20 Classic Southern Recipes You Need to Try

1. Shrimp and Grits

This dish is a quintessential Southern favorite that combines creamy, buttery grits with juicy, sautéed shrimp. It’s perfect for a hearty breakfast or dinner. You can elevate the dish by adding a hint of garlic and a splash of lemon juice for brightness.

• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 4 cups water
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Chopped green onions for garnish

2. Chicken and Waffles

This delightful combination of crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles is a Southern classic that brings together sweet and savory flavors. Drizzle with maple syrup for an irresistible brunch treat.

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 2 waffles (store-bought or homemade)
• Maple syrup for serving

3. Collard Greens

Collard greens are a staple in Southern cuisine, often served as a side dish. Slow-cooked with ham hocks or bacon, they become tender and flavorful, making them a perfect accompaniment to any meal.

• 2 pounds collard greens, washed and chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 ham hocks or 4 slices of bacon
• Salt and pepper to taste

4. Biscuits and Gravy

This hearty dish features flaky biscuits smothered in creamy sausage gravy. It’s a comforting breakfast that will keep you full all morning long.

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

5. Jambalaya

This one-pot dish is a flavorful blend of rice, sausage, chicken, and shrimp, seasoned with the perfect blend of spices. It’s a comforting dish that brings the taste of New Orleans to your kitchen.

• 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced
• 1 pound chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

6. Peach Cobbler

This dessert is a Southern classic that celebrates the sweetness of fresh peaches. Topped with a buttery crust and served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s the perfect ending to any meal.

• 4 cups fresh peaches, sliced
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

7. Fried Green Tomatoes

A Southern delicacy, fried green tomatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They make a great appetizer or side dish, often served with a spicy remoulade for dipping.

• 2 large green tomatoes, sliced
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

8. Red Beans and Rice

This dish is a staple of Louisiana cuisine, featuring red beans cooked slowly with smoked sausage and served over fluffy rice. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.

• 1 pound red beans, soaked overnight
• 1 smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked rice

9. Pecan Pie

This iconic Southern dessert is made with a rich filling of pecans, sugar, and eggs baked in a flaky crust. It’s a must-have at holiday gatherings and is often served with whipped cream.

• 1 cup corn syrup
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 4 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
• 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

10. Country Ham

Country ham is a traditional Southern delicacy, known for its rich flavor and saltiness. It’s often served at breakfast alongside biscuits or as part of a holiday feast.

• 1 country ham (about 10 pounds)
• Water for soaking
• Black pepper for seasoning
• Sugar for glazing

11. Gumbo

This hearty stew is a melting pot of flavors and ingredients, often featuring sausage, shrimp, and okra. It’s thickened with a dark roux and served over rice for a filling meal.

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 pound sausage, sliced
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups okra, sliced

12. Hush Puppies

These deep-fried cornmeal balls are a beloved Southern side dish that pairs perfectly with fried fish or barbecue. They’re crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Vegetable oil for frying

13. Sweet Tea

No Southern meal is complete without a glass of sweet tea. This refreshing drink is easy to make and perfect for sipping on a hot day.

• 4 cups water
• 4 tea bags (black tea)
• 1 cup sugar
• Ice for serving

14. Cornbread

This simple yet delicious bread is a staple in Southern households. It’s slightly sweet and pairs wonderfully with chili, greens, or fried chicken.

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

15. Banana Pudding

This classic dessert features layers of vanilla pudding, whipped cream, and sliced bananas, all topped with crunchy Nilla wafers. It’s a crowd-pleaser and perfect for potlucks.

• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 bananas, sliced
• Nilla wafers for layering

16. Baked Macaroni and Cheese

This cheesy comfort food is a must-have in Southern cooking. With a crispy top and gooey inside, it’s the ultimate side dish for any gathering.

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

17. Fried Catfish

This dish is a Southern favorite, known for its crispy exterior and flaky fish inside. It’s often served with coleslaw and tartar sauce for a delicious meal.

• 4 catfish fillets
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

18. Chicken Fried Steak

This classic Southern dish features tenderized beef steak breaded and fried to perfection, served with creamy gravy. It’s a comfort food favorite that never disappoints.

• 4 beef steaks (cubed steak works well)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup milk
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Salt and pepper to taste

19. Sweet Potato Casserole

This dish is a festive favorite, especially during the holidays. It features creamy sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan streusel for a delightful contrast.

• 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup melted butter

20. Chocolate Gravy

This unique Southern treat is a sweet sauce made from cocoa and sugar, typically served over biscuits. It’s an indulgent breakfast or dessert that’s sure to satisfy.

• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Biscuits for serving

Conclusion

These 20 classic Southern recipes showcase the rich culinary heritage of the South, filled with comfort and flavor. Whether you’re looking to impress at a gathering or simply enjoy a home-cooked meal, these dishes are sure to become favorites in your household. Don’t hesitate to experiment with these recipes and make them your own. Happy cooking!

“`html

Bonus Recipe: Southern Cornbread

No Southern meal is complete without a side of cornbread. This fluffy, slightly sweet bread is the perfect accompaniment to chili, greens, or any hearty dish.

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs, beaten

Another Southern Favorite: Shrimp and Grits

This dish combines succulent shrimp with creamy, buttery grits. It’s a flavorful and hearty meal that’s a must-try for seafood lovers.

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup grits
• 4 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Peach Cobbler: A Southern Staple

This warm dessert features juicy peaches baked under a buttery crust. It’s the perfect ending to any Southern meal, especially when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

• 4 cups sliced peaches (fresh or canned)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Final Thoughts

With these classic Southern recipes, you can bring the warmth and hospitality of the South into your kitchen. Each dish tells a story of tradition and flavor, inviting you to create lasting memories around the dinner table. Enjoy the process of making these beloved meals and share them with family and friends!

“`

Related

• Should i answer 866 calls?
• How fast would mach 10 go around the earth?
• What does nfs mean on Snapchat?
• Is october 10th a holiday?