Soul food – the culinary embodiment of comfort, love, and tradition. There’s nothing like a warm, hearty plate of Southern goodness to bring people together and fill their bellies with joy. In this article, we’re diving into the rich flavors and aromas of the South, where buttery biscuits meet crispy fried chicken and creamy mac ‘n cheese meets sweet potato pie. From classic shrimp and grits to smothered pork chops in onion gravy, these 18 recipes will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Dixie.
Whether you’re a native Southerner or just a lover of good eatin’, these soulful dishes are sure to become new favorites. So go ahead, grab a plate and get ready to dig into some of the most flavorful, comforting, and downright irresistible Southern cuisine out there!
Southern Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Marinade
Get ready to taste the classic comfort food of the South! This recipe combines tender and juicy chicken, crispy fried coating, and a tangy buttermilk marinade for an unbeatable flavor experience.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce (if using), and salt.
2. Add chicken pieces and marinate in refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat oil in deep frying pan or skillet to 350°F (175°C).
4. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
6. Dredge chicken pieces in the dry mixture, shaking off any excess.
7. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes per batch.
8. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: About 30-40 minutes total, depending on the size of the chicken pieces and the number of batches you need to fry them.
Classic Shrimp and Grits with Cajun Spices
A Southern staple gets a bold boost of flavor from the addition of cajun spices, making this dish a must-try for anyone looking to spice up their breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in the grits and reduce heat to low. Cook for about 20-25 minutes or until creamy.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the shrimp, Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
4. Stir in the garlic (if using). Serve the shrimp mixture over the warm grits.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Collard Greens Simmered with Smoked Turkey
This hearty recipe combines the natural sweetness of collard greens with the rich, smoky flavor of turkey. Perfect for a cold winter’s day or as a comforting side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch collard greens, chopped
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/4 cup smoked turkey, diced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the collard greens, chicken broth, and diced smoked turkey. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 30-40 minutes or until the greens are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Mac and Cheese with a Crispy Breadcrumb Topping
Get ready for the ultimate comfort food experience! This classic mac and cheese recipe gets a crunchy twist with a simple breadcrumb topping that adds texture and flavor.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk together to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
4. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. In a baking dish, combine cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Top with breadcrumbs and dot with remaining butter.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until top is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Candied Yams with Marshmallow Glaze
These sweet and savory candied yams are a perfect side dish for your holiday meal. The combination of tender yams, crispy brown sugar coating, and gooey marshmallow glaze is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 4 large yams, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup marshmallows
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine yams and enough cold water to cover; let sit for 30 minutes.
3. Drain yams and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat; reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
6. Brush yams with the sugar mixture and bake for 45-50 minutes or until tender.
7. In a small saucepan, melt marshmallows over low heat, stirring constantly.
8. Drizzle melted marshmallow glaze over candied yams; serve warm.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Smothered Pork Chops in Onion Gravy
A classic comfort food recipe that’s easy to make and sure to please the whole family! This smothered pork chops dish is a staple of Southern cuisine, featuring tender pork chops cooked in a rich onion gravy.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork chops (1-1.5 pounds)
– 2 large onions, sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
3. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add sliced onions to the skillet and cook until caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
5. Place pork chops on top of the onions and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned.
6. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until pork chops are cooked through.
7. Remove from oven and stir in chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer for 5-10 minutes to thicken gravy.
8. Serve hot, smothered in onion gravy.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Southern Cornbread Dressing with Sage
This Southern-style cornbread dressing is a staple at many holiday tables. The addition of fresh sage adds a savory depth and warmth to this classic recipe.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried sage
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened.
3. In a separate bowl, combine crumbled cornbread, melted butter, chicken broth, heavy cream, and dried sage. Mix well.
4. Add the cooked onion mixture to the cornbread mixture and stir until just combined.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the dressing to a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Fried Catfish with Spicy Tartar Sauce
Get ready to delight your taste buds with this Southern-style favorite, featuring crispy fried catfish paired with a spicy kick of tartar sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Spicy Tartar Sauce (see below)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Dredge catfish fillets in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Fry catfish for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain.
Spicy Tartar Sauce:
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons ketchup
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Mix all ingredients until well combined. Serve with fried catfish.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Red Beans and Rice with Andouille Sausage
Classic Red Beans and Rice with Andouille Sausage Recipe
This hearty Louisiana-style dish is a staple of Creole cuisine, featuring smoky Andouille sausage, creamy red beans, and fluffy white rice. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 lb Andouille sausage, sliced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 cups cooked white rice
– 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Cook the red beans in a large pot with 8 cups of water until tender, about 45 minutes.
2. In a separate skillet, cook the Andouille sausage over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Combine the cooked beans, sausage mixture, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a large pot. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until flavors meld together.
5. Serve over cooked white rice with chicken broth on the side.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Southern-Style Biscuits with Sausage Gravy
Classic Southern-style biscuits pair perfectly with a rich and savory sausage gravy, making for a hearty breakfast or brunch. This recipe combines the flaky, buttery biscuits with a flavorful sausage gravy that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 4 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup buttermilk
– 1 pound sweet or hot sausage, cooked and crumbled
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add buttermilk; stir until dough comes together.
