25 Cracker Barrel Copycat Recipes You Can Make at Home

Some people will plan an entire road trip around a stop at Cracker Barrel. The country restaurant serves up nostalgic comfort food that reminds you of Sunday dinner at grandma’s house. Almost all Cracker Barrel’s simple Southern fare is easy to recreate at home and doesn’t require special tools. So if you’re looking for a Cracker Barrel biscuit recipe, perfectly simmered country beans, a pot roast like the one from that roadside restaurant, or the legendary Cracker Barrel hashbrown casserole, we’ve got you covered with 25 cracker barrel copycat recipes to make at home.

25) Cracker Barrel Coleslaw

Cracker Barrel is one of those restaurants people plan road trips around. And there’s good reason, everything on this home-style, Southern menu tastes like Sunday dinner: from the fluffy drop biscuits, to the slow-cooked beans, to the hashbrown casserole, Cracker Barrel knows a thing or three about comfort food. Luckily, nearly everything can be made with equipment already at home, and this dreamy, sweet-tart coleslaw is proof. A combo of mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar and a pinch of celery seed is the secret to nailing the perfect balance in this classic Cracker Barrel side.

24) Fried Okra

A quick dip in buttermilk and a coating of seasoned cornmeal (add a pinch of cayenne if you like things to have a little kick) creates an addictively crispy bite of fried okra that’s guaranteed to remind you of all of your favorite trips down the interstate to a Cracker Barrel near you. Fry in small batches (so as not to lower the temperature of the oil) and transfer to a wire cooling rack, sprinkling with salt immediately after frying. Serve with a cup of ranch dipping sauce. Frozen okra may be substituted for fresh, be sure to thaw and drain okra thoroughly before coating.

23) Turnip Greens

Long-simmered with a smoked ham hock and onion, these turnip greens are braised to silky perfection, leaving behind nothing more desirable than the infamous pot likker. To balance the bitterness, add a pinch of sugar and some red pepper flakes to help mellow any bitterness the greens may exhibit. Grab a bag of already-washed turnip greens to save some time! Once greens are done, remove ham, shred off the tender meat and stir back into the greens. Serve with pepper vinegar and corn muffins.

22) Country Green Beans

Simmered with smoky bacon, onion and savory broth until tender and jammy, Cracker Barrel’s famous side of country green beans takes no special equipment and even asks for a shortcut (green beans) along the way. Unlike their fresh counterparts, canned beans hold up beautifully to the cooking process, absorbing the bacon-y goodness around every bean. Cooking this on the stovetop leaves your oven wide open for cooking everything else for that Thanksgiving dinner you’ve got planned! Bacon is salty so be sure to give a taste to broth before adding any additional salt. Sugar mellows flavors, black pepper adds heat.

21) Corn Muffins

Your visit to Cracker Barrel starts with a free basket of corn muffins and biscuits, and these scrumptious corn muffins are as easy to whip up at home as they are delicious. Combining corn meal and flour in equal parts results in a perfectly tender crumb (cornmeal only can become a little gritty). Do not over mix; just mix until combined and into hot oven they go! The tops should spring back when lightly pressed. Serve with honey or a big pat of butter alongside chili, turnip greens, or your next bowl of soup.

20) Lemon Pepper Rainbow Trout

The Lemon Pepper Rainbow Trout is Cracker Barrel’s go-to when you’re looking for something a little lighter. Season the fillets well with butter, lemon pepper and paprika then sear skin side down in a hot skillet with a little oil to achieve that perfectly golden finish. In less than ten minutes they’ll be ready, take them out of the pan as soon as they flake so they don’t dry out and top them off with some fresh lemon and parsley.

