10. Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and dumplings are a comforting dish that many remember from childhood dinners at Grandma’s house. This dish combines tender chicken simmered in a rich broth with fluffy dumplings that soak up all the flavor. The secret to perfect dumplings lies in the dough—light and airy, they should float on top of the broth. Here’s a simple recipe to rekindle those memories:
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 1 whole chicken, cooked and shredded
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the shredded chicken, and in a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter until a dough forms. Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the boiling broth. Cover and simmer until the dumplings are cooked through, about 15-20 minutes. Enjoy this dish with a side of greens for a complete meal!
11. Hoppin’ John
Hoppin’ John is a traditional Southern dish that symbolizes good luck and prosperity, especially when served on New Year’s Day. This dish combines black-eyed peas, rice, and often some form of smoked meat, creating a hearty meal that’s both filling and flavorful.
- 1 cup dried black-eyed peas
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 smoked ham hock or bacon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Soak the black-eyed peas overnight, then drain. In a pot, sauté the onion and bell pepper until soft. Add the ham hock or bacon, black-eyed peas, rice, and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the rice and peas are tender, about 30-40 minutes. Serve with cornbread for a true Southern feast!
12. Biscuits and Gravy
Nothing says Southern breakfast quite like biscuits and gravy. This dish consists of flaky, buttery biscuits smothered in a creamy sausage gravy. It’s a hearty way to start the day and incredibly comforting.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup butter, cold and cubed
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 2 cups milk (for gravy)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat your oven to 450°F. For the biscuits, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until crumbly. Stir in the milk until just combined. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes. For the gravy, cook the sausage in a skillet until browned. Stir in flour, then gradually add milk, cooking until thickened. Serve the hot biscuits topped with the sausage gravy.
13. Corn Pudding
Corn pudding is a delightful side dish that adds a touch of sweetness to any meal. This creamy, custard-like dish is perfect for holidays or family gatherings and often brings back memories of family potlucks.
- 2 cups fresh corn (or canned/frozen)
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well. Pour into a greased baking dish. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until set and slightly golden on top. Enjoy as a side with fried chicken or barbecue!
14. Shrimp and Grits
This classic Southern dish hails from the Lowcountry of South Carolina and is a perfect blend of savory shrimp and creamy grits. It’s a dish that can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
- 1 cup grits
- 4 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
In a pot, bring water or broth to a boil and stir in grits. Cook until thickened, about 20-25 minutes. In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Add garlic and shrimp, cooking until shrimp are pink. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Serve the shrimp mixture over the creamy grits for a delicious, satisfying meal.
15. Green Bean Casserole
This Southern staple is often found on holiday tables and family gatherings. Known for its creamy texture and crunchy topping, this dish is a must-try! Grandma’s version usually has a secret ingredient that makes it extra special.
- 2 cans green beans, drained
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup French fried onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, mix green beans, mushroom soup, milk, and half of the French fried onions. Pour into a casserole dish and bake for 30 minutes. Top with the remaining onions and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until golden brown. This dish pairs beautifully with any main course!
16. Sweet Potato Pie
Sweet potato pie is a classic Southern dessert that rivals pumpkin pie in flavor and richness. Made with roasted sweet potatoes, spices, and a buttery crust, it’s a comforting way to end any meal.
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a bowl, mix all ingredients until smooth. Pour into the pie crust and bake for 45-50 minutes or until set. Cool before serving with whipped cream for a delightful treat!
17. Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried green tomatoes are a beloved Southern appetizer that showcases the tartness of unripe tomatoes, coated in cornmeal and fried to crispy perfection. They make a great addition to any meal or can be enjoyed alone as a snack.
- 2-3 green tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Dip each tomato slice into buttermilk, then coat with cornmeal mixed with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet and fry the tomatoes until golden brown on both sides. Serve hot with a side of remoulade sauce for dipping!
18. Collard Greens
Collard greens are a nutritious and flavorful Southern staple, often cooked with ham hocks for an added depth of flavor. They are a perfect side dish, especially when served with cornbread.
- 1 bunch collard greens, washed and chopped
- 1 ham hock or smoked turkey leg
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
In a pot, combine chicken broth, ham hock, onion, and garlic. Bring to a boil, then add collard greens. Reduce heat and simmer for about an hour until the greens are tender. Season with salt and pepper before serving.
19. Pimento Cheese
Pimento cheese is often referred to as the “caviar of the South.” This creamy spread made with cheese, pimentos, and mayonnaise can be enjoyed on crackers, sandwiches, or even celery sticks.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 jar of pimentos, drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, salt, and pepper until well combined. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This spread is perfect for any gathering!
20. Red Velvet Cake
This iconic Southern cake is known for its rich red color and velvety texture. Topped with cream cheese frosting, it’s a festive treat for birthdays and special occasions.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- Red food coloring
Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a bowl, mix oil, sugar, and eggs. Stir in buttermilk, vanilla, baking soda, vinegar, cocoa, and food coloring. Gradually add flour until well combined. Pour into two greased cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Allow to cool before frosting with cream cheese frosting.
21. Banana Pudding
No Southern meal is complete without dessert, and banana pudding is a classic favorite. Layers of vanilla pudding, bananas, and vanilla wafers create a delightful dessert that’s perfect for sharing.
- 1 box vanilla wafers
- 4 bananas, sliced
- 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup whipped cream
In a bowl, prepare the pudding mix with milk according to package instructions. In a trifle dish or bowl, layer vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and pudding. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with whipped cream on top. Refrigerate for a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Conclusion
These 21 forgotten Southern dishes hold a special place in many hearts and kitchens. They are not just recipes; they are a connection to family, tradition, and the rich culinary heritage of the South. Whether you’re looking to recreate Grandma’s kitchen magic or try something new, these recipes are sure to bring warmth and joy to your table. So gather your loved ones, don your apron, and dive into the delightful world of Southern cooking!