15 Southern Illinois Chowder Recipe You Must Try Them!
Published on: Mar 10, 2024
Southern Illinois is known for its delicious and hearty cuisine, and one dish that stands out among the rest is their famous chowder. This creamy and flavorful soup has been a staple in Southern Illinois homes for generations, and it's no wonder why. With its rich history and comforting taste, Southern Illinois chowder is a must-try for any food lover.
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without a side of warm, buttery cornbread. This classic recipe is made in a cast iron skillet for a crispy crust and a fluffy, tender inside. It pairs perfectly with a plate of Beer Can Chicken, adding a touch of sweetness and texture to the savory dish.
This traditional Southern dish is a must-try for Beer Can Chicken lovers. Tender chicken thighs are cooked in a rich, flavorful gravy made with onions, garlic, and herbs. Serve it over rice or with a side of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Transform your leftover cornbread into a mouthwatering dressing that will take your Beer Can Chicken to the next level. This classic Southern recipe is loaded with savory flavors like onion, celery, and sage. It's the perfect side dish for any holiday meal.
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cooking, and for good reason. They make a delicious and nutritious side dish for any meal, especially Beer Can Chicken. This recipe simmers the greens in a flavorful broth with ham hocks, onions, and spices for a dish that's full of flavor.
Oxtails are a Southern favorite, and this smothered recipe is sure to be a hit at any dinner table. The meat is braised until it's fall-off-the-bone tender, then smothered in a rich, thick gravy. Serve it alongside a cold glass of beer and some juicy Beer Can Chicken for the ultimate Southern meal.
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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 batch of warm, flaky biscuits. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients to create buttery, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits that are the perfect accompaniment to any dish. Use them to make mini sandwiches with leftover Beer Can Chicken for a tasty lunch the next day.
Southern-style mac and cheese is a creamy, cheesy, and indulgent side dish that pairs perfectly with Beer Can Chicken. This recipe uses a blend of sharp cheddar and mild Colby cheese for a rich and flavorful dish. Top it off with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for a crispy crust.
These delicious pecan pie bars are a Southern twist on the classic dessert. The buttery crust is filled with a sweet and gooey filling made with pecans, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Serve them as a sweet ending to your Beer Can Chicken dinner.
This hearty chowder is a delicious way to use up any leftover Beer Can Chicken. It's loaded with tender chicken, sweet corn, and creamy potatoes for a satisfying and flavorful soup. Serve it with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.
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Southern Chicken and Corn Chowder
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Olive Oil, Onion, Carrots, Celery, Garlic
Fresh peaches are a summer staple in the South, and this cobbler recipe is the perfect way to enjoy them. The juicy peaches are topped with a buttery, flaky crust and baked until golden brown. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet and refreshing treat after your Beer Can Chicken.
This simple recipe is a Southern classic that pairs perfectly with Beer Can Chicken. The collard greens are cooked until tender in a flavorful broth with bacon, onions, and spices. They make a delicious and healthy side dish that's full of flavor.
Pimento cheese is a Southern staple that's perfect for snacking on while waiting for your Beer Can Chicken to cook. This recipe combines sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and pimentos for a creamy and tangy spread that's perfect for crackers, sandwiches, or as a topping for your chicken.
Cabbage is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that's often used in Southern cooking. This recipe sautés it with onions, garlic, and bacon for a simple and delicious side dish that pairs well with Beer Can Chicken. Add some Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.
This classic Southern cornbread recipe is a must-try for any Beer Can Chicken lover. It's made with simple ingredients like cornmeal, buttermilk, and eggs for a moist and flavorful bread. Serve it warm with a drizzle of honey for a sweet and savory side dish.
This rich and flavorful gravy is a Southern breakfast staple, but it's also a delicious addition to your Beer Can Chicken dinner. The combination of spicy sausage, creamy gravy, and flaky biscuits is sure to be a hit with your whole family.
Hush puppies are a popular Southern side dish that's often served with fried fish or seafood. This recipe uses cornmeal, buttermilk, and spices to create crispy and flavorful hush puppies that are perfect for dipping in your Beer Can Chicken juices.
This creamy and cheesy squash casserole is a delicious way to use up any leftover squash from your Beer Can Chicken dinner. The combination of tender squash, sour cream, and cheddar cheese makes for a comforting and satisfying side dish.
Fried corn is a simple and tasty side dish that's often served in Southern homes. This recipe uses fresh corn, butter, and spices to create a flavorful and crispy dish that's the perfect accompaniment to Beer Can Chicken. Serve it with a sprinkle of bacon for added flavor.
Shrimp and grits is a classic Southern dish that's perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home. This recipe combines tender shrimp, creamy grits, and flavorful spices for a dish that's sure to impress. Serve it alongside your Beer Can Chicken for a delicious and hearty meal.
Another classic Southern recipe, cornbread dressing is a must-have side dish for any Beer Can Chicken dinner. This recipe uses homemade cornbread, sausage, and a blend of herbs and spices for a flavorful and hearty dressing that's sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
Southern cornbread is a beloved staple in the American South, and it's no wonder why. This classic recipe is made with cornmeal, flour, buttermilk, and a touch of sugar, giving it a perfect balance of savory and sweet. To take it to the next level, try making it in a cast iron skillet for that crispy, golden crust.
This traditional Southern dish is a must-try for any chicken lover. It involves cooking chicken in a flavorful gravy made from onions, bell peppers, and a variety of herbs and spices. The result is tender, juicy chicken smothered in a rich and hearty sauce, perfect for pairing with rice or mashed potatoes.
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cooking, and for good reason. These leafy greens are full of nutrients and add a delicious, earthy flavor to any dish. To make them Southern-style, cook them low and slow with bacon, onion, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick.
