17 Classic Southern Recipe Try These Culinary Delights!
Published on: Mar 30, 2024
The classic southern recipe is a staple in many households across the southern region of the United States. It is a cuisine that has been passed down for generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to make it their own. From fried chicken to biscuits and gravy, the flavors of the south are rich and hearty, and always leave you feeling satisfied. In this article, we will explore the history and ingredients of this beloved cuisine, as well as provide a delicious recipe for you to try at home.
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cooking and are the perfect side dish for any meal. This classic recipe is simple yet flavorful, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Start by washing and trimming your collard greens. Remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. In a large pot, cook some bacon until crispy and set it aside. In the same pot, sauté some onions and garlic until they are soft. Add in your chopped collard greens and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Cook the greens until they are wilted and tender, then crumble the cooked bacon on top before serving. This dish is a classic for a reason – it's simple, delicious, and pairs perfectly with any Southern meal.
Southern fried chicken is a true comfort food and a must-have at any Southern gathering. This classic recipe will have your mouth watering as soon as you smell the crispy, flavorful chicken cooking in the kitchen.
To make this classic dish, start by soaking your chicken pieces in a buttermilk brine for at least an hour. This will help tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. Dip the chicken in the flour mixture and coat it well. Heat oil in a large cast-iron skillet and fry the chicken until it's golden and crispy. Make sure to let it rest on a paper towel to soak up any excess oil. Serve this delicious fried chicken with classic Southern sides like mac and cheese and collard greens.
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Classic Southern Gravy
Main Ingredients: Fat, All Purpose Flour, Whole Milk, Salt, Cracked Black
No Southern meal is complete without a rich and flavorful gravy. This classic recipe is made with pan drippings from meat and is the perfect topping for biscuits, mashed potatoes, and more.
To make this gravy, start by cooking some meat (such as sausage or bacon) in a pan. Once cooked, remove the meat and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pan. Add in some flour and cook until it turns a light golden brown. Slowly stir in some milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add in the cooked meat, season with salt and pepper, and let the gravy thicken to your desired consistency. Serve this classic Southern gravy over biscuits or mashed potatoes for a comforting and delicious meal.
This classic Southern dessert is a cross between a custard and a pie, making it the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. It's a simple yet delicious dish that is sure to impress anyone who tries it.
To make this pie, start by making a simple pie crust. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, eggs, buttermilk, and a splash of vanilla extract. Pour the mixture into the pie crust and bake it until it's golden and set. The end result is a creamy, tangy pie that is perfect for any occasion. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch.
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Classic Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Self Rising Flour, Vegetable Shortening, Buttermilk
Buttermilk biscuits are a staple in Southern cooking and are the perfect accompaniment to any meal. This classic recipe is simple, yet the end result is a fluffy, buttery biscuit that will have you coming back for seconds.
To make these biscuits, start by mixing together flour, baking powder, salt, and a bit of sugar. Cut in some cold butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Then, add in some buttermilk and stir until the dough comes together. Roll out the dough and cut out your biscuits, then bake them until they are golden and fluffy. Serve these classic Southern buttermilk biscuits with gravy, jam, or on their own for a delicious and comforting treat.
Cornbread is a staple in Southern cooking and is the perfect side dish for any meal. This classic recipe is simple, yet the end result is a moist and flavorful cornbread that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
To make this cornbread, start by mixing together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and a bit of sugar. In a separate bowl, mix together buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and pour the batter into a greased baking dish. Bake until the cornbread is golden and a toothpick comes out clean. This classic Southern cornbread pairs perfectly with chili, barbecue, or any other hearty dish.
Pecan pie is a classic Southern dessert that is rich, sweet, and full of flavor. This recipe is a must-try for any pecan pie lover and is sure to become a family favorite.
To make this pie, start by making a simple pie crust. In a separate bowl, mix together corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, and plenty of pecans. Pour the filling into the pie crust and bake until the filling is set. This pecan pie is perfect for any holiday or special occasion and is best served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Caramel cake is a classic Southern dessert that is rich, indulgent, and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. This recipe takes a bit of time and effort, but the end result is well worth it.