19) Strawberry-Stuffed Cheesecake Pancakes

One of Cracker Barrel’s absolute best, the Strawberry-Stuffed Cheesecake Pancakes are just as they sound: pancakes stuffed with cheesecake! All you have to do is mix together some cream cheese, powdered sugar, cream and vanilla and beat until smooth. Refrigerate the filling to keep it thick while the fluffy buttermilk pancakes cook. When the pancakes are ready, spread a thin layer of the cheesecake filling on half of the pancake and then fold in half. Serve with fresh strawberries and a dusting of powdered sugar. Strawberry syrup for drizzling comes on the side!

18) Country Fried Shrimp

The crispy golden shrimp at Cracker Barrel is always served with a side of fries, cocktail sauce and of course, coleslaw. Be sure to pat your shrimp completely dry before coating and then dip in some buttermilk, coating well, followed by a dredge in a combination of cornmeal and flour (seasoned well with paprika and garlic powder). They only take a couple minutes (maybe three) to cook, take them out when they’re nice and golden and squeeze on some fresh lemon juice to bring some brightness to the dish. That crunchy crust gives way to a super soft shrimp. Yum.

17) Hamburger Steak

The Hamburger Steak at Cracker Barrel is a hefty half-pound patty swimming in a buttery garlic sauce, served with your choice of two country sides as well as buttermilk biscuits (or corn muffins). Season your ground beef well (with salt, pepper, garlic powder and a splash of Worcestershire) and shape into thick patties. You want to sear these beauties really well to develop a good crust. After they cook, make your sauce by melting butter in the same pan, then adding fresh garlic and beef broth. Spoon over the patties and sprinkle with some chopped parsley.

16) Slow-Braised Pot Roast

Nothing like sinking your teeth into some fork tender pot roast and Cracker Barrel’s is no joke. Be sure to brown that chuck roast well for maximum flavor, that crust is key! Carrots, potatoes and onion are added later in a savory beef broth seasoned with Worcestershire and thyme. The whole thing should cook nice and slow until the beef practically falls apart at a nudge. Spoon all the cooking juices over the beef and veggies, all nice and soft from simmering and soaking up all that delicious broth. Served alongside creamy mashed potatoes, you can see why this is a popular dish!

15) Momma’s French Toast

Cracker Barrel’s thick and creamy French toast is always a smart choice! Cracker Barrel uses thick slices of sour dough bread for their recipe and it is key to making this recipe a success. Sour dough bread won’t become too soggy, like some breads can and the slight tang pairs wonderfully with syrup. Slightly stale bread is best for this recipe! Soak each bread slice into the cinnamon vanilla custard mixture (just until saturated), and then cook in a skillet with a little butter over medium heat, just until golden brown. It’s so rich and delicious!

14) Pecan Pancakes

Fluffy buttermilk pancakes with toasted pecans, yum! These pancakes are one of the most popular items on the breakfast menu at Cracker Barrel. Toast the pecans (in a dry skillet) to deepen their flavor. I also add the toasted pecans to the tops of each pancake once the batter hits the griddle, instead of adding to the batter. This copy cat recipe will become a favorite: perfect for a cozy fall breakfast, or holiday morning! Pile ’em high and top with lots of whipped butter and warm maple syrup!

13) Cinnamon Roll Skillet

Cinnamon Roll Skillet is one of their most popular shareables! Soft and warm cinnamon rolls nestled in a cast iron skillet and buried under creamy cream cheese icing, melting into all the little cinnamon filled crevices…melt in your mouth good! The dough for this recipe has instant yeast which means it only needs one full rise! Roll out the dough and then spread with butter, sprinkle with cinnamon and brown sugar mixture, and then roll up like a jelly roll. Slice and bake in a cast iron skillet. Spread with Cream cheese icing (I added a little vanilla) once rolls come out of the oven, sooo good!

