- Savor the real flavors of our KFC Coleslaw Copycat Recipe, which consists of a crisp shredded coleslaw mix combined with tangy buttermilk, creamy mayonnaise, zesty apple cider vinegar, and fresh lemon juice. The mixture is slightly sweetened with sugar and perfectly balanced with salt, pepper, and celery seeds.
My childhood memories of family picnics were incomplete without a large, rich bowl of KFC coleslaw. Around a picnic blanket, laughing and sharing stories, it was the food that drew everyone together. Years later, I set out on a culinary mission to recreate this cherished side dish because I was overcome with nostalgia and a love for that timeless flavor. I eventually figured out the code after numerous tries and adjustments! Now, each spoonful of our coleslaw tastes not just like KFC’s, but also like happy family get-togethers full of affection and laughter. One creamy, crunchy bite at a time, sharing this recipe is like sharing a little piece of my heart.
Why You’ll Love KFC Coleslaw Copycat Recipe
Not only does this KFC Coleslaw Copycat Recipe closely resemble the original, but it’s much more similar because to the expertly balanced flavor profile and incredibly easy preparation.
The key to the dish is the original dressing, which is made with buttermilk for creaminess, mayonnaise for smoothness, and a combination of apple cider vinegar and lemon juice for the appropriate amount of tang, all perfectly sweetened with sugar.
It’s a fantastic side dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare, needing little preparation but packing a big flavor punch, so it works well for both regular meals and entertaining.
Ingredients Notes
Crafting the perfect batch of KFC-style coleslaw begins with understanding your ingredients and their roles in creating that signature taste:
- Buttermilk: Forms the foundation of the dressing, adding a creamy texture and tangy depth.
Richness and binding agent: Mayonnaise gives the dressing its smooth consistency.
Lemon juice and apple cider vinegar: These two tart components sift through the dressing’s smoothness and provide the right amount of zing to keep it in check.
Sugar: The goal is to balance the acidity with a sweet note to create harmony.
Celery seed, salt, and pepper are subtle ingredients that add flavor without disrupting the dish’s delicate balance.
Pre-shredded Coleslaw Mix: A convenient and crunchy concoction of carrots and cabbage that saves time.
How To Make KFC Coleslaw Copycat Recipe
Ready to recreate the classic KFC coleslaw at home? Here’s how to make your coleslaw as good as (or even better than) the Colonel’s:
- To prepare the dressing, first mix together in a bowl the following ingredients: buttermilk, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, salt, pepper, and celery seed. To guarantee that the sugar fully dissolves and the flavors blend harmoniously, whisk them together thoroughly. This is an important step since it creates the base of the flavor in your coleslaw.
- Combined with Coleslaw: Transfer the pre-shredded cole slaw blend into a big bowl. Over the coleslaw mixture, drizzle the recently made dressing. When the creamy dressing is uniformly distributed over all of the shreds, use a large spoon or spatula to toss the coleslaw and dressing together. This guarantees the same level of flavor in every bite.
- Chilling: It’s during this stage that the actual magic happens. After transferring it to the refrigerator, leave the coleslaw for six to eight hours. This resting time helps the dressing to seep into the veggies and the flavors to intensify, producing a coleslaw with a perfectly balanced texture and strong flavor.
Storage Options
Store your KFC Coleslaw in the refrigerator in an airtight container to preserve its fresh flavor. If stored properly, cole slaw can be kept fresh and tasty for up to three days. Serve this coleslaw a day ahead of time for your next get-together or family meal; the flavors will continue to mingle!
Variations and Substitutions
While the classic recipe is fantastic, there’s always room for customization based on dietary preferences or simply to shake things up:
- Low-fat Version: To reduce calories without sacrificing richness, use Greek yogurt or a low-fat mayonnaise in instead of the mayonnaise.
Without buttermilk? As an alternative, try plain yogurt or sour cream combined with a small amount of milk.
Sugar Substitutes: To get the appropriate sweetness if you’re managing your intake of sugar, think about using honey, agave syrup, or even a sugar alternative.
Including a Crunch: If you would like to add some texture to contrast with the soft crunch of the cabbage, feel free to toss in some chopped nuts or seeds.
With just a few minor adjustments, you may customize the dish to suit your tastes and dietary requirements while maintaining the essence of the traditional KFC coleslaw!