To make this cake, start by making a simple yellow cake and baking it in two round cake pans. Once the cakes are cooled, cut each one in half horizontally to create four layers. In a separate pan, melt together sugar and butter until it turns a deep golden brown. This will be the filling for the cake. Sandwich the layers together with the caramel filling and frost the cake with your favorite buttercream frosting. This classic Southern caramel cake is sure to impress anyone who tries it.
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Classic Southern Shrimp & Grits
Main Ingredients: Grits, Mushroom, Meal, Shell On Shrimp, Olive Oil
Shrimp and grits is a classic Southern dish that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any meal of the day. This recipe is simple yet delicious and is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.
To make this dish, start by cooking some bacon in a pan until it's crispy. Set the bacon aside and use the drippings to cook some shrimp until they are pink and cooked through. In a separate pot, cook some grits according to package instructions and stir in some butter and cheese for added flavor. Serve the cheesy grits topped with the cooked shrimp and crumbled bacon. This classic Southern dish is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
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Classic Southern Mint Julep
Main Ingredients: Mint, Superfine Sugar, Bourbon, Crushed Ice
The mint julep is the quintessential drink of the South and is a must-have for any Southern gathering or special occasion. This classic recipe is simple yet refreshing and is sure to become a favorite.
To make this drink, mix together some bourbon, simple syrup, and a handful of fresh mint leaves. Muddle the mint leaves to release their flavor and then fill the glass with crushed ice. Stir the drink until the glass is frosty and top it off with a mint sprig for garnish. Sip on this classic Southern mint julep while sitting on the porch on a hot summer day.
This classic buttermilk cornbread is a staple in Southern cooking and a must-have for any barbecue or chili night. It's simple to make and pairs perfectly with any hearty dish.
To make this cornbread, start by mixing together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and a bit of sugar. In a separate bowl, mix together buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and pour the batter into a greased baking dish. Bake until the cornbread is golden and a toothpick comes out clean. This classic Southern buttermilk cornbread is a must-try for any cornbread lover.
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Classic Southern Cheese Grits
Main Ingredients: Water, Bouillon Cubes, Grits, Heavy Cream, Crushed Red
Cheese grits are a staple in Southern cooking and are the perfect side dish for any meal. This classic recipe is simple, yet the end result is a creamy, cheesy grits dish that will have you coming back for seconds.
To make this dish, cook some grits according to package instructions and stir in some butter and shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne for some heat. Serve these cheesy grits as a side dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Deviled eggs are a classic appetizer in Southern cooking and are perfect for any gathering or party. This recipe puts a spin on the classic dish with the addition of bacon and chives for added flavor and texture.
To make these deviled eggs, start by hard-boiling some eggs and cutting them in half. Remove the yolks and mix them with mayonnaise, mustard, chopped bacon, and chives. Spoon the mixture back into the egg whites and top with a sprinkle of paprika for color. These deviled eggs are a crowd-pleaser and are sure to disappear quickly.
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by all. This Southern twist on the classic dish adds in some bacon and a crispy breadcrumb topping for added flavor and texture.
To make this dish, cook some macaroni according to package instructions. In a separate pan, cook some bacon until crispy, then set it aside. In the same pan, make a roux with butter, flour, and milk. Add in some shredded cheese and stir until it's melted and smooth. Mix in the cooked macaroni and crispy bacon, then pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with a mixture of breadcrumbs and melted butter and bake until the top is golden and crispy. This classic Southern mac and cheese will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
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Classic Southern Biscuits and Gravy
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Soda, Baking Powder, Salt
Biscuits and gravy is a classic Southern breakfast dish that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a lazy weekend morning. This recipe is simple yet delicious and is sure to become a favorite in your household.
To make this dish, start by making a simple sausage gravy by cooking some sausage in a pan and using the drippings to make a roux. Add in some milk and stir until the gravy has thickened. Serve this rich and flavorful gravy over warm buttermilk biscuits for the ultimate Southern breakfast.
