17 Southern Pralines Recipe New Orleans They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 10, 2024
Southern pralines are a beloved treat that has become synonymous with the vibrant city of New Orleans. These sweet and nutty confections have been a staple in the city's cuisine for centuries, with a recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation. In this article, we will dive into the history and origins of these delectable treats and provide you with a professional and well-organized introduction to creating your very own southern pralines at home.
Main Ingredients: Pecan Halves, Granulated White Sugar, Brown Sugar
What better way to start off our list than with this classic Southern dessert? These melt-in-your-mouth pralines are the perfect way to end a meal featuring beer can chicken. The caramelized pecans and buttery sweetness perfectly balance out the savory flavors of the chicken. Trust us, you won't be able to resist going back for seconds.
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New Orleans Sausage Shrimp Crawfish Pasta
Main Ingredients: Peeled Shrimp, Smoked Sausage, Crawfish, Butter, Onion
This recipe brings a taste of New Orleans to your beer can chicken dinner. The spicy andouille sausage, succulent shrimp, and tender crawfish make for a mouthwatering pasta dish. Pair it with your beer can chicken for a Cajun-inspired feast.
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New Orleans Gumbo
Main Ingredients: Crawfish, Andouille Sausage, Oysters, Crab Claws, Roux
If you're feeling extra adventurous, why not try making a batch of gumbo to go along with your beer can chicken? This iconic New Orleans dish is a flavorful combination of chicken, sausage, and seafood, all simmered in a rich broth. It's the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without a side of cornbread. This recipe brings a unique twist by cooking the cornbread in a skillet, resulting in a crispy crust and moist center. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a comforting and hearty meal.
This recipe is a Southern classic that is sure to become a staple in your home. The tender and juicy chicken is smothered in a delicious gravy made from onions, peppers, and seasonings. It's the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken, and you can even use the leftover gravy as a dipping sauce.
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cuisine, and for good reason. They are packed with flavor and nutrients, making them the perfect side dish for your beer can chicken. This recipe adds a touch of sweetness with the addition of brown sugar and apple cider vinegar.
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New Orleans-Style BBQ Shrimp & Grits
Main Ingredients: Corn Grits, Whole Milk, Kosher Salt, Unsalted Butter
For a taste of the Big Easy, try this New Orleans-style shrimp and grits recipe. The tangy BBQ sauce pairs perfectly with the creamy grits and succulent shrimp. It's a delicious and unique way to enjoy your beer can chicken.
Another classic Southern dessert that is a must-try with your beer can chicken. These pecan pralines are a sweet and nutty treat that will satisfy your cravings. Plus, they make for a great snack while you wait for your chicken to cook on the grill.
If you're a fan of stuffing, you'll love this Southern twist on the classic dish. This recipe uses cornbread as the base, resulting in a moist and flavorful stuffing that pairs perfectly with your beer can chicken. It's a delicious and comforting side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
For a unique twist on traditional Southern flavors, try this recipe for smothered oxtails. The tender and flavorful meat is simmered in a rich gravy, resulting in a dish that is sure to impress. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a meal that is full of delicious Southern flavors.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
No meal is complete without a side of biscuits, and this recipe for classic Southern biscuits is a must-try. The flaky, buttery goodness is the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken. Pro tip: use the leftover biscuits to make a sandwich with your leftover chicken the next day.
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food, and this Southern version takes it to the next level. The creamy and cheesy pasta pairs perfectly with your beer can chicken, making for a comforting and delicious meal.
Yes, we have two mac and cheese recipes on our list because they are both that good. This version uses a combination of cheddar, Gouda, and gruyere cheeses for a rich and flavorful dish. It's the perfect side dish for your beer can chicken.
These pecan pie bars are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without committing to a whole pie. The buttery crust and gooey pecan filling make for a delicious dessert to enjoy after your beer can chicken dinner.
If you're looking for a simple and traditional collard greens recipe, look no further. This recipe uses just a handful of ingredients to create a flavorful and comforting side dish for your beer can chicken.
Peach cobbler is a classic Southern dessert that is perfect for summertime. The juicy and sweet peaches are topped with a buttery and crispy crust, making for a delicious treat that pairs perfectly with your beer can chicken.
Pimento cheese is a staple in Southern cuisine, and this recipe is a must-try. The creamy and tangy cheese spread is the perfect topping for your beer can chicken sandwiches, or you can serve it as a dip for your chicken.
