Southern funnel cake is a beloved traditional dessert that originated in the American South. This sweet and crispy treat is a staple at fairs, festivals, and carnivals, but you don't have to wait for an event to enjoy it. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate the classic southern funnel cake in the comfort of your own home. So, put on your apron and get ready to indulge in this delectable dessert.
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Unsalted
If you're looking for a classic Southern dessert, look no further than a perfectly moist and rich pound cake. This is the quintessential dessert that every Southern cook knows how to make. With simple ingredients like butter, sugar, flour, and eggs, you can create a delicious masterpiece that will have your guests coming back for seconds.
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Funnel Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar, Baking Powder
One of the most beloved fair foods across the South is the delicious funnel cake. This fried dough dessert is a crowd favorite, with its crispy edges and soft center. It's the perfect treat to enjoy while walking around the fair or at a backyard barbecue. Just be prepared to share, because everyone will be asking for a taste.
If you want to add a tropical twist to your classic Southern desserts, try making a pineapple cake. This moist and flavorful cake is made with crushed pineapple and topped with a creamy pineapple frosting. It's a perfect dessert for a summer cookout or a special occasion.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
Cornbread is a staple in Southern cuisine and can be enjoyed as a side dish or on its own. The key to making the perfect cornbread is to cook it in a cast iron skillet. This gives it a crispy crust and a tender center. Serve it warm with a drizzle of honey for a truly Southern experience.
For a richer and more decadent pound cake, try making a Southern butter pound cake. This recipe calls for more butter than a traditional pound cake, giving it a velvety texture and a buttery taste. It's perfect for special occasions or when you just want to treat yourself.
Smothered chicken is a classic Southern dish that is full of flavor and comfort. It's made by cooking chicken in a rich and creamy gravy until it is fall-off-the-bone tender. This dish is best served with a side of rice or mashed potatoes to soak up all the delicious gravy.
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cooking and are often served alongside smothered chicken. They are slow-cooked with bacon, onions, and a touch of vinegar for a tangy and savory side dish. If you've never tried collard greens, you're missing out on a true Southern delicacy.
During the holiday season, many Southern families serve cornbread dressing alongside their turkey or ham. This dish is made with crumbled cornbread, celery, onions, and herbs for a flavorful and hearty side dish. It's a must-try for anyone looking to experience true Southern cuisine.
Oxtails are a popular Southern comfort food that are often slow-cooked in a rich and flavorful gravy. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion. The tender and flavorful meat falls off the bone and is best served with rice or mashed potatoes.
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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. These biscuits are made with simple ingredients but require a delicate touch to get the perfect texture. Serve them alongside fried chicken or use them to make a breakfast sandwich for a true Southern experience.
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food, and the Southern version is no exception. Made with a rich and creamy cheese sauce, this dish is baked to perfection and topped with a golden crust. It's a must-try for any mac and cheese lover.
If you want to take your mac and cheese to the next level, try making a baked mac and cheese with a crispy breadcrumb and cheese topping. This dish is perfect for a potluck or a special occasion and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
For a special occasion dessert, try making a Southern caramel cake. This rich and decadent cake is made with layers of moist yellow cake and a homemade caramel sauce. It's the perfect dessert to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
If you love pecan pie but want a more portable version, try making pecan pie bars. These bars have all the flavor of a classic pecan pie but are easier to make and serve. They are perfect for a potluck or a holiday gathering.
Peach cobbler is a classic Southern dessert that is loved by all. Made with fresh peaches and a sweet and buttery crust, this dish is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It's the perfect way to end a summer barbecue or a family dinner.
If you're looking for a simple and delicious side dish, try making classic Southern collard greens. These greens are slow-cooked with bacon, onions, and a touch of vinegar for a tangy and savory flavor. They are the perfect complement to any Southern meal.
Pimento cheese is a beloved Southern dip that is perfect for parties or snacking. It's made with shredded cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos for a creamy and flavorful spread. Serve it with crackers or use it to make a grilled cheese for a delicious twist.
Cabbage is a versatile vegetable that is often used in Southern cooking. It can be cooked in a variety of ways, including fried, boiled, or pickled. It's a staple in many Southern dishes and is a great way to add some vegetables to your meal.
Cornbread is a staple in Southern cuisine and can be enjoyed as a side dish or on its own. It's made with simple ingredients like cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk and is best served warm with a drizzle of honey. It's a must-try for anyone looking to experience true Southern cooking.
