20 Southern Recipe For Greens They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 4, 2024
When it comes to classic Southern cuisine, no dish is more iconic than a hearty serving of greens. Traditionally served as a side dish, these leafy greens can also be elevated to a main course with the addition of some protein and grains. But no matter how you choose to enjoy them, greens are a staple in any Southern kitchen and an essential part of a well-rounded meal.
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
What could be more Southern than a classic cornbread recipe? This Southern Skillet Cornbread is the perfect side dish to pair with your beer can chicken. It’s made in a cast iron skillet for that delicious crispy crust, and it’s packed with flavor from buttermilk, cornmeal, and real butter. Serve it warm with a drizzle of honey for the ultimate Southern comfort food experience.
This Southern Smothered Chicken recipe is a true Southern classic. The chicken is cooked low and slow in a rich and flavorful gravy made with onions, garlic, and bell peppers. The result is fall-off-the-bone tender chicken with a deliciously thick and creamy gravy that’s perfect for spooning over your beer can chicken. Serve it with some fluffy mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete Southern meal.
No Southern meal is complete without a side of collard greens. These slow-cooked greens are cooked with bacon, onions, and chicken broth until they are tender and flavorful. They make the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken, adding a touch of Southern comfort to your plate.
This Southern Cornbread Dressing is a must-have for any holiday meal. Made with homemade cornbread, sausage, and celery, it’s a deliciously savory side dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. The crispy edges and soft center of the cornbread add a wonderful texture to the dish, while the combination of flavors will have your taste buds singing.
Oxtails are a staple in Southern cuisine, and this recipe for Southern Smothered Oxtails is a true taste of the South. The oxtails are cooked low and slow in a rich and flavorful gravy made with tomatoes, onions, and garlic. The result is tender and succulent meat that pairs perfectly with your beer can chicken. Serve it over rice for a hearty and comforting 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. This recipe for Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits is simple and easy to make, and the result is buttery, flaky, and oh-so-delicious biscuits that are perfect for serving with your beer can chicken. Don’t forget to brush them with melted butter before serving for that extra touch of Southern goodness.
No Southern gathering is complete without a big pan of macaroni and cheese. This Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food, made with a creamy and cheesy sauce, sharp cheddar cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. It’s the perfect side dish to pair with your beer can chicken for a delicious and indulgent meal.
If you’re looking for a twist on the classic mac and cheese, try this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese. This recipe uses a combination of cheddar and gouda cheese for a unique and delicious flavor. The mac and cheese is baked until golden and bubbly, making it the perfect side dish for your beer can chicken.
For a sweet ending to your meal, try these Southern Pecan Pie Bars. These bars have all the flavors of a classic pecan pie, but in a handheld form. The buttery crust is topped with a gooey and nutty filling, making for a delectable dessert that pairs perfectly with your beer can chicken. Serve them topped with a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate Southern treat.
These Classic Southern Collard Greens are a staple in Southern cuisine. The greens are cooked with ham hock and chicken broth until they are tender and flavorful. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a traditional Southern meal that will have your taste buds dancing.
For a taste of summer, try this Southern Peach Cobbler recipe. Fresh peaches are baked with a buttery cake topping until golden and bubbly. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious and comforting dessert that pairs perfectly with your beer can chicken.
Pimento cheese is a Southern staple, and this recipe for Southern Pimento Cheese is sure to become a favorite. Made with sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and pimentos, it’s a creamy and tangy spread that’s perfect for slathering on your beer can chicken sandwiches. Serve it with crackers or veggies for a delicious appetizer.
This simple recipe for Southern Cabbage is a delicious and easy side dish to pair with your beer can chicken. The cabbage is cooked with bacon, onions, and chicken broth until it’s soft and flavorful. It’s a great way to add some vegetables to your meal and soak up all the delicious juices from your chicken.
This recipe for Southern Cornbread is a classic and versatile dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. The cornbread is made with simple ingredients like buttermilk, eggs, and cornmeal, and it’s baked in a cast iron skillet for that delicious crispy crust. Serve it warm with a drizzle of honey for the ultimate Southern comfort food experience.
