16 Southern Style Spices Recipe Unlock Flavor Sensations!

Published on: Apr 28, 2024

Southern style spices are an essential part of any authentic southern cuisine. These spices add a depth of flavor that can elevate any dish to a whole new level. While there are many store-bought spice blends available, there is nothing quite like making your own homemade blend. Not only is it more cost-effective, but you also have complete control over the ingredients and flavor profile. In this article, we will explore some of the must-have spices for creating the perfect southern-style spice blend.

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Southern Sausage Gravy

Main Ingredients: Pork Sausage, All Purpose Flour, Milk, Black Pepper

Classic Southern Sausage Gravy • deepfriedhoney

Grandma's Classic Southern Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Recipe - Erhardts Eat

If you want to add a touch of Southern comfort to your beer can chicken, look no further than this delicious Southern sausage gravy recipe. The creamy and savory gravy pairs perfectly with the smoky flavors of the chicken, creating a mouthwatering combination that will have your taste buds singing. The secret to this recipe is using high-quality sausage and slowly cooking it until it's nice and crispy. Then, you'll add in a mixture of flour and milk to create a thick and rich gravy that will elevate your beer can chicken to the next level.

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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 classic is a must-try for any beer can chicken lover. Smothered in a flavorful gravy and cooked to perfection, this chicken will melt in your mouth and leave you wanting more. The key to this recipe is to cook the chicken low and slow, allowing the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender and juicy. For the gravy, you'll use a combination of chicken broth, onions, and spices to create a rich and flavorful sauce. Serve this smothered chicken with some classic Southern sides, like collard greens and cornbread dressing, for the ultimate comfort food experience.

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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

If you're looking for a tasty and nutritious side dish to accompany your beer can chicken, look no further than these Southern collard greens. Slow-cooked with bacon, onions, and spices, these greens are packed with flavor and are the perfect complement to any meal. The key to cooking collard greens is to allow them to simmer for a long time, allowing all the flavors to meld together and the greens to become tender. This recipe also calls for a splash of apple cider vinegar, which adds a tangy and delicious element to the dish.

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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

No Southern meal is complete without some delicious cornbread dressing. This recipe takes traditional cornbread dressing and kicks it up a notch by adding in some spicy and flavorful sausage. The combination of the savory sausage with the sweet cornbread creates a delicious balance of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. For this recipe, you'll need to make a batch of cornbread and let it dry out before crumbling it up and mixing it with the rest of the ingredients. The result is a hearty and delicious dressing that will be the star of your beer can chicken feast.

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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 ...

For a unique and flavorful twist on beer can chicken, try this Southern smothered oxtails recipe. Oxtails are a classic Southern dish that is slowly cooked until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender. The rich and flavorful gravy is made from a combination of beef broth, onions, and spices, creating a delicious sauce to pour over your chicken. This recipe also calls for a splash of red wine, which adds an extra depth of flavor to the dish. Serve your smothered oxtails with some creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food meal.

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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 ...

No Southern meal is complete without some classic baked macaroni and cheese. This recipe takes the traditional dish to a whole new level by using a blend of different cheeses and baking it to golden perfection. The result is a creamy and flavorful mac and cheese that will be the perfect side dish for your beer can chicken. The key to this recipe is using a mixture of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, which creates a delicious and complex flavor profile. Top it off with some crunchy breadcrumbs for an added texture and depth of flavor.

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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 ...

Another twist on the classic mac and cheese, this Southern version adds in some spicy and flavorful sausage for a delicious and hearty dish. The combination of the creamy cheese sauce with the savory sausage creates a mouthwatering and indulgent meal that will be perfect alongside your beer can chicken. For this recipe, you'll need to cook the sausage first before mixing it with the cheese sauce and pasta. You can use any type of sausage you like, whether it's spicy andouille or smoky kielbasa.

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Southern Peach Cobbler With Fresh Peaches

Main Ingredients: Peaches, Sugar, Brown Sugar, Spice, Vanilla Extract

Fresh Southern Peach Cobbler – Best Cooking recipes In the world

Easy Southern Peach Cobbler - Two Lucky Spoons

Fresh Peach Cobbler - Great Grub, Delicious Treats

Southern Style Peach Cobbler - Peanut Blossom

If you're looking for a delicious and sweet dessert to serve after your beer can chicken, this Southern peach cobbler is a must-try. Made with fresh peaches and a buttery, flaky crust, this cobbler is a perfect combination of tart and sweet flavors. The secret to this recipe is using ripe and juicy peaches, which will add the perfect amount of sweetness to the dish. Top it off with some vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent dessert experience.

