Crunchy, creamy, and utterly addictive, our Cheese Slaw recipe adds a zesty twist to your meals. Enjoy a fresh taste in every bite!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with Flavor: Each bite offers a delightful blend of creamy dressing and crunchy vegetables.
- Simple to Prepare: With just a few ingredients, you can whip up this delicious Cheese Slaw in no time.
- Perfect for Every Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a summer picnic, Cheese Slaw complements any meal beautifully.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the recipe to fit your tastes or dietary needs.
- Great for Leftovers: This slaw stays fresh in the fridge, making it a fabulous option for make-ahead meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating a remarkable Cheese Slaw is all about using simple but essential ingredients that work harmoniously together. Each component adds a unique touch to the taste, texture, and visual appeal of your dish.
- Cabbage: Shredded cabbage forms the crunchy base of the slaw.
- Carrots: Adding shredded carrots not only enhances color but also offers a subtle sweetness.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This brings a rich, tangy flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Mayonnaise: Acts as the creamy dressing that binds the ingredients, giving it a smooth texture.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a zesty kick that balances out the creaminess of the mayo.
- Sugar: A hint of sugar rounds out the flavors and adds a touch of sweetness to the dressing.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the Cheese Slaw.
Variations for Cheese Slaw
Feel free to get creative and customize your Cheese Slaw! This recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to adapt based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
- Veggie Boost: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or radishes for extra crunch and flavor.
- Herbed Version: Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can be mixed in for an aromatic touch.
- Spicy Twist: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a heat boost.
- Vegan Option: Use a vegan mayo and non-dairy cheese for a delicious plant-based version.
- Fruity Addition: Try adding diced apples or raisins to lend a sweet contrast to the savory ingredients.
How to Make Cheese Slaw
Step 1: Prepare the Veggies
Start by finely shredding the cabbage and carrots. A food processor makes this task a breeze, but a sharp knife works just as well if you crave a bit of exercise!
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust the ingredients to taste, ensuring it’s balanced to your liking.
Step 3: Combine Everything
In the same bowl, add the shredded cabbage, carrots, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Gently toss until all the ingredients are nicely coated with the dressing.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Let your Cheese Slaw sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes it taste even better!
Pro Tips for Making Cheese Slaw
- Cut Uniformly: Ensure all your vegetable pieces are roughly the same size for even texture and flavor distribution.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh cabbage and carrots leads to improved crunch and taste in your Cheese Slaw.
- Don’t Overmix: Toss your ingredients gently to prevent breaking down the shredded veggies too much.
- Customize Ahead: Feel free to prepare your slaw a day ahead; just wait to add the cheese until just before serving to keep it fresh.
- Experiment with Cheese: Different types of cheese like pepper jack or mozzarella can bring new flavor dimensions to your Cheese Slaw.
How to Serve Cheese Slaw
Garnishes
Garnish your Cheese Slaw with freshly chopped herbs or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for added texture and presentation. A slice of lemon or lime on the side can enhance flavor when served.
Side Dishes
This Cheese Slaw pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or even as a topping for tacos. It’s a versatile side that complements a range of dishes!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun dinner party, serve your Cheese Slaw in individual mini mason jars or small cups for a charming, elevated experience. Guests will love the personal touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cheese Slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days, making it an excellent make-ahead option.
Freezing
While it’s not ideal to freeze Cheese Slaw due to the mayonnaise-based dressing, if you must, consider freezing the vegetables separately. Then, mix with fresh dressing once thawed.
Reheating
Reheating is generally unnecessary, as Cheese Slaw is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If needed, let it sit at room temperature for a while before serving.
FAQs
Can I use different cheese in the Cheese Slaw?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with various cheese types like mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack to find your favorite blend.
How long can I keep leftovers in the fridge?
Leftover Cheese Slaw can be stored for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Is this Cheese Slaw gluten-free?
Yes, the basic Cheese Slaw recipe is gluten-free. Just ensure that your mayonnaise does not contain gluten ingredients.
Can I make this Cheese Slaw vegan?
Yes, by using vegan mayonnaise and cheese alternatives, you can easily create a delicious vegan Cheese Slaw.
What is the best way to cut cabbage for slaw?
The best way to cut cabbage for slaw is to slice it into quarters, remove the core, and then finely shred the leaves. A mandoline works wonders for uniform cuts.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a dish that dazzles with flavor and crunch, you absolutely have to give this Cheese Slaw a try. With its simplicity and delightful twist, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Enjoy making it as much as you will enjoy eating it!
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Cheese Slaw
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheese Slaw recipe is crunchy, creamy, and utterly addictive with a zesty twist that enhances any meal. Enjoy a fresh taste in every bite!
Ingredients
Cabbage
- 4 cups shredded cabbage
Carrots
- 1 cup shredded carrots
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Veggies: Start by finely shredding the cabbage and carrots. A food processor makes this task a breeze, but a sharp knife works just as well if you crave a bit of exercise!
- Mix the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust the ingredients to taste, ensuring it’s balanced to your liking.
- Combine Everything: In the same bowl, add the shredded cabbage, carrots, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Gently toss until all the ingredients are nicely coated with the dressing.
- Chill Before Serving: Let your Cheese Slaw sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes it taste even better!
Notes
- Cut Uniformly: Ensure all your vegetable pieces are roughly the same size for even texture and flavor distribution.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh cabbage and carrots leads to improved crunch and taste in your Cheese Slaw.
- Don’t Overmix: Toss your ingredients gently to prevent breaking down the shredded veggies too much.
- Customize Ahead: Feel free to prepare your slaw a day ahead; just wait to add the cheese until just before serving to keep it fresh.
- Experiment with Cheese: Different types of cheese like pepper jack or mozzarella can bring new flavor dimensions to your Cheese Slaw.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg