Discover the secret behind the Brookville Hotel’s legendary coleslaw that’s been drawing crowds to Kansas for over a century. This iconic recipe achieves its signature creamy-tangy flavor through an unexpected combination of sour cream, resulting in a coleslaw unlike any other. Ready in just 30 minutes but tasting like it came from a fine dining establishment, this copycat recipe brings the famous Abilene, Kansas tradition straight to your kitchen table.
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Why this recipe works
The Brookville Hotel’s coleslaw stands apart from typical mayo-based slaws thanks to its unique dual-cream approach. The combination of tangy sour cream and rich whipping cream creates an impossibly smooth, velvety dressing that clings perfectly to each strand of cabbage. The sour cream provides that essential tang without the heaviness of mayonnaise, while the whipped cream adds an airy richness that makes this coleslaw feel almost luxurious.
Ingredients you will need
This coleslaw has just the right balance of flavor; it is sweet and slightly tart. These flavors together make the perfect coleslaw. These may be simple ingredients, but the flavor is very refined.
- Sour Cream – Adds richness and creaminess to the dressing
- Sugar – Balances the vinegar’s tanginess with sweetness
- Salt – Enhances flavors and prevents blandness
- Vinegar – Gives the coleslaw its signature tangy kick
- Shredded cabbage – Forms the base of the slaw, soaks up the dressing
Want to save time? You can purchase pre-shredded cabbage, eliminating the need to slice it into small slivers. You could use a mandolin to shred the cabbage if desired. Whether you slice it up or buy it already shredded, you can quickly prepare this famous coleslaw.
Storage & Reheating Instructions:
- Refrigerator Storage: Store dressed coleslaw in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Make Ahead: The dressing can be made 2 days in advance and stored separately from the cabbage.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as cabbage will become soggy and watery when thawed
Do you love coleslaw? Check out all of these coleslaw recipes
- Captain D’s Coleslaw
- Famous Daves Coleslaw
- Hawaiian Pineapple Coleslaw
- Houston’s Coleslaw
- KFC Coleslaw
- Sweet and Sour Coleslaw
Check out more of my easy side dish recipes and the best restaurant copycat recipes right here on CopyKat!
Brookville Hotel Coleslaw – Creamy & Delicious
Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup white vinegar
- 1 1/2 pounds shredded cabbage
Instructions
- Combine dressing ingredients and refrigerate 30 minutes before serving. To serve, mix with 1 1/2 pounds shredded or thinly sliced cabbage.
Notes
- Swap 1 cup of whipping cream for sour cream for a less tangy flavor
- Add a 1/2 teaspoon of celery seed
- Use a flavored vinegar for a kick of flavor
- Add 1/2 cup of sliced onions
- Add 1/2 cup of sliced bell pepper
Do you whip the heavy cream?
No, there is no need to whip the heavy cream.
I always whip mine. Too runny if I don’t. Been making this for over 30 years.
Best cole slaw ever! I have looked for this recipe and so happy I have it!
I made this to serve with pulled pork on July 4th… Everyone loved it!! I had to make a second batch because people were taking bowls of it instead of just using it on their sandwich’s! THE BEST I’VE EVER HAD!!
I’ve had this coleslaw when the hotel was actually in Brookevile Kansas. It is the BEST
Stephanie,
The recipe for Brookville Hotel sweet & sour coleslaw is the best! It’s the only coleslaw recipe I use!
Please post more recipes from Brookville Hotel.
Thank you for all your hard work and excellent recipes.
Can you mix this dressing the day before using?!
Yes you can.
Do you use white or cider vinegar?
I used white vinegar, nothing special.
BEST cole slaw EVER!!!!
So glad you liked this recipe! It’s so easy!
A Kansas classic. Use the heavy whipping cream and whip the sauce well. Takes 5 minutes with purchased bagged cabbage.
I’ve never had cole slaw made with whipping cream this made it so good! I usually make mine with Mayo. I will try this again.