15 Chess Bars Recipe Southern Get Ready To Indulge!

Published on: Mar 29, 2024

Chess bars, also known as chess squares or chess pie bars, are a delicious and indulgent dessert that originated in the Southern United States. These bars are a staple in many Southern households and are often served at potlucks, family gatherings, and holidays. Chess bars are made with simple ingredients and have a rich, buttery flavor that will leave you wanting more. Here is a simple and easy recipe for chess bars that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.

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Southern Pecan Pie Bars

Main Ingredients: Crust, Eggs, Sugar, Corn Syrup, Vanilla, Butter, Salt

Easy Southern Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust - The Country Cook

Classic Southern Pecan Pie Bars - Maria's Kitchen

Southern Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect sweet treat for any occasion. These bars are a twist on the traditional pecan pie, with a buttery shortbread crust and a gooey pecan filling. They are easy to make and will satisfy any sweet tooth. Serve them at your next family gathering or potluck and watch them disappear in no time!

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Southern Chess Squares

Main Ingredients: Yellow Cake Mix, Unsalted Butter, Large Egg, Chopped

Southern Chess Squares are a classic Southern dessert that is loved by many. These sweet and buttery squares are made with simple ingredients and are perfect for any occasion. The rich and creamy chess filling is sandwiched between a buttery crust and topped with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. One bite and you'll be hooked!

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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread

Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt

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I love Southern Cornbread – especially when it's made in a cast iron skillet. There's just something about the crispy edges and soft, buttery center that makes it irresistible. This recipe is easy to make and pairs perfectly with a bowl of chili or a hearty Southern meal. You won't be disappointed with this classic Southern cornbread.

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Southern Buttermilk Chess Pie

Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Flour, Cornmeal, Large Eggs

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If you've never had a slice of Southern Buttermilk Chess Pie, you are missing out! This creamy and tangy pie is a staple in Southern households and is a must-try for any dessert lover. The filling is made with simple ingredients like buttermilk, eggs, and sugar, and is baked to perfection in a flaky crust. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect finishing touch.

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Southern Smothered Chicken

Main Ingredients: Chicken, All Purpose Flour, Salt, Ground Black Pepper

Honestly Easy Smothered Chicken | FaveSouthernRecipes.com

Southern Smothered Chicken and Gravy - Cooks with Soul

Southern Smothered Chicken is a classic comfort food that is loved by many. This dish is made with tender chicken thighs smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy. It's perfect served over rice or with a side of mashed potatoes. The best part? It's easy to make and will leave your house smelling amazing!

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Southern Collard Greens

Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Kosher Salt

Southern Collard Greens | RecipeLion.com

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Southern Collard Greens are a staple in many Southern homes. These hearty greens are slow-cooked with onions, garlic, and smoked ham hocks for a flavorful side dish that pairs well with any meal. Serve them up with a side of cornbread for the ultimate Southern comfort food experience.

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Southern Cornbread Dressing

Main Ingredients: Cornbread, Medium Onion, Celery, Butter, Condensed

Southern Cornbread Dressing - Home. Made. Interest.

Southern-Style Cornbread Dressing - Grace and Good Eats

The Best Southern Cornbread Dressing - Everyday Eileen

Southern Cornbread Dressing is a must-have dish for any Thanksgiving or holiday feast. This classic Southern recipe is made with crumbled cornbread, celery, onions, and herbs, and is baked to perfection. It's the perfect accompaniment to your holiday turkey and will have your guests coming back for seconds.

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Southern Smothered Oxtails

Main Ingredients: Oxtails, All Purpose Flour, Worcestershire Sauce

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Southern Smothered Oxtails are a Southern comfort food at its finest. These tender and flavorful oxtails are slow-cooked in a rich gravy until they are fall-off-the-bone tender. Serve them with a side of mashed potatoes and collard greens for the ultimate Southern meal.

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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits

Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt

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Flaky, Fluffy Southern Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe | Girl Vs Dough

Nothing beats a warm, flaky Southern biscuit fresh out of the oven. This classic recipe is simple but oh-so-delicious. Serve them up with a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey for the perfect breakfast or snack. Once you try these biscuits, you'll never want to go back to store-bought.

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Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Main Ingredients: Macaroni, Eggs, Heavy Cream, Milk, Pepper, Salt

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Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a staple at any Southern gathering. This creamy, cheesy dish is made with a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese and baked to perfection. It's the ultimate comfort food and will have everyone asking for seconds.

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Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Flour, Evaporated Milk, Half And Half

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Easy Recipe: Perfect Best Baked Mac And Cheese - Pioneer Woman Recipes ...

This version of Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is a little different from the classic. It's made with a rich and creamy cheese sauce and topped with a crispy breadcrumb topping. This dish is perfect for any occasion and will have your taste buds singing with every bite.

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Southern Peach Cobbler!

