The Conversation
Listen here y’all, we are about to share with you a series of seriously Southern recipes. Our favorite foods, from Southern pies to jambalaya, all hail from the great Southern states, so we thought it was only appropriate to pay homage to the culinary greatness of the region. This collection of classics reminds us that a good Southern meal simply requires a little bit of a love and a lot of butter to become something seriously delicious. Enjoy!
1. Buttermilk Biscuits: The saying, “Well, butter my biscuit” doesn’t even begin to describe the importance of biscuits in Southern cooking. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, southerners find a way to make this delicious dough the base for nearly every meal. (via The Chic Site)
2. Southern Praline Bars: It takes four ingredients and 20 short minutes to prepare this sweet staple. Make this sticky treat for your next family gathering or bake sale and watch everyone go nutty over the amazing flavor. (via The Cafe Sucre Farine)
3. Pulled Pork Biscuit Sandwich: From Tennessee to Texas and Kentucky to North Carolina, BBQ has a different personality wherever you go. Try this twist on tradition by pairing your pulled pork with a southern style biscuit for a delicious dinner the whole family will love. (via Recipe Runner)
4. Boiled Peanuts: During summers in the south you can find a boiled peanut stand around every corner. These salty, hot bites of deliciousness have even been officially deemed the state snack of South Carolina. If you aren’t lucky enough to live in the great Southern states, though, learn how to make boiled peanuts at home! (via Carolina Girl Cooks)
5. Mississippi Mud Pie: If you’re a chocolate lover, this pie is a must-make for you. The crunchy graham cracker crust is the perfect base for layers upon layers of indulgent chocolate and ice cream for a down south dessert that we cannot get enough of. (via The Ginger Snap Girl)
6. Fried Green Tomatoes: If there is one thing we know about Southern cooking, it’s that everything is better dipped in a bit of batter and fried. Fried green tomatoes are a staple in the low-country for a snack, appetizer or side at dinner! (via Host the Toast)
7. Hummingbird Cake: Rumor has it this cake got its name by being as sweet as the sugared water that attracts its flying namesake. Layers of banana, pineapple and coconut are topped with the nutty crunch of pecans and the tart sweetness of cream cheese frosting. (via Buttercream Bakehouse)
8. Mint Julep: There is no need to reserve this mint + bourbon cocktail for derby days. Instead, bring this adult concoction out for your next party and impress your friends with your Southern-inspired hospitality! (via Camille Styles)
9. Apple Butter: Biscuits, bread and muffins are just a few of our favorite baked goods to smother a little apple butter love on. This sweet spread is the perfect way to top your breakfast toast or morning muffin. (via Eating Richly)
10. Old Fashioned Banana Pudding: A good Southern banana pudding is built by alternating layers of vanilla wafers, bananas and custard. This tried and true dessert recipe is the real deal and far better than any boxed versions you may have tried. (via Three Beans on a String)
11. Shrimp and Grits: We get it — the name grits just does not sound that appealing, but we swear that these cheesy and creamy grains are the way to go if you’re looking to make the ultimate Southern dinner dish. Packed full of flavor, this recipe will far exceed its name. (via Fifteen Spatulas)
12. Southern Style Skillet Cornbread: Dipped in chili or served on the side, cornbread is a dixie gal’s go-to side item for any rustic meal. This mini skillet recipe will teach you how to make classic cornbread in bite-size portions. (via Bakingdom)
13. Buttermilk Fried Chicken: You didn’t think we could talk about culinary creations of the South and not talk about fried chicken, did you? Buttermilk fried chicken is a comfort food favorite that will have your taste buds screaming, “Bless your heart!” (via The Little Epicurean)
14. Kentucky Hot Brown: The Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky was the original home of this unique southern sandwich. This exceptionally rich dish is made by stacking bacon and Mornay sauce atop a thick, open-faced turkey sandwich for a food coma worth experiencing. (via Debi Shaw Cross)
15. Creamed Corn: Why have regular corn when you could have sweet, creamy corn? Fresh corn, butter, salt and a dash of cream are combined in an iron skillet for a side item that will soon become the star of your next meal. (via Southern Boy Dishes)
16. Sun Tea: The signature drink of the South is undoubtably sweet tea. This easy-peasy process uses the sun to gently sweeten the tea for an all-natural and oh so refreshing beverage that everyone can enjoy. (via The Primal Desire)
17. Ambrosia Salad: A simple mixture of fruit, coconut, pecans, whipped cream and marshmallows makes a delicious fruit salad. This has been a family tradition served over many generations. (via Simply Gourmet)
18. Corn and Crab Fritters: Try this seaside twist for a main dish you’ll crave. Combine sweet corn and crab into a crispy, fried package to celebrate the end of the summer season. (via Cooking for Keeps)
19. Chicken and Dumplings: A warm and hearty bowl of comfort food is the perfect fix on the cool days of fall. Fluffy and flavorful dough melts into the perfectly seasoned broth. (via The Hopeless Housewife)
20. Hush Puppies: Southerners are all about the fried sides. Serve these little puppies (pun intended) with your next fish entree for a complete southern shore-inspired meal. (via Grandbaby Cakes)
21. Crawfish Boil: In Louisiana there is nothing more authentically southern than gathering around a good old fashioned crawfish boil. Ditch your silverware and and prepare yourself for more of an event than a mere meal that consists of fresh crawfish, corn and whatever veggies you want to plop in. (via Food Network)
22. Collard Greens: Your perfect Southern supper is not complete without some collard greens. Simmered with turkey bacon, fresh chopped onions and garlic, it’s an easy side item to prepare in a short amount of time. (via Chef Garvin)
23. Blackberry Cobbler: There is something so intoxicating about the smell of fruity cobbler floating through the air. All you need is seven simple ingredients to fill your home with the sensational sent of blackberries and dough. (via Local Taste)
24. Shrimp Po’ Boy: This down-south sandwich is downright amazing. It originated as a dish made from leftovers for a cheap man’s dinner, but has since turned into a cafe classic across the region. (via Bev Cooks)
25. Chicken + Waffles: The creme de la creme of favorite Southern dishes has to be the creative combination of chicken and waffles. Savory fried chicken is paired with the sweetness of syrup-coated waffles for a culinary power couple. (via Grandbaby Cakes)
What is your favorite down-home, southern dish? Share the recipe with us in the comments below!
Nicole Weinrich
Nicole is a native midwesterner, but a secret southern belle at heart. She loves sweet tea, babies, boys who wear bow ties and solving problems with a bottle of wine. Her addiction to Pinterest turned into a job at a social media marketing startup.