of vegetable sides that provide a lighter and healthier alternative to some of the richer options. These sides showcase the fresh flavors of vegetables, prepared in a variety of ways.
Fresh Steamed Broccoli: A Simple and Healthy Choice
For those seeking a simple and healthy side, the Fresh Steamed Broccoli is an excellent choice. The broccoli is steamed to a tender-crisp consistency, preserving its natural flavor and nutrients. It’s a light and refreshing side that pairs well with a variety of main courses. It’s often served plain, allowing the natural taste of the broccoli to shine, but you can also request it with butter or seasoning.
Green Beans: A Classic Side Dish
The Green Beans at Cracker Barrel are a classic and versatile side dish. They are typically cooked until tender, often with a touch of seasoning or bacon for added flavor. The green beans offer a satisfying crunch and a fresh, slightly earthy taste. They are a good source of vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy and delicious addition to any meal. The subtle flavor of the green beans makes them a versatile pairing for a wide range of entrees.
Fried Apples: A Sweet and Tangy Treat
The Fried Apples are a unique and flavorful side that adds a touch of sweetness to your meal. The apples are cooked with butter, cinnamon, and sugar, creating a warm and comforting dish. The sweetness of the apples is balanced by a slight tanginess, making them a delightful and unexpected side. They are often served warm, adding to their comforting appeal. The cinnamon and sugar enhance the natural sweetness of the apples, creating a truly delectable treat.
The Savory Sensations
These sides offer bolder, more complex flavors. From savory spices to tangy sauces, these options provide a delightful contrast to the sweeter and creamier sides.
Cole Slaw: A Creamy and Tangy Delight
Cracker Barrel’s Cole Slaw is a classic rendition of this popular side dish. It’s made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing. The dressing is typically a blend of mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar, creating a sweet and tangy flavor. The cole slaw is a refreshing and crunchy side that provides a nice contrast to richer and heavier dishes. The balance of sweet and tangy flavors makes it a versatile pairing for a variety of main courses.
Country Green Beans: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic
The Country Green Beans are a variation on the classic green bean side dish, offering a richer and more savory flavor profile. They are cooked with bacon and onions, adding depth and complexity to the dish. The bacon adds a smoky and salty flavor, while the onions provide a hint of sweetness. This side is a flavorful and satisfying alternative to plain green beans. The addition of bacon elevates the dish, making it a more indulgent and flavorful option.
Turnip Greens: A Southern Staple
Turnip Greens are a traditional Southern side dish that offers a unique and earthy flavor. They are cooked with ham or bacon, adding a savory element to the dish. The turnip greens have a slightly bitter taste that is often balanced by the saltiness of the ham or bacon. This side is an acquired taste, but it’s a beloved staple in Southern cuisine. The strong, earthy flavor of the turnip greens makes them a distinctive and memorable side dish.
Other Notable Sides
Beyond the core categories, Cracker Barrel offers a few other notable sides that deserve mention.
Mashed Potatoes with Gravy: A Classic Comfort Food
Mashed potatoes are a quintessential comfort food, and Cracker Barrel’s version is no exception. They are creamy, smooth, and flavorful, and they are served with a generous helping of gravy. The gravy adds a savory and rich element to the dish, making it even more satisfying. This side is a classic pairing for a variety of main courses, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Pinto Beans: A Simple and Hearty Side
Pinto Beans are a simple yet satisfying side dish that is often served with cornbread. The beans are cooked until tender and flavorful, and they are often seasoned with salt, pepper, and other spices. This side is a good source of protein and fiber, making it a healthy and filling option. They are a staple in Southern cuisine, offering a hearty and wholesome accompaniment to many meals.
Choosing the Perfect Side: A Guide to Pairing
With so many enticing options, selecting the right side dish at Cracker Barrel can feel like a daunting task. However, by considering the flavors and textures of your main course, you can create a well-balanced and satisfying meal. Here’s a guide to pairing Cracker Barrel’s sides with some of their popular entrees.
- With Fried Chicken: Macaroni n’ Cheese, Cole Slaw, Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
- With Meatloaf: Green Beans, Pinto Beans, Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
- With Country Fried Steak: Hashbrown Casserole, Fried Apples, Turnip Greens
- With Grilled Chicken: Fresh Steamed Broccoli, Green Beans, Cole Slaw
The Cracker Barrel Experience: More Than Just Food
While the food is undoubtedly a major draw, the Cracker Barrel experience encompasses more than just a meal. The restaurant’s unique atmosphere, complete with a country store filled with nostalgic items, adds to the overall appeal. The combination of good food, a cozy ambiance, and friendly service makes Cracker Barrel a beloved destination for families and travelers alike. The sides play a significant role in this experience, contributing to the sense of comfort and nostalgia that the restaurant evokes.
Behind the Scenes: The Preparation Process
While Cracker Barrel maintains a certain level of secrecy regarding their recipes, it’s clear that their sides are prepared with care and attention to detail. Many of the dishes are made from scratch, using fresh ingredients whenever possible. The emphasis on quality and consistency ensures that each side dish delivers the same satisfying experience, time after time. This commitment to quality is a key factor in Cracker Barrel’s enduring popularity.
