Southern cuisine comes with unique flavors and represents traditions many southerners can’t quite let go of. If you’re looking to experience southern culture through your taste buds, we showcase 20 dishes you’ll find many southerners enjoying.
Biscuits and Gravy
Buscuits and gravy has been a staple meal in the South, giving everyone a sweet and creamy delight to enjoy. Some enjoy theirs with a side of eggs or bacon, and Yahoo reveals that it has been around since the 1800s. It originates from the lumber mills of the Southern Appalachian, which gives the dish the name “sawmill gravy.”
Fried Green Tomatoes
Another breakfast meal, according to Southern Living, fried green tomatoes is a crispy, cornmeal-coated tomato dish you’ll find people enjoying with sides of sausage, bacon, or country ham. It features on dining tables at other times of the day too, and this dish may be enjoyed by some with a hot sauce or a side of creamy pimento cheese.
Chicken and Waffles
Chicken waffles are a mix of sweet and savory flavors, featuring crispy fried chicken served on fluffy waffles topped with honey or maple syrup. Sometimes, taste is enhanced with a sprinkle of powered sugar or butter, and it is a southern favorite often used as a meal for brunch, combining breakfast and lunch elements in one meal.
Brunswick Stew
Brunswick stew, a hearty, tomato-based stew, is filled with meat and vegetables. Traditionalally made with squirrel or rabbit, it now often features chicken or pork, and The Spruce describes it as a burgoo with a barbeque twist. Some recipes include lima beans or corn for added texture. This thick, flavorful stew is perfect for chilly days, providing a warm and satisfying meal that southerners crave.
Grits
Grits, made from ground corn, are a versatile southern dish often served at breakfast. Grits can be enjoyed sweet or savory, depending on personal preference, and being creamy and smooth, they are also typically paired with butter, cheese, or shrimp. In some regions, they are cooked with broth for extra flavor.
Hush Puppies
Hush puppies, deep-fried balls of cornmeal batter, are often served as a side dish with seafood. These golden-brown delights with a crunchy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior are often seasoned with onion and spices, with some recipes even including jalapeños for a kick. They make a perfect accompaniment to fried fish or shrimp, adding a satisfying crunch to any meal.
Sweet Tea
A quintessential southern beverage, sweet tea is brewed strong and sweetened generously with sugar. It offers a refreshing way to cool down on a hot day, and often served over ice, many southerners enjoy theirs with lemon or mint. Sweet tea is also a favorite staple at family gatherings and barbecues.
Pimento Cheese
Known as the “caviar of the South,” pimento cheese is a spread made from cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos. This creamy, tangy mixture is enjoyed on sandwiches, crackers, or as a dip. And sometimes, jalapeños are added for extra spice. It often makes an appearance at picnics and potlucks, where it pairs perfectly with celery sticks or pretzels.
Collard Greens
Collard greens, a traditional southern side dish, are slow-cooked with ham hocks or bacon, and these leafy greens absorb the smoky, savory flavors from the meat, creating a rich and hearty dish. Often seasoned with vinegar and hot sauce, collard greens can also be enhanced with onions and garlic.
Shrimp and Grits
A coastal favorite, shrimp and grits combine fresh seafood with creamy grits. The shrimp are typically sautéed in a flavorful sauce with garlic, lemon, and spices. In some versions, andouille sausage or bacon are added for extra depth. According to UCHealth, it’s an original African dish that quickly became a favorite in the lowcountry areas of the American South.
Boiled Peanuts
Boiled peanuts, a popular southern snack, are often enjoyed during the summer months. Green peanuts are boiled in salty water until soft and tender. Sometimes, additional seasonings like Cajun spices or garlic are added for extra flavor. This salty, savory treat is sold at roadside stands and festivals, providing a unique taste experience that southerners love.
Cornbread
Cornbread, a versatile southern dish, is enjoyed with a variety of meals. This slightly sweet, crumbly bread is often baked in a cast-iron skillet, with some recipes including corn kernels or jalapeños for added texture and flavor. It pairs well with soups, stews, and chili, providing a comforting and filling addition to any southern meal.
Banana Pudding
A beloved southern dessert, banana pudding features layers of vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and creamy pudding. Topped with whipped cream or meringue, this dessert is a favorite at family gatherings and potlucks. Occasionally, a splash of bourbon or rum is added for a richer flavor. Its sweet, nostalgic flavors make it a comforting end to any meal.
Okra
Okra, a versatile vegetable, is often used in southern cooking as well. It can be fried, pickled, or added to stews like gumbo, and although its unique texture and slightly slimy interior can be off-putting to some, southerners appreciate its distinct flavor and the way it thickens soups and stews.
Catfish
Fried catfish, a southern delicacy, is often enjoyed at fish fries and family gatherings. The catfish fillets are coated in cornmeal and fried until crispy and golden, and some recipes call for a spicy seasoning blend to enhance the flavor. Served with tartar sauce, hush puppies, and coleslaw, this dish is a beloved part of southern cuisine.
Red Beans and Rice
Red beans and rice, a comforting dish with roots in southern Creole cuisine, is also a staple for many. Slow-cooked red beans are flavored with sausage, spices, and vegetables, then served over rice. Sometimes, a splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of green onions is added for extra zest.
Country Ham
Country ham, a salt-cured, aged ham with a rich, intense flavor, is a southern favorite often served at breakfast with biscuits. Thinly sliced and sometimes fried, country ham can also be added to salads or sandwiches, and it’s a treat that showcases the South’s love for bold, savory flavors.
Black-Eyed Peas
Black-eyed peas, a staple in southern cuisine, are often enjoyed on New Year’s Day for good luck. These legumes are typically slow-cooked with ham or bacon, creating a savory side dish. Sometimes, collard greens or tomatoes are added to the mix, and their generally earthy flavor and hearty texture make them a favorite part of many southern meals.
Chess Pie
Chess pie, a classic southern dessert, is known for its simple ingredients and rich flavor. Made with butter, sugar, eggs, and cornmeal, this pie has a custard-like filling, and we see some variations include a hint of lemon or chocolate. Its sweet, buttery taste makes it a favorite at southern gatherings, often served with a dollop of whipped cream.
Peach Cobbler
Peach cobbler, a beloved southern dessert, is especially popular during the summer months. Fresh, juicy peaches are baked with a sweet, buttery crust, creating a warm, comforting treat. Sometimes, a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg is added for extra flavor, and it’s also often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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