12) Country Fried Pickles

Crispy, crunchy, tangy pickle chips. Country Fried Pickles are one of their most popular shareable appetizers! Tangy dill pickle chips are covered with a perfectly seasoned corn meal crust. The creamy dip is essential, ranch sauce would be perfect! Be sure to pat the dill pickle chips dry to ensure the dredge will adhere. Next, dip the pickle chips in buttermilk, coat with corn meal dredge mixture, and fry (in batches) until crispy. The dredge mixture is perfectly seasoned with paprika, garlic powder and black pepper: just the right amount of seasoning to complement, and not overpower the tangy pickle chips.

11) Fried Catfish

Fried catfish is one of the most popular plates ordered at Cracker Barrel. Crispy catfish fillets, served with tartar sauce, lemon wedges and a choice of country style sides…yum yum! Here are my top two tips for perfect crispy catfish: soak the fillets in buttermilk before dredging, this will help the dredge adhere and will keep the fish moist once cooked. And, transfer the fillets to a wire rack once fried to keep them from getting soggy. Mild flaky fillets, encased in a perfectly seasoned crunchy corn meal coating…simply perfect with hush puppies or corn muffins, and a side of tangy coleslaw!

10) Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake

Cracker Barrel’s most famous dessert is a must-make copycat, the Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake! The moist sheet cake is smothered under a thick layer of fudgy chocolate frosting and served warm. You’ll definitely want to scoop alongside vanilla ice cream! This recipe uses regular Coca-Cola (not diet). Not only does Coke add plenty of sweetness and just a hint of caramel flavoring, it ensures that the cake will be ultra moist. To recreate that gorgeous, shiny layer of icing at the Cracker Barrel, pour the frosting over the warm cake. The frosting calls for cocoa powder, as well as a splash of Coca-Cola.

9) Crispy Tender Dippers

Kids and grown-ups alike love Cracker Barrel’s Crispy Tender Dippers, a.k.a fried chicken tenders! Make them at home with this copycat recipe. The chicken first marinates in buttermilk (along with a splash of hot sauce for a kick!), then gets dredged in seasoned flour (with paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder). Dredge, dip and dredge the chicken tenders for that craggy coating seen at Cracker Barrel. Once they’re fried and crisp, place on a wire rack (not paper towels) to cool. Honey Mustard Sauce makes the perfect condiment.

8) Crispy Homestyle Chicken

Crispy Homestyle Chicken is their take on classic Southern-style fried chicken, with crispy exteriors and juicy boneless chicken breasts on the insides. To recreate their crispy-yet-juicy fried chicken, first halve and pound the breasts, then soak in buttermilk (which keeps them extra-tender) then dredge in flour, mixed with seasoning (including paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder). After a second dip and dredge for extra-crunchy fried chicken, fry ’em ’til they’re nice and golden brown, drain on a wire rack, then serve ’em up with some mashed potatoes and gravy, and a couple of country sides, and you’ll have yourself one heckuva of an after-church meal!

7) Country Fried Steak

Tender enough to survive a fast fry and remain tender, cube steak is the perfect cut of meat to use when you make country fried steak at home. After dredging the beef in flour, dipping in egg and dredging again, the thick coating gets fried ’til crispy then smothered with the best-tasting creamy pepper gravy, made from the drippings left in the skillet, a little flour, milk, and LOTS of black pepper. Serve alongside a couple scoops of creamy mashed potatoes and some green beans and dinner is served!

6) Macaroni n’ Cheese

One of Cracker Barrel’s most-ordered side dishes, their creamy Macaroni n’ Cheese is just as popular with big kids as little ones. This recipe uses Colby cheese (grate your own cheese from a block, it melts more smoothly!) plus a little sharp cheddar for depth of flavor, and a secret ingredient (dry mustard) to create one of the creamiest-tasting macaroni and cheeses you’ll ever make. Top the mac and cheese casserole with a little more shredded Colby cheese before popping it into the oven and it’ll come out all bubbly and golden-brown. Be sure and make this mac ’n cheese casserole recipe!

5) Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

This copycat Cracker Barrel meatloaf recipe is made extra-moist thanks to the inclusion of some crushed buttery crackers, soaked in milk. It also adds other ingredients found in the CB meatloaf, like green bell pepper and onion, and it’s baked on a rimmed baking sheet to allow the meatloaf glaze recipe (made from ketchup, brown sugar and mustard) to caramelize for that perfectly-sweet and tangy flavor. Let this meatloaf recipe sit for about ten minutes before carving it up. Any leftover meatloaf makes perfectly-tasty sandwiches!

4) Fried Cinnamon Apples

You can eat these copycat Cracker Barrel Fried Cinnamon Apples with your entree (hello, fried chicken!), or spooned over vanilla ice cream for an out-of-this-world dessert. This recipe calls for apples that hold up well to cooking, with firm flesh and red peels, think Honeycrisp and Gala apples. Nutmeg is optional, but just a pinch enhances the other warm spices. Do not peel apples, as they cook down, peels keep slices intact. Once the apples have cooked down and softened, stir in cornstarch to thicken the syrup before serving.

3) Biscuits n’ Sawmill Gravy

It would be nearly impossible to compile a list of the best Cracker Barrel recipes without including its famous Biscuits n’ Gravy! There’s just something comforting about flaky buttermilk biscuits smothered under creamy sausage gravy. Don’t over mix biscuit dough. Mix just until shaggy dough forms a ball. Keep butter cold for tender flaky biscuits. To soak up extra gravy, split biscuits and serve warm. To recreate that Sawmill Gravy at home, brown the sausage in a skillet. Add flour to sausage, then slowly whisk in the milk. Season with LOTS of pepper!

2) Chicken n’ Dumplins

Chicken n’ Dumplings is one of Cracker Barrel’s most requested copycat recipes, and for good reason. Tender, shredded chicken simmers alongside soft dumplings in savory broth, seasoned with black pepper and poultry seasoning. Cracker Barrel serves Chicken n’ Dumplings with flat dumplings. To achieve this texture, roll out dough as thin as possible. Cut into strips, then add to pot, instead of dropping dough. As dumplings simmer, the flour from the top will mix with the chicken broth, slightly thickening broth, kind of like a stew.

1) Hashbrown Casserole

People will travel just for a taste of Cracker Barrel’s Hashbrown casserole, the most popular item on the menu by far. It’s a perfect combination of shredded hashbrowns (pat ’em dry to remove as much water as possible!), Colby cheese, cream of chicken soup, butter, and onion that bakes up into the creamiest-tasting breakfast (or any-time-of-the-day) casserole around! Top with more Colby cheese before baking to watch it melt and brown on top of this casserole. Make it the night before to pull out of the fridge during a hectic holiday brunch morning, and serve with everything from fried chicken to scrambled eggs!

How to Build a Cracker Barrel Dinner at Home

To really make it feel like you’re eating at Cracker Barrel, choose a main plate and three sides (and don’t forget corn muffins and biscuits!). Try their Crispy Homestyle Chicken served up alongside a heaping helping of hashbrown casserole and green beans with fried apples on the side, then finish off with a slice of Coca-Cola cake or even their cinnamon roll skillet for a true Cracker Barrel-inspired meal!

Make-Ahead Tips for the Holidays

Several of these Cracker Barrel-inspired sides dishes can be made on the stovetop and left simmering on low, meaning you can make these dishes well ahead of your main and just focus on that last minute chicken or roast. These copycat recipes make holiday meal planning easier.

You can assemble hashbrown casserole ahead (even the day before), then pop it into the oven as soon as your guests walk in the door. Pot roast reheats well! Corn muffins can be made a day ahead and warmed in the oven just before dinner. Turnip greens and green beans actually taste better reheated the next day! Coleslaw needs time to chill anyway, so make it well ahead and it will be ready to roll (ha) when you are. Cut biscuits ahead, freeze them on a sheet pan, and pop them straight from freezer to oven (adding a few extra minutes to the cook time).