Cabbage may not be the most exciting vegetable, but this Southern-style recipe will change your mind. The cabbage is cooked with bacon, onions, and seasonings, resulting in a flavorful and delicious side dish for your beer can chicken.
These creamy pralines are a twist on the classic pecan pralines and they are oh-so-good. The creamy texture and caramelized pecans make for a decadent dessert that is the perfect way to end a meal featuring beer can chicken.
Lastly, we have another classic Southern cornbread recipe that is a must-try. This version is slightly sweet and has a crispy crust, making it the perfect side dish for your beer can chicken.
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Perfect Southern Pecan Pralines
Main Ingredients: Pecan Halves, Granulated White Sugar, Brown Sugar
If you're looking for a delicious and indulgent dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth, look no further than this recipe for Perfect Southern Pecan Pralines. These rich and creamy treats are a staple in Southern cuisine and are sure to be a hit at any gathering. The combination of crunchy pecans, sweet brown sugar, and creamy butter creates a flavor explosion in every bite. Serve them up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
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New Orleans Sausage Shrimp Crawfish Pasta
Main Ingredients: Peeled Shrimp, Smoked Sausage, Crawfish, Butter, Onion
Take your taste buds on a trip to the Big Easy with this mouth-watering recipe for New Orleans Sausage Shrimp Crawfish Pasta. This dish is a fusion of Cajun and Creole flavors, featuring a creamy and spicy sauce with tender shrimp, savory sausage, and succulent crawfish. It's the perfect dish to impress your friends and family with at your next dinner party.
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New Orleans Gumbo
Main Ingredients: Crawfish, Andouille Sausage, Oysters, Crab Claws, Roux
No Southern recipe list would be complete without a classic New Orleans Gumbo. This hearty and flavorful stew is a staple in Louisiana cuisine and is filled with a variety of meats, vegetables, and spices. The rich and savory broth is thickened with a roux and is usually served over a bed of fluffy white rice. Make a big batch and freeze the leftovers for a quick and easy meal later on.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
Southern Cornbread is a staple in Southern cuisine and is a must-try for anyone who loves bread. This recipe for Southern Skillet Cornbread is the perfect combination of savory and sweet, with a crispy exterior and a moist and fluffy interior. Serve it up as a side dish with your favorite Southern comfort food dishes, or enjoy it on its own with a drizzle of honey.
Indulge in some classic Southern comfort food with this recipe for Southern Smothered Chicken. This dish is made with tender and juicy chicken smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy made from onions, garlic, and herbs. It's the ultimate comfort food and is sure to become a family favorite.
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New Orleans-Style BBQ Shrimp & Grits
Main Ingredients: Corn Grits, Whole Milk, Kosher Salt, Unsalted Butter
If you're a fan of seafood and Southern cuisine, then this recipe for New Orleans-Style BBQ Shrimp & Grits is a must-try. This dish combines tender shrimp with a spicy and tangy BBQ sauce, served over creamy and cheesy grits. It's a unique twist on a classic Southern dish that is sure to impress.
No Southern dessert table is complete without a batch of Southern Pecan Pralines. These buttery and nutty treats are a classic in Southern cuisine and are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. They're also incredibly easy to make and are a great gift for friends and family during the holiday season.
For a healthy and delicious side dish, try this recipe for Southern Collard Greens. These leafy greens are cooked with bacon, onions, and spices until tender and flavorful. They're packed with vitamins and nutrients and are a staple in Southern cuisine.
Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without a side of Southern Cornbread Dressing. This traditional dish is made with crumbled cornbread, herbs, and spices, and is baked until golden and crispy on top. It's the perfect complement to your Thanksgiving turkey and is a must-try for all Southern food lovers.
Oxtails are a delicious and underrated cut of meat that is often used in Southern cuisine. This recipe for Southern Smothered Oxtails is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The oxtails are slow-cooked with onions, carrots, and herbs until they're fall-off-the-bone tender and smothered in a rich and savory gravy.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
No Southern breakfast is complete without a batch of Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits. These buttery and flaky biscuits are a staple in Southern cuisine and are the perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee or tea. Serve them up with jam, honey, or gravy for a delicious and satisfying breakfast.
Mac and cheese is a beloved dish all over the world, but Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese takes it to a whole new level. This recipe features a creamy and cheesy sauce made with a variety of cheeses, topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust. It's the ultimate comfort food and is perfect for any occasion.
If you love pecan pie but want a more portable and shareable version, then these Southern Pecan Pie Bars are for you. These bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, a rich and gooey pecan filling, and a sprinkle of sea salt for the perfect balance of flavors. They're perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a sweet treat for yourself.
Nothing says Southern summer like a warm and comforting Southern Peach Cobbler. This recipe features juicy and sweet peaches, topped with a buttery and flaky crust, and a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar. Serve it up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate summer dessert.
For a more traditional version of Southern Collard Greens, try this recipe for Classic Southern Collard Greens. These greens are slow-cooked with bacon, onions, and spices until they're tender and full of flavor. They're a staple in Southern cuisine and are a must-try for anyone looking to experience true Southern comfort food.
For a twist on the classic Southern Pecan Pralines, try this recipe for Southern Creamy Pralines. These treats are made with a creamy and smooth praline mixture, filled with crunchy pecans, and topped with a drizzle of chocolate. They're the perfect indulgent treat for any occasion.
Pimento Cheese is a classic Southern spread that is perfect for snacking or as a topping for sandwiches and burgers. This recipe for Southern Pimento Cheese features a blend of cheddar and cream cheese, mixed with pimentos, herbs, and spices for a creamy and flavorful spread.
Cabbage may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Southern cuisine, but this recipe for Southern Cabbage is a delicious and healthy side dish option. The cabbage is cooked with bacon, onions, and spices until tender and flavorful, making it the perfect accompaniment to any Southern meal.
No Southern meal is complete without a side of Southern Cornbread. This staple in Southern cuisine is a simple but delicious accompaniment to any dish. Serve it up with a bowl of chili, a plate of BBQ, or a hearty stew, and you'll have a classic Southern meal in no time.
For another twist on the classic Southern mac and cheese, try this recipe for Southern Baked Mac and Cheese. This version features a creamy and cheesy sauce made with a blend of cheeses, mixed with tender elbow macaroni, and topped with a buttery breadcrumb crust. It's the ultimate comfort food and is sure to become a family favorite.
The History and Origins of Southern Pralines
Pralines have been around for centuries and have been enjoyed by many cultures, but the southern praline as we know it today has its roots firmly planted in New Orleans. It is said that the recipe was brought to the city by French settlers in the 1700s, who were inspired by the traditional French candy made with almonds and caramelized sugar. However, with the abundance of pecan trees in the region, southerners began using pecans instead of almonds, and the southern praline was born.
These sweet treats quickly became a favorite in the city and were often sold by street vendors in the French Quarter. But it wasn't until the late 1800s that the recipe was perfected and solidified as a staple in New Orleans cuisine. Today, southern pralines can be found in almost every candy shop and restaurant in the city, and they continue to be a must-try for tourists and locals alike.
The Key Ingredients for Perfect Southern Pralines
While there are many variations of the southern praline recipe, there are a few key ingredients that are essential for achieving that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture and flavor. The first and most important ingredient is, of course, pecans. These buttery and rich nuts are what give southern pralines their distinctive taste. It is recommended to use fresh, whole pecans and chop them into small pieces for the best results.
The next essential ingredient is brown sugar, which provides the rich caramel flavor and sweetness that balances out the nuttiness of the pecans. Some recipes also call for a small amount of white sugar to help the pralines set properly.
Finally, butter is the third key ingredient that gives southern pralines their smooth and creamy texture. It is important to use real butter and not margarine for the best results. Some recipes also call for a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile of the pralines.
Creating Your Own Southern Pralines at Home
Now that you know the history and key ingredients of southern pralines, it's time to try making them at home. While the process may seem intimidating at first, with a little practice and patience, you can achieve perfect pralines every time.
Start by combining the pecans, brown sugar, white sugar, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. After 10 minutes, remove the mixture from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
Next, use a spoon to drop the mixture onto a sheet of wax paper or a greased baking sheet. Let the pralines cool and harden before enjoying your homemade southern pralines. You can also experiment with adding other ingredients such as chocolate chips or bourbon for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
In Conclusion
Southern pralines are more than just a tasty treat - they are a symbol of the rich history and culture of New Orleans. Now that you have a better understanding of their origins and key ingredients, it's time to try making them at home and experience the deliciousness for yourself. So don your apron and get ready to impress your friends and family with your newfound praline-making skills.
