If you're craving some delicious and hearty dishes, look no further than southern grub. This type of cuisine is known for its rich and flavorful dishes that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or a family dinner, these southern grub recipes are sure to be a hit. So, put on your apron and get ready to impress your taste buds with these mouth-watering dishes.
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
If you're looking for a classic Southern side dish to pair with your beer can chicken, look no further than Southern cornbread. This type of cornbread is made with a mix of cornmeal and flour, giving it a slightly different texture than traditional cornbread. And the best way to cook it? In a cast iron skillet, of course. The skillet gives the cornbread a crispy crust and a soft, fluffy interior. It's the perfect accompaniment to any meal, especially when topped with a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey.
This hearty and flavorful dish is a staple in Southern cuisine. Smothered chicken is made by cooking chicken in a rich, savory gravy until it's fall-off-the-bone tender. The key to this dish is slow cooking, allowing all the flavors to meld together. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a truly Southern feast. Pro tip: Save some of the gravy to pour over your beer can chicken for a delicious twist.
You can't have a Southern meal without a side of collard greens. These leafy greens are simmered in a flavorful broth with onions, garlic, and a touch of vinegar for a tangy kick. They're the perfect balance to the richness of the beer can chicken, providing a subtle bitterness to cut through the savory flavors. Plus, they're packed with nutrients, making them a healthy addition to any meal.
This classic Southern dish is a must-have at any holiday meal. Made with crumbled cornbread, celery, onions, and herbs, cornbread dressing is a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. The combination of flavors and textures is unbeatable, and it's a great way to use up any leftover cornbread from your beer can chicken meal. Pro tip: Add some shredded chicken to your dressing for an extra protein boost.
If you're feeling adventurous, try cooking up some Southern smothered oxtails to go with your beer can chicken. These small, flavorful cuts of meat are slow-cooked until they're melt-in-your-mouth tender. The gravy they're cooked in is rich and flavorful, making it the perfect topping for your beer can chicken. Pro tip: Use the leftover oxtail gravy to make a delicious dipping sauce for your chicken.
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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 for good reason – they're flaky, buttery, and absolutely delicious. These biscuits are made with a combination of flour, butter, and buttermilk, giving them a rich and tangy flavor. They're the perfect addition to any meal, and they pair especially well with beer can chicken. Pro tip: Use the biscuits to make a sandwich with your leftover beer can chicken for a tasty lunch the next day.
No Southern meal is complete without a side of mac and cheese, and this baked version is a crowd-pleaser. Made with a creamy cheese sauce and topped with a crispy breadcrumb topping, this mac and cheese is the perfect complement to your beer can chicken. It's comfort food at its finest, and it's sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
This version of mac and cheese is a little different than the traditional baked version. It's made with a combination of macaroni and cheese, and it's topped with a layer of buttery breadcrumbs. The result is a creamy, cheesy, and crispy dish that's sure to be a hit. Pair it with your beer can chicken for a delicious and comforting meal.
If you're looking for a sweet treat to end your meal, try making these Southern pecan pie bars. They have all the flavors of a classic pecan pie, but in a convenient bar form. The crust is made with a combination of flour, butter, and sugar, and the filling is a mixture of pecans, eggs, and syrup. These bars are rich, buttery, and perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. Pro tip: Drizzle some honey over the bars for an extra touch of sweetness.
Peach cobbler is a popular dessert in the South, and for good reason – it's delicious. This version is made with fresh peaches, cinnamon, and a buttery biscuit topping. It's the perfect way to end a meal of beer can chicken. The combination of warm, juicy peaches and flaky, buttery biscuits is unbeatable. Pro tip: Serve the cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.
While we mentioned collard greens earlier, this version is a classic Southern recipe that deserves its own spot on the list. These greens are cooked low and slow with bacon, onions, and spices for a dish that's packed with flavor. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a true Southern meal. Pro tip: Add some hot sauce to your collard greens for an extra kick.
This creamy and tangy cheese spread is a staple in Southern cuisine. Made with a combination of cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos, it's the perfect topping for crackers, sandwiches, or even your beer can chicken. Plus, it's easy to make and can be customized with your favorite spices and herbs. Pro tip: Serve the pimento cheese as a dip for your beer can chicken.
