Southern Slow Cooked Dishes for Every Occasion

Classic Southern Slow Cooked Dishes

When it comes to Southern cuisine, there are certain dishes that stand out as quintessential comfort food. These recipes have been passed down through generations, each with its own unique twist. The beauty of slow cooking is that it allows flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in mouth-watering dishes that are perfect for any occasion. Below are some classic Southern slow-cooked dishes you can whip up for your next gathering.

1. Southern Style Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is a staple in Southern cooking, and when it’s slow-cooked, it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful. Serve it on a bun with coleslaw for a delightful meal that everyone will love.

• Ingredients:
  • 4-5 lbs pork shoulder
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  • Rub the pork shoulder with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Place the pork in the slow cooker and add apple cider vinegar.
  • Cook on low for 8 hours or until the meat is tender and easily shredded.
  • Shred the pork and mix in the barbecue sauce before serving.

2. Creamy Southern Grits

No Southern meal is complete without a side of creamy grits. This dish can be served as a base for shrimp or as a comforting side on its own.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup stone-ground grits
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• Instructions:
  • In the slow cooker, combine grits, chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
  • Cook on low for about 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir in heavy cream and cheese (if using) before serving for a rich, creamy texture.

3. Southern Chicken and Dumplings

This dish is a heartwarming favorite and is perfect for family dinners. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become tender and the dumplings to soak up all the savory flavors.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 chicken thighs
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can of cream of chicken soup
  • 2 cups biscuit dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  • Place chicken, onion, broth, and cream of chicken soup in the slow cooker.
  • Cook on low for 6 hours or until chicken is cooked through.
  • Shred the chicken and return it to the slow cooker.
  • Drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough on top and cook for an additional 30 minutes, until the dumplings are cooked through.

4. Collard Greens with Ham Hocks

Collard greens are a traditional Southern side dish, often cooked slowly with ham hocks for an added depth of flavor. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs collard greens, chopped
  • 2 ham hocks
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  • In the slow cooker, combine collard greens, ham hocks, onion, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar.
  • Cook on low for 6-8 hours, until the collards are tender.
  • Season with salt and pepper before serving.

5. Classic Southern Pot Roast

A pot roast is the epitome of comfort food. Cooked slowly with vegetables and seasoning, this dish is perfect for a family gathering or a cozy night in.

• Ingredients:
  • 3-4 lbs chuck roast
  • 4 carrots, chopped
  • 4 potatoes, chopped
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Instructions:
  • Season the chuck roast with salt and pepper on all sides.
  • Place vegetables in the slow cooker and lay the roast on top.
  • Pour beef broth and Worcestershire sauce over the roast.
  • Cook on low for 8 hours or until the meat is fork-tender.

6. Slow Cooked Jambalaya

Jambalaya is a flavorful rice dish that originated in Louisiana. It’s packed with sausage, chicken, and shrimp, making it a filling meal perfect for gatherings.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1 lb chicken thighs, cubed
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups long-grain rice
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• Instructions:
  • In the slow cooker, combine sausage, chicken, onion, bell pepper, and Cajun seasoning.
  • Add chicken broth and rice, stirring to combine.
  • Cook on low for 6 hours, adding shrimp during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

7. Southern Baked Beans

These beans are a perfect side dish for barbecues and family gatherings. Slowly cooked with bacon and brown sugar, they are rich, sweet, and savory.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cans of navy beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup bacon, diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
• Instructions:
  • In the slow cooker, combine all ingredients and mix well.
  • Cook on low for 6-8 hours, until the beans are heated through and flavors meld.

8. Slow Cooker Peach Cobbler

To finish off your Southern feast, a dessert is a must! This slow cooker peach cobbler is sweet, fruity, and incredibly easy to make.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 cups sliced peaches (fresh or canned)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Instructions:
  • In a bowl, mix peaches with half of the sugar and cinnamon; pour into the slow cooker.
  • In another bowl, mix remaining sugar, flour, milk, baking powder, and melted butter.
  • Pour the batter over the peaches (do not stir).
  • Cook on low for 4 hours or until the cobbler is set and golden brown.

