Cracker Barrel, a beloved American chain of restaurants and gift stores, has been a staple in the country’s culinary landscape for decades. Known for their classic Southern comfort food, warm hospitality, and rustic charm, Cracker Barrel has become a favorite among locals and travelers alike. One question, however, has been on the minds of many fans: does Cracker Barrel sell gravy? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Cracker Barrel’s menu, explore their gravy options, and uncover the truth behind this savory staple.
A Brief History of Cracker Barrel
Before we dive into the world of gravy, let’s take a brief look at the history of Cracker Barrel. Founded in 1969 by Dan Evins in Lebanon, Tennessee, Cracker Barrel was initially designed as a convenience store that also served food. The first location was built near Interstate 40, catering to travelers and locals alike. Over the years, the chain expanded rapidly, and by the 1980s, Cracker Barrel had become a household name. Today, with over 660 locations across 45 states, Cracker Barrel is one of the largest restaurant chains in the United States.
Cracker Barrel’s Menu: A Southern Comfort Food Haven
Cracker Barrel’s menu is a love letter to Southern comfort food. From classic breakfast dishes like biscuits and gravy, eggs, and sausage to lunch and dinner favorites like fried chicken, meatloaf, and mashed potatoes, every item on the menu is designed to warm the heart and fill the belly. But what about gravy? Does Cracker Barrel sell it, and if so, what types can you expect to find?
Gravy Options at Cracker Barrel
The answer to the question is a resounding yes! Cracker Barrel does sell gravy, and they offer several options to satisfy your cravings. Here are a few:
- Sawmill Gravy: A classic Southern-style gravy made with sausage, flour, and milk, served over biscuits or as a side dish.
- Country Gravy: A hearty, comforting gravy made with pan drippings, flour, and milk, served over breakfast items like eggs, sausage, and biscuits.
- Mushroom Gravy: A savory gravy made with sautéed mushrooms, flour, and milk, served over dishes like steak and mashed potatoes.
Can You Buy Cracker Barrel Gravy by the Jar?
While Cracker Barrel’s gravy is a staple on their menu, many fans have wondered if they can buy it by the jar to enjoy at home. The answer is yes! Cracker Barrel sells their signature Sawmill Gravy in jars, which can be purchased online or in-store. This allows you to enjoy their delicious gravy in the comfort of your own home.
How to Make Cracker Barrel-Style Gravy at Home
While buying Cracker Barrel’s gravy by the jar is convenient, some fans may want to try making it from scratch at home. Here’s a simple recipe to make Cracker Barrel-style Sawmill Gravy:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, cook the sausage over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Remove the cooked sausage from the saucepan with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the flour to the saucepan, whisking it into the pan drippings to make a roux.
- Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, or until it’s lightly browned and has a nutty aroma.
- Gradually add the milk to the saucepan, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens to your liking.
- Stir in the cooked sausage, salt, and pepper.
- Serve the gravy hot over biscuits, eggs, or your favorite breakfast dish.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cracker Barrel does sell gravy, and it’s a staple on their menu. From their classic Sawmill Gravy to their Country Gravy and Mushroom Gravy, there’s a type of gravy to satisfy every craving. Whether you buy it by the jar or make it from scratch at home, Cracker Barrel’s gravy is sure to become a favorite in your household. So the next time you’re driving down the highway and see a Cracker Barrel sign, be sure to stop in and try some of their delicious gravy for yourself.
Cracker Barrel’s Gravy: A Southern Tradition
Gravy is a staple of Southern cuisine, and Cracker Barrel’s gravy is no exception. In the South, gravy is often served over breakfast items like biscuits, eggs, and sausage, as well as over lunch and dinner dishes like fried chicken and mashed potatoes. Cracker Barrel’s gravy is made with traditional Southern ingredients like sausage, flour, and milk, and is cooked to perfection to create a rich, savory flavor.
The Importance of Gravy in Southern Cuisine
Gravy plays a vital role in Southern cuisine, and is often considered a comfort food. It’s a staple at family gatherings, holidays, and special occasions, and is often served alongside other classic Southern dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread. In the South, gravy is more than just a condiment – it’s a way of life.
Gravy as a Symbol of Hospitality
In the South, gravy is often seen as a symbol of hospitality. When you’re served gravy at a Southern restaurant or in a Southern home, it’s a sign that you’re welcome and that the cook has taken the time to prepare a special meal just for you. Cracker Barrel’s gravy is no exception, and is often served with a side of warm biscuits and a smile.
Cracker Barrel’s Gravy: A Fan Favorite
Cracker Barrel’s gravy is a fan favorite among the chain’s loyal customers. Many fans have taken to social media to rave about the chain’s gravy, with some even going so far as to say it’s the best they’ve ever had. Whether you’re a fan of the Sawmill Gravy, Country Gravy, or Mushroom Gravy, there’s no denying that Cracker Barrel’s gravy is a game-changer.
What Fans Are Saying About Cracker Barrel’s Gravy
Here’s what some fans are saying about Cracker Barrel’s gravy:
- “I’m obsessed with Cracker Barrel’s Sawmill Gravy! It’s the perfect accompaniment to their biscuits and eggs.” – Emily R.
- “I’ve tried gravy at plenty of other restaurants, but none of them compare to Cracker Barrel’s. It’s the real deal!” – John D.
- “I love that Cracker Barrel sells their gravy by the jar. It’s a staple in my pantry!” – Sarah K.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cracker Barrel’s gravy is a staple of the chain’s menu and a fan favorite among their loyal customers. Whether you’re a fan of the Sawmill Gravy, Country Gravy, or Mushroom Gravy, there’s no denying that Cracker Barrel’s gravy is a game-changer. So the next time you’re in the mood for some good old-fashioned comfort food, be sure to stop by Cracker Barrel and try some of their delicious gravy for yourself.
Does Cracker Barrel Sell Gravy?
Cracker Barrel does sell gravy, but it’s not available for purchase in bottles or containers to take home. They offer their signature sawmill gravy as a side dish to complement their breakfast items, such as biscuits, eggs, and sausage. The gravy is made fresh in-house every day and is a key component of the Cracker Barrel breakfast experience.
If you’re looking to enjoy Cracker Barrel’s gravy at home, you might be out of luck. However, the company does offer a few alternatives. You can purchase their biscuit and gravy mix, which includes a packet of gravy seasoning that you can use to make a similar-tasting gravy at home. Additionally, some fans of the restaurant have attempted to reverse-engineer the recipe, sharing their own versions online.
What Kind of Gravy Does Cracker Barrel Serve?
Cracker Barrel serves a type of gravy known as sawmill gravy. This is a traditional Southern-style gravy made with pan drippings, flour, and milk. The exact recipe used by Cracker Barrel is a trade secret, but it’s believed to contain a combination of sausage drippings, butter, and spices. The result is a rich, creamy gravy with a slightly thick consistency.
Sawmill gravy is a staple of Southern cuisine, and Cracker Barrel’s version is a key part of their breakfast offerings. It’s served hot and is typically paired with biscuits, eggs, and sausage or bacon. The gravy is also available as a side dish, so you can enjoy it with your favorite breakfast items.
Can I Buy Cracker Barrel Gravy in Stores?
Unfortunately, Cracker Barrel gravy is not available for purchase in stores. The company does not bottle or package their gravy for retail sale, so you won’t be able to find it on grocery store shelves. However, as mentioned earlier, you can purchase their biscuit and gravy mix, which includes a packet of gravy seasoning.
If you’re looking for a similar-tasting gravy, you might be able to find it at other Southern-style restaurants or specialty food stores. Some companies also offer sawmill gravy mixes or recipes online that you can try at home.
How Does Cracker Barrel Make Their Gravy?
The exact recipe used by Cracker Barrel to make their gravy is a trade secret, but it’s believed to involve a combination of sausage drippings, butter, flour, and milk. The company uses a traditional Southern-style recipe that involves cooking the sausage in a skillet and then using the pan drippings to make the gravy.
According to some reports, Cracker Barrel cooks their sausage in large batches and then uses the resulting drippings to make the gravy. The gravy is then thickened with flour and seasoned with spices before being served hot. The company has not released an official recipe, but fans of the restaurant have attempted to reverse-engineer the process.
Can I Get Cracker Barrel Gravy To-Go?
Yes, you can get Cracker Barrel gravy to-go, but only in limited quantities. The company offers a “gravy to-go” option that allows you to purchase a small container of their signature sawmill gravy to take with you. However, this option is only available at participating locations and is subject to availability.
If you’re looking to enjoy Cracker Barrel gravy at home, the to-go option might be a good choice. However, keep in mind that the gravy is best served hot, so you’ll need to plan accordingly. You can also try using the biscuit and gravy mix or attempting to make your own sawmill gravy at home.
Is Cracker Barrel Gravy Vegetarian?
No, Cracker Barrel gravy is not vegetarian. The company uses sausage drippings to make their gravy, which means that it contains animal products. While the exact recipe is a trade secret, it’s believed to involve cooking sausage in a skillet and then using the resulting drippings to make the gravy.
If you’re a vegetarian looking for a similar-tasting gravy, you might consider trying a vegetarian sawmill gravy recipe online. Some companies also offer vegetarian gravy mixes or alternatives that you can try at home.
Can I Make Cracker Barrel-Style Gravy at Home?
Yes, you can make Cracker Barrel-style gravy at home, but it might take some trial and error. The company’s exact recipe is a trade secret, but fans of the restaurant have attempted to reverse-engineer the process. You can find numerous recipes online that claim to replicate the Cracker Barrel gravy, or you can try using the biscuit and gravy mix as a starting point.
To make a similar-tasting gravy at home, you’ll need to start with some sausage drippings. You can cook sausage in a skillet and then use the resulting drippings to make the gravy. From there, you can add flour, milk, and spices to create a rich, creamy gravy. Experiment with different ingredients and seasonings until you find a recipe that you like.