KFC Style Coleslaw: The Ultimate Copycat Recipe

Porchetta Sandwiches with Garlic Herb Mayo, a symphony of crispy pork crackling, succulent meat, and creamy, flavorful mayo, are about to become your new favorite indulgence. Forget everything you thought you knew about sandwiches; this is a culinary experience that will transport your taste buds straight to the Italian countryside.

Porchetta itself boasts a rich history, tracing back to ancient Roman times. This savory, slow-roasted pork dish, traditionally a whole pig deboned and stuffed with herbs and spices, was a staple at festivals and celebrations. While we’re not roasting a whole pig today (though wouldn’t that be fun!), we’re capturing the essence of this classic in a convenient and utterly delicious sandwich form.

What makes Porchetta Sandwiches so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The crackling provides an incredible crunch that gives way to the tender, juicy pork. The garlic herb mayo adds a creamy, tangy element that complements the richness of the meat. It’s a sandwich that’s both satisfying and sophisticated, perfect for a weekend lunch, a casual dinner, or even a special occasion. Plus, with a little planning, it’s surprisingly easy to assemble, making it a winner in both taste and convenience. Get ready to experience a sandwich that’s truly unforgettable!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 small head of cabbage, finely shredded (about 6 cups)
• 1/2 cup carrots, finely grated
• 1/4 cup onion, finely minced
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice

Preparing the Coleslaw Dressing:

Okay, let’s get started with the most important part – the dressing! This is where the magic happens and what truly makes this coleslaw taste like the real deal. Pay close attention to the measurements, as they are crucial for achieving that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy.

1. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the sugar, salt, and pepper. Make sure there are no lumps of sugar remaining. This ensures even distribution of sweetness and seasoning throughout the dressing.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients: Now, add the mayonnaise, buttermilk, white vinegar, and lemon juice to the bowl.
3. Whisk Thoroughly: Whisk all the ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Don’t be afraid to whisk vigorously! You want to make sure the mayonnaise is fully incorporated and there are no streaks of buttermilk or vinegar. The mixture should be homogenous and slightly thickened.
4. Taste and Adjust: This is a crucial step! Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings to your liking. If it’s too tangy, add a little more sugar. If it’s too sweet, add a touch more vinegar or lemon juice. Remember, everyone’s taste buds are different, so don’t be afraid to customize it to your preference. A pinch more salt can also enhance the overall flavor.
5. Chill the Dressing: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dressing for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and deepen, resulting in a more flavorful and complex coleslaw. Chilling also helps to thicken the dressing slightly.

Preparing the Cabbage Mixture:

While the dressing is chilling, let’s prepare the cabbage mixture. The key here is to ensure the vegetables are finely shredded and minced. This will give the coleslaw a delicate texture and allow the dressing to coat everything evenly.

1. Shred the Cabbage: Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and discard them. Cut the cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, finely shred the cabbage. You can also use a food processor with a shredding attachment, but be careful not to over-process it, as it can become mushy. Aim for shreds that are about 1/8 inch thick.
2. Grate the Carrots: Peel the carrots and grate them finely using a box grater. You want the carrots to be about the same size as the cabbage shreds.
3. Mince the Onion: Peel the onion and mince it very finely. You don’t want large chunks of onion in your coleslaw, as they can be overpowering. Mincing the onion ensures that it blends seamlessly with the other ingredients and adds a subtle flavor.
4. Combine the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, and minced onion. Toss them together gently to ensure they are evenly distributed.

Assembling the Coleslaw:

Now for the final step – putting it all together! This is where the magic truly happens, and you’ll see your hard work pay off. Make sure the dressing is well-chilled before adding it to the cabbage mixture.

1. Pour the Dressing: Remove the dressing from the refrigerator and pour it over the cabbage mixture.
2. Toss Gently: Using two large spoons or spatulas, gently toss the cabbage mixture with the dressing until everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the coleslaw watery. You want the dressing to cling to the vegetables without making them soggy.
3. Chill Again: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together even further and gives the coleslaw a chance to chill thoroughly.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Before serving, give the coleslaw another gentle toss. Serve it chilled as a side dish with your favorite fried chicken, barbecue, or sandwiches. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best KFC Style Coleslaw:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher the ingredients, the better the coleslaw will taste. Use a crisp, firm head of cabbage and fresh carrots and onion.
• Don’t Over-Mix: Over-mixing the coleslaw can make it watery. Toss it gently until the dressing is evenly distributed.
• Chill Thoroughly: Chilling the coleslaw allows the flavors to meld together and gives it a chance to chill thoroughly. This is especially important if you’re making it ahead of time.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet coleslaw, reduce the amount of sugar in the dressing.
• Add a Pinch of Celery Seed: For an extra layer of flavor, add a pinch of celery seed to the dressing.
• Make it Ahead of Time: This coleslaw is even better the next day, as the flavors have had a chance to meld together. You can make it up to 24 hours in advance.
• Drain Excess Liquid: If you find that your coleslaw is too watery after chilling, you can drain off some of the excess liquid before serving.
• Experiment with Variations: Feel free to experiment with different variations of this recipe. You can add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or celery, or use different types of vinegar or lemon juice.

Troubleshooting:

• Coleslaw is too watery: You may have over-mixed the coleslaw or used too much dressing. Next time, toss it more gently and use less dressing. You can also drain off some of the excess liquid before serving.
• Coleslaw is too dry: You may not have used enough dressing. Next time, add a little more dressing until the coleslaw is evenly coated.
• Coleslaw is too sweet: Reduce the amount of sugar in the dressing.
• Coleslaw is too tangy: Add a little more sugar to the dressing.
• Coleslaw doesn’t taste like KFC: Make sure you’re using the correct ingredients and measurements. The key is to get the balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy just right. Also, chilling the coleslaw for at least 2 hours is crucial for allowing the flavors to meld together.

Storage Instructions:

Store leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The coleslaw may become slightly watery over time, but it will still be safe to eat. Just give it a good stir before serving.

I hope you enjoy this recipe for KFC Style Coleslaw! It’s a classic side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With a little bit of effort, you can easily recreate this iconic coleslaw at home. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! This KFC Style Coleslaw recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s a nostalgic trip to your favorite fast-food memories, but elevated with fresh ingredients and a homemade touch. I truly believe that once you try this, you’ll never reach for the pre-made stuff again. The creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor profile is perfectly balanced, making it an ideal complement to everything from fried chicken (naturally!) to pulled pork sandwiches and grilled fish. It’s the kind of coleslaw that disappears quickly at potlucks and barbecues, leaving everyone asking for the recipe.

But what makes this coleslaw a must-try? It’s the simplicity combined with the incredible flavor payoff. You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Just a few basic vegetables, a handful of pantry staples, and a little bit of patience while the flavors meld together in the refrigerator. The result is a coleslaw that’s far superior to anything you can buy in a store, both in terms of taste and freshness. Plus, you have complete control over the ingredients, so you can adjust the sweetness, tanginess, or creaminess to your exact liking.

Looking for serving suggestions or variations? The possibilities are endless! For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. If you prefer a sweeter coleslaw, increase the amount of sugar slightly. For a healthier twist, you can substitute Greek yogurt for some of the mayonnaise. You can also experiment with different types of cabbage, such as red cabbage or Napa cabbage, for a different texture and flavor. Consider adding shredded carrots, diced bell peppers, or even some chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and visual appeal. I personally love adding a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving to brighten up the flavors even more.

Serving Suggestions:

* Classic Pairing: Serve alongside fried chicken, grilled ribs, or pulled pork sandwiches.
* Summer BBQ Staple: Bring it to your next barbecue or potluck – it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
* Light Lunch Option: Enjoy a bowl of coleslaw with a grilled chicken breast or a veggie burger for a light and refreshing lunch.
* Taco Topping: Use it as a topping for fish tacos or pulled pork tacos for a burst of flavor and texture.
* Sandwich Spread: Spread a thin layer on your favorite sandwiches for added moisture and tanginess.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this KFC Style Coleslaw recipe. It’s a guaranteed hit with family and friends, and it’s so easy to make that you’ll find yourself whipping it up on a regular basis. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy the best coleslaw you’ve ever tasted!

I’m incredibly excited for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself. Once you’ve made it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think? Please feel free to share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear from you!