17 Southern Restaurant Recipe For Key Lime Pie Deliciousness Awaits You!

Published on: Apr 26, 2024

If you've ever traveled to the southern United States, you've likely indulged in some of the most delicious and soul-warming food around. From crispy fried chicken to fluffy biscuits and gravy, southern cuisine is known for its rich and comforting flavors. But perhaps one of the most iconic and beloved desserts in southern cooking is the key lime pie. Traditionally made with simple ingredients like key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and graham cracker crust, this pie packs a punch of tangy and sweet flavors in every bite. In this article, we'll dive into the history and secrets behind a truly authentic southern restaurant recipe for key lime pie.

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Southern Pecan Pie Bars

Main Ingredients: Crust, Eggs, Sugar, Corn Syrup, Vanilla, Butter, Salt

Easy Southern Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust - The Country Cook

Classic Southern Pecan Pie Bars - Maria's Kitchen

If you're a fan of crunchy pecans and sweet, gooey filling, then these Southern pecan pie bars are the perfect dessert for you. With a buttery crust and a rich, decadent filling, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

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Southern Buttermilk Pie

Main Ingredients: Buttermilk, Sugar, Large Eggs, Flour, Salt, Butter

Buttermilk Pie {Classic Southern Recipe} – WellPlated.com

Classic Southern Buttermilk Pie Recipe - Something Swanky

Buttermilk pie may not sound like the most appetizing dessert, but don't let the name fool you. This Southern classic is a creamy, custardy treat with a hint of tanginess from the buttermilk. It's a must-try for any pie lover.

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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread

Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt

Southern Skillet Cornbread Recipe | The Gracious Wife

Southern Skillet Cornbread - A Pinch of Healthy

Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread | Recipe | Southern ...

In the South, cornbread is a staple at every meal. This version, made in a cast iron skillet, is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Perfect for serving alongside a bowl of hearty chili or as a side dish for any Southern feast.

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Old Fashioned Southern Sweet Potato Pie

Main Ingredients: Butter, Light Brown Sugar, Light Karo Syrup, Eggs

Sweet Potato Pie - melissassouthernstylekitchen.com

The Best Homemade Sweet Potato Pie Recipe - Evolving Table

Sweet potato pie is a classic dessert in the South, and this old-fashioned version is sure to please. Made with a flaky crust and a creamy, spiced filling, this pie is a delicious alternative to pumpkin pie.

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Southern Pecan Pie

Main Ingredients: Prepared Pie Crust, Butter, Brown Sugar, Corn Syrup

Easy Recipe: Southern Pecan Pie - Happy and Blessed Home

The Best Southern Pecan Pie - Southern Bite

Another Southern staple, pecan pie is a must-have at any holiday gathering. This traditional recipe features a rich, buttery filling and plenty of crunchy pecans. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.

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Southern Smothered Chicken

Main Ingredients: Chicken, All Purpose Flour, Salt, Ground Black Pepper

Honestly Easy Smothered Chicken | FaveSouthernRecipes.com

Southern Smothered Chicken and Gravy - Cooks with Soul

This Southern comfort food is a favorite for a reason. Tender chicken smothered in a rich, savory gravy and served over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes is the ultimate comfort meal. It's sure to become a family favorite in no time.

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Southern Peach Pie

Main Ingredients: Peaches, Sugar, Cornstarch, Ground Cinnamon, Ground

Southern Peach Pie - My Pretty Brown Fit + Eats

Southern Peach Pie Perfection - House of Nash Eats

When peaches are in season, there's nothing better than a Southern peach pie. This recipe features a flaky crust and a sweet, juicy peach filling with a hint of cinnamon. Serve a slice with a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect summer dessert.

