Better Homes and Gardens' Creamy Coleslaw Recipe

Creamy coleslaw is a beloved side dish that's as versatile as it is delicious. It's a staple at barbecues, picnics, and even as a topping for pulled pork sandwiches. But not all coleslaw recipes are created equal. Today, we're diving into the world of Better Homes and Gardens' creamy coleslaw, a recipe that's been a fan favorite for generations.

The secret to this coleslaw's success lies in its perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and tang. It's not too heavy, not too light, but just right. Let's break down this classic recipe and explore what makes it a crowd-pleaser.

Understanding the Base: Cabbage and Carrots

The foundation of any good coleslaw is the cabbage and carrots. Better Homes and Gardens uses a combination of green and red cabbage for added color and flavor. The carrots provide a natural sweetness that balances out the acidity from the vinegar.

To prepare the cabbage and carrots, you'll want to thinly shred them. A food processor with a shredding attachment can make quick work of this task. The key is to maintain a consistent size for even cooking and eating.

Choosing the Right Cabbage

Green cabbage is the most common choice for coleslaw, but red cabbage can add a pop of color and a slightly sweeter flavor. You can use one or the other, or a combination of both. The ratio is up to you, but a mix of both adds a nice visual contrast.

For a milder flavor, remove the core and any tough outer leaves. For a more robust flavor, leave some of the core intact. The choice is yours, depending on your preference and the other ingredients you're using.

Carrots: More Than Just Color

Carrots aren't just for color in this recipe. They add a natural sweetness that complements the tangy dressing. You can use store-bought packaged shredded carrots to save time, or shred them yourself for a fresher taste.

The ratio of carrots to cabbage is typically 1:4, but you can adjust this to suit your tastes. Just remember, too many carrots can make the coleslaw too sweet, while too few might leave it lacking in flavor.

Creating the Perfect Creamy Dressing

The dressing is what truly sets this coleslaw apart. It's creamy, tangy, and just a touch sweet. The combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, and vinegar creates a dressing that coats the cabbage and carrots without weighing them down.

To make the dressing, simply whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, celery seeds, salt, and pepper. The celery seeds add a unique flavor that pairs beautifully with the cabbage and carrots.

Mayonnaise vs. Miracle Whip

Some recipes call for Miracle Whip instead of mayonnaise. While both can work, mayonnaise tends to provide a richer, creamier texture. Miracle Whip, on the other hand, has a tangier flavor that can complement the vinegar in the dressing.

If you're using Miracle Whip, you might want to reduce the amount of vinegar in the recipe to balance out the tanginess. Ultimately, the choice between mayonnaise and Miracle Whip is a matter of personal preference.

The Secret to Creamy Coleslaw

The key to a creamy coleslaw is not to overdress it. You want just enough dressing to coat the cabbage and carrots, but not so much that it becomes soupy. Start with a little less than the full amount of dressing, then add more as needed.

Also, don't mix the dressing in until just before serving. Letting the cabbage and carrots sit in the dressing for too long can cause them to release water, making the coleslaw soggy.

Serving and Storing Your Coleslaw

Creamy coleslaw is best served chilled. It's perfect as a side dish for grilled meats, in sandwiches, or even as a topping for tacos. The crunch of the cabbage and carrots provides a refreshing contrast to rich, heavy dishes.

To store your coleslaw, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep for up to a week, although the cabbage and carrots may soften slightly over time.

Make-Ahead Tips

Creamy coleslaw is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare the cabbage and carrots up to a day in advance, and the dressing can be made even further ahead. Just store them separately in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.

When you're ready to serve, give the cabbage and carrots a quick toss to refresh them, then mix in just enough dressing to coat. This ensures that your coleslaw stays crisp and creamy until the very end.

So there you have it, the secrets to Better Homes and Gardens' creamy coleslaw. Whether you're a coleslaw lover or just looking to add a new side dish to your repertoire, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Happy cooking!