50 Meals You Can Solely Discover within the South

Hearty, creamy, carby, dreamy—there is a motive we name it Southern consolation meals. Whether or not you are a fan of the area’s African and French-inspired fare or iconic bourbon and candy tea, the South undoubtedly has among the most distinctive (and mouthwatering) cuisines within the nation. That is why we devoted a complete checklist to enlightening the remainder of America about grub often present in the underside states. (A transient cautionary disclosure: this report could maximize both wanderlust or hometown appreciation.)

And whereas we all know you possibly can get these meals in different components of the nation—hey, Southern meals is legendary for a motive!—we expect they’re greatest when eaten within the Southern states. Take a look at our favourite iconic Southern meals.

And for extra, do not miss these 15 Traditional American Desserts That Deserve a Comeback.

King Cake

A Mardi Gras custom, this doughy ring-shaped cake is topped with sufficient sugar and icing to make anybody develop a candy tooth. If you happen to’re the fortunate taster who finds a plastic child doll hiding in your slice, do not fret—that simply means you have been chosen to host subsequent 12 months’s Fats Tuesday bash (or simply carry the cake). Discuss Southern hospitality!

Boiled Peanuts

roasted peanuts with salt in brown bowl

If you happen to’re the one who all the time grabs a bag of peanuts at baseball video games, you could need to attempt the boiled model of this excessive protein snack. They’re most standard in Georgia, and the nuts are even bought by the freeway for individuals who get particularly hungry on the street.

Fried Inexperienced Tomatoes

plate of fried green tomatoes

Fried tomatoes? Inexperienced tomatoes? These merged oddities are a standard favourite down south—very similar to most issues battered and fried.

RELATED: The straightforward technique to make more healthy consolation meals.

Fried Okra

raw green organic okra

Fried okra is a mouth-watering facet dish that even veggie haters will love. Take pleasure in it alongside a pulled pork sandwich or with creamed corn for a really Southern meal.

Pimento Cheese

pimento cheese bread spread with knife

A sort of pepper, pimentos are often discovered reduce up and mysteriously stuffed into inexperienced olives. However should you have not had cheese made with the marginally candy pepper, you are lacking out. Combined with grated cheese, mayo, salt, and pepper, this dixie basic is usually referred to as the “caviar of the South.”

Cheese Straws

plate of cheese straws

Earlier than you get too excited, no, you can’t sip a drink with this tacky concoction. Cheese straws are type of like breadsticks, as they make the right accompaniment to soups and salads down South. Plus, they’re baked with seasoned flour and, you guessed it, cheese.

Wickles

jars of wickles spicy relish

Seasoned with a customized mix of spices, Wickles are among the most scrumptious pickles you may ever eat. Based in 1998, Wickles brings the style of the South straight to your private home with these tasty jarred treats.

Chitlins

packages of chitlins

Additionally referred to as chitterlings, chitlins are pig intestines which might be cooked after which ladled onto a bowl of rice or pasta. Do not knock it till you are trying it!

Mint Juleps

mint julep cocktail in cup

Certain, you possibly can ask your native bartender to fire up one in every of these as a nightcap. However the OG mint julep grew to become a Southern staple principally as a consequence of its reputation within the Kentucky Derby, which is why the bourbon, sugar, mint, and water combine grew to become the horse race’s official drink.

Hush Puppies

hush puppies on wax paper with dip

Because the identify suggests, this deep-fried finger meals was initially made to bribe canine into retaining quiet. Lately, they maintain followers’ mouths shut and filled with the crunchy golden brown nuggets.

Hummingbird Cake

slice of hummingbird cake with cream cheese frosting

This pineapple-banana spiced dessert is topped with candy cream cheese frosting. No surprise it is a Southern celebration staple.

Cheerwine

bottles of cheerwine soda

Sadly, this so-called wine doesn’t comprise any alcohol. It has been round since 1917 (after it was made throughout a WWI sugar scarcity), so this Salisbury-born soda should be a success.

Shrimp and Grits

bowl of shrimp and grits

Southerners take pleasure in this creamy seafood dish for lunch, dinner, and even breakfast! Apart from being an on a regular basis staple, a heat bowl of creamy shrimp and grits can be fairly festive, as it’s always loved on Christmas or New 12 months’s.

Attraction Muffins

Chocolate cupcake

Attraction truffles, a major a part of Southern weddings, are pastries which have little charms connected to a ribbon hiding inside for every of the bridesmaids to drag out and uncover their destiny. The anchor attraction signifies a secure life, whereas the ring symbolizes marriage, and the airplane suggests journey and journey. Contemplate these the dixie model of a fortune cookie.

