When it comes to comfort food, there’s no better place to turn than the rich and flavorful cuisine of the American South. Soul food has a way of wrapping you in warmth and love, like a big hug from your favorite aunt. From classic fried chicken to mac and cheese with a crispy topping, these recipes are sure to become new family favorites.
At its core, soul food is about hearty, comforting dishes that bring people together around the table. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a Tuesday night, there’s nothing like gathering ’round with loved ones to share in a delicious meal. In this article, we’ll be exploring 18 of the most flavorful and beloved soul food recipes out there, from old standbys to modern twists.
So grab your apron and get ready to dig in – let’s start cooking up some comfort food magic!
Classic Southern Fried Chicken
Get ready for a taste of pure comfort with this classic Southern fried chicken recipe. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and full of flavor – it’s a staple dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each chicken piece into the buttermilk, coating completely, then roll in the flour mixture to coat.
4. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry chicken pieces for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes total
Smothered Pork Chops with Gravy
A comforting classic dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Tender pork chops smothered in a rich and savory gravy, served over creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless pork chops
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dredge pork chops in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork chops and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until browned.
5. Transfer pork chops to a baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, prepare the gravy by whisking together chicken broth and pan drippings from the skillet.
7. Serve pork chops with the warm gravy spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes
Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey
This hearty dish combines the earthy flavor of collard greens with the rich, smoky taste of smoked turkey. Perfect for a comforting and nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound collard greens, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons smoked turkey (diced)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the chopped collard greens, chicken broth, and water to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the greens are tender.
5. Stir in the diced smoked turkey and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Mac and Cheese with a Crispy Topping
Classic Mac and Cheese with a Crispy Topping Recipe
Elevate your comfort food game with this creamy macaroni and cheese dish topped with a crispy, golden-brown crust. Perfect for a cozy night in or as a crowd-pleasing main course.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups milk
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, then gradually add milk, whisking continuously. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until thickened.
4. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Combine cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Transfer mixture to a baking dish.
5. Top with panko breadcrumbs and dot with butter. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Candied Yams with Marshmallows
This classic Southern side dish combines the natural sweetness of yams with the gooey delight of marshmallows, creating a flavorful and visually appealing dish perfect for holidays and special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 2 large yams (about 2 lbs), peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large saucepan, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water.
3. Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the saucepan and stir to combine.
5. Arrange yam slices in a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Pour sugar syrup evenly over the yams.
7. Top with marshmallows.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until yams are tender and marshmallows are golden brown.
Shrimp and Grits with Cajun Seasoning
A classic Southern dish gets a bold boost of flavor with the addition of spicy Cajun seasoning. This recipe combines succulent shrimp with creamy grits and a kick of heat.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cups stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water
– 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 green onions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the grits according to package instructions using 4 cups of water.
2. In a separate pan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook until pink and tender, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside. Reduce heat to low and add Cajun seasoning and paprika. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Stir cooked grits into the pan with the Cajun mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve shrimp on top of grits, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Southern-Style Cornbread
This moist and crumbly cornbread is a staple of Southern cuisine, perfect for accompanying your favorite comfort foods or as a snack on its own. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying treat that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup yellow cornmeal
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Honey or sugar to taste (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, egg, and melted butter. Stir until smooth.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and set.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Black-Eyed Peas with Ham Hocks
Classic Southern Delight: Black-Eyed Peas with Ham Hocks
This hearty dish is a staple of Southern cuisine, perfect for special occasions or everyday meals. Simmering black-eyed peas and tender ham hocks in a flavorful broth creates a comforting and filling meal that’s easy to make.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried black-eyed peas
– 2 ham hocks (about 1 pound)
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Rinse the black-eyed peas and pick out any debris or stones.
2. Place the ham hocks in a large pot or Dutch oven and add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and thyme.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure that the ham hocks are covered.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour.
5. Add the black-eyed peas and continue to simmer for another 45 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Fried Catfish with Spicy Remoulade
Elevate your seafood game with this Southern-inspired recipe that combines crispy fried catfish with a tangy and spicy remoulade sauce. This mouthwatering dish is perfect for a casual dinner party or a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Spicy Remoulade:
+ 1 cup mayonnaise
+ 2 tablespoons ketchup
+ 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
+ 1 tablespoon hot sauce (e.g., Tabasco)
+ 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each catfish fillet in buttermilk, then coat in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Fry coated catfish in hot oil (350°F) for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown.
5. Meanwhile, mix remoulade ingredients in a bowl.
6. Serve fried catfish with Spicy Remoulade sauce for dipping.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes.
BBQ Ribs with Homemade Sauce
Get ready for a finger-licking good time with this classic BBQ ribs recipe, elevated by a rich and tangy homemade sauce. This mouthwatering dish is perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs (4-5 pounds)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Remove membrane from ribs and apply the dry rub evenly.
4. Place ribs on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake for 2 hours.
5. While ribs are baking, combine apple cider vinegar, ketchup, honey, and water in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
6. After 2 hours, remove ribs from oven and brush with homemade BBQ sauce. Return to oven for an additional 10-15 minutes or until caramelized.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 10-15 minutes
Red Beans and Rice with Andouille Sausage
A hearty and comforting Louisiana-inspired dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 pound Andouille sausage, sliced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the red beans according to package instructions or in a large pot with 4 cups of water until tender.
2. In a large skillet, cook the Andouille sausage over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Add the cooked red beans, chicken broth, and cooked rice to the skillet. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Chicken and Waffles with Maple Syrup
Classic Chicken and Waffles with Maple Syrup Recipe
A Southern-inspired