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Creamy Southern Loaded Coleslaw Recipe Easy Patriotic BBQ Side

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A creamy, tangy, and crunchy Southern-style coleslaw perfect for patriotic BBQs, featuring cabbage, sharp cheddar, bacon, and a buttermilk-Dijon dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
  • 2 cups red cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1 cup carrots, julienned or shredded
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 1 cup sweet corn kernels, fresh or thawed frozen
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup buttermilk (or ¼ cup milk mixed with 1 tsp lemon juice, rested 5 minutes)
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp celery seed
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 4 slices of bacon and cook until crisp, about 6–8 minutes, turning as needed. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. Chop into small pieces once cooled.
  2. Prep the vegetables: Finely shred about 4 cups green cabbage and 2 cups red cabbage using a mandoline or sharp knife. Shred or julienne 1 cup carrots. Place all into a large mixing bowl.
  3. Add corn and cheddar: Stir in 1 cup sweet corn kernels and 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar into the cabbage mixture.
  4. Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup buttermilk, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon celery seed, salt, and pepper to taste until creamy but pourable.
  5. Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently fold everything together until well coated. Add chopped bacon last and fold just enough to distribute without breaking it down.
  6. Chill: Cover and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  7. Final taste check: Before serving, give it a quick stir and adjust seasoning with more salt or vinegar if needed.

Notes

If coleslaw looks watery after chilling, drain excess liquid gently before serving to keep it crisp. Making the coleslaw a few hours ahead enhances flavor melding. Use fresh, crisp cabbage and avoid over-shredding to prevent mushiness. Bacon should be cooked crispier than usual to maintain crunch after mixing.

Nutrition

Keywords: coleslaw, creamy coleslaw, Southern coleslaw, BBQ side dish, patriotic side, loaded coleslaw, bacon coleslaw, summer salad

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/creamy-southern-loaded-coleslaw-recipe-easy-patriotic-bbq-side/