Hen and Dumplings

southern chicken dumplings in square bowl

This hearty dish is as comforting as consolation meals will get. Many individuals additionally add veggies like carrots, celery, or peas, however others name that blasphemy.

Moon Pie

whoopie pies on doily

Whereas you could discover these at your native BJ’s or Costco, this s’more-like dessert originated in 1917 in Kentucky after a coal miner had a longing for a candy deal with “as huge because the moon.”

Fried Catfish

blackened catfish dinner plate

Candy and ultimate for deep frying, this white-fleshed fish is dipped into seasoned cornmeal and buttermilk and is a standard southern lunch. Pair catfish with a bucket of hush puppies and ample tartar sauce, and you have got your self a belly-filling meal.

Complete-Hog Barbecue

north carolina bbq sandwich with sauce onions on plate

Any dialogue about Southern BBQ is really incomplete with out mentioning whole-hog pork sandwiches and racks of ribs. In reality, Southerners are so devoted to their grill that they started a group referred to as South Pork BBQ, which goals to have the “greatest celebration and the very best BBQ at each occasion” and has been competing for greater than 18 years!

Roman Sweet

roman candy wagon

This gourmand deal with is bought completely through a wagon (which was the authentic car used since 1915!) roaming the streets of New Orleans. Suppose of it as an old style ice cream truck, however for sweet.

Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs

You have in all probability had this delicacy at a brunch restaurant or over the Easter season. It is a conventional Southern delicacy, usually made with loads of mayo and sugar. Nevertheless you want them, deviled eggs are the right appetizer for Southern classics like barbecue or fried hen.

Conventional Pecan Pie

whole pecan pie with slice

Southerners do not look ahead to Thanksgiving to take pleasure in this candy and nutty pie. Whereas pecan pie is a vacation favourite, this ooey, gooey custom began within the South—in any case, San Saba, Texas, is “The Pecan Capital of The World.”

Fried Hen

plate of fried chicken

Is it actually a roundup of Southern meals if we do not embrace fried hen? This simply could be essentially the most flavorful technique to prepare dinner the chook, with all of the crispiness and juiciness. Whereas yow will discover fried hen at locations like Popeyes and KFC, nothing beats a recent batch ready at dwelling.

Giblet Gravy

plated giblet gravy

Talking of hen, do not let the opposite components of the chook go to waste. Giblet gravy incorporates the gizzard, coronary heart, and neck of the hen right into a wealthy sauce you possibly can serve with hen or turkey.

Hoppin’ John

hoppin john in bowl

This dish options rice, onions, and black-eyed peas, together with a hearty dose of bacon for taste. It is a scrumptious facet dish to fried hen or barbecue, or you may eat a bowl of it for a lighter meal. Take pleasure in it on New 12 months’s Day for good luck all 12 months spherical!

Po’boy Sandwiches

Po boy sandwich and french fries

One of the iconic New Orleans meals, po’boy sandwiches are a Southern staple. Made with fried seafood and even roast beef, full with thick, crusty bread, these sandwiches are legendary for a motive.

Possum Pie

chocolate pie

Made with chocolate, pecans, and cream cheese, this dessert is good for anybody with a candy tooth. And whereas it is named after the animal, possum pie is completely vegetarian-friendly.

Shoofly Pie

Shoofly pie

Did you think that there’d be only one oddly named pie on this checklist? Shoofly pie options molasses and brown sugar crumbs for a sticky, deliciously candy deal with. Whereas shoofly pie originated with the Pennsylvania Dutch, many a Southerner has loved this delicacy, too.

Hoecakes

Hoecakes

No, these aren’t precise truffles. Hoecakes are a sort of cornmeal cake, and they appear like pancakes to the bare eye. A lighter different to cornbread, hoecakes pair effectively with hen and fried okra.

Collard Greens

Collard greens

Not into okra? Maybe you’d desire a facet of collard greens, ready with ham hocks and butter. The collards themselves are nutrient-packed; the butter and meat make them scrumptious.

Potlikker

bowl of potlikker soup

Talking of collard greens, have you ever heard of potlikker? The time period refers back to the leftover water from cooking the greens, which is full of vitamins and sometimes served with meat and seasonings.

Pink Beans and Rice

Rice and beans

One other staple of Louisiana delicacies, this dish is precisely what it appears like. Pink beans and spices come along with rice for a flavorful facet dish. Have leftover meat like ham or sausage? Add it into the combo!

Biscuits

Biscuits and gravy

Whether or not you high your biscuit with a fried hen breast or simply with butter and jam, you possibly can’t go incorrect with these scrumptious buttermilk treats. Eaten at breakfast or time for supper, biscuits are probably the most iconic Southern meals on the market.

