25 Southern Recipes That Are Tried and True

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1. Classic Buttermilk Biscuits

These fluffy, buttery biscuits are a staple of Southern breakfasts. Whether served plain or with gravy, they never disappoint. Here’s how to make them:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 3/4 cup buttermilk

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the buttermilk until just combined. Turn the dough onto a floured surface, knead gently, and roll out to about 1-inch thick. Cut into rounds and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

2. Shrimp and Grits

Originating from the Lowcountry, shrimp and grits is a perfect blend of Southern flavors. This dish can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 4 cups water
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a pot, bring water to a boil and add grits. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes. In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy, then add shrimp and cook until pink. Stir in tomatoes and green onions. Serve the shrimp mixture over the grits and season with salt and pepper.

3. Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried green tomatoes are a Southern classic that offers a crunchy texture and a tangy flavor. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish!

• 4 green tomatoes, sliced
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Oil for frying

Combine cornmeal, flour, salt, and pepper on a plate. Dip each tomato slice into the mixture, coating both sides. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the tomatoes until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

4. Collard Greens

Collard greens are a traditional Southern side dish that is both nutritious and delicious. Often cooked with ham hocks for added flavor, they are a must-try!

• 1 pound collard greens, washed and chopped
• 1 ham hock or bacon
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a large pot, sauté the onion until translucent. Add the ham hock and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then add collard greens. Reduce heat and simmer for about 45 minutes until the greens are tender. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

5. Southern Cornbread

This moist and slightly sweet cornbread is the perfect accompaniment to any Southern meal. It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser!

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

Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, and eggs. Combine both mixtures and pour into a greased baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

6. Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is a quintessential Southern dessert that brings a sweet and nutty flavor to the table. It’s a favorite during holidays and special occasions!

• 1 pie crust
• 1 cup corn syrup
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup pecans

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). In a bowl, mix corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in pecans. Pour the filling into the pie crust and bake for 50-60 minutes until set. Let cool before serving.

7. Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings is a comforting, hearty dish that warms the soul. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in!

• 1 whole chicken
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter

In a large pot, boil the chicken until cooked through. Remove the chicken and shred it. Reserve the broth. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Add milk and melted butter to form a dough. Bring the broth to a boil, then drop spoonfuls of dough into the broth. Add the shredded chicken and cook until the dumplings are fluffy, about 15-20 minutes.

8. Sweet Tea

Sweet tea is the iconic beverage of the South, known for its refreshing sweetness. It’s a must-have at any Southern gathering!

• 4 cups water
• 4 tea bags
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 lemon (optional)

Bring water to a boil and steep tea bags for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags and stir in sugar until dissolved. Let it cool, then serve over ice with a lemon slice if desired.

9. Barbecue Pulled Pork

This slow-cooked pulled pork is a Southern favorite, perfect for sandwiches or served with coleslaw. It’s packed with flavor!

• 4 pounds pork shoulder
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Rub the pork shoulder with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place in a slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours. Once cooked, shred the pork with a fork and mix in barbecue sauce. Serve on buns or with sides.

10. Hush Puppies

Hush puppies are a delightful Southern side dish, perfect for pairing with fried fish or served as a snack. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside!

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup water
• Oil for frying

In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and onion. Stir in water until combined. Heat oil in a skillet and drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

11. Southern Style Potato Salad

This creamy potato salad is a staple at Southern picnics and barbecues, packed with flavors that everyone loves!

• 3 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 1/4 cup onion, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Boil potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and let cool. In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, mustard, celery, onion, salt, and pepper. Fold in the cooled potatoes until well coated. Chill before serving.

12. Biscuits and Gravy

This hearty breakfast dish combines buttery biscuits topped with creamy sausage gravy. A true Southern comfort food!

• 1 batch of biscuits (see recipe above)
• 1 pound breakfast sausage
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Prepare biscuits according to recipe. In a skillet, cook sausage until browned. Sprinkle flour over the sausage and stir. Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over warm biscuits.

13. Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

This decadent dessert takes classic pecan pie to a new level with rich chocolate and a hint of bourbon. Perfect for special occasions!