Cabbage is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that's often overlooked. But this Southern version of cabbage is sure to change your mind. It's cooked in a flavorful broth with bacon, onions, and spices for a dish that's both healthy and delicious. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a well-rounded meal. Pro tip: Add some chopped tomatoes to your cabbage for a touch of freshness.
We've already mentioned Southern cornbread, but this version is a little different. This recipe calls for the addition of creamed corn, giving the cornbread a slightly sweeter and moister texture. It's a great way to switch up your cornbread game and makes the perfect side dish for your beer can chicken. Pro tip: Add some shredded cheese to your cornbread for a cheesy twist.
This rich and flavorful gravy is traditionally served over biscuits, but it also makes a great topping for your beer can chicken. It's made with crumbled sausage, flour, milk, and spices for a dish that's hearty and comforting. Serve it alongside your chicken for a Southern-style twist on a classic dish. Pro tip: Use the leftover gravy as a sauce for your chicken and biscuits sandwich.
Hush puppies are a classic Southern side dish that's often served with fried fish. But they also pair well with beer can chicken. These little fried balls of cornmeal and flour are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and they're perfect for dipping in your leftover beer can chicken gravy. Pro tip: Add some chopped jalapenos to your hush puppies for a spicy kick.
If you're looking for a creative way to use up leftover beer can chicken, try making this Southern squash casserole. It's made with sliced squash, onions, cheese, and a buttery cracker topping. It's a delicious and easy way to feed a crowd, and it pairs well with any type of chicken dish. Pro tip: Use crushed Ritz crackers for an extra buttery and flaky topping.
This simple and delicious side dish is made with fresh corn, butter, and some spices. It's a great way to highlight the natural sweetness of the corn, and it's a perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken. Plus, it's easy to make and can be on the table in just a few minutes. Pro tip: Add some chopped bacon to your fried corn for an extra layer of flavor.
If you're looking for a more upscale side dish to serve with your beer can chicken, try making this Southern shrimp and grits. The creamy grits paired with savory shrimp and a rich sauce is a match made in heaven. It's a little more time-consuming to make, but the end result is well worth the effort. Pro tip: Serve the shrimp and grits in a bowl with your beer can chicken on top for a stunning presentation.
Candied yams are a classic holiday dish in the South, and they make a delicious side dish to serve with your beer can chicken. These yams are roasted in a sweet and buttery glaze until they're tender and caramelized. They're the perfect combination of sweet and savory and are sure to be a hit with your dinner guests. Pro tip: Sprinkle some chopped pecans on top of your yams for an extra crunch.
Southern Fried Chicken
The Key to Perfectly Fried Chicken
One of the most iconic southern dishes is fried chicken. The secret to achieving perfectly crispy and juicy chicken lies in the preparation. Brining the chicken in buttermilk overnight is key to keeping the meat moist and flavorful. The acidity of the buttermilk also helps to tenderize the chicken, making it incredibly tender. Another important step is dredging the chicken in a mix of flour, cornmeal, and spices. This creates a crunchy and flavorful coating that will have your taste buds dancing.
Variations to Try
While traditional fried chicken is delicious on its own, there are some variations you can try to mix things up. For a spicy kick, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk brine. You can also experiment with different spices in the flour mixture, such as paprika, garlic powder, or cajun seasoning. And for a healthier option, try baking the chicken in the oven instead of frying it in oil. You'll still get the same crispy texture without all the extra calories.
Shrimp and Grits
A Classic Southern Dish
Shrimp and grits is a classic southern dish that combines creamy grits with plump and juicy shrimp. The key to achieving the perfect texture for both the grits and shrimp is using the right amount of liquid. For the grits, use a combination of water and milk to create a creamy and smooth consistency. For the shrimp, cook them in a hot skillet with butter and garlic until they turn pink. This will ensure that they are tender and flavorful.
Adding Some Flavor
While shrimp and grits is delicious on its own, you can add some extra flavor by incorporating some southern staples. Andouille sausage, bell peppers, and onions all add a delicious kick to this dish. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, such as thyme, cajun seasoning, or Old Bay. And for a twist on the traditional dish, try using cheesy grits instead of plain for a decadent and rich flavor.
Conclusion
Southern grub is all about bold and delicious flavors that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied. With these tips and variations, you can create your own unique spin on classic southern dishes and impress your friends and family with your cooking skills. So, fire up your stove and get ready to indulge in some mouth-watering southern grub.