Nutritional Considerations
While Cracker Barrel’s sides are undeniably delicious, it’s important to be mindful of their nutritional content. Many of the creamy and comforting sides are high in calories, fat, and sodium. However, there are also plenty of healthier options available, such as fresh steamed broccoli and green beans. By making informed choices, you can enjoy a satisfying meal while still maintaining a balanced diet.
Understanding the nutritional information can help you make informed decisions about your meal. For example, choosing a steamed vegetable over a creamy casserole can significantly reduce your calorie and fat intake.
The Enduring Appeal of Cracker Barrel Sides
Cracker Barrel’s side dishes are more than just accompaniments; they’re an integral part of the restaurant’s identity and appeal. Their commitment to classic recipes, quality ingredients, and Southern hospitality ensures that these sides will continue to be a beloved part of the Cracker Barrel experience for years to come. They are a testament to the power of comfort food, evoking a sense of nostalgia and warmth with every bite.
What makes Cracker Barrel’s sides so appealing to many people?
Cracker Barrel’s side dishes tap into a deep sense of nostalgia and comfort, reminiscent of home-cooked meals enjoyed during childhood. The dishes often feature simple, familiar ingredients prepared with traditional methods, evoking a sense of authenticity and warmth. This connection to simpler times and cherished memories is a key factor in their widespread appeal.
Furthermore, the generous portions and emphasis on rich flavors contribute to the overall satisfying experience. Dishes like mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, and green beans are typically made with ample butter, cheese, and seasoning, creating a delicious and indulgent experience. This focus on flavor and quantity makes them a comforting and enjoyable part of the Cracker Barrel dining experience.
Are all of Cracker Barrel’s side dishes vegetarian-friendly?
Not all Cracker Barrel side dishes are inherently vegetarian. Many dishes, while appearing vegetarian on the surface, often contain meat-based ingredients for added flavor. For example, green beans are frequently cooked with bacon or ham hocks, and some vegetable casseroles may contain chicken broth or other meat-derived components.
Therefore, it’s crucial for vegetarians to inquire about the ingredients and preparation methods of each side dish before ordering. Cracker Barrel does offer some explicitly vegetarian options like mac and cheese (verify ingredients with the server), coleslaw, and certain salads, but it’s always best to confirm with the staff to ensure dietary restrictions are being met.
What are some of the most popular and highly-rated side dishes at Cracker Barrel?
Several Cracker Barrel side dishes consistently rank among the most popular and well-received options. Macaroni and cheese, with its creamy, cheesy goodness, is a perennial favorite and a staple on many tables. Mashed potatoes, often served with gravy, are another classic comfort food that attracts a large following.
Beyond these mainstays, other highly-rated sides include the hashbrown casserole, a savory and satisfying potato dish, and the dumplings, often served in chicken broth for a hearty and flavorful experience. These sides, renowned for their rich flavors and generous portions, contribute significantly to Cracker Barrel’s reputation as a purveyor of classic comfort food.
How does Cracker Barrel maintain the consistency and quality of its side dishes across different locations?
Cracker Barrel employs standardized recipes and cooking procedures to ensure consistency in the quality and taste of their side dishes across all locations. This involves precisely measured ingredients, detailed preparation instructions, and rigorous quality control measures at each restaurant.
Furthermore, the company utilizes a centralized distribution system for many ingredients, ensuring that each location receives consistent supplies. This helps to maintain a uniform flavor profile and overall dining experience regardless of the specific Cracker Barrel restaurant visited. Regular training programs for kitchen staff further reinforce these standardized procedures.
Can I order Cracker Barrel’s side dishes as part of a family meal or catering order?
Yes, Cracker Barrel’s side dishes are readily available as part of family meal bundles and catering orders. These options allow customers to enjoy a variety of sides alongside main courses, providing a convenient way to feed a larger group.
The family meal options typically offer a selection of entrees paired with multiple side dishes, allowing customers to customize their order to suit their preferences. Catering orders offer even greater flexibility, enabling customers to select individual sides in bulk quantities to cater events of varying sizes. This makes Cracker Barrel a popular choice for both casual family dinners and larger gatherings.
Are there any healthier side dish options available at Cracker Barrel?
While Cracker Barrel is known for its indulgent comfort food, there are a few comparatively healthier side dish options available. These options often include items that are prepared with fewer added fats and lower sodium content.
Consider the steamed broccoli, fresh seasonal fruit, or a side salad with light dressing. While not as prominent as the richer dishes, these options provide a lighter alternative for those seeking to balance their meal with a touch of health-conscious choices. It’s advisable to review the nutritional information available on the Cracker Barrel website or in-store to make informed decisions.
Does Cracker Barrel offer seasonal or limited-time side dishes?
Yes, Cracker Barrel periodically introduces seasonal or limited-time side dishes, often to coincide with holidays or specific times of the year. These offerings provide a welcome variation from the standard menu and often feature ingredients that are at their peak freshness.
Examples of seasonal side dishes might include sweet potato casserole during the fall or special vegetable medleys during the spring. These limited-time offerings often generate excitement among regular customers, encouraging them to try something new and adding a sense of novelty to the Cracker Barrel dining experience. Keep an eye on their website and in-store menus for announcements.