Hey Y’all, Craig here from With the Bickhams! Today, I’m sharing my absolute favorite coleslaw recipe. This isn’t just any coleslaw – it’s the best homemade sweet coleslaw, with a little twist of apple juice. It’s super easy to make and perfect for pairing with BBQ, especially on pulled pork sandwiches. Let’s get to it and make some delicious coleslaw!
The Perfect BBQ Side Dish
Why This Coleslaw is a Must-Have
Coleslaw is a classic BBQ side dish, and when made right, it can elevate your meal to a whole new level. This homemade sweet coleslaw has the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, with a hint of apple juice that makes it truly special. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just looking for a delicious side to go with your pulled pork sandwiches, this coleslaw is a staple that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1/2 a head of cabbage
- 1/4 head of purple cabbage
- 2 medium to large carrots, shredded
- 3/4 to 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of mayo
- 1/3 cup of white vinegar
- 1/4 cup apple juice
- Your favorite seasoning to taste
- 1/2 tsp of celery seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepping the Vegetables
- Slice the Cabbage:
- Start by slicing the cabbage thinly. You want the pieces to be small and manageable, but not so thin that they lose their crunch.
- Shred the Carrots:
- Wash and peel the carrots, then shred them using a grater. Freshly shredded carrots add a nice sweetness and color to the coleslaw.
Step 2: Making the Dressing
- Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mix together the sugar, mayo, white vinegar, apple juice, your favorite seasoning, and celery seeds. This dressing is the key to the coleslaw’s sweet and tangy flavor.
Step 3: Mixing it All Together
- Combine the Vegetables:
- In a separate bowl, mix the sliced cabbage and shredded carrots until well combined.
- Add the Dressing:
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots. Use a large spoon or spatula to mix everything together thoroughly. Make sure all the veggies are well coated with the dressing.
Step 4: Refrigerate and Serve
- Refrigerate:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and the coleslaw to chill properly.
- Serve:
- Once it’s chilled, give the coleslaw a good stir and serve it alongside your favorite BBQ dishes. It’s especially delicious on pulled pork sandwiches!
A BBQ Essential
The Perfect Pairing
There’s nothing quite like a tangy, sweet coleslaw to complement the smoky flavors of BBQ. This coleslaw is not only great as a side dish, but it’s also fantastic on top of a pulled pork sandwich. The crunch of the cabbage and carrots, combined with the creamy, tangy dressing, makes for a mouthwatering bite every time.
A Staple at Our BBQs
This coleslaw has become a staple at all our family BBQs. Every time we make pulled pork, ribs, or grilled chicken, you can bet this sweet coleslaw will be on the table. It’s always a hit, and there are never any leftovers. The splash of apple juice in the dressing gives it a unique twist that everyone loves.
Tips for Making the Best Coleslaw
Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh, high-quality ingredients makes all the difference. Fresh cabbage and carrots provide the best texture and flavor.
Customize Your Seasoning
Feel free to customize the seasoning to your taste. Whether you like a little more pepper or a hint of garlic powder, make it your own.
Let it Chill
Don’t skip the refrigeration step. Allowing the coleslaw to chill for a few hours helps the flavors meld together, making it even more delicious.
Conclusion
This homemade sweet coleslaw with a splash of apple juice is a must-try recipe for any BBQ lover. It’s simple to make, incredibly tasty, and the perfect complement to any smoked meat. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or piling it high on a pulled pork sandwich, this coleslaw is sure to be a hit.
Thank you for joining me in making this delicious coleslaw. I hope you found this guide helpful and inspiring. If you try this recipe or have any questions, please leave a comment below. I’d love to hear from you!
Don’t forget to check out our With the Bickhams Cookbook Volume 1 for more delicious recipes and our Amazon storefront for all your cooking essentials.
Happy cooking, and I’ll see you next time!
Watch the YouTube video tutorial below!
By following these steps, you’ll have the best homemade sweet coleslaw that’s sure to become a family favorite. Be sure to watch our YouTube video for a visual guide to making this amazing coleslaw. Enjoy, and happy eating!
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