19 Southern Gingerbread Recipe Dive Into Deliciousness!
Published on: Mar 10, 2024
Gingerbread is a beloved holiday treat that has been enjoyed for centuries. Its warm, spicy flavor and soft, cake-like texture make it a perfect dessert to enjoy during the chilly winter months. While there are many variations of this classic recipe, the southern gingerbread recipe stands out for its unique blend of flavors and rich history. In this article, we will explore the origins of this recipe, its key ingredients, and how to make it at home. So, put on your apron and get ready to indulge in a delicious slice of southern gingerbread.
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
Southern cornbread is a classic dish that is beloved by many. The crispy edges and soft, moist center make it the perfect accompaniment to many Southern meals. One of the best ways to prepare this dish is in a cast iron skillet, which gives it a unique and delicious flavor. Here is a recipe for Southern skillet cornbread that is sure to become a family favorite.
Southern smothered chicken is a mouthwatering dish that is full of flavor. The chicken is slow-cooked in a rich and flavorful gravy until it is tender and falls off the bone. This dish is perfect for a Sunday dinner with the family or for a special occasion. Here is a recipe for classic Southern smothered chicken that is sure to impress.
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cuisine, and for good reason. These hearty and nutritious greens are full of flavor and can be served as a side dish or as a main course. They are traditionally slow-cooked with smoked meat for added flavor. Here is a recipe for classic Southern collard greens that will have you going back for seconds.
Cornbread dressing is a must-have for any Southern holiday meal. This savory and comforting dish is made with crumbled cornbread, vegetables, and spices, and is baked until golden brown and crispy. It is the perfect accompaniment to turkey or ham, and it is also delicious on its own. Here is a recipe for Southern cornbread dressing that will have your taste buds singing.
Southern smothered oxtails are a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. The oxtails are slow-cooked until they are fall-off-the-bone tender and then smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy. This dish is often served over rice or with a side of collard greens. Here is a recipe for Southern smothered oxtails that will warm your soul.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
Biscuits are a staple in Southern cuisine and are often served at breakfast or as a side dish with dinner. The key to making perfect Southern biscuits is using the right ingredients and handling the dough with care. These classic flaky biscuits are sure to impress and are perfect for slathering with butter or jam. Here is a recipe for Southern biscuits that will have you coming back for more.
No Southern holiday meal is complete without a dish of baked macaroni and cheese. This rich and creamy dish is made with a blend of cheeses and baked until golden and bubbly. It is the ultimate comfort food and is always a crowd-pleaser. Here is a recipe for Southern baked macaroni and cheese that will have your taste buds dancing.
Another classic Southern mac and cheese recipe is the baked version, which is slightly different from the stovetop version. The addition of eggs and evaporated milk gives this dish a custard-like texture and adds a depth of flavor. Here is a recipe for Southern baked mac and cheese that is sure to become a family favorite.
Pecan pie is a quintessential Southern dessert, and these pecan pie bars are a delicious twist on the classic. They are made with a buttery shortbread crust and a gooey pecan filling, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. Here is a recipe for Southern pecan pie bars that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Peach cobbler is a classic Southern dessert that is perfect for summertime. This dish is made with fresh peaches and topped with a buttery and flaky crust. It is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Here is a recipe for Southern peach cobbler that will have you dreaming of lazy summer days.
If you are looking for a traditional and no-fuss recipe for collard greens, then look no further. This classic Southern collard greens recipe is simple yet delicious and is sure to become a staple in your household. The key to perfect collard greens is to cook them low and slow for maximum flavor. Here is a recipe for classic Southern collard greens that will have you feeling like you're in Grandma's kitchen.
Pimento cheese is a beloved Southern spread that is perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or as a dip. This creamy and tangy spread is made with cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos, and can be customized with your favorite seasonings. Here is a recipe for Southern pimento cheese that will have you wondering why you ever bought it from the store.
Cabbage is a versatile and budget-friendly vegetable that is a staple in Southern cooking. This simple and flavorful dish is made with cabbage, onions, and bacon, and can be served as a side dish or a main course. Here is a recipe for Southern cabbage that is sure to become a weeknight favorite.
Cornbread is a classic Southern side dish that is perfect for soaking up sauces and gravies. This simple recipe for Southern cornbread is made with cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk, and can be baked in a cast iron skillet or a regular baking dish. Here is a recipe for Southern cornbread that will have you reaching for seconds.