4. Roll out dough on floured surface to about 1 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
5. Bake biscuits for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Whisk in flour to make roux; cook for 1 minute.
7. Gradually add chicken broth, whisking constantly. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
8. Serve warm biscuits with sausage gravy.
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Black-Eyed Peas with Ham Hocks
A comforting and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any occasion, this recipe combines the tender goodness of black-eyed peas with the rich flavor of ham hocks.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried black-eyed peas
– 2 smoked ham hocks
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 6 cups water
Instructions:
1. Rinse the black-eyed peas and soak them in water for at least 8 hours or overnight.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Place the ham hocks, chopped onion, and minced garlic in a large Dutch oven or pot.
4. Add the soaked and drained black-eyed peas, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot.
5. Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven.
7. Simmer for 1 hour, then remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours (including soaking time)
Sweet Potato Pie with Pecan Crust
Warm up to a classic Southern dessert with this sweet potato pie recipe, elevated by a crunchy pecan crust. This sweet and savory combination is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
– 1 cup pecans
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
For the filling:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 large eggs, beaten
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Prepare the crust by mixing pecans, melted butter, and brown sugar in a bowl. Press mixture into a 9-inch pie dish.
3. In a separate bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well.
4. Add heavy cream and beaten eggs to the sweet potato mixture; mix until smooth.
5. Pour filling into the prepared pecan crust.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Fried Green Tomatoes with Remoulade Sauce
This classic Southern recipe combines crispy fried green tomatoes with a tangy and creamy remoulade sauce, perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 green tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Remoulade Sauce (see below)
Remoulade Sauce:
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each tomato slice into the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry tomatoes for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain tomatoes on paper towels and serve with Remoulade Sauce.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chicken and Waffles with Maple Syrup
Classic Chicken and Waffles with Maple Syrup Recipe
Satisfy your sweet and savory cravings with this beloved comfort food combination. Crispy fried chicken paired with a fluffy waffle and drizzled with pure maple syrup is a match made in heaven.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken breast or tenders
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 2 cups waffle mix
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup pure maple syrup
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate dish.
3. Dip chicken in buttermilk, then coat in flour mixture.
4. Fry chicken in hot oil until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).
5. Prepare waffles according to package instructions.
6. Drizzle warm maple syrup over fried chicken and waffles.
Cooking Time:
– Frying time: 5-7 minutes
– Waffle cooking time: 3-4 minutes per batch
Okra and Tomatoes Stewed with Bacon
Okra and Tomatoes Stewed with Bacon Recipe
A classic Southern-style stew that combines the unique texture of okra with the rich flavors of tomatoes and crispy bacon.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound okra, sliced
– 3-4 ripe tomatoes, diced
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from pan and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
3. Add the sliced okra and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, cooked bacon, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the okra is tender.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Peach Cobbler with Cinnamon Streusel
Sweet Peach Cobbler with Cinnamon Streusel: A classic summer dessert gets a boost from crispy cinnamon streusel topping.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups sliced peaches (fresh or frozen)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Cinnamon Streusel Topping (see below)
– Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix peaches, sugar, flour, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour wet ingredients over peach mixture and stir until combined.
5. Pour batter into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Top with Cinnamon Streusel Topping (see below).
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
Cinnamon Streusel Topping:
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Mix dry ingredients and add cold butter. Use fingers or a pastry blender to work butter into streusel topping until crumbly.
Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches with Coleslaw
Savor the flavors of the South with this classic pulled pork recipe, paired with a refreshing coleslaw that adds a delightful crunch to each bite.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 onion, sliced
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw (recipe below)
– Pickle slices and dill pickles for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven, combine pork shoulder, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and onion.
3. Cover and bake for 8-10 hours or until tender.
4. Shred the pork with two forks and serve on hamburger buns.
5. Top with coleslaw and pickle slices (if desired).
Coleslaw:
– 2 cups shredded cabbage
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Combine ingredients in a bowl, toss to combine, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (slow cooker) + assembly time
Southern-Style Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers
A creamy, comforting dessert that’s a staple of Southern cuisine. This recipe combines sweet bananas, velvety pudding, and crunchy vanilla wafers for a treat that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 large ripe bananas, sliced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 12-16 Vanilla Wafers, crushed
– Whipped cream and additional wafers for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
5. In a large bowl, combine sliced bananas and pudding mixture.
6. Spoon into individual serving cups or a large serving dish.
7. Top with crushed Vanilla Wafers and whipped cream (if using).
8. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the rich flavors and comforting dishes of Southern soul food! This collection of 18 mouthwatering recipes showcases the best of classic Southern cuisine, from crispy fried chicken and creamy mac and cheese to spicy shrimp and grits. You’ll also find hearty sides like collard greens and candied yams, as well as sweet treats like peach cobbler and banana pudding. Whether you’re a Southern native or just a lover of soul food, these recipes are sure to become new favorites.
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