Main Ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Peaches, Lemon Juice, All Purpose Flour

Easy Southern Peach Cobbler - Love Bakes Good Cakes

Southern Peach Cobbler - Best Recipe EVER! - Merry About Town

Southern Peach Cobbler is a must-try for any peach lover. This classic dessert is made with juicy peaches, warm spices, and a buttery crust. Serve it up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect summer treat. This dish is sure to become a family favorite.

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Classic Southern Collard Greens

Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Water, Smoked Ham Hock, Chicken

Feasting on Fitness: Southern Cooking Classic: Collard Greens

SOUTHERN-STYLE COLLARD GREENS classic slow-cooked Southern side - Eats ...

Classic Southern Collard Greens are a staple in many Southern homes. These hearty greens are slow-cooked with onions, garlic, and smoked ham hocks for a flavorful side dish that pairs well with any meal. Serve them up with a side of cornbread for the ultimate Southern comfort food experience.

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Southern Pimento Cheese

Main Ingredients: Cream Cheese, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Mild Cheddar

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Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe - TheSuperHealthyFood

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Southern Pimento Cheese is a classic Southern dish that is perfect for snacking, sandwiches, or as a topping for burgers and hot dogs. This creamy and tangy dip is made with cheddar cheese, pimentos, and other flavorful ingredients. It's easy to make and will be a hit at any party or gathering.

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Southern Cabbage

Main Ingredients: Bacon, Onion, Cabbage, College Inn Chicken Broth

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Southern Cabbage is a simple and flavorful side dish that pairs well with any Southern meal. This dish is made with tender cabbage, onions, and bacon for a delicious and hearty side dish. It's a great way to incorporate more veggies into your diet and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

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Southern Cornbread

Main Ingredients: Self Rising Cornmeal, Eggs, Vegetable Oil, Buttermilk

Southern Cornbread Dressing - melissassouthernstylekitchen.com

Southern Cornbread is a staple in many Southern households. This easy recipe is made with simple ingredients and baked to perfection in a cast iron skillet. The result is a crispy and buttery cornbread that is perfect for pairing with chili, soup, or any other hearty dish.

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Southern Sausage Gravy

Main Ingredients: Sausage, Flour, Rubbed Sage, Whole Milk, Freshly Ground

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Southern Sausage Gravy is a classic Southern breakfast dish that is loved by many. This creamy and flavorful gravy is made with ground sausage, milk, and a few simple seasonings. Serve it over warm biscuits for the ultimate comfort meal. This dish is sure to become a family favorite.

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Southern Hush Puppies

Main Ingredients: Yellow Cornmeal, All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder

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Southern Hush Puppies are a classic Southern side dish that is loved by many. These crispy and savory bites are made with cornmeal, flour, and a few other ingredients and are perfect for serving alongside fried fish or seafood. They are easy to make and are sure to be a hit at your next cookout or potluck.

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Southern Squash Casserole

Main Ingredients: Squash, Onion, Butter, Sour Cream, Seasoning, Cheddar

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Southern Squash Casserole is a delicious and hearty side dish that is perfect for using up summer squash. This casserole is made with tender squash, onions, and a creamy and cheesy sauce. It's a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

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Southern Fried Corn

Main Ingredients: Bacon, Ears Of Corn, Granulated Sugar, Unsalted Butter

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Southern Fried Corn is a classic Southern side dish that is perfect for using up fresh corn on the cob. This dish is made with sweet corn, butter, and a few simple seasonings and is cooked until it's golden and crispy. Serve it up with your favorite Southern meal for a delicious and hearty side dish.

The History of Chess Bars

The Origin

The exact origin of chess bars is unknown, but they are believed to have originated in the South during the 1800s. Some say they were created by cooks who were looking for a way to use up leftover ingredients such as butter, flour, and sugar. Others believe that they were created by home cooks who wanted a simple and easy dessert that could be made with pantry staples.

The Name

There are a few theories on how chess bars got their name. One theory is that the name comes from the chess-like pattern on the top of the bars, created by the crisscrossing of the fork tines. Another theory is that the name comes from the chess pie, a similar dessert that is made with a chess-like filling. Regardless of the origins of the name, one thing is for sure – these bars are a delicious and beloved Southern treat.

The Evolution

Over time, chess bars have evolved and adapted to different regions and tastes. Some variations include the addition of chocolate chips, nuts, or different flavors such as lemon or coconut. However, the basic recipe remains the same – a buttery crust topped with a rich, creamy filling that is hard to resist.

The Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
Pour in the melted butter and mix well until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
Pour the egg mixture over the crust and spread it evenly.
If desired, sprinkle the chopped nuts over the top of the filling.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the filling is set.
Let the bars cool before cutting into squares and serving.

The Perfect Southern Dessert

Chess bars are a classic Southern dessert that is loved by many. With its rich and buttery flavor, it's no wonder these bars have stood the test of time and continue to be a favorite among Southerners. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy dessert or a taste of Southern comfort, chess bars are the perfect choice. So gather your ingredients and give this delicious recipe a try – your taste buds will thank you.