Sausage gravy is a staple in Southern breakfasts and is typically served over biscuits. This hearty and flavorful gravy is made with sausage, flour, and milk, and can be made in just a few minutes. Here is a recipe for Southern sausage gravy that will have you wanting to start every day with this delicious dish.
Hush puppies are a classic Southern side dish that is made with cornmeal and fried until golden brown and crispy. They are the perfect accompaniment to fried fish or seafood and can also be enjoyed on their own as a snack. Here is a recipe for Southern hush puppies that will have you saying "yum!" with every bite.
Squash casserole is a classic Southern dish that is perfect for using up an abundance of summer squash. This creamy and cheesy casserole is a favorite at potlucks and family gatherings and is sure to become a staple in your household. Here is a recipe for Southern squash casserole that will have you going back for seconds.
Fried corn is a simple and delicious side dish that is often served at Southern BBQs and cookouts. This dish is made with fresh corn kernels that are pan-fried until slightly crispy and then seasoned with salt, pepper, and butter. Here is a recipe for Southern fried corn that will have you savoring each and every bite.
Shrimp and grits is a classic Southern dish that is a favorite in coastal regions. This savory and comforting dish is made with creamy grits, plump and juicy shrimp, and a flavorful sauce. It is perfect for a special occasion or when you want to impress guests. Here is a recipe for Southern shrimp and grits that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Mac and cheese is a beloved dish in the South, and there are many variations on this classic. This Southern-style mac and cheese recipe is made with a blend of cheeses, milk, and eggs, and is baked until golden and bubbly. It is the ultimate comfort food and is perfect for a family dinner. Here is a recipe for Southern style mac and cheese that will have you coming back for more.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
This classic Southern staple is a must-have for any beer can chicken feast. Made with cornmeal, flour, buttermilk, and a touch of sugar, this cornbread is baked in a cast iron skillet for a crispy, golden crust.
Pro tip: For an extra kick of flavor, add in some diced jalapenos or shredded cheddar cheese to the batter before baking.
This dish is a true taste of the South. Tender chicken smothered in a rich, savory gravy and served over a bed of fluffy rice, this recipe is comfort food at its finest.
Pro tip: Add a splash of hot sauce to the gravy for a spicy kick.
No Southern meal is complete without a side of collard greens. Slowly simmered with smoked ham hocks, these greens are full of flavor and make the perfect accompaniment to beer can chicken.
Pro tip: For a vegetarian option, swap out the ham hocks for a vegetable broth and add in some smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
This traditional dish is a staple at holiday meals in the South. Made with crumbled cornbread, onions, celery, and spices, this dressing is the perfect complement to beer can chicken.
Pro tip: Use leftover cornbread from the Southern cornbread recipe for an extra crispy and flavorful dressing.
Oxtails may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Southern cuisine, but this dish is a hidden gem. Slow-cooked with a rich, flavorful gravy, these oxtails are fall-off-the-bone tender and pair perfectly with beer can chicken.
Pro tip: Serve over a bed of mashed potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
No meal in the South is complete without a warm, buttery biscuit. This recipe yields flaky, tender biscuits that are the perfect vessel for soaking up all the delicious flavors of beer can chicken.
Pro tip: For a sweeter twist, add a tablespoon of honey to the dough before baking.
This Southern-style mac and cheese is a crowd-pleaser. Made with a combination of sharp cheddar and creamy Velveeta, this dish is rich and comforting and pairs perfectly with beer can chicken.
Pro tip: Top with crushed Ritz crackers before baking for a crunchy, buttery crust.
If you’re looking for a slightly healthier version of mac and cheese, this recipe is for you. Made with whole wheat pasta and a blend of cheeses, this dish is just as delicious as the classic version and pairs well with beer can chicken.
Pro tip: Add in some diced cooked bacon for a smoky, salty addition.
No Southern dessert table is complete without pecan pie. These bars offer all the delicious flavors of the classic pie in a more portable and shareable form.
Pro tip: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra decadent treat.
This Southern-style peach cobbler is a must-have for any summer get-together. With a buttery, cinnamon-spiced crust and juicy, sweet peaches, this dessert is the perfect ending to a meal featuring beer can chicken.