Conclusion

Southern slow-cooked dishes are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday feast, or a casual weeknight dinner. With their rich flavors and hearty ingredients, these recipes are sure to be crowd-pleasers. By utilizing the magic of slow cooking, you can create meals that are not only delicious but also allow you to spend more time with your loved ones. So grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the comforting tastes of the South!

“`html

9. Southern Style Collard Greens

Collard greens are a staple in Southern cuisine, and slow cooking them allows the flavors to deepen and develop. This dish pairs beautifully with any meat and is a great way to incorporate greens into your diet.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs collard greens, washed and chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 smoked ham hock or bacon (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  • In the slow cooker, layer collard greens, onion, garlic, and ham hock or bacon if using.
  • Pour chicken broth over the top, and season with salt and pepper.
  • Cook on low for 6-8 hours until greens are tender.

10. Slow Cooker Grits

Grits are a beloved Southern comfort food, and cooking them in a slow cooker makes it easy to achieve that creamy texture without constant stirring.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup stone-ground grits
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  • In the slow cooker, combine grits, water, and salt.
  • Cook on low for 4-5 hours, stirring occasionally.
  • Once the grits are thick and creamy, stir in milk and cheese until melted.

11. Southern BBQ Pulled Pork

This pulled pork recipe is perfect for a casual get-together. It’s flavorful, tender, and can be served on buns for easy sandwiches.

• Ingredients:
  • 3-4 lbs pork shoulder
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  • Rub pork shoulder with paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Place sliced onions and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker, then add the pork on top.
  • Pour BBQ sauce over the pork, covering it well.
  • Cook on low for 8-10 hours until the pork is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.

12. Classic Southern Cornbread

This cornbread is a delightful side that complements many Southern dishes. It’s slightly sweet and has a perfect crumb.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 2 eggs
• Instructions:
  • In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  • In another bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, and eggs.
  • Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed.
  • Pour the batter into a greased slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours until set.

“`
“`html

13. Southern Style Beef Stew

This hearty beef stew is perfect for chilly nights. It’s packed with tender meat, vegetables, and rich flavor.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into chunks
  • 4 carrots, sliced
  • 4 potatoes, diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  • In the slow cooker, combine beef, carrots, potatoes, and onion.
  • Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  • Cook on low for 8 hours or until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.

14. Southern Sausage and Shrimp Gumbo

This gumbo is a fusion of flavors, perfect for gatherings or family dinners. The slow cooker makes it convenient to prepare.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups okra, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• Instructions:
  • In the slow cooker, combine sausage, onion, bell pepper, celery, chicken broth, okra, and Cajun seasoning.
  • Cook on low for 6 hours, then stir in the shrimp and cook for an additional 30 minutes.

15. Sweet Tea Brisket

This brisket is marinated in sweet tea for a unique flavor that’s sure to impress. Slow cooking ensures it remains tender and juicy.

• Ingredients:
  • 3-4 lbs beef brisket
  • 2 cups sweet tea
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  • Marinate the brisket in sweet tea for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  • Place sliced onion and garlic in the slow cooker, then add the brisket.
  • Season with salt and pepper, then pour the sweet tea marinade over the top.
  • Cook on low for 8-10 hours until the brisket is tender.

Conclusion

With these Southern slow cooked dishes, you can bring warmth and flavor to any occasion. Each recipe is designed to make the most of your slow cooker, allowing you to enjoy delicious meals with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving comfort food, these dishes will be a hit every time!

“`

Related

• Can dogs eat cooked cabbage?
• Do cooked carrots have potassium?
• How long can cooked beef sit out at 70 degrees?
• Is it better to freeze mac and cheese cooked or uncooked?