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The famous KFC Coleslaw is known for its creamy, sweet, and tangy flavor, with a perfectly balanced crunch. It’s a classic side dish that pairs wonderfully with fried chicken, sandwiches, and barbecued meats. While the exact recipe is a well-kept secret, you can easily recreate something very close at home with the following recipe:
Ingredients:
- For the Coleslaw:
- 8 cups shredded cabbage (about 1 medium head of cabbage)
- 1 small carrot, shredded (about 1/2 cup)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (optional, but adds great flavor)
- For the Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise (preferably full-fat for creaminess)
- 1/4 cup milk (you can use whole milk or buttermilk for extra tang)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 cup sugar (adjust more or less for sweetness preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seed (optional, but it adds that distinct flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a little extra tang)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
- Finely shred the cabbage and carrot. You can use a box grater or a food processor to do this quickly.
- If you like, you can also chop up a small onion (about 1/4 cup) very finely, although it’s optional.
- Place the shredded cabbage, carrot, and onion (if using) in a large mixing bowl.
2. Make the Dressing:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, salt, pepper, celery seed (if using), and Dijon mustard (if using).
- Continue whisking until the dressing is smooth and the sugar has dissolved completely.
3. Combine the Slaw and Dressing:
- Pour the dressing over the shredded cabbage mixture. Toss everything together until the cabbage is well-coated with the creamy dressing.
- Taste the coleslaw and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add more sugar. If you like more tang, add an extra splash of vinegar or lemon juice.
4. Refrigerate:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight if you have the time. This allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly.
5. Serve:
- After refrigerating, give the coleslaw a good stir and taste one more time for seasoning. If it needs more salt or sweetness, adjust as necessary.
- Serve chilled and enjoy as a side dish!
Tips for the Best KFC-Style Coleslaw:
- Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cabbage and carrots make a big difference in flavor and texture, so try to avoid pre-shredded versions if possible.
- Let It Rest: The longer the coleslaw sits in the fridge, the better it gets. Let it rest for at least a few hours before serving for the best flavor.
- Adjust the Sweetness: KFC’s coleslaw has a distinct sweetness. If you prefer a less sweet coleslaw, you can reduce the sugar or adjust it to taste.
Serving Suggestions:
- This coleslaw pairs perfectly with fried chicken, barbecue ribs, sandwiches, or even as a topping for burgers and tacos.
- It’s also great as a picnic side or a summer cookout dish.
Enjoy your homemade KFC-style Coleslaw — creamy, tangy, and totally addictive! 🥗
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