Classic Southern Slow Cooked Dishes
Southern cooking is known for its rich flavors, hearty ingredients, and comforting aromas that fill the home. Slow cooking brings out the best in traditional Southern recipes, allowing for melding of flavors and tender textures. Here are some classic dishes that are perfect for a Southern slow cooked comfort break:
1. Southern-Style Pulled Pork
Nothing screams Southern comfort like a plate of pulled pork. Utilizing a slow cooker allows the pork to become incredibly tender while absorbing all the smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors of your chosen rub and sauce.
- Ingredients: 4 lbs pork shoulder, 2 tablespoons smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, salt and pepper to taste, and your favorite BBQ sauce.
- Instructions: Rub the spices all over the pork shoulder and place it in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours. Once done, shred the pork with two forks and mix in BBQ sauce. Serve on a bun with coleslaw or alone with sides.
2. Chicken and Dumplings
This dish is a quintessential Southern comfort food that warms the soul. The slow cooker makes it easy to create a creamy, delicious chicken stew with fluffy dumplings.
- Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 cup carrots (sliced), 1 cup celery (sliced), 1 onion (diced), 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 1 teaspoon thyme, salt and pepper, and 1 package of refrigerated biscuit dough.
- Instructions: Place chicken, broth, vegetables, and soup in the slow cooker. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for 6 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, tear biscuit dough into pieces and drop them into the stew. Cover and cook until the dumplings are fluffy.
3. Beef Brisket
Slow-cooked beef brisket is a showstopper for any gathering. Cooking it low and slow allows the meat to become incredibly tender and flavorful.
- Ingredients: 5 lbs beef brisket, 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon cumin, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 cup beef broth.
- Instructions: Rub the spices over the brisket and place it in the slow cooker. Pour beef broth around the meat. Cook on low for 10-12 hours. Slice and serve with sides like potato salad or baked beans.
4. Collard Greens
No Southern meal is complete without a side of collard greens. Slow cooking these greens brings out their rich flavor and allows them to soak up the smoky essence of added meats.
- Ingredients: 2 lbs collard greens (cleaned and chopped), 1 onion (diced), 4 slices of bacon (diced), 4 cups chicken broth, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper to taste.
- Instructions: In the slow cooker, combine bacon and onion and cook on high until bacon is crispy. Add collard greens, chicken broth, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until greens are tender.
Hearty Soups and Stews
When you think of Southern comfort food, hearty soups and stews come to mind. These dishes are not only filling but also perfect for using up leftover ingredients and providing nourishment on chilly days.
5. Gumbo
Gumbo is a staple in Southern cuisine that reflects a blend of cultures and flavors. Using the slow cooker allows for a deep infusion of spices and a thick, hearty texture.
- Ingredients: 1 lb smoked sausage (sliced), 1 lb chicken thighs (cubed), 1 cup okra (sliced), 1 bell pepper (diced), 1 onion (diced), 2 celery stalks (diced), 4 cups chicken broth, 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, and 1 cup of cooked rice.
- Instructions: In the slow cooker, add all ingredients except for the rice. Stir well and cook on low for 8 hours. Serve gumbo over a scoop of rice for a complete meal.
6. Tomato Basil Soup
A creamy tomato basil soup is a nostalgic childhood favorite for many. This slow cooker version allows the flavors to develop beautifully over time.
- Ingredients: 2 cans of diced tomatoes, 1 onion (diced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup fresh basil, salt and pepper to taste.
- Instructions: Combine tomatoes, onion, garlic, and broth in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours. Blend until smooth and stir in heavy cream and basil just before serving.
7. Brunswick Stew
This traditional Southern stew is hearty and packed with flavors from meats and vegetables. It’s perfect for a crowd and is even better the next day!
- Ingredients: 2 cups shredded chicken, 1 cup pulled pork, 1 cup corn, 1 cup lima beans, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 onion (diced), 4 cups chicken broth, and BBQ sauce to taste.
- Instructions: Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and stir. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve hot with cornbread.
Sweet Endings: Desserts Made Simple
To complete your Southern slow cooked comfort break, don’t forget about dessert! Slow cookers can also whip up some delightful sweet treats that your family will love.
8. Peach Cobbler
Peach cobbler is a Southern classic that makes for a delightful dessert. Using the slow cooker gives it a warm, gooey texture that is simply irresistible.
- Ingredients: 4 cups sliced peaches (fresh or canned), 1 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 box yellow cake mix, and 1 stick of butter (melted).
- Instructions: In the slow cooker, combine peaches, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Sprinkle cake mix on top and drizzle melted butter over it. Cook on high for 2-3 hours until bubbly and golden brown.
9. Chocolate Lava Cake
This indulgent dessert is a crowd-pleaser and easy to make in a slow cooker. The gooey chocolate center pairs perfectly with ice cream.
- Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2/3 cup milk, 1/2 cup melted butter, and 1 cup chocolate chips.
- Instructions: Mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Stir in milk and melted butter until smooth. Fold in chocolate chips. Pour the batter into the slow cooker and cook on high for 2-3 hours until the top is set but the center is still gooey.
10. Bread Pudding
Bread pudding is a classic Southern dessert that can be made easily in a slow cooker. This comfort food is perfect for using up stale bread and is incredibly satisfying.
- Ingredients: 6 cups cubed bread, 2 cups milk, 1 cup sugar, 4 eggs, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and raisins (optional).
- Instructions: Whisk together milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add cubed bread and raisins, if using. Pour mixture into the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours until set. Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Conclusion
Embracing the art of slow cooking opens up a world of delicious Southern comfort foods that nourish the body and soul. From hearty main dishes to delightful desserts, these recipes are perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Whether you’re enjoying pulled pork sandwiches, creamy chicken and dumplings, or warm peach cobbler, each dish tells a story of tradition and love that is at the heart of Southern cooking. So grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and indulge in these comforting flavors that will make any meal feel special.
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11. Southern Style Chili
Chili is a beloved dish in the South, known for its rich flavors and hearty ingredients. A slow cooker makes it easy to prepare a big batch that can feed a crowd.
- Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef, 1 onion (chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 cans diced tomatoes, 1 can kidney beans, 1 can black beans, 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Instructions: In a skillet, brown the ground beef with onion and garlic. Transfer to the slow cooker and add the remaining ingredients. Stir well and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve with cornbread or over rice.
12. Southern Green Beans
These slow-cooked green beans are a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with any Southern meal. The long cooking time allows the flavors to deepen and the beans to become tender.
- Ingredients: 2 pounds fresh green beans (trimmed), 1 onion (sliced), 4 slices of bacon (chopped), 2 cups chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
- Instructions: Place all ingredients in the slow cooker and stir. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until the beans are tender and flavorful. Enjoy alongside your favorite main dish.
13. Creamy Tuscan Chicken
This dish takes inspiration from Southern ingredients while infusing rich, creamy flavors that are sure to please. Serve it over pasta or rice for a complete meal.
- Ingredients: 4 boneless chicken breasts, 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, 1 cup spinach, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Instructions: Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker and top with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, heavy cream, and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-7 hours. Serve hot over pasta or rice.
14. Grits with Shrimp and Andouille Sausage
This classic Southern dish brings together creamy grits with succulent shrimp and savory sausage for a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug.
- Ingredients: 1 cup grits, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined), 1 pound andouille sausage (sliced), 1 cup shredded cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Instructions: Cook grits in the slow cooker with chicken broth on low for 4-5 hours. In the last hour, add shrimp, sausage, and cheese. Stir well and cook until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
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