Banana Pudding

jars of banana pudding

Certain, you possibly can get banana pudding at Magnolia Bakery places up north. However there’s one thing about down-home, Southern-style banana pudding that cannot be overwhelmed. For an genuine cup of banana pudding, head to a barbecue joint and add this candy deal with to your meal.

Candy Potato Pie

whole sweet potato pie

Candy potatoes are a scrumptious addition to the Thanksgiving desk and nutritious addition to any meal. However should you’re from the South, you may have additionally loved candy potato pie, which has similarities to pumpkin pie and scrumptious all 12 months spherical.

Nation Captain

country captain chicken on plate

Made with stewed hen and curry powder, Nation Captain is a form of Southern tackle Indian meals. America is a melting pot, in any case!

Candy Tea

Iced tea

Candy tea is essentially the most iconic beverage of all time, and for good motive. Even those that do not love the style of sizzling black tea will flip to an ice-cold tea so candy it’s going to make your enamel harm. What higher to scrub down a barbecue sandwich with?

Cornbread

cornbread in basket wrapped in cloth

Hoecakes not your fashion? Take pleasure in your dinner with a sq. of cornbread as an alternative. Professional tip: If you happen to’re outdoors the Southern states, the cornbread at Complete Meals is surprisingly genuine.

Creamed Corn

serving dish of creamed corn

Southerners take pleasure in corn in all shapes and kinds! Initially a Native American meals, creamed corn has develop into a staple of Southern delicacies. To make your personal, you will need milk and heavy cream or cream cheese—we love this creamed corn recipe from Gimme Some Oven.

Coca-Cola Cake

gooey chocolate coca-cola cake

If you happen to’ve seen this chocolate dessert on the menu at Cracker Barrel, you may have questioned what the fuss was about. However within the South, Coca-Cola is method greater than a movie-theater drink. It is used to prepare dinner hen and in baked treats like this one. You could be shocked how a lot you’re keen on the fudgy style! Strive our Coca-Cola Cake Recipe and see for your self.

Brunswick Stew

pot of brunswick stew

With meat, beans, greens, and a tomato base, it is a hearty, Southern model of soup or chili. Order it at a Southern restaurant or attempt making your personal at dwelling. We love this Brunswick stew recipe from The Seasoned Mother, which makes use of each hen and pork.

Hen-Fried Steak

chicken fried steak with gravy

We have gone over fried hen, however what about chicken-fried steak? That is one mashup that is so uniquely Southern, we’re nearly shocked it exists. Steak is breaded and fried the best way that fried hen can be, after which topped with white gravy. You will have to attempt it to consider it.

Soiled Rice

bowl of dirty rice

There’s nothing unsanitary about this dish—reasonably, it takes its identify from the brown coloration the rice takes when mixed with hen liver, greens, and meat. You possibly can even order soiled rice as a facet dish at regional fast-food chains like Bojangles.

Custard Pie

whole custard pie

The South positive loves its out-of-the-box pie creations! Made with vanilla, eggs, and cream, this dessert is straightforward however satisfying. The eggs and candy flavors come collectively for a scrumptious deal with that does not want jazzing as much as be scrumptious.

Divinity

divinity christmas candy on dish

Divinity is an old-school deal with that Southerners nonetheless take pleasure in at this time. Made with sugar and egg whites, this easy dessert lives as much as its heavenly identify.

Chow-Chow

bowl of chow chow mustard relish with spoon

This Southern relish options a number of greens along with pickles. It is scrumptious atop sizzling canine, burgers, or something cooked on the grill.

Potato Salad

Potato salad

There are numerous substances that folks swear by when making home made potato salad, and Southerners have their opinions about which strategies are greatest. However these from the Southern states can agree that that is top-of-the-line methods to eat potatoes!

Corn Fritters

corn fritter balls with dip

Yep, one other corn recipe! Suppose of corn fritters as a chunkier model of cornbread, with complete kernels of corn in each chew. Topped with jam or served plain, they are a scrumptious facet dish for any Southern meal.

Zucchini Bread

baked zucchini bread

If you happen to grew up within the South, you may have loved this veggie baked right into a loaf of bread. Wherever you are from, that is one recipe that is simple to make at dwelling—do that zucchini bread recipe from Sally’s Baking Dependancy.

Nation Ham

sliced country ham

With its scrumptious salt crust, nation ham is much less candy than your typical spiral ham. Strive it at a Southern restaurant, or purchase a spiral ham on the food market and season it to perfection.

Now that all of those Southern meals, you will need to ebook a trip to the South ASAP.

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