18 True Southern Ambrosia Recipe Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: May 1, 2024
Southern cuisine is known for its rich and flavorful dishes, but perhaps the most iconic of them all is ambrosia. This classic dish has been a staple at Southern gatherings for generations, and for good reason. With its combination of juicy fruit, creamy dressing, and sweet coconut, ambrosia is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. While there are many variations of this beloved recipe, we're here to share the true Southern ambrosia recipe that will have your taste buds singing with each and every bite.
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
If you're looking for a classic Southern side dish to accompany your beer can chicken, look no further than Southern cornbread. This version is made in a cast iron skillet, giving it a crispy crust and moist, fluffy inside.
To make this Southern staple, you'll need all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, salt, buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Combine the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another. Then, mix them together and pour the batter into a hot skillet. Bake until golden brown and serve warm.
Southern smothered chicken is a delicious and comforting dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. This recipe includes chicken thighs, flour, onion, bell pepper, celery, chicken broth, and a few key spices.
To make this dish, coat the chicken in seasoned flour and sear it in a hot pan. Then, cook the vegetables until tender and add the chicken back in with some broth. Let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Serve over rice for a hearty and flavorful meal.
No Southern meal is complete without some delicious fried chicken. This recipe uses buttermilk, hot sauce, and a blend of spices to create a perfectly crispy and flavorful coating.
To make this dish, marinate the chicken in the buttermilk mixture for at least an hour. Then, coat the chicken in seasoned flour and fry until golden brown and crispy. Serve with your favorite sides for a classic Southern feast.
If you're hosting a holiday meal or just craving some comfort food, Southern cornbread dressing is a must-try. This recipe calls for cornbread, chicken broth, celery, onion, sage, and thyme.
Crumble the cornbread and mix it with the other ingredients before baking until golden brown and crispy on top. This savory side dish is the perfect complement to your beer can chicken.
Cooked low and slow with bacon, onion, and chicken broth, Southern collard greens are a delicious and nutritious side dish. The key to perfectly tender greens is to braise them for a few hours until they are soft and flavorful.
For an extra kick of flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar and serve with hot sauce on the side. Your taste buds will thank you.
Oxtails are a Southern delicacy that are often slow-cooked and served over rice or mashed potatoes. This recipe includes oxtails, onion, green bell pepper, garlic, beef broth, and a few key spices.
After searing the oxtails, cook them in the flavorful broth and vegetables until they are fall-off-the-bone tender. Serve with your favorite sides for a hearty and flavorful meal.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
There's nothing quite like a warm, flaky biscuit to accompany your beer can chicken. This recipe calls for flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, buttermilk, and cold butter.
To achieve the perfect texture, it's important to handle the dough gently and not overwork it. Serve these biscuits with butter and honey for a sweet and savory combination.
Southern ambrosia is a traditional fruit salad that is often served at holiday gatherings. This version includes pineapple, mandarin oranges, coconut, and marshmallows.
Mix all of the ingredients together and let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. The combination of tangy fruit and sweet marshmallows is a match made in heaven.
Mac and cheese is a beloved comfort food, and this Southern version takes it to the next level. This recipe calls for macaroni, milk, butter, flour, and a blend of cheeses including cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan.
Bake the mac and cheese until golden brown and bubbly for a decadent and cheesy side dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
If you prefer a creamier and saucier mac and cheese, this Southern version is for you. This recipe includes macaroni, milk, butter, flour, and a blend of cheeses including cheddar, Gruyere, and cream cheese.
After mixing the ingredients together, bake until golden brown and bubbly for a delicious and comforting side dish.
If you're a fan of pecan pie, you'll love these Southern pecan pie bars. This recipe includes flour, brown sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and of course, pecans.
The bars have a buttery and flaky crust with a gooey and nutty filling. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent dessert.
Nothing says summer quite like a fresh peach cobbler. This Southern version is made with fresh peaches, cinnamon, sugar, and a buttery biscuit topping.
After baking until golden brown and bubbly, serve this delicious dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate Southern treat.
This classic Southern dish is made with collard greens, bacon, onion, and chicken broth. The greens are braised for several hours until they are tender and flavorful.