Sausage gravy is a staple in Southern breakfasts, but it also makes a delicious addition to your beer can chicken dinner. This recipe for Southern Sausage Gravy is made with ground sausage, flour, and milk, resulting in a creamy and flavorful gravy that’s perfect for spooning over your chicken and biscuits. It’s comfort food at its finest.
Hush puppies are a classic Southern side dish, and this recipe for Southern Hush Puppies is a must-try. These crispy and golden bites are made with a simple batter of cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk, and they are perfect for dunking into your beer can chicken juices. Serve them alongside your meal for a delicious and unique twist on traditional hush puppies.
This recipe for Southern Squash Casserole is a delicious and hearty side dish to pair with your beer can chicken. The squash is cooked with cheddar cheese, onions, and cream of mushroom soup, and topped with a buttery cracker crumb topping. It’s a comforting and indulgent dish that will have your taste buds singing.
Southern Fried Corn is a classic dish that’s perfect for serving alongside your beer can chicken. Fresh corn is sautéed in butter and bacon grease until it’s golden and crispy, making for a delicious and flavorful side dish. It’s a great way to use up those summer corn cobs and add some Southern flair to your meal.
For a taste of the coast, try this recipe for Southern Shrimp and Grits. Creamy and cheesy grits are topped with sauteed shrimp and a flavorful tomato and bacon gravy. It’s a dish that’s packed with Southern flavors and pairs perfectly with your beer can chicken for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Candied yams are a classic Southern side dish, and this recipe for Southern Baked Candied Yams is a crowd-pleaser. Sweet potatoes are baked in a brown sugar and butter glaze until they are tender and caramelized. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a sweet and savory combination that’s sure to be a hit.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
Kick off your beer can chicken feast with a classic Southern side dish – skillet cornbread. Made with buttermilk and a touch of honey, this cornbread is the perfect accompaniment to any barbecue meal. Serve it warm with a pat of butter for the ultimate comfort food experience.
This tender and flavorful chicken dish is a staple in Southern cuisine. Smothered in a rich gravy made with onions, garlic, and plenty of herbs and spices, this chicken is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a hearty and delicious meal.
No barbecue is complete without a side of greens, and these Southern collard greens are a must-try. Slow-cooked with smoked ham hocks and a touch of vinegar for a tangy kick, these greens are the perfect balance of savory and sour. Serve them up with your beer can chicken for a true taste of the South.
Take your beer can chicken to the next level with this classic Southern side dish. Made with crumbled cornbread, sausage, and plenty of herbs and spices, this dressing is the perfect complement to the smoky flavors of your chicken. Be sure to save some for leftovers – it's even better the next day!
If you're feeling adventurous, try swapping out your chicken for oxtails in this delicious smothered dish. Slow-cooked in a rich gravy with onions and peppers, these tender and flavorful oxtails are the perfect alternative to traditional beer can chicken. Serve them up with your favorite sides for a truly unique barbecue experience.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
What's a barbecue without some delicious biscuits? These classic Southern biscuits are a must-try. Made with buttermilk and plenty of butter, these flaky and buttery biscuits are the perfect vessel for mopping up any leftover sauce from your beer can chicken. Trust us, you'll want to make a double batch of these.
Upgrade your mac and cheese game with this Southern baked version. Made with a blend of cheddar and Gruyere cheese and a touch of Dijon mustard, this mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious. Serve it up alongside your beer can chicken for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Looking for a vegetarian option to serve alongside your beer can chicken? Look no further than this Southern baked mac and cheese. Made with a blend of cheeses and a touch of hot sauce for a kick, this mac and cheese is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
For a sweet finish to your barbecue meal, try these Southern pecan pie bars. Made with a flaky crust and a rich and gooey filling, these bars are a delicious twist on the classic Southern dessert. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Nothing says summer like a fresh peach cobbler, and this Southern version is a must-try. Made with juicy peaches and a buttery and flaky crust, this cobbler is a crowd-pleaser. Serve it up with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent dessert.