Thanksgiving dinner wouldn't be complete without a side of Southern cornbread dressing. This savory dish is made with crumbled cornbread, celery, onions, and a variety of herbs and spices. It's the perfect accompaniment to turkey and gravy, and will have your taste buds singing with every bite.
Oxtails are a lesser-known cut of meat, but in Southern cooking, they are a prized delicacy. These meaty tails are slow-cooked in a savory gravy until they are fall-off-the-bone tender. Serve them over rice or with a side of collard greens 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 Southern meal is complete without a batch of homemade biscuits. These flaky, buttery delights are a staple at breakfast, but they also make a great side dish for any meal. The key to making perfect Southern biscuits is to use cold butter and handle the dough gently for that perfect texture.
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food, and in the South, it's taken to a whole new level. This casserole-style mac and cheese is baked to golden perfection, with a creamy and cheesy sauce that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!). It's the ultimate side dish for any occasion.
Warm up on a cold day with a bowl of Southern chicken and corn chowder. This hearty soup is made with chicken, potatoes, corn, and a variety of spices, creating a flavorful and comforting dish. Top it off with some crispy bacon and a sprinkle of cheese for the perfect finishing touch.
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Southern Chicken and Corn Chowder
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Olive Oil, Onion, Carrots, Celery, Garlic
Pecan pie is a traditional Southern dessert, but these pecan pie bars are a fun and convenient twist on the classic. They have all the same flavors, but in a portable and easy-to-eat bar form. The buttery crust and gooey pecan filling make for a delicious sweet treat that's sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Peach cobbler is a quintessential Southern dessert, and for good reason. It's made with fresh peaches, cinnamon, and a buttery biscuit topping that's baked to golden perfection. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly heavenly experience.
As mentioned before, collard greens are a staple in Southern cooking, and this classic recipe is a must-try. The greens are cooked low and slow with bacon, onion, and a touch of hot sauce for a delicious and spicy kick. Serve them as a side dish to any meal, or even as a main dish for a satisfying and healthy meal.
Pimento cheese is a staple in Southern cuisine, and it's not hard to see why. This spread is made with cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and diced pimentos, creating a creamy and tangy dip that's perfect for snacking on with crackers or spreading on sandwiches. It's a must-try for any cheese lover.
Cabbage may not seem like the most exciting vegetable, but when it's cooked Southern-style, it becomes a delicious and flavorful side dish. Sautéed with bacon, onion, and a touch of apple cider vinegar, this cabbage dish is the perfect accompaniment to any meal.
As mentioned before, Southern cornbread is a staple in Southern cooking. This simple, yet delicious, recipe is a must-have in any cook's repertoire. It's perfect for pairing with chili, soups, or even just on its own as a snack.
Sausage gravy is a classic breakfast dish in the South, and it's not hard to see why. This creamy, savory gravy is made with sausage, milk, and a variety of herbs and spices, creating a flavor explosion that's perfect for pouring over biscuits or toast.
Hush puppies are a beloved Southern side dish, and for good reason. These deep-fried balls of cornmeal batter are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a hint of sweetness that pairs perfectly with any meal. Serve them alongside fried fish or seafood for the ultimate Southern meal.
Squash casserole is a classic Southern dish that's perfect for using up summer squash from the garden. Sautéed squash is mixed with cheese, onion, and a buttery cracker topping, then baked to golden perfection. It's a delicious and easy side dish that's perfect for any occasion.
Fried corn is a classic Southern side dish that's perfect for any barbecue or cookout. Fresh corn is cut off the cob and sautéed with butter, onion, and peppers, creating a sweet and savory dish that's bursting with flavor. It's a great way to enjoy the flavors of summer all year round.
Shrimp and grits is a beloved Southern dish that has gained popularity all over the country. This creamy and savory dish is made with shrimp, bacon, and a creamy grits mixture, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.
The origins of Southern Illinois chowder can be traced back to the early 1800s when settlers from the East Coast brought their traditional chowder recipes with them. However, as ingredients were scarce and expensive in the Midwest, the recipe evolved to include more affordable and locally sourced ingredients, such as corn, potatoes, and bacon.
The Evolution
Over time, Southern Illinois chowder became a beloved and iconic dish in the region, with each family putting their own unique spin on the recipe. Some added chicken or sausage, while others used different types of seafood. Regardless of the variations, one thing remained consistent – the creamy and comforting base that made this chowder so irresistible.
The Present Day
Today, Southern Illinois chowder has become a mainstay in local restaurants, and each establishment has their own signature version of the dish. From fine dining establishments to roadside diners, you can find this delicious chowder almost anywhere in Southern Illinois. It has also become a popular dish at community events and festivals, where locals proudly showcase their family recipes.
The Key Ingredients
The Corn
One of the key ingredients in Southern Illinois chowder is corn. It is typically used in both whole kernel and creamed form, providing a sweet and savory flavor to the dish. Corn is also a staple in Midwestern cuisine and adds a touch of nostalgia to this traditional recipe.
The Potatoes
Another essential ingredient in Southern Illinois chowder is potatoes. They add a hearty and filling element to the dish, making it a perfect meal for cold winter nights. The potatoes also help to thicken the chowder, giving it that creamy and rich texture that it is known for.
The Bacon
Lastly, no Southern Illinois chowder would be complete without bacon. This salty and smoky ingredient adds depth and flavor to the dish, making it even more irresistible. It is usually cooked until crispy and then crumbled on top of the chowder as a garnish.
Try It for Yourself
Now that you know the history and key ingredients of Southern Illinois chowder, it's time to try it for yourself. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this iconic dish is a must-try for anyone who wants to experience the true taste of Southern Illinois. So head to your nearest restaurant or whip up your own batch at home – either way, you won't be disappointed.