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Southern Collard Greens

Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Kosher Salt

Southern Collard Greens | RecipeLion.com

Vegan Southern-Style Collard Greens - Healthier Steps

Southern Collard Greens | NeighborFood

In the South, collard greens are a staple side dish. This recipe features tender greens cooked with bacon, onions, and garlic for a flavorful and hearty dish. Serve with a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

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Southern Cornbread Dressing

Main Ingredients: Cornbread, Medium Onion, Celery, Butter, Condensed

Southern Cornbread Dressing - Home. Made. Interest.

Southern-Style Cornbread Dressing - Grace and Good Eats

The Best Southern Cornbread Dressing - Everyday Eileen

Thanksgiving isn't complete without a big dish of Southern cornbread dressing. This recipe features a hearty cornbread base, plenty of herbs and spices, and a savory broth for a delicious and comforting side dish.

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Southern Smothered Oxtails

Main Ingredients: Oxtails, All Purpose Flour, Worcestershire Sauce

southern styled oxtails – 99easyrecipes

Southern Smothered Oxtails | Recipe | Cooking oxtails, Oxtail recipes ...

Southern Slow Cooker Smothered Oxtails | I Heart Recipes | Recipe ...

Oxtails are a traditional Southern dish that may seem intimidating to make, but they're actually quite simple. Slow-cooked in a rich gravy until tender and falling off the bone, these oxtails are a true taste of the South.

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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits

Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt

How to Make Layered Southern Biscuits - Little Figgy Food

Flaky, Fluffy Southern Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe | Girl Vs Dough

No Southern meal is complete without a batch of flaky, buttery biscuits. This classic recipe is easy to make and yields perfectly golden and tender biscuits every time. Serve with butter and jam for a simple and delicious breakfast or brunch.

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Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Main Ingredients: Macaroni, Eggs, Heavy Cream, Milk, Pepper, Salt

Southern Baked Macaroni & Cheese! - My Incredible Recipes

Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese | Good macaroni and cheese recipe ...

Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese | Mac and cheese recipe soul food ...

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food, and this Southern version takes it to the next level. With a rich and creamy cheese sauce and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, this baked mac and cheese is sure to be a hit at your next potluck or family dinner.

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Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Flour, Evaporated Milk, Half And Half

Easy Southern Style Baked Mac and Cheese. - Half Baked Harvest

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese - THIS IS NOT DIET FOOD

Easy Recipe: Perfect Best Baked Mac And Cheese - Pioneer Woman Recipes ...

If you're looking for a more traditional Southern mac and cheese recipe, this one is for you. Made with a blend of cheddar and Velveeta cheeses, this mac and cheese is rich, creamy, and oh-so-comforting.

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Crispy Fried Shrimp – Southern Restaurant Secrets

Main Ingredients: Shrimp, Flour, Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Eggs, Milk

Fried Shrimp Recipe - Valentina's Corner

The Best Fried Shrimp | Fried shrimp, Shrimp recipes easy, Yummy shrimp ...

Fried shrimp is a staple on Southern restaurant menus, and now you can make it at home with this easy recipe. With a crispy, seasoned batter and tender, juicy shrimp, this dish is sure to be a hit with seafood lovers.

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Southern Sweet Potato Pie

Main Ingredients: Sweet Potato, Butter, White Sugar, Milk, Large Eggs

Southern Sweet Potato Pie - Feast and Farm

Southern Sweet Potato Pie • A Sweet Pea Chef

Southern Sweet Potato Pie - My Forking Life

If you can't get enough of sweet potato pie, try this Southern version with a twist. With a gingersnap crust and a creamy sweet potato filling, this pie is a unique and delicious twist on a classic dessert.

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Southern Peach Cobbler!

Main Ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Peaches, Lemon Juice, All Purpose Flour

Easy Southern Peach Cobbler - Love Bakes Good Cakes

Southern Peach Cobbler - Best Recipe EVER! - Merry About Town

Peach cobbler is a beloved Southern dessert, and this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. With a buttery, biscuit-like topping and a sweet, juicy peach filling, this cobbler is perfect for any occasion.

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Classic Southern Collard Greens

Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Water, Smoked Ham Hock, Chicken

Feasting on Fitness: Southern Cooking Classic: Collard Greens

SOUTHERN-STYLE COLLARD GREENS classic slow-cooked Southern side - Eats ...

This recipe for collard greens is a classic in the South. Slow-cooked with bacon, onions, and chicken broth, these greens are tender and flavorful. Serve alongside your favorite Southern comfort foods for a feast fit for a king.

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Southern Pimento Cheese

Main Ingredients: Cream Cheese, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Mild Cheddar

Southern Style Jalapeño Pimento Cheese spread- Amee's Savory Dish

Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe - TheSuperHealthyFood

Southern Pimento Cheese Recipe for a Deliciously Easy Appetizer!

Pimento cheese is a classic Southern snack, and this homemade version is sure to become a favorite. With a blend of cheddar and cream cheese, pimentos, and a touch of hot sauce, this dip is perfect for serving with crackers or veggies.

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Southern Cabbage

Main Ingredients: Bacon, Onion, Cabbage, College Inn Chicken Broth

Easy Fried Cabbage Recipe | Small Town Woman

Southern Fried Cabbage | 12 Tomatoes

SOUTHERN FRIED CABBAGE - The Southern Lady Cooks - BriskyPace

Cabbage is a versatile and budget-friendly vegetable, and this Southern-style recipe is a tasty way to enjoy it. With bacon, onions, and a touch of sugar, this cabbage is the perfect side dish for any Southern meal.

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Southern Cornbread

Main Ingredients: Self Rising Cornmeal, Eggs, Vegetable Oil, Buttermilk

Southern Cornbread Dressing - melissassouthernstylekitchen.com

No Southern meal is complete without a side of cornbread. This recipe is a classic, made with cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk for a moist and flavorful bread that pairs perfectly with any Southern dish.

The Origins of Key Lime Pie

The History of Key Limes

The key lime is a small, round citrus fruit with a distinctive tart and floral flavor. Although it originated in Southeast Asia, it was brought to the Florida Keys by Spanish explorers in the 1500s. Due to its ability to thrive in the hot and humid climate of the Keys, it quickly became a staple ingredient in many dishes, including the famous key lime pie.

The Evolution of Key Lime Pie

The exact origins of key lime pie are debated, with some claiming it was invented by sponge fishermen in the Florida Keys who needed a portable and easy-to-make dessert. Others believe it was created by a cook named Aunt Sally in the late 1800s. However, key lime pie as we know it today with a graham cracker crust and creamy filling was popularized in the 1920s by a man named William Curry, who owned a restaurant in Key West.

The Secrets to a Perfect Key Lime Pie

The Key Ingredient: Key Lime Juice

As the name suggests, the key to a truly authentic key lime pie is using fresh key lime juice. While bottled lime juice may be more convenient, it lacks the distinctive tartness and floral notes of fresh key lime juice. If you can't find key limes in your local grocery store, you can substitute with equal parts of regular lime juice and lemon juice.

The Perfect Graham Cracker Crust

The crust of a key lime pie is just as important as the filling. To achieve a perfectly crisp and buttery crust, use crushed graham crackers combined with melted butter and a pinch of salt. Press the mixture firmly into the pie dish and bake for a few minutes before adding the filling.

The Creamy Filling

The filling for key lime pie is traditionally made with just three ingredients: key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks. The key to a smooth and creamy filling is to slowly add the lime juice to the condensed milk and egg yolks, making sure to mix well and avoid any lumps. Bake the pie until the filling is just set, and then let it cool completely before refrigerating.

In Conclusion

Now that you know the history and secrets behind a perfect key lime pie, it's time to try making it yourself! Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this classic southern dessert is sure to impress your family and friends. Don't forget to top it off with some freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of lime zest for the ultimate key lime pie experience.