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Grandma’s Classic Southern Biscuits and Sausage Gravy
Main Ingredients: Self Rising Flour, Baking Powder, Granulated White
Biscuits and sausage gravy is a classic Southern breakfast dish that has been passed down for generations. This recipe is made with love and is sure to bring back memories of your grandma's kitchen.
To make this dish, start by making a simple sausage gravy by cooking some sausage in a pan and using the drippings to make a roux. Add in some milk and stir until the gravy has thickened. Serve this rich and flavorful gravy over warm buttermilk biscuits for a comforting and delicious breakfast.
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Classic Southern Fried Okra with Cornmeal
Main Ingredients: Okra, Buttermilk, Flour, Cornmeal, Garlic Powder, Onion
Fried okra is a classic Southern side dish that is crispy, flavorful, and addictively delicious. This recipe uses cornmeal for an extra crispy coating that is sure to please.
To make this dish, start by slicing some fresh okra and coating it in a mixture of cornmeal, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a pan and fry the okra until it's golden and crispy. Serve this classic Southern fried okra as a side dish or a tasty snack.
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Classic Southern Cast-Iron Skillet Pineapple...
Main Ingredients: Fresh Pineapple, Butter, Light Brown Sugar, Pecan
This classic Southern dessert is a showstopper that is sure to impress anyone who tries it. The combination of sweet pineapple and a buttery, moist cake is a match made in heaven.
To make this cake, start by melting butter and brown sugar in a cast-iron skillet. Arrange pineapple slices on top and pour a simple cake batter over the top. Bake until the cake is golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Invert the cake onto a plate and serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat.
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Classic Southern Fried Green Tomatoes - Cowboy Kent...
Main Ingredients: Green Tomatoes, Sugar, Black Pepper, Cornmeal, Ranch
Fried green tomatoes are a classic Southern dish that is crispy, tangy, and perfect for a summertime meal. This recipe adds a twist by using a cowboy seasoning mix for added flavor and a bit of a kick.
To make this dish, start by slicing some green tomatoes and coating them in a mixture of flour and a cowboy seasoning mix. Fry them until they are golden and crispy, then serve them as a side dish or on top of a salad for a delicious and unique twist on a classic Southern dish.
Tomato pie is a classic Southern dish that is made with fresh, juicy tomatoes and a rich, cheesy filling. This recipe is simple yet delicious and is sure to become a favorite in your household.
The History of Southern Cuisine
Southern cuisine has its roots in the African, Native American, and European cultures that have influenced the region. The ingredients used in classic southern dishes are a reflection of the local produce and livestock, making it a true representation of the region. The origins of this cuisine can be traced back to the 16th century when African slaves brought their cooking techniques and spices to the southern colonies. Over time, as the region developed, so did its cuisine, with the incorporation of European cooking methods and ingredients.
The Key Ingredients
One of the key ingredients in southern cooking is cornmeal. This versatile ingredient is used in a variety of dishes, from cornbread to hush puppies. Another staple in southern cuisine is buttermilk, which is used to add a tangy flavor to dishes like fried chicken and biscuits. Collard greens and black-eyed peas are also commonly used in southern dishes, providing a hearty and nutritious component to meals.
The Classic Southern Recipe: Fried Chicken
No discussion of southern cuisine would be complete without mentioning fried chicken. This iconic dish is a staple at family gatherings and can be found on the menu at many southern restaurants. To make this dish, you will need chicken pieces, buttermilk, flour, and seasonings such as salt, pepper, and paprika. The chicken is first marinated in buttermilk to tenderize it, then coated in seasoned flour before being fried to a golden brown. The end result is a crispy and flavorful dish that is sure to please.
In Conclusion
The classic southern recipe is more than just a meal, it is a representation of the rich history and culture of the American South. From its humble beginnings to its evolution into a beloved cuisine, southern cooking continues to bring people together and provide comfort and nourishment. So why not try your hand at making a classic southern dish today and experience the delicious flavors for yourself.
