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25 Southern Recipes That Only Took a Few Ingredients

7. Tomato Pie

This savory dish is a Southern classic that celebrates the ripe, juicy tomatoes of summer. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this delicious pie that’s perfect for brunch or a light dinner.

  • 2 cups sliced tomatoes
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella)
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 pre-made pie crust
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Layer the tomatoes in the pie crust, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and top with a mixture of cheese and mayonnaise. Bake until bubbly and golden. Serve warm or at room temperature.

8. Pimento Cheese

This spread is a staple in Southern kitchens and is perfect for parties or picnics. It only takes a few ingredients to create this creamy, cheesy delight.

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup diced pimentos
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Serve with crackers or use as a sandwich spread for a delicious twist.

9. Shrimp and Grits

This iconic Southern dish is both comforting and satisfying. With just a few key ingredients, you can create a meal that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to make.

  • 1 cup grits
  • 2 cups water or broth
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Cook the grits according to package instructions using water or broth. In a separate pan, sauté the shrimp in butter until cooked through. Mix the shrimp into the grits, add cheese, and stir until melted. Season to taste.

10. Southern Cornbread

This cornbread recipe is a must-have for any Southern meal. Made with simple ingredients, it’s perfect alongside chili, greens, or fried chicken.

  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder

Mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Pour the batter into a greased skillet and bake until golden brown. Enjoy it warm with butter!

11. Fried Green Tomatoes

This dish epitomizes Southern cooking and requires minimal ingredients for maximum flavor. Crispy on the outside and tangy on the inside, they make for a fantastic appetizer or side dish.

  • 2-3 green tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Dredge the tomato slices in cornmeal mixed with salt and pepper. Fry in hot oil until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and serve with a dipping sauce of your choice.

12. Biscuits and Gravy

This breakfast classic is a hearty way to start your day. With just a few ingredients, you can create a comforting dish that is loved by many.

  • 1 can of biscuits
  • 1 lb breakfast sausage
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cook the sausage in a skillet until browned, then sprinkle in flour and stir for a minute. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened. Bake biscuits according to package instructions and serve with the sausage gravy poured over the top.

13. One-Pot Chicken and Rice

This easy one-pot dish is perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few ingredients, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.

  • 4 chicken thighs
  • 1 cup rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Brown the chicken thighs in a large pot, then remove and sauté the onion. Add the rice and broth, bring to a boil, and nestle the chicken back in. Cover and simmer until the chicken is cooked and the rice is tender.

14. Sweet Potato Casserole

This dish is a favorite at Thanksgiving and other family gatherings. With its sweet and buttery flavor, it only takes a few ingredients to create this crowd-pleaser.

  • 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (optional)

Mix the sweet potatoes with brown sugar and melted butter. Transfer to a baking dish and top with mini marshmallows if desired. Bake until heated through and marshmallows are golden.

15. Chicken Salad

A classic Southern chicken salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own, in a sandwich, or on a salad. It’s easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup diced celery
  • 1/4 cup grapes, halved (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix gently. Serve chilled on a bed of lettuce or in a sandwich for a refreshing meal.

16. Collard Greens

This traditional Southern side dish is packed with flavor and nutrients. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy this healthy addition to any meal.

  • 1 bunch collard greens, chopped
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

In a pot, heat olive oil and add collard greens. Pour in chicken broth and simmer until the greens are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

17. Peach Cobbler

No Southern meal is complete without a sweet ending, and peach cobbler is a favorite that’s easy to make. It only takes a few ingredients to create this delightful dessert.

  • 4 cups sliced peaches (fresh or canned)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup self-rising flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted

Combine peaches with sugar and pour into a baking dish. Mix flour, milk, and melted butter, then pour over the peach mixture. Bake until golden brown and bubbly.

18. Cucumber and Tomato Salad

This refreshing salad is perfect for summer picnics or as a side dish. With just a few ingredients, it’s quick to prepare and bursting with flavor.

  • 2 cups sliced cucumbers
  • 2 cups sliced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and toss gently. Let sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

19. Lemonade

Nothing beats a refreshing glass of homemade lemonade on a hot Southern day. With just three ingredients, it’s incredibly simple to make.

  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 4 cups water

Mix the lemon juice and sugar until dissolved, then add water. Stir well and serve over ice for a refreshing drink.

20. Deviled Eggs

These bite-sized treats are a staple at Southern gatherings. With only a few ingredients, they are easy to prepare and always a hit.

  • 6 hard-boiled eggs
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Slice the eggs in half and remove the yolks. Mash the yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper, then spoon the mixture back into the egg whites. Garnish with paprika if desired.

21. Slaw

This classic Southern side dish is crunchy, flavorful, and pairs well with many meals. It only takes a few ingredients to make a delicious slaw.

  • 4 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Mix the cabbage and carrots in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Pour over the cabbage mixture and toss to combine. Chill before serving.

22. Banana Pudding

This beloved dessert is a Southern favorite that’s creamy, sweet, and oh-so-delicious. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delightful treat that everyone will love.

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

Prepare the pudding according to package instructions. In a serving dish, layer the pudding, vanilla wafers, and banana slices. Repeat layers and top with whipped cream. Chill before serving.

23. Baked Ziti

This Italian-American dish has become a Southern favorite for potlucks and family gatherings. With minimal ingredients, it’s simple to prepare and always satisfying.

  • 1 lb ziti pasta
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cook the ziti according to package instructions. In a baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, and half of the mozzarella. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake until bubbly and golden.

24. Chicken and Dumplings

This comforting dish is perfect for chilly evenings. With just a few ingredients, you can create a warm and hearty meal that will please the whole family.

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup self-rising flour
  • 1 cup milk

Bring the chicken broth to a boil, then drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter (made from flour and milk) into the broth. Add the shredded chicken and simmer until dumplings are cooked through.

25. Hush Puppies

These deep-fried cornmeal balls are a classic Southern side dish, especially with fried fish or shrimp. With just a few ingredients, they’re easy to make and utterly delicious.

  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 egg
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients until combined. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into hot oil and fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

Conclusion

These 25 Southern recipes that only took a few ingredients showcase the simplicity and deliciousness of Southern cooking. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, these dishes highlight the flavors and traditions of the South while making cooking accessible to everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, these recipes are sure to impress and satisfy your cravings for Southern comfort food.

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25 Southern Recipes That Only Took a Few Ingredients

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