For a more traditional take on collard greens, try this classic Southern recipe. Slow-cooked with smoked ham hocks and a touch of vinegar, these greens are the perfect balance of savory and tangy. Serve them up with your beer can chicken for a true Southern feast.
Add a little bit of spice to your barbecue with this Southern pimento cheese spread. Made with sharp cheddar cheese, roasted red peppers, and a touch of hot sauce, this spread is perfect for topping your chicken or slathering on a slice of bread. Trust us, you'll want to make extra for leftovers.
For a simple and delicious side dish, try this Southern cabbage recipe. Slow-cooked with bacon and onions, this cabbage is flavorful and tender. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
If you can't get enough of classic Southern cornbread, try this recipe. Made with a mixture of cornmeal and flour, this cornbread is the perfect combination of hearty and fluffy. Serve it up with your beer can chicken for a true Southern-inspired meal.
Take your barbecue to the next level with this Southern sausage gravy. Made with crumbled sausage and a creamy and flavorful gravy, this dish is perfect for topping your beer can chicken or serving alongside some warm biscuits. Your taste buds will thank you.
No Southern meal is complete without hush puppies, and this recipe is a must-try. Made with a blend of cornmeal and flour and a touch of jalapeno for some heat, these hush puppies are the perfect side dish for your beer can chicken. Don't forget to serve them up with some honey butter for dipping.
If you're looking for a way to sneak some veggies into your barbecue, try this Southern squash casserole. Made with sliced yellow squash and a cheesy and creamy sauce, this casserole is a delicious and indulgent side dish. Serve it up alongside your beer can chicken for a well-rounded meal.
For a unique twist on a classic Southern side dish, try this fried corn recipe. Made with fresh corn kernels and a blend of herbs and spices, this dish is a flavorful and delicious addition to any barbecue meal. Serve it up alongside your beer can chicken for a true taste of the South.
Take your barbecue to the next level with this Southern-inspired twist on shrimp and grits. Made with creamy and cheesy grits and succulent shrimp cooked in a flavorful gravy, this dish is a must-try. Serve it up alongside your beer can chicken for a truly indulgent meal.
For a sweet and savory side dish, try these Southern baked candied yams. Made with brown sugar, butter, and a touch of cinnamon, these yams are the perfect complement to your beer can chicken. Be sure to save some room for dessert after this delicious meal.
The Importance of Greens in Southern Cooking
Greens have been a staple in Southern cooking for centuries, with recipes passed down from generation to generation. Not only are they a key ingredient in many beloved dishes, but they also hold a significant cultural significance. In the past, African slaves relied on greens as a main source of sustenance, and they quickly became a part of their cultural identity. Today, greens are still a popular dish in Southern cuisine, and their versatility allows for endless variations and adaptations.
The Key to Perfectly Cooked Greens
While greens may seem like a simple dish, achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture can be tricky. The key is to start with fresh, high-quality greens and to cook them low and slow. Many traditional recipes call for pork as a flavoring agent, but vegetarians can achieve the same depth of flavor with ingredients like smoked paprika or liquid smoke.
Collard greens are the most commonly used in Southern cooking, but other varieties like turnip greens, mustard greens, and kale can also be used. The key is to remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Make sure to wash the greens thoroughly to remove any grit or dirt.
Adding a Twist to the Classic Recipe
While traditional recipes for greens typically involve cooking them with pork and serving as a side dish, there are many ways to get creative with this Southern staple. For a heartier meal, add some protein like smoked turkey or bacon to the greens. You can also incorporate grains like quinoa or farro for a more filling dish.
Another way to elevate the classic greens recipe is to experiment with different seasonings and flavors. Adding some hot sauce or red pepper flakes can add a spicy kick, while a splash of apple cider vinegar can provide a tangy contrast to the earthy greens.
Conclusion
No matter how you choose to cook your greens, one thing is for sure: this classic Southern dish will always hold a special place in the hearts and stomachs of Southerners. So next time you're looking for a comforting and delicious meal, remember to reach for those leafy greens and channel your inner Southern chef.
