In the South, no holiday season is complete without a slice of rich and decadent fruitcake. This traditional dessert has been a staple in Southern households for generations, with each family having their own unique recipe. However, if you've never made a fruitcake before, the task can seem daunting. But fear not, with this simple and easy southern fruitcake recipe, you'll be able to impress your friends and family with a delicious and authentic treat.
If you want to impress your guests with a unique twist on the classic beer can chicken, try this Southern fruitcake recipe. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, along with the addition of fresh fruit, makes for a mouth-watering dish that is sure to please. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make!
Start by preparing your beer can chicken as you normally would, with your choice of rub or seasoning. Then, take a mixture of diced apples, peaches, and pears and stuff it into the cavity of the chicken, along with a few sprigs of fresh rosemary. Place the chicken on top of the beer can and roast it in the oven until it's golden brown and cooked through.
The result? A juicy and flavorful chicken with a hint of sweetness from the fruit. Your guests will be begging for the recipe!
2of 20
Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without a side of cornbread, and this Southern skillet cornbread is no exception. Made in a cast iron skillet, this cornbread has a crispy exterior and a soft and fluffy interior, making for the perfect accompaniment to any meal.
To make this classic Southern dish, start by preheating your skillet in the oven, then mix together your dry ingredients in a separate bowl. In another bowl, whisk together your wet ingredients, including buttermilk and melted butter. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then pour the batter into the hot skillet and bake until golden brown.
The result? A delicious and traditional Southern cornbread that will have your taste buds singing.
For a comforting and hearty meal, try this Southern smothered chicken recipe. This dish consists of chicken smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy, served over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes.
To make this dish, start by seasoning your chicken with your choice of spices and browning it in a skillet. Then, in the same skillet, make a roux with butter and flour, and slowly add in chicken broth, milk, and seasonings to create a creamy gravy. Add the chicken back to the skillet and let it simmer until it's cooked through.
The result? A delicious and satisfying meal that will warm your soul.
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cooking, and this classic recipe is sure to please. Made with simple ingredients such as collard greens, bacon, and chicken broth, these greens are slow-cooked until tender and packed with flavor.
To make this dish, start by sautéing bacon in a large pot, then add in your chopped collard greens and chicken broth. Let it simmer for a couple of hours until the greens are wilted and tender. For an extra kick of flavor, add in some hot sauce or apple cider vinegar.
The result? A delicious and nutritious side dish that pairs perfectly with any Southern meal.
Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without this Southern cornbread dressing on the table. Made with cornbread, celery, onion, and sage, this dish is the perfect addition to your holiday meal.
To make this dressing, start by making a batch of cornbread and letting it cool. Then, in a skillet, sauté celery and onion until tender. Crumble the cornbread into a large mixing bowl and add in the sautéed vegetables, along with chicken broth, eggs, and seasonings. Bake until golden brown and serve alongside your Thanksgiving turkey.
The result? A delicious and comforting dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
If you're looking for a hearty and flavorful dish, try this Southern smothered oxtails recipe. Oxtails are slow-cooked in a rich and savory gravy until they are fall-off-the-bone tender.
To make this dish, start by seasoning your oxtails with a dry rub and browning them in a skillet. Then, in a large pot, make a roux with butter and flour, and slowly add in beef broth, red wine, and seasonings. Add the oxtails to the pot and let them simmer until they are tender and the gravy has thickened.
The result? A delicious and comforting meal that will warm you up from the inside out.
7of 20
Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without a side of flaky and buttery biscuits. This classic recipe uses simple ingredients such as flour, butter, and buttermilk to create the perfect biscuit that pairs well with any meal.
To make these biscuits, start by cutting cold butter into your dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs. Then, add in buttermilk and mix until a dough forms. Roll out the dough and cut out your biscuits, then bake until they are golden brown and flaky.
The result? A classic Southern biscuit that will melt in your mouth.
Macaroni and cheese is a comfort food staple, and this Southern version takes it to the next level. Made with a combination of cheddar and Gruyere cheese, this dish is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious.
To make this dish, start by cooking your pasta and making a roux with butter and flour. Slowly add in milk and cheese until you have a creamy sauce. Mix in the cooked pasta and transfer everything to a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and bake until golden brown and bubbly.
The result? A decadent and indulgent dish that will have you going back for seconds.
If you're looking for a more traditional Southern mac and cheese recipe, this one is for you. Made with a combination of cheddar and Velveeta cheese, this dish is rich, creamy, and oh-so-comforting.
To make this dish, start by cooking your pasta and making a roux with butter and flour. Slowly add in milk and cheese until you have a creamy sauce. Mix in the cooked pasta and transfer everything to a baking dish. Top with more cheese and bake until bubbly and golden brown.
The result? A classic Southern dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.
If you're a fan of pecan pie, you'll love these Southern pecan pie bars. Made with a buttery shortbread crust and a gooey pecan filling, these bars are a delicious and easy alternative to the traditional pie.
To make these bars, start by making the crust with butter, flour, and sugar. Bake it until golden brown, then pour in the pecan filling and bake until set. Let it cool before cutting into bars and serving.
The result? A sweet and nutty treat that is perfect for any occasion.
Summer wouldn't be complete without a classic Southern peach cobbler. Made with fresh peaches, butter, and a flaky pastry crust, this dessert is the perfect combination of sweet and tangy.
To make this cobbler, start by making a simple syrup with sugar, water, and lemon juice. Pour it over sliced peaches and let it sit while you make the crust. Roll out the pastry dough and place it on top of the peaches, then bake until golden brown and bubbly.
The result? A delicious and refreshing summer dessert that will have your taste buds singing.
If you're looking for a traditional and flavorful side dish, try these classic Southern collard greens. Made with bacon, onions, and chicken broth, these greens are slow-cooked until they are tender and packed with flavor.
To make this dish, start by sautéing bacon in a large pot, then add in chopped collard greens and chicken broth. Let it simmer for a couple of hours until the greens are wilted and tender. For an extra kick of flavor, add in some hot sauce or apple cider vinegar.
The result? A delicious and nutritious side dish that pairs perfectly with any Southern meal.
Pimento cheese is a Southern staple, and this homemade version is sure to please. Made with cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and pimentos, this spread is perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or even as a dip.
To make this pimento cheese, simply mix together shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos until well combined. Serve it on your favorite bread or crackers for a delicious and easy snack.
The result? A creamy and flavorful spread that will become a household favorite.
Cabbage is a popular vegetable in Southern cooking, and this recipe is a simple and delicious way to prepare it. Sautéed with bacon, onions, and seasonings, this dish is the perfect side for any meal.
To make this dish, start by cooking bacon in a large pot, then add in sliced cabbage, onions, and seasonings. Let it cook until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together.
The result? A flavorful and nutritious side dish that is sure to please.
For a classic side dish that pairs well with any meal, try this Southern cornbread recipe. Made with simple ingredients such as cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk, this cornbread has a crispy exterior and a soft and fluffy interior.
To make this dish, start by mixing together your dry ingredients, then add in buttermilk and melted butter. Pour the batter into a hot skillet and bake until golden brown and cooked through.
The result? A delicious and versatile side that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Southern sausage gravy is a classic breakfast dish that is sure to satisfy. Made with sausage, flour, and milk, this creamy and savory gravy is the perfect topping for biscuits or toast.
To make this gravy, start by cooking sausage in a skillet, then add in flour and cook until browned. Slowly add in milk and seasonings, and let it simmer until thick and creamy.
The result? A delicious and comforting breakfast dish that will start your day off right.
Hush puppies are a Southern favorite, and this homemade version is sure to please. Made with cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk, these crispy and golden bites are the perfect accompaniment to any meal.
To make these hush puppies, start by mixing together your dry ingredients, then add in buttermilk and chopped onions. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into hot oil and fry until golden brown.
The result? A delicious and addictive snack that is perfect for any occasion.
Squash casserole is a classic Southern side dish that is perfect for any potluck or family gathering. Made with yellow squash, cheddar cheese, and buttery crackers, this casserole is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious.
To make this casserole, start by sautéing squash and onions until tender, then mix in cheese, sour cream, and seasonings. Top with crushed crackers and bake until golden brown and bubbly.
The result? A comforting and hearty side dish that will have everyone coming back for more.
If you're looking for a unique and tasty side dish, try this Southern fried corn recipe. Made with fresh corn, bacon, and seasonings, this dish is a twist on the classic Southern creamed corn.
To make this dish, start by cooking bacon in a skillet, then add in corn and let it cook until tender. Add in milk and flour to create a creamy sauce, then let it simmer until thickened.
The result? A delicious and flavorful side dish that is sure to impress.
Shrimp and grits is a classic Southern dish that is full of flavor and comfort. Made with creamy grits and succulent shrimp, this dish is perfect for brunch or a cozy dinner at home.
To make this dish, cook grits according to package instructions, then sauté shrimp in a skillet with bacon and seasonings. Serve the shrimp over the grits and top with a creamy sauce made with butter, flour, and chicken broth.
The result? A delicious and indulgent dish that will transport you straight to the South.
Understanding the Key Ingredients
Once you have gathered all of your ingredients, it's important to understand the key components of a classic southern fruitcake. The main ingredient, of course, is fruit. Traditional southern fruitcakes typically include a mix of dried fruits such as raisins, currants, candied cherries, and citron. These fruits add a burst of sweetness and texture to the cake. In addition, nuts are a crucial element in a southern fruitcake. Pecans, walnuts, and almonds are commonly used and provide a satisfying crunch. The spices used in this recipe, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, give the cake its signature warm and comforting flavor. And finally, the liquor of choice, often brandy or rum, adds a depth of flavor and keeps the cake moist. Now that you know the key ingredients, let's get started on making this delicious southern fruitcake.
The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Boozy
One of the key elements of a successful southern fruitcake is finding the perfect balance of sweetness and boozy flavor. Too much liquor can overpower the other flavors, while too little can result in a dry and bland cake. This recipe calls for soaking the dried fruits in brandy overnight, which infuses the fruits with the rich and complex flavor of the liquor. It's important to not skip this step as it adds an essential element to the overall taste of the cake. Additionally, adding a splash of brandy or rum to the batter before baking ensures that the cake remains moist and flavorful.
Perfect for Gifting or Keeping for Yourself
Southern fruitcakes are not only a delicious treat to enjoy during the holidays, but they also make for a great gift. Once the cake is baked and cooled, it can be wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a cool, dry place for up to a month. This allows the flavors to develop and intensify, resulting in an even more delicious cake. So whether you're planning on sharing this southern fruitcake with loved ones or keeping it all to yourself, this recipe is sure to become a holiday favorite. Try it out today and taste the tradition of the South.
/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-dmn.s3.amazonaws.com/public/Y6X3V6OZ2Q4Z6SR5NQSTGYTZWU.jpg)
