Jack Stack Coleslaw Recipe

After trying countless Jack Stack Coleslaw Recipe, I finally found the one that beats them all.

This Jack Stack copycat recipe is the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and sweet, and it’s become my go-to side for everything from summer barbecues to simple weeknight dinners.

The secret is in the simple dressing that perfectly coats the crisp cabbage without making it soggy.

It’s so easy to make, and I’m excited to share how you can bring this Kansas City classic right into your own kitchen. It truly is the best coleslaw I’ve ever had.

Ingredients for Jack Stack Coleslaw

This recipe relies on a few simple, fresh ingredients to create its signature taste. Here’s what you’ll need to get that perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

• 12 ounces shredded cabbage: For the best texture, use a bag of pre-shredded cabbage mix that often includes a bit of carrot. It saves time and ensures a uniform, crunchy base.
• 6 tablespoons white sugar: This is key to balancing the tanginess of the vinegar. You can adjust the amount slightly, but this provides the signature sweetness.
• 1 ½ tablespoons minced yellow onion: Freshly minced onion adds a subtle, sharp bite that deepens the overall flavor. Don’t substitute it with onion powder.
• ½ tablespoon minced carrot: Even if your cabbage mix has carrots, adding a bit more fresh minced carrot provides extra color and a touch of sweetness.
• ½ cup Miracle Whip: This is the secret to the classic creamy and tangy dressing. It has a unique flavor that’s different from regular mayonnaise.
• 1 teaspoon celery seeds: These tiny seeds pack a huge punch of flavor, adding an earthy, slightly nutty note that is essential for authentic taste.
• ⅛ tablespoon apple cider vinegar: A small amount is all you need to cut through the creaminess and add a bright, acidic tang.

Note: The quantities above will yield approximately 5 servings.

Recipe Variations

One of the best things about this coleslaw is how easily you can adapt it to your own tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

• Dairy-Free Option: To make this recipe dairy-free, simply swap the Miracle Whip for a plant-based mayonnaise. Most vegan mayos have a similar creamy texture and will work well as a substitute.
• Sugar-Free Version: If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can replace the white sugar with a granulated sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to your preferred level of sweetness.
• Flavor-Enhancing Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative! For extra crunch and flavor, consider adding a handful of sunflower seeds, some crumbled bacon, or a bit of finely chopped green bell pepper. For a spicier kick, a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes works wonders.
• Mayonnaise vs. Miracle Whip: If you’re not a fan of Miracle Whip, you can use regular full-fat mayonnaise. The taste will be less tangy and slightly richer, so you may want to add an extra splash of apple cider vinegar to compensate.

Cooking Time

This recipe is quick to assemble, but it requires some chilling time for the flavors to meld together perfectly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Equipment You Need

You don’t need any fancy gadgets to make this coleslaw. A few basic kitchen tools are all it takes.

• Large Mixing Bowl: For combining the cabbage and dressing without making a mess.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: To whisk the dressing ingredients together separately.
• Whisk: Essential for creating a smooth, fully blended dressing.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For mincing the onion and carrot finely.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure you get the perfect ratio of ingredients for that classic flavor.

How to Make Jack Stack Coleslaw?

Making this coleslaw is incredibly straightforward. Just follow these simple steps to combine the fresh ingredients into a creamy, flavorful side dish that will impress everyone.

Prepare the Vegetables

First, focus on getting your vegetables ready. If you are not using a pre-shredded mix, shred your cabbage using a food processor or a box grater. Finely mince the yellow onion and carrot to ensure they blend seamlessly into the coleslaw without creating large, overpowering bites.

Combine the Cabbage Mix

In your large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage with the freshly minced onion and carrot. Use your hands or a large spoon to toss them together, distributing the smaller bits of onion and carrot evenly throughout the cabbage. This step ensures every bite has a balanced mix of all the vegetable components.

Whisk the Dressing

Now, prepare the dressing. In a separate medium-sized bowl, add the Miracle Whip, white sugar, celery seeds, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk these ingredients together vigorously until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well-blended.

Mix and Chill

Pour the prepared dressing over the cabbage mixture in the large bowl. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently fold and mix everything together until the cabbage is evenly coated. Once mixed, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least two hours before serving.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that take this already great recipe to the next level.

• I always let the coleslaw chill for longer than the recommended two hours. I’ve found that letting it sit overnight in the refrigerator allows the flavors to deepen and the cabbage to soften just slightly, creating the perfect texture.
• Don’t be afraid to adjust the sweetness. The first time I made it, I followed the recipe exactly, but my family prefers things a little less sweet. Now, I start with about 5 tablespoons of sugar and add more to taste.
• For an extra layer of flavor, I sometimes add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the dressing. It provides a subtle, zesty tang that complements the apple cider vinegar and cuts through the richness of the dressing.
• I can’t stress this enough: use fresh ingredients. While pre-shredded cabbage is a great time-saver, make sure you mince the onion and carrot yourself. The fresh, sharp flavors make a world of difference compared to pre-minced or powdered versions.

How to Serve Jack Stack Coleslaw?

This coleslaw is the ultimate companion for classic American fare. It pairs exceptionally well with smoked or grilled meats like pulled pork, brisket, and ribs. It’s also a fantastic topping for barbecue sandwiches and burgers, adding a creamy crunch that balances the richness of the meat.

For a visually appealing presentation, serve the coleslaw in a chilled glass bowl. Just before serving, give it a final stir to recombine the dressing. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few extra celery seeds on top to add a pop of color and an extra hint of flavor.

Nutritional Information

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for a single serving of this coleslaw.

• Calories: 109 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 20.9 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Fat: 2.6 g

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time, which allows the flavors to develop fully. Follow these guidelines for proper storage to keep your coleslaw fresh and delicious.

Storing

Store any leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best enjoyed within 2-3 days, as the cabbage will start to lose its crunch and the dressing may become watery over time. Always give it a good stir before serving again.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this coleslaw. Because the dressing is mayonnaise-based, it will separate when thawed, and the cabbage will become limp and watery. This dish is best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

This dish is served cold, so no reheating is necessary. Simply take it out of the refrigerator, give it a quick stir to refresh the dressing, and serve. If it seems a little dry after a day or two, you can mix in a small spoonful of Miracle Whip to restore its creaminess.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are so many reasons to make this your new go-to coleslaw recipe. Here are just a few things that make it a guaranteed favorite.

• Incredibly Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and no cooking required, this recipe comes together in just a few minutes. It’s the perfect dish for when you need a quick and delicious side without much effort.
• The Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of sweet sugar, tangy vinegar, and creamy dressing creates a flavor profile that is truly irresistible. It’s a classic taste that complements a wide variety of main courses.
• Great for Making Ahead: This coleslaw tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal choice for meal prepping or preparing for a party. The chilling time allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Highly Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. Whether you want it sweeter, tangier, or with extra mix-ins, this recipe provides a perfect base for experimentation.