Serve with hot sauce on the side for an extra kick of flavor. This dish is perfect for a holiday meal or any time you're craving some Southern comfort food.
This Southern pecan pie is made with corn syrup, brown sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and of course, pecans. The filling is rich and gooey, and the pecans add a delicious crunch.
For an extra special touch, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of each slice. Trust us, you won't be able to resist.
Pimento cheese is a classic Southern spread that is perfect for snacking or as a topping for burgers and sandwiches. This recipe calls for sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, pimentos, and a blend of spices.
Mix all of the ingredients together until well combined and serve with crackers or on your favorite sandwich for a tasty and creamy addition.
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TRIED AND TRUE SOUTHERN GREENS
Main Ingredients: Smoked Ham Hocks, Collard Greens, Mustard Greens
If you're looking for a flavorful and nutritious side dish, these Southern greens are a must-try. This recipe includes collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, and a blend of spices.
Cook the greens low and slow until they are tender and serve with cornbread for a delicious and satisfying meal.
This simple and tasty side dish is made with cabbage, onion, bacon, and chicken broth. The cabbage is cooked until tender and flavorful, making it the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken.
For added flavor, sprinkle some crispy bacon on top before serving. Your taste buds will thank you.
This classic Southern staple is perfect for soaking up all the delicious juices from your beer can chicken. This recipe calls for cornmeal, flour, baking powder, buttermilk, and melted butter.
Mix all of the ingredients together and bake until golden brown and crispy. Serve warm and enjoy the perfect pairing with your meal.
If you're looking for a hearty and savory breakfast dish, look no further than Southern sausage gravy. This recipe includes breakfast sausage, flour, milk, and a blend of spices.
Serve this creamy and flavorful gravy over homemade biscuits for a classic Southern breakfast that will keep you going all day long.
This refreshing and fruity salad is a staple at Southern gatherings. This recipe includes pineapple, mandarin oranges, coconut, and marshmallows.
Mix all of the ingredients together and let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. It's the perfect light and sweet dish to balance out your beer can chicken feast.
The Key Ingredients
Oranges and Pineapple
The base of any good ambrosia recipe is a variety of juicy fruits. In this case, we're using oranges and pineapple. These fruits not only provide a burst of refreshing flavor but also add a vibrant pop of color to the dish. When selecting your oranges, look for ones that are firm and heavy for their size, as they will be the juiciest. As for the pineapple, make sure it is ripe and fragrant for the best taste.
Coconut
No true Southern ambrosia would be complete without a generous amount of coconut. This ingredient adds a subtle sweetness and a chewy texture to the dish. You can use either sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut, depending on your preference. Just be sure to toast it before adding it to the ambrosia for an extra layer of flavor.
Sour Cream and Marshmallows
The creamy dressing that binds all the ingredients together is made with a mixture of sour cream and mini marshmallows. The sour cream adds a tangy kick, while the marshmallows provide a touch of sweetness and a fluffy texture. Make sure to fold these ingredients into the fruit gently to avoid breaking up the marshmallows.
The Method
To make the true Southern ambrosia, start by peeling and sectioning your oranges and chopping your pineapple into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large bowl and add in your coconut and mini marshmallows. In a separate bowl, mix together your sour cream and a dash of vanilla extract. Then, gently fold the dressing into the fruit mixture until everything is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Customization Options
While the true Southern ambrosia recipe is a classic and beloved dish, there are some variations you can make to cater to your personal taste. For a healthier option, you can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt and use honey instead of sugar. You can also add in a variety of other fruits such as grapes, apples, and bananas to add more texture and flavor. Additionally, some recipes call for the addition of nuts, such as slivered almonds or chopped pecans, for a crunchy element.
In Conclusion
Ambrosia is more than just a fruit salad, it's a symbol of Southern hospitality and tradition. With its simple yet delicious combination of fresh fruits, creamy dressing, and sweet coconut, this dish is sure to be a hit at any gathering. So next time you're looking for a dessert that will transport you to the South, try out this true Southern ambrosia recipe and taste the flavors of the region for yourself.
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