10 Southern Favorites Grandma Made That You'll Love

1. Buttermilk Biscuits

There’s nothing quite like waking up to the smell of freshly baked buttermilk biscuits wafting through the house. Grandma’s recipe for these fluffy delights was often a closely guarded secret, but the magic lies in the buttermilk, which gives them that perfect tang. To make your own, start with:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chilled butter, cubed
3/4 cup buttermilk

Mix the dry ingredients, cut in the butter until it resembles coarse crumbs, and then stir in the buttermilk until just combined. Roll out the dough, cut into rounds, and bake until golden brown. Serve them hot with butter or gravy, and you’ll feel like you’re back in Grandma’s kitchen.

2. Shrimp and Grits

This dish is a staple in Southern cuisine that showcases the rich flavors of the coast. Grandma’s shrimp and grits were always a highlight at family gatherings. To recreate this beloved dish, you’ll need:

1 cup grits (preferably stone-ground)
4 cups water or chicken broth
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup green onions, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook the grits according to package instructions, adding in cheese for creaminess. In a separate pan, cook the bacon until crisp, then add the shrimp and sauté until pink. Serve the shrimp over the cheesy grits, garnished with green onions for a dish that’s both comforting and impressive.

3. Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings is a quintessential comfort food, and Grandma’s version was always a family favorite. The tender chicken simmered in a rich broth, topped with fluffy dumplings, creates a meal that warms the heart. For this dish, gather:

1 whole chicken
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1/4 cup butter, melted

Start by boiling the chicken until it’s cooked through and tender. Remove it from the pot and shred the meat. In the same broth, mix the dumpling ingredients, drop them by spoonfuls into the simmering broth, and cook until they puff up. Return the chicken to the pot, and you have a dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

4. Collard Greens

Collard greens are a staple side dish that Grandma served alongside many meals. Packed with flavor and nutrients, they are often cooked with a bit of ham hock or bacon for added depth. To prepare collard greens, you’ll need:

2 bunches collard greens, cleaned and chopped
1 ham hock or 4 slices of bacon
4 cups chicken broth or water
1 onion, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

In a large pot, sauté the onion and bacon until the onion is translucent. Add the ham hock and chicken broth, bringing it to a simmer. Toss in the collard greens and cook until tender. The result is a dish that’s not only delicious but also a true representation of Southern cooking.

5. Pecan Pie

No Southern meal is complete without a sweet finish, and Grandma’s pecan pie was always a showstopper. This rich, sweet dessert is made with simple ingredients that come together to create a heavenly treat. For this pie, you’ll need:

1 unbaked pie crust
1 cup corn syrup
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups pecans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in the pecans, pour the mixture into the pie crust, and bake until set. This pie is perfect served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

6. Cornbread

There’s nothing quite like a slice of cornbread warm from the oven, and Grandma’s cornbread was always a hit at family dinners. It’s simple to make and pairs perfectly with savory dishes. To whip up your own cornbread, you’ll need:

1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
2 eggs
1/4 cup melted butter

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another. Combine them, pour into a greased cast-iron skillet, and bake until golden brown. The texture is slightly crumbly, making it the ideal accompaniment to chili or greens.

7. Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried green tomatoes are a Southern delicacy that Grandma often prepared as a side dish or appetizer. They are crispy, tangy, and utterly delicious. To make this dish, you will need:

4 green tomatoes, sliced
1 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 egg, beaten
1 cup buttermilk
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for frying

Dip the tomato slices in buttermilk, then coat them in a mixture of cornmeal, flour, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet and fry the tomatoes until golden brown on both sides. Serve them with a spicy dipping sauce for a true Southern treat.

8. Sweet Tea

Sweet tea is more than just a beverage in the South; it’s a cultural icon. Grandma always had a pitcher of sweet tea ready for guests, and it’s easy to make at home. For a refreshing jug, you’ll need:

4 cups water
4 tea bags (black tea)
1 cup sugar (or to taste)
Ice
Lemon slices (optional)

Boil the water and steep the tea bags for about 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags and stir in the sugar while the tea is still warm. Let it cool before serving over ice. Add lemon slices for an extra refreshing twist.

9. Banana Pudding

Banana pudding is a classic dessert that Grandma always made for special occasions. This creamy, layered treat is a crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to prepare and delightful to eat. To create this dessert, gather:

1 box vanilla pudding mix
2 cups milk
1 box vanilla wafers
3 ripe bananas, sliced
Whipped cream for topping

Prepare the pudding according to package instructions. In a dish, layer the vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and pudding. Repeat the layers until you run out of ingredients. Top with whipped cream and let it chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.

10. Hush Puppies

Hush puppies are a favorite Southern side dish, especially when served with fried fish or shrimp. These deep-fried cornmeal balls are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. To make hush puppies, you will need:

1 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 cup buttermilk
Oil for frying

In a bowl, mix the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and onion. Stir in the buttermilk until combined. Heat oil in a deep fryer or pot, then drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, then drain on paper towels. These make the perfect accompaniment to a seafood feast.

Conclusion

These Southern favorites that Grandma made not only evoke fond memories but also capture the essence of Southern hospitality and comfort food. Whether you’re trying your hand at buttermilk biscuits or indulging in a slice of pecan pie, these recipes are sure to bring warmth and joy to your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, invite family and friends, and enjoy the delicious legacy of Southern cooking!

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As you explore the rich culinary heritage of the South, you’ll find that each dish tells a story. Grandma’s recipes have a way of bringing families together, creating an atmosphere of love and warmth. If you’re looking to recreate those cherished flavors, here are a few more Southern classics that deserve a spot at your table.

11. Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings is a hearty dish that warms the soul. This comforting meal combines tender chicken with fluffy dumplings, creating a satisfying experience. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup milk
Black pepper to taste

In a large pot, boil the chicken in chicken broth until cooked through. Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and melted butter. Stir in milk to form a dough. Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the boiling broth and let them cook until fluffy. Season with black pepper and enjoy a bowl of comfort!

12. Biscuits and Gravy

No Southern breakfast is complete without biscuits and gravy. This dish is a delightful blend of flaky biscuits smothered in creamy sausage gravy. For this recipe, gather:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, cold and cubed
3/4 cup milk
1 pound breakfast sausage
2 cups milk (for gravy)
Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to 450°F. In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter until crumbly, then stir in milk to form a dough. Roll out the dough and cut into circles. Bake until golden brown. For the gravy, cook the sausage in a skillet, then stir in flour and milk, cooking until thickened. Serve the gravy over warm biscuits.

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10 Southern Favorites Grandma Made That You’ll Love