Pro tip: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate Southern treat.
If you’re looking for a more traditional collard greens recipe, this one is for you. Made with a simple combination of collard greens, bacon, and chicken broth, these greens are the perfect side dish for beer can chicken.
Pro tip: To make this dish vegetarian, replace the bacon with some liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.
This creamy, tangy spread is a Southern classic. Made with a blend of cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, and mayo, this pimento cheese is perfect for spreading on crackers or using as a topping for beer can chicken sandwiches.
Pro tip: For an extra kick, add in a diced jalapeno or some hot sauce to the mixture.
Cabbage may not be the most exciting vegetable, but this Southern-style recipe will change your mind. Slowly cooked with bacon and onions, this cabbage has a rich, smoky flavor that pairs well with beer can chicken.
Pro tip: Add in some diced potatoes for a heartier side dish.
This classic Southern cornbread recipe is a staple at any meal. Made with cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk, this cornbread is slightly sweet and pairs well with beer can chicken.
Pro tip: Serve with honey butter for an extra special treat.
Sausage gravy is a Southern breakfast favorite, but it also makes a delicious topping for beer can chicken. This rich, creamy gravy is made with sausage, flour, and milk and adds a savory touch to the dish.
Pro tip: Serve over biscuits for a classic Southern meal.
Hush puppies are a classic Southern side dish. These fried cornmeal balls are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and make a tasty addition to any meal featuring beer can chicken.
Pro tip: Serve with a side of homemade honey butter for a sweet and savory treat.
This hearty casserole is a great way to use up any extra summer squash. Made with a creamy sauce and topped with a buttery cracker crumb topping, this dish is sure to be a hit alongside beer can chicken.
Pro tip: Substitute the crackers with crushed Ritz crackers for an extra buttery crust.
Fried corn is a Southern delicacy that is often overlooked. Made with fresh corn, butter, and spices, this dish is a great side for beer can chicken and adds a touch of Southern charm to any meal.
Pro tip: Add in some diced bell peppers for a pop of color and flavor.
Shrimp and grits may not be the most traditional side for beer can chicken, but this dish is a must-try for any seafood lover. Creamy, cheesy grits topped with sautéed shrimp and a rich, flavorful sauce, this dish is a true taste of the South.
Pro tip: Add in some diced bacon for a smoky, salty addition.
This Southern-style mac and cheese is a bit different from the others on this list. Made with a blend of cheeses, eggs, and evaporated milk, this dish is rich and creamy with a custard-like texture.
Pro tip: Top with buttered breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
The Origins of Southern Gingerbread Recipe
The Influence of Colonial Times
The southern gingerbread recipe has its roots in colonial America, where early settlers brought their love for ginger and molasses from England. These two ingredients were readily available and affordable in the southern states, making them a staple in many households. As a result, gingerbread became a popular treat among the southern community, with each family adding their own unique twist to the recipe.
African American Influence
Another significant influence on the southern gingerbread recipe is the African American community. Enslaved Africans were skilled bakers, and they used their knowledge and creativity to enhance the flavor of gingerbread. They added spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, which were not typically used in the traditional English recipe. This infusion of spices gave the southern gingerbread a distinct flavor that is still enjoyed today.
The Key Ingredients
Ginger is the star ingredient in this recipe. It adds a warm and spicy flavor to the gingerbread, making it perfect for the winter season. It also has many health benefits, such as aiding digestion and reducing inflammation.
Molasses is another essential ingredient in the southern gingerbread recipe. It provides a rich, deep flavor and helps to keep the cake moist and soft.
Spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg are what give this gingerbread its unique flavor. These spices also have medicinal properties and add a warm aroma to the cake.
Buttermilk is a key ingredient that sets the southern gingerbread apart from other variations. It adds a tangy flavor and helps to keep the cake moist.
Making Southern Gingerbread at Home
Making this delicious treat at home is easier than you think. Start by creaming together butter and sugar, then add in molasses, eggs, and buttermilk. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, ginger, spices, baking powder, and soda. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, and mix until well combined. Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. Once done, let it cool before slicing and serving.
Now that you know the history and key ingredients of the southern gingerbread recipe, it's time to try it out for yourself. Whether you're enjoying it with a cup of hot cocoa or sharing it with friends and family, this classic dessert is sure to be a hit. Happy baking!