• 1 pie crust
• 1 cup corn syrup
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup pecans
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup bourbon

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). In a bowl, combine corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, bourbon, and chocolate chips. Stir in pecans. Pour into the pie crust and bake for 50-60 minutes until set. Let cool before slicing.

14. Grits Casserole

This comforting grits casserole is perfect for brunches and gatherings, combining creamy grits with cheese and eggs.

• 1 cup grits
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Cook grits in boiling water until thick. In a bowl, mix cooked grits, cheese, eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Pour into a greased baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes until set and golden.

15. Southern Frogmore Stew

This one-pot dish, also known as Lowcountry boil, is a flavorful mix of shrimp, sausage, and corn. Perfect for summer gatherings!

• 2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 4 ears of corn, cut into thirds
• 1 pound baby potatoes
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
• Water

In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender. Add sausage, corn, and Old Bay seasoning. Finally, add shrimp and cook until pink. Drain and serve with melted butter.

16. Red Velvet Cake

This iconic Southern cake is known for its vibrant color and rich flavor, often paired with cream cheese frosting. A showstopper for any celebration!

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vinegar

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, and vanilla. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet. Pour into greased cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool and frost with cream cheese frosting.

17. Sweet Potato Pie

This rich and creamy pie is a beloved Southern dessert, often enjoyed during the holidays. Its sweetness perfectly complements a flaky crust.

• 1 pie crust
• 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). In a bowl, mix sweet potatoes, sugar, milk, butter, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth. Pour into the pie crust and bake for 45-50 minutes until set. Cool before serving.

18. Catfish Fry

Fried catfish is a Southern delicacy that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, often served with tartar sauce.

• 4 catfish fillets
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Oil for frying

In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge catfish fillets in the mixture. Heat oil in a skillet and fry catfish until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels and serve with tartar sauce.

19. Creamy Mac and Cheese

This comfort food classic is a Southern favorite, known for its cheesy goodness and creamy texture. It’s perfect as a side dish or main course!

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Cook macaroni according to package instructions and drain. In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, salt, and pepper. Gradually add milk and cheese, stirring until melted. Combine cheese sauce with macaroni and serve!

20. Country Ham

Country ham is a traditional Southern dish known for its rich flavor. It’s often served at breakfast or holiday meals.

• 1 country ham
• Water
• Brown sugar
• Ground cloves

Soak the ham overnight in water. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the ham in a roasting pan, and rub with brown sugar and cloves. Bake for several hours until heated through. Let rest before slicing.

21. Blackberry Cobbler

This simple yet delicious dessert highlights the natural sweetness of blackberries, making it a perfect ending to any meal.

• 2 cups fresh blackberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon baking powder

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). In a baking dish, combine blackberries and half the sugar. In a separate bowl, mix flour, remaining sugar, milk, and baking powder. Pour batter over blackberries, then drizzle melted butter on top. Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden.

22. Peach Preserves

Home-canned peach preserves are a Southern staple, perfect for spreading on biscuits or toast.

• 4 cups sliced peaches
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/4 cup lemon juice

In a pot, combine peaches, sugar, and lemon juice. Let sit for 30 minutes. Bring to a boil and cook for 10-15 minutes until thickened. Pour into sterilized jars and seal.

23. Corn on the Cob

This seasonal favorite is often boiled or grilled and served with butter and salt. It’s a perfect side dish for summer barbecues!

• 4 ears of corn, husked
• Water
• Butter

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add corn and cook for about 5-7 minutes until tender. Serve hot with butter.

24. Old-Fashioned Southern Chocolate Cake

This rich and moist chocolate cake is a Southern favorite, perfect for birthdays or any celebration!

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and flour two round cake pans. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix well and stir in boiling water. Pour into pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Cool before frosting.

25. Cucumber and Tomato Salad

This refreshing salad is a Southern summer staple, perfect as a side dish for barbecues or picnics.

• 2 cups diced tomatoes
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, and onion. In a separate bowl, whisk together vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour over vegetables and toss to coat. Chill before serving.

Conclusion

These 25 Southern recipes are tried and true favorites that offer a taste of tradition and comfort. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply enjoying a cozy meal at home, these dishes are sure to bring warmth and joy to your table. Get cooking and savor the flavors of the South!

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