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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

For a quicker and easier version of peach cobbler, try this recipe that uses canned peaches. While it may not be as traditional, it's just as delicious and will save you some time in the kitchen. This recipe also uses a cake mix for the topping, creating a sweet and crunchy crust that perfectly complements the peaches. For an extra indulgent twist, top your cobbler with some whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

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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 ...

Southern cornbread is a staple in any Southern kitchen and is the perfect side dish for your beer can chicken. This recipe uses a cast iron skillet to create a crispy and golden crust on the outside while keeping the cornbread moist and fluffy on the inside. The key to this recipe is using a combination of cornmeal and flour, which creates the perfect texture for the cornbread. Serve it warm with some butter and honey for a truly Southern experience.

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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 spread that is perfect for snacking on while your beer can chicken is cooking. This recipe uses a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, along with some diced pimentos and spices, to create a creamy and flavorful spread. Spread it on crackers or veggies, or use it as a topping for your chicken for a delicious and tangy twist on the classic beer can chicken.

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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 inexpensive vegetable that is a staple in Southern cooking. This recipe takes simple cabbage and transforms it into a delicious and flavorful side dish that will be the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken. In this recipe, the cabbage is cooked with bacon, onions, and spices, creating a savory and hearty dish. Serve it alongside some mashed potatoes for a classic Southern meal.

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Southern Hush Puppies

Main Ingredients: Yellow Cornmeal, All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder

Southern Hush Puppies (Best Recipe with Video) | How To Feed A Loon

Hush Puppies (With Crispy Edges and Soft Centers)

Hush puppies are a classic Southern side dish that is made from a combination of cornmeal, flour, and spices, and then deep-fried to perfection. These little balls of deliciousness are the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken, adding a crunchy and savory element to your meal. For an extra kick of flavor, try adding in some diced jalapenos to the hush puppy batter.

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Southern Fried Corn

Main Ingredients: Bacon, Ears Of Corn, Granulated Sugar, Unsalted Butter

Southern Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe - Cooked by Julie

Southern Fried Skillet Corn - 4 Sons 'R' Us

Fried corn is a classic Southern side dish that is both simple and delicious. This recipe uses fresh corn kernels, butter, and spices to create a sweet and savory dish that will be the perfect complement to your beer can chicken. The key to this recipe is allowing the corn kernels to brown and caramelize in the butter, creating a depth of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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Southern Shrimp and Grits

Main Ingredients: Grits, Water, Salt, Pepper, Half And Half, Shrimp

Southern Style Shrimp and Grits - My Forking Life

Southern Shrimp And Grits - change comin

Shrimp and Grits Recipe | She Wears Many Hats

Shrimp and Grits {A True Southern Staple} | Say Grace

For a Southern twist on a classic dish, try this recipe for shrimp and grits. Creamy and cheesy grits are topped with a flavorful and spicy shrimp mixture, creating a delicious and indulgent meal that will be a hit with everyone at the dinner table. For the grits, you'll want to use stone-ground grits, which have a more flavor and texture than instant grits. Top your shrimp and grits with some crispy bacon for an extra burst of flavor.

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Southern Style Macaroni And Cheese

Main Ingredients: Elbow Macaroni, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack

southern style baked macaroni and cheese - Stay Snatched

South Your Mouth: Southern-Style Macaroni & Cheese

Homemade Baked Macaroni And Cheese Southern Style - Bios Pics

This classic Southern mac and cheese recipe is the perfect side dish for your beer can chicken. Made with a combination of cheddar and Velveeta cheese, this mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting. The key to this recipe is using evaporated milk, which helps to create a smooth and creamy sauce. Top it off with some breadcrumbs and bake it until it's golden and bubbly for the ultimate comfort food experience.

