Classic Southern Grandma Recipes You’ll Love

Fried Chicken

One of the quintessential Southern dishes is fried chicken. The crispy, golden-brown exterior paired with the juicy, tender meat is a combination that never fails to impress. Grandma’s fried chicken recipe is a closely guarded secret, often passed down through generations. Here’s how you can recreate this beloved dish at home.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil for frying
• Instructions:
  1. In a large bowl, soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
  2. In another bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
  5. Fry the chicken in batches, cooking for 12-15 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

Collard Greens

Collard greens are a staple side dish in Southern homes, often enjoyed alongside fried chicken or cornbread. Grandma’s recipe typically involves a slow-cooking method that brings out the robust flavors of the greens. Here’s how to make them just like Grandma did.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs collard greens, washed and chopped
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 smoked ham hock
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic over medium heat until softened.
  2. Add the collard greens and stir until wilted.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and add the ham hock. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Cover and cook on low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the greens are tender.
  5. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste before serving.

Biscuits and Gravy

No Southern breakfast is complete without biscuits and gravy. This dish combines fluffy, buttery biscuits with a creamy sausage gravy that is simply irresistible. Here’s how to make this classic breakfast staple.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 lb breakfast sausage
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for gravy)
  • 2 cups milk (for gravy)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
  2. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Add the milk and stir until just combined. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently.
  4. Roll out to about 1 inch thick and cut into rounds. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
  5. While the biscuits bake, cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Add the flour and stir until well combined.
  6. Gradually whisk in the milk, cooking until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Serve the biscuits topped with the sausage gravy while warm.

Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is a Southern dessert that is both sweet and nutty, making it a favorite during holidays and family gatherings. This rich pie is sure to be a hit at your next dinner. Let’s dive into Grandma’s pecan pie recipe.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 unbaked pie crust
  • 1 cup corn syrup
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups pecan halves
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
  3. Add the pecan halves and stir to combine.
  4. Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust, spreading the pecans evenly.
  5. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until the filling is set and the top is golden.
  6. Allow to cool before slicing and serving.

Sweet Tea

No Southern meal would be complete without a glass of sweet tea. This refreshing drink is a staple in Southern households and is the perfect complement to any dish. Making sweet tea is simple and requires just a few ingredients.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 cups water
  • 4-6 black tea bags
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 cups cold water
  • Ice
  • Fresh lemon slices (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. In a saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and add the tea bags.
  2. Steep for about 10 minutes before removing the tea bags.
  3. Stir in the sugar until fully dissolved.
  4. Add the cold water and mix well. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices if desired.

Cornbread

Southern cornbread is the perfect side for many dishes, especially chili and greens. Its crumbly texture and slightly sweet flavor make it a favorite among many. Here’s Grandma’s cornbread recipe that is sure to please everyone at the table.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
  2. In a bowl, mix the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and eggs.
  4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Conclusion

These classic Southern Grandma recipes are more than just meals; they are a celebration of family, tradition, and love. Each dish carries a story, a memory, and a taste that connects us to our roots. Whether you’re making fried chicken for a family gathering or whipping up a batch of sweet tea for a hot summer day, these recipes are sure to bring warmth and joy to your table. So gather your loved ones, cook up some of these delightful dishes, and create your own cherished memories in the kitchen.

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Biscuits and Gravy

Nothing says Southern breakfast quite like biscuits and gravy. Fluffy biscuits smothered in rich sausage gravy create a comforting meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Here’s how to make this classic dish.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 pound breakfast sausage
  • 2 cups milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Add buttermilk and stir until just combined. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead gently.
  5. Roll out to about 1 inch thick and cut into rounds. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
  6. For the gravy, cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Sprinkle flour over the sausage and cook for another minute.
  7. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
  8. Serve the biscuits topped with sausage gravy.

Collard Greens

Collard greens are a quintessential Southern side dish, often served with a splash of vinegar for added flavor. They are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Here’s a simple recipe to enjoy this Southern staple.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 pounds collard greens, washed and chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Vinegar for serving (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until softened.
  2. Add collard greens and broth, bringing to a simmer.
  3. Cover and cook for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens are tender.
  4. Season with salt and pepper, and serve with a splash of vinegar if desired.

Peach Cobbler

This delightful dessert, bursting with juicy peaches and topped with a buttery crust, is a Southern classic that makes any meal feel special. Here’s a scrumptious peach cobbler recipe that will have everyone coming back for more.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 cups sliced fresh peaches
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, combine peaches, 1/2 cup of sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Set aside.
  3. In another bowl, mix flour, remaining sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add milk and melted butter, stirring until just combined.
  4. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and top with the peach mixture.
  5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Conclusion

These classic Southern Grandma recipes are more than just meals; they are a celebration of family, tradition, and love. Each dish carries a story, a memory, and a taste that connects us to our roots. Whether you’re making fried chicken for a family gathering or whipping up a batch of sweet tea for a hot summer day, these recipes are sure to bring warmth and joy to your table. So gather your loved ones, cook up some of these delightful dishes, and create your own cherished memories in the kitchen.

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