Sausage gravy is a classic Southern breakfast dish that is often served over biscuits. It's made with crumbled sausage, flour, and milk for a rich and creamy gravy that is full of flavor. It's the perfect way to start your day in the South.
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Southern Pound Cake (Classic Pound Cake 101)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Unsalted
If you're looking for a classic and delicious dessert, then this Southern pound cake is the perfect recipe for you. Made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, this cake is moist, rich, and irresistible.
Start by creaming together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Slowly add in the flour, and mix until just combined. Pour the batter into a greased bundt pan and bake for about an hour, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
This pound cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family gathering or a special celebration. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
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Funnel Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar, Baking Powder
Nothing says summer like a freshly fried funnel cake. This classic Southern fair food is easy to make at home and will transport you straight to the carnival with its crispy, golden exterior and fluffy, sweet interior.
To make this delicious dessert, start by whisking together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
Heat oil in a deep frying pan, and using a funnel or a plastic squeeze bottle, drizzle the batter into the hot oil in a circular motion. Fry for about a minute on each side, until golden brown. Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar for a truly authentic experience.
This Southern pineapple cake is a light and refreshing dessert that's perfect for warmer weather. Made with a fluffy vanilla cake and a creamy pineapple filling, it's a delicious twist on the traditional vanilla cake.
Start by making the cake batter with flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix together milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Bake in a greased cake pan for about 25 minutes.
For the filling, mix together crushed pineapple, cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth. Spread the filling between the layers of the cooled cake and top with a layer of whipped cream. Serve chilled for a refreshing and tropical dessert.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
Cornbread is a staple in Southern cuisine, and this recipe for skillet cornbread is a must-try. Made with cornmeal, flour, buttermilk, and a touch of honey, this cornbread is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Preheat a cast iron skillet in the oven and mix together all the dry ingredients in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and honey. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Pour the batter into the hot skillet and bake for about 20 minutes, until golden brown. Serve warm with a pat of butter for a classic Southern side dish.
This Southern butter pound cake is a rich and decadent dessert that is perfect for any special occasion. Made with butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, it's a simple yet impressive dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Slowly mix in the flour until just combined. Pour the batter into a greased bundt pan and bake for about an hour, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
This butter pound cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it topped with fresh berries and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.
This Southern smothered chicken is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a Sunday dinner with the family. Made with chicken thighs, onions, and a rich and flavorful gravy, it's a delicious twist on the classic fried chicken.
Start by searing the chicken thighs in a hot skillet until golden brown. Remove from the pan and sauté onions and garlic until softened. Add in flour and chicken broth to make a roux, then return the chicken to the pan and let it simmer in the gravy until fully cooked.
Serve this smothered chicken with a side of mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete and satisfying meal that will warm your soul.
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cooking, and this recipe for Southern collard greens is a delicious and flavorful way to prepare them. Slowly simmered with ham hock and chicken broth, these greens are tender and full of flavor.
Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and ham hock in a pot. Add in chicken broth, collard greens, and seasonings, and let it simmer for about an hour, until the greens are tender. Serve with a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Cornbread dressing is a classic Southern side dish that is a must-have on any holiday table. Made with crumbled cornbread, onions, celery, and sausage, it's a savory and delicious accompaniment to any main dish.
Crumble up cornbread and mix it with sautéed onions, celery, and cooked sausage. Add in chicken broth, eggs, and seasonings and bake in the oven until golden brown and crispy on top. Serve alongside your favorite roasted turkey or ham for a mouthwatering feast.
Oxtails may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Southern cuisine, but this recipe for smothered oxtails will change your mind. Slow-cooked in a rich and flavorful gravy, these oxtails are fall-off-the-bone tender and full of flavor.
Start by searing the oxtails in a hot pan until browned on all sides. Then, add in onions, garlic, and seasonings, and let it simmer in a mixture of beef broth and red wine until tender. Serve with a side of creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying meal.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
Biscuits are a staple in Southern cooking, and this recipe for classic flaky biscuits is a must-try. Made with just a handful of ingredients, these biscuits are light, flaky, and perfect for soaking up gravy or honey.
Start by mixing together flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Cut in cold butter and buttermilk until a dough forms, then roll it out and cut out biscuits. Bake in the oven until golden brown and serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Macaroni and cheese is a beloved comfort food dish, and this Southern version takes it to the next level. Made with a creamy and cheesy sauce and topped with a buttery breadcrumb topping, it's a decadent side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Cook macaroni noodles according to package directions and make a roux with butter, flour, and milk. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted, then mix in the cooked noodles and pour into a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and bake until bubbly and golden brown.
If you can't get enough mac and cheese, then this Southern baked mac and cheese recipe is a must-try. Made with a combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheese, it's a cheesy and gooey delight that will satisfy all your comfort food cravings.
Cook macaroni noodles and make a cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and the three types of cheese. Mix in the noodles and pour into a baking dish. Top with additional shredded cheese and bake until hot and bubbly.
This Southern caramel cake is a show-stopping dessert that is perfect for any special occasion. Made with layers of moist yellow cake and a rich and creamy caramel frosting, it's a decadent treat that will impress your guests.
Start by making the cake batter with flour, sugar, eggs, and buttermilk. Pour into cake pans and bake until golden brown. For the frosting, cook sugar, butter, and heavy cream until thickened and caramelized. Spread the frosting between the cake layers and on top for an indulgent and irresistible dessert.
If you love pecan pie, then you'll love these Southern pecan pie bars. Made with a buttery shortbread crust and a rich and gooey pecan filling, they're a bite-sized version of the classic dessert.
Start by making the crust with flour, sugar, and butter. Bake until golden brown and then pour on the filling made with eggs, sugar, corn syrup, and chopped pecans. Bake until the filling is set and let it cool before cutting into bars.
Peach cobbler is a classic Southern dessert that is a must for any summer gathering. Made with fresh peaches and topped with a sweet and buttery biscuit crust, it's a delicious and comforting treat that will have you going back for seconds.
Start by peeling and slicing fresh peaches and mixing them with sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Pour into a baking dish and top with a biscuit crust made with flour, sugar, and butter. Bake until bubbly and golden brown and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
For a classic and authentic taste of the South, try this recipe for Southern collard greens. Slow-cooked with ham hock, onions, and seasonings, these greens are tender and full of flavor.
Start by sautéing onions and ham hock in a pot, then add in the collard greens and chicken broth. Let it simmer for about an hour, until the greens are tender. Serve with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Pimento cheese is a beloved Southern spread that is perfect for sandwiches, dips, and more. Made with grated cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and diced pimentos, it's a creamy and tangy treat that is a must-try for any Southern food lover.
Mix together all the ingredients until well combined, and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Serve with crackers, use as a filling for sandwiches, or spread on top of a burger for a delicious and unique twist.
Cabbage is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that is often overlooked, but this Southern-style cabbage recipe will change your mind. Sautéed with onions, bacon, and garlic, this cabbage is flavorful and delicious.
Start by cooking bacon in a pan until crispy, then remove and sauté onions and garlic in the bacon fat. Add in sliced cabbage and cook until tender. Top with crumbled bacon and serve as a side dish or use it as a filling for stuffed cabbage rolls.
Cornbread is a staple in Southern cooking, and this classic recipe will become your go-to. Made with cornmeal, flour, buttermilk, and just a touch of honey, it's a simple and delicious side dish that pairs well with any meal.
Mix together all the dry ingredients, then add in buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Pour into a greased baking dish and bake until golden brown. Serve warm with a drizzle of honey for a sweet and savory combination.
Sausage gravy is a classic Southern breakfast dish that is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. Made with sausage, milk, and flour, it's a simple and satisfying meal that will keep you full until lunchtime.
Cook sausage in a pan until browned, then remove and make a roux with the drippings, flour, and milk. Add in the cooked sausage and let it simmer until thickened. Serve over biscuits for a traditional and delicious Southern breakfast.
Ingredients
For the batter:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Oil for frying
For serving:
Confectioners' sugar
Fruit toppings (such as strawberries, blueberries, or peaches)
Chocolate sauce
Whipped cream
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Mix well.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then add in the milk and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
3. Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture, stirring constantly until a smooth batter forms.
4. In a deep pot or fryer, heat oil to 375°F (190°C).
5. Using a funnel or a squeeze bottle, pour the batter into the hot oil in a circular motion, making sure the batter overlaps to create a lace-like pattern.
6. Fry for about 2 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
7. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, remove the funnel cake from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8. Serve the funnel cake warm, topped with a dusting of confectioners' sugar and your choice of fruit toppings, chocolate sauce, or whipped cream.
Now that you have mastered the art of making southern funnel cake at home, you can get creative with your toppings and make it your own. Try adding a drizzle of caramel sauce or sprinkling some cinnamon sugar on top for a twist on the classic recipe. Serve it at your next backyard barbecue or enjoy it as a special treat anytime. This indulgent dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and will transport you to the bustling fairgrounds of the South with every bite. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to savor the taste of the South with this mouth-watering funnel cake recipe.