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Southern Baked Candied Yams

Main Ingredients: Yams, Butter, Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar, Ground

Baked Candied Yams - Soul Food Style | Recipe | Soul food, Food and Recipes

Candied Yams, Grandma's Southern Recipe - Sweet Tea & Thyme

Baked Candied Yams - Soul Food Style - Healthy Eating Tips and Recipes

These delicious Vegan Baked Candied Yams are the ultimate flavorful ...

If you're looking for a sweet and delicious side dish to go with your beer can chicken, look no further than these Southern baked candied yams. The yams are bathed in a mixture of butter, brown sugar, and spices, then baked until they are soft and caramelized. This dish is perfect for the holidays or any special occasion, but it's also a great addition to any Southern meal.

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Southern Fried Cabbage

Main Ingredients: Bacon, Cabbage, Onion, Garlic, Onion Powder, Paprika

Southern Fried Cabbage With Sausage - This Ole Mom

For the Love of Food: New Year's Southern Fried Cabbage

Another delicious way to prepare cabbage is by frying it up Southern style. This recipe uses bacon, onions, and spices to create a flavorful and hearty dish that will be a hit with the whole family. The key to this recipe is cooking the cabbage until it's nice and crispy, which adds a great texture to the dish. Serve it alongside some cornbread and your beer can chicken for a true Southern feast.

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Southern Fried Catfish

Main Ingredients: Catfish, Cornmeal, Corn Flour, Buttermilk, Dried Thyme

Spicy Fried Catfish Recipe | I Heart Recipes

Fried catfish is a classic Southern dish that is delicious and easy to prepare. This recipe uses a simple cornmeal breading and then fries the catfish until it's crispy and golden brown. Serve it with some tartar sauce or remoulade for a tasty and satisfying meal. For an extra kick of spice, try adding some Cajun seasoning to the breading mixture.

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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 some classic flaky biscuits. This recipe uses a combination of butter and shortening to create a light and fluffy biscuit that is the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken. The key to this recipe is using cold butter and cutting it into the flour mixture, which creates layers and results in a flaky and tender biscuit. Serve them warm with some honey or jam for a delicious and comforting treat.

The Holy Trinity of Southern Spices

Cayenne Pepper: The star of the show

One cannot talk about southern-style spices without mentioning cayenne pepper. This fiery spice is the backbone of most southern dishes, adding a kick of heat and a beautiful red color. It's made from dried and ground red chili peppers and has a Scoville heat unit of 30,000-50,000, making it a medium to hot spice. When using cayenne pepper, a little goes a long way, so use it sparingly if you're not a fan of too much heat. It pairs well with meat dishes, stews, and sauces.

Paprika: The subtle yet essential spice

Paprika is a mild red spice made from dried and ground bell peppers, making it a great addition to any southern-style spice blend. It adds a subtle sweetness and a beautiful red color to dishes. There are three types of paprika: sweet, smoked, and hot. Sweet paprika is the most commonly used in southern cooking, but feel free to experiment with the other types for a different flavor profile. Use paprika in rubs, marinades, and as a garnish for a pop of color.

Black Pepper: The unsung hero

While black pepper may seem like a basic spice, it plays a crucial role in southern cuisine. Not only does it add heat, but it also adds a depth of flavor and aroma to dishes. Black pepper is made from dried and ground peppercorns and pairs well with almost any dish. Use it in spice blends, marinades, and as a finishing touch for a burst of flavor.

Other Essential Spices

Garlic Powder: The flavor enhancer

Garlic powder is a must-have in any spice cabinet, especially for southern-style cooking. It adds a savory and slightly sweet flavor to dishes and is made from dried and ground garlic cloves. It's perfect for seasoning meats, vegetables, and soups.

Onion Powder: The all-purpose spice

Onion powder is another essential spice for southern cooking. It adds a savory and slightly sweet flavor to dishes, similar to garlic powder. It's made from dried and ground onions and can be used in rubs, marinades, and as a seasoning for meats and vegetables.

Thyme: The herb of the south

Thyme is a fragrant herb that adds a warm and earthy flavor to dishes. It pairs well with meats, stews, and sauces, making it a staple in southern cooking. It can be used fresh or dried, but dried thyme is more potent, so use it sparingly. In conclusion, these are just a few of the many spices that make up the vibrant and flavorful world of southern cuisine. Experiment with different combinations and quantities to create your own unique southern-style spice blend. And remember, always use fresh and high-quality spices for the best results. Happy cooking!