If you’ve been wanting the Cracker Barrel turnip greens recipe you’re in luck!
Cracker Barrel’s green recipe is a family favorite, known for its crunchy texture while holding off on the bitter taste.
This recipe can also be used with different southern greens, making it an excellent side dish and the perfect compliment for your main dish that you create an home.
Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel is well-known for its classic Southern dishes that bring a taste of home to your plate through Southern cooking, a great option for those looking to enjoy their Southern favorites.
One of the signature dishes on Cracker Barrel’s menu is the turnip greens, a delicious and nutritious side option and a tasty side dish that is the perfect complement for many of their entrees.
Turnip greens, a member of the cabbage family and the leafy tops of turnip roots, are packed with vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy addition for your overall health.
If you want to create your own Cracker Barrel turnip greens recipe at home, there are several ways to cook this traditional Southern dish.
If this is your first time, know that Cracker Barrel copycat recipes are a great way to create your own spin on the delicious side dish.
Most copycat Cracker Barrel recipes call for ingredients such as ham hocks or pork hocks, onions, garlic, and seasonings like sugar, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor of the greens.
Additionally, some recipes suggest adding a tbsp of apple cider vinegar or flavorful broth like chicken broth to give the dish a tangy and savory taste.
You can also get a little spicy and add hot sauce or hot peppers in with your leafy greens.
Cooking Turnip Leaves
Cooking the turnip leaves with these flavorful ingredients transforms them into a comforting and hearty side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals.
By trying different variations of the Cracker Barrel turnip greens recipe, you can customize it to suit your taste preferences, dietary requirements or daily values, or available ingredients.
You can also experiment with different kinds of greens, such as mustard greens, beet greens, swiss chard, and more for a great recipe that gives you a lot of dietary fiber and peppery green taste.
Whether you’re a fan of the original Cracker Barrel version or you’re looking to experiment with new flavors and the best ways to cook, this versatile and nutritious dish is sure to become a favorite in your home cooking repertoire.
Cracker Barrel Turnip Greens
To make the Cracker Barrel turnip greens recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds fresh turnip greens
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Here are the step-by-step instructions to prepare this flavorful dish:
- Start by thoroughly washing the turnip greens under cold water. Remove any tough stems or yellowed leaves and roughly chop the greens.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.
- Add the diced onion to the pot with the bacon grease and cook until it becomes translucent and slightly golden. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the chopped turnip greens to the pot, along with the chicken broth. Stir everything together to combine.
- Cover the pot and let the greens simmer over low heat for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until they are tender. Stir occasionally during the cooking process.
- Once the greens are cooked to your desired tenderness, stir in the apple cider vinegar to add a tangy flavor. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Finally, sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon on top of the turnip greens before serving.
These delicious Cracker Barrel-style turnip greens make a wonderful side dish for any meal, especially on New Year’s Day. Enjoy the comforting flavors and Southern charm of this classic recipe!
Variations and Substitutions
Cracker Barrel turnip greens are a southern favorite often cooked with ham hocks and pork bacon, including salt pork, pork belly, smoked turkey neck, and streaky bacon.
However, you can easily make some variations and substitutions to cater to different dietary preferences or simply switch things up in your kitchen.
One option is to use collard greens instead of turnip greens.
Collard greens have a similar taste and texture, and they can be cooked using the same method as turnip greens.
Like turnip greens, collard greens can be prepared in a slow cooker or a large stockpot like a size instant pot.
They are also the kind of greens that don’t exceed your total carbohydrate, making it a good idea for if you want a healthier option.
In addition to the main greens, you can also experiment with different flavoring agents for the best results.
Instead of using ham hocks, you can substitute with turkey bacon or even chicken strips.
This will pair well with the fried chicken or country ham dishes you might also be preparing for a special occasion.
Vegetarian Option
For a vegetarian option, consider using olive oil to sauté onions and garlic before adding the greens.
Switching up the liquid used for cooking can also add a different dimension to the dish.
While the traditional Cracker Barrel Turnip Greens Recipe calls for chicken broth, you can substitute it with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or even use water for a lighter flavor.
To add some extra flavor, add some bacon grease to your turnip root leaves, or add seasoning such as black pepper.
Acidity is an important aspect to balance the flavors in this dish as well.
Typically, apple cider vinegar is used, but you can experiment with other types of vinegar or even lemon juice to create a distinctive taste.
Lastly, you can adjust the cooking method to achieve different results.
Instead of simmering the greens on the stovetop, you can try pressure cooking them on high heat to speed up the process and retain more nutrients.
To sum up, here are some variations and substitutions you can try:
- Replace turnip greens with collard greens.
- Substitute ham hocks with turkey bacon, chicken strips, or olive oil for a vegetarian option.
- Use vegetable broth or water instead of chicken broth.
- Experiment with different types of vinegar or lemon juice as the acid component.
- Pressure cook instead of simmering on the stovetop.
Cooking Methods
When it comes to preparing Cracker Barrel’s turnip greens recipe, there are several cooking methods to choose from, including using an Instant Pot, pressure cooker, grill, or stove.
