If you’re a fan of Cracker Barrel’s classic comfort food, you’re not alone. This beloved restaurant chain has perfected the art of Southern cuisine. Their Country Fried Steak is a standout dish that keeps diners coming back for more. With this recipe, you can recreate the tender, flavorful Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak right at home.
It’s a perfect dish to serve as a hearty dinner or a special treat for any time you’re craving authentic Southern flavors.
The key to this recipe is using quality ingredients and following the cooking steps closely.
You’ll start with pre-tenderized cube steak, batter it with a flavorful coating including flour and seasonings, and fry it to golden perfection. The result is a crispy exterior that encapsulates the juicy, tender steak inside.
Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes, a side of warm buttermilk biscuits, and rich sawmill gravy, and you’ve got a meal that captures the essence of Cracker Barrel’s comfort food experience.
Whether you’ve enjoyed this dish at a Cracker Barrel Old Country Store or you’re giving it a try for the first time, the homemade version will not disappoint. This country-fried steak is more than just a meal; it’s a taste of Southern hospitality that you can savor in your own home.
With straightforward instructions and accessible ingredients, preparing this dish becomes a delightful journey rather than a daunting task.
What Makes This Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak Recipe Special?
Cracker Barrel’s Country Fried Steak is a beloved dish thanks to its crispy coating and tender meat. Creating a copycat recipe at home means you can enjoy this Southern classic without leaving your kitchen.
Ingredients You Need:
- Pre-tenderized steak, like cube steak
- Flour and breadcrumbs for breading
- Eggs for dipping
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying
The breaded steak combines a perfect blend of textures and flavors. The crispy breading contrasts delightfully with the juicy steak inside.
Cooking this dish involves frying the steak until it has a golden-brown crust. Doing this correctly ensures a chicken-fried steak that’s crispy outside and tender inside.
Tips for a Perfect Country Fried Steak:
- Use high-quality meat, preferably pre-tenderized.
- Keep your oil at around 350°F for even frying.
- Consider adding spices or herbs to the breading mix for extra flavor.
The real magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. With a few basic ingredients, you recreate the comforting taste and texture of a Cracker Barrel favorite.
A homemade version means customizing the seasoning to suit your taste. Serve it with gravy, or add sides like mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete meal.
This copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak recipe is both easy to make and a delight to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need For Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak Recipe
To make the Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak, you will need a variety of ingredients. Each contributes to the flavor and texture that make this dish delicious.
Start with cube steak or any pre-tenderized steak such as round steak or sirloin steak. These cuts are ideal for frying.
For the breading, gather all-purpose flour and baking powder. You may also want to include crushed saltines and some cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Don’t forget the buttermilk, which helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor. You dip the steak in buttermilk before dredging it in the flour mixture.
You’ll need oil for frying. Vegetable oil works well to get the steaks crispy and golden.
For seasoning, you’ll require ground black pepper, salt, and optional meat tenderizer to enhance the taste.
No southern fried steak is complete without gravy. To make either sawmill gravy or white gravy, use ingredients like flour, milk, and more black pepper.
Gather all these ingredients before you start, and you’re on your way to making a delicious home-cooked meal.
Step-By-Step Guide To Making Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak Recipe
To recreate the famous Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak at home, follow these simple steps. Gather your ingredients and set up a breading station.
First, use a meat mallet to tenderize the beef if it’s not already cube steak.
Ingredients:
- Cube steaks
- All-purpose flour
- Cayenne pepper
- Saltine crackers (crushed)
- Black pepper
- Eggs
- Vegetable oil
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and crushed saltines. This will be your flour mixture.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs to create the egg mixture.
Now, take each steak and coat it in the flour mixture. Dip it into the egg mixture, then back into the flour mixture. Ensure it is well-coated for the perfect crust.
Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be at least an inch deep and hot enough for frying.
Carefully place the steaks in the hot oil, being cautious of splashes. Fry each steak until it is golden brown and cooked through, usually about 3-4 minutes per side.
Using a wire rack helps drain excess oil, keeping the steak crispy.
Enjoy your homemade country fried steak with mashed potatoes and gravy for a true Cracker Barrel experience!
Tips For The Perfect Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak Recipe
To achieve a golden brown crust, use cube steak and ensure it’s thoroughly tenderized. This tenderness will help the steak cook evenly and stay juicy.
Lightly coat the steak in flour mixed with a bit of pancake mix. This combination gives the steak a unique crispy texture.
In the frying process, use vegetable oil or bacon grease. Heat the oil in a cast iron pan to maintain a consistent temperature of 350°F. This ensures the steak fries evenly.
For creamy gravy, whisk together flour and milk. Season with salt and ground black pepper to add depth to the flavor. Drizzle this gravy over the steak for the authentic Cracker Barrel taste.
Serve your steak with sides like mashed potatoes or hashbrown casserole. These can balance out the rich flavors of the steak and gravy, creating a comforting meal.
Remember, a good country fried steak is about careful preparation and attention to detail. Happy cooking!
How To Customize Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak Recipe For Different Diets
For a gluten-free twist, replace regular flour and pancake mix with gluten-free blends. Many stores offer these options, making it easy to find a suitable alternative.
Vegetarian alternatives can be made using plant-based steaks or thick slices of cauliflower. You’ll still use the same breading process for a delicious crust.
If you’re considering a lower-fat version, an air fryer can be a great tool. Instead of frying in oil, use the air fryer to achieve a crispy texture with less oil. Preheat the air fryer and cook the steak at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes.
For a dairy-free option, use almond or soy milk to make the gravy. It’s important to season well to keep the flavor close to the original.
If you prefer more vegetables, serve the steak with a side of roasted veggies or a fresh salad. This adds nutrients and balance to your meal.
Each of these adjustments can make country fried steak suitable for different dietary needs without losing its classic flavor. It’s all about finding the right substitutes and methods that work for you.
Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak Recipe Storage And Meal Prep Tips
To store leftover Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak, place it in an airtight container after it has cooled. Keep the container in the fridge for up to three days. This will help maintain its flavor and texture.
Reheating is easy. Use an air fryer or oven preheated to 350°F for a few minutes to warm it up without losing crispiness.
If you want to save time, prepare the roux and steak beforehand. Store them separately in the refrigerator.
When it comes to nutritional information, this dish usually contains a fair amount of calories and fat due to frying. Adding vegetables as side dishes can balance your meal.
Cooking time for this recipe is about 40 minutes. By prepping in advance, you’ll speed up dinner preparation on busy evenings.
Pairing Ideas For Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak Recipe
To create a hearty meal, consider serving steaming mashed potatoes. Their creamy texture and buttery flavor complement the crispy steak.
Add a side of green beans sautéed with garlic for a fresh, tasty touch. These vegetables balance the richness of the fried steak.
A classic choice is coleslaw. Its crunchy, tangy flavor contrasts delightfully with the warm steak.
Buttermilk biscuits are perfect for soaking up gravy and elevate the comfort food vibe. For variety, you might include warm, sweet corn on the cob or savory cornbread.
For more Southern charm, try macaroni and cheese. Its cheesy warmth pairs beautifully with the steak.
Alternatively, serve country sides like hashbrown casserole for a filling option. If you’re having a brunch, bacon and other breakfast staples serve as excellent companions too.
Lastly, consider classic sides such as crispy fried chicken or southern fried chicken for additional protein that fits the Southern theme. These choices complete a well-rounded meal that guests will love.
Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak
Equipment
- Meat mallet
- Shallow bowls (for breading)
- Large frying pan or cast iron skillet
- wire rack
- Tongs
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
- 4 cube steaks pre-tenderized
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup crushed saltine crackers
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 eggs beaten
- ½ cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying
- For gravy:
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oil in a frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Tenderize cube steaks if necessary using a meat mallet.
- Set up a breading station:
- Combine flour, crushed saltines, cayenne, pepper, and salt in one bowl.
- Whisk eggs and buttermilk in another bowl.
- Coat steaks in flour mixture, then dip in egg mixture, and coat again in flour.
- Fry steaks in hot oil for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on a wire rack.
- For gravy, whisk flour into leftover oil in the pan until golden. Gradually add milk, whisking until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve steaks with gravy and sides like mashed potatoes or biscuits.
Notes
- Calories: ~500 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sugars: 4g