Each method offers its flavor and texture to the dish, and selecting the right one depends on your preference and available cooking tools.
Instant Pot
An Instant Pot is ideal for making turnip greens quickly and easily, cutting down on your total time as your prepare your Cracker-Barrel turnip greens recipe.
By cooking at high pressure for 10 minutes and then naturally releasing pressure for 5 minutes, you can achieve tender greens and incorporate smoked ham hock to enhance the dish.
Moreover, pressure cooking helps retain the essential nutrients and fiber in the greens.
Pressure Cooker
Using a traditional pressure cooker is another excellent way to make Cracker Barrel turnip greens.
Similar to the Instant Pot method, pressure cooking cooks the greens faster, preserves nutrients, creates a slow release for the flavor, and results in a flavorful and tender dish.
Grill
Grilling is a less common but delicious method for preparing turnip greens, adding a unique smoky flavor, especially if this is your first taste of raw green food.
Combining small pieces of crispy bacon with turnip greens on top of aluminum foil and then cooking them on the grill provides an alternative Southern taste to this classic dish, just like the secret copycat restaurant recipes.
Stove
The traditional stove method involves simmering your turnip or collard greens in chicken broth on low heat for about 30 minutes until tender.
This method allows you to adjust the heat and cooking time more precisely and infuse the dish with flavors like bacon, red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar for a Southern-style taste.
Each cooking method offers a different experience, and the choice ultimately comes down to your preferences, dietary needs, and available equipment.
The dish provides a delicious way to enjoy the nutritious benefits of turnip greens, whether you make them in an Instant Pot, pressure cooker, on the grill, or over the stove.
Take a little bit of time to decide what technique you would like to use, then read the tips below for how to cook this recipe well.
Tips to Remember
Preparing a delicious Cracker Barrel Turnip Greens recipe involves some helpful tips and techniques you can follow to make the dish unforgettable.
Begin by choosing fresh turnip greens from your local grocery store.
One nice thing is that you can also use collard greens and other greens as a substitutable alternative.
Adding small bacon slices to the recipe not only imparts a smoky flavor but also enhances the overall taste of the dish, similar to when you add bacon to fresh green beans.
You can cook bacon in extra virgin olive oil first, then use the same oil to sauté diced onions, which provides additional flavor.
Remember that Cracker Barrel Turnip Greens is a main course dish, versatile enough to be paired with various side dishes.
The popular side options include meatloaf, garlic mashed potatoes, carrots, and buttermilk biscuits.
To make the meal lighter, you can skip the gravy and opt for a pepper sauce or a blend of salt and pepper.
Nutrition-wise, Cracker Barrel Turnip Greens offer several essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, and vitamin C.
However, be cautious about the dish’s calorie count, as small extras such as bacon might increase it.
You can always keep your leftovers in an airtight container for later.
Make sure to check the nutrition information from the copycat recipes and modify the dish accordingly to suit specific dietary requirements, like diabetes.
Techniques to Use
When preparing the dish, cut the turnip greens on a cutting board using a sharp knife.
Then, cook them in a Dutch oven with diced turkey necks to add another layer of savory taste.
While serving, transfer the cooked greens to a serving bowl, making an attractive presentation.
Finally, storing and reheating your Cracker Barrel Turnip Greens is crucial for maintaining optimum taste and texture.
Use airtight containers to store leftovers and consider reheating methods such as using a microwave or stovetop to preserve the dish’s quality.
By following these tips and techniques, you can create an incredible Cracker Barrel Turnip Greens dish that both mimics the popular restaurant’s taste and adapts to your personal preferences.
Final Thoughts
The Cracker Barrel turnip greens recipe is a fantastic addition to any New Year’s Day celebration.
This beloved dish, known for its flavorful and comforting qualities, brings a touch of Southern tradition to your table.
The recipe typically calls for fresh turnip greens, which are simmered in a pot with a blend of ingredients such as bacon, onions, and seasonings.
The slow cooking process, often with the addition of ham hocks or other smoked meats, infuses the greens with rich flavors.
It is important to thoroughly wash the greens with cold water to remove any dirt or grit before cooking.
The result is a hearty and delicious side dish that pairs well with other New Year’s Day recipes, such as black-eyed peas and cornbread.
So, if you’re looking to start the new year with a delicious and comforting meal, the Cracker Barrel turnip greens recipe is a great choice.
Cracker Barrel Turnip Greens Recipe
Cracker Barrel's green recipe is a family favorite, known for its crunchy texture while holding off on the bitter taste.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh turnip greens
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by thoroughly washing the turnip greens under cold water. Remove any tough stems or yellowed leaves and roughly chop the greens.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.
- Add the diced onion to the pot with the bacon grease and cook until it becomes translucent and slightly golden. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the chopped turnip greens to the pot, along with the chicken broth. Stir everything together to combine.
- Cover the pot and let the greens simmer over low heat for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until they are tender. Stir occasionally during the cooking process.
- Once the greens are cooked to your desired tenderness, stir in the apple cider vinegar to add a tangy flavor. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Finally, sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon on top of the turnip greens before serving.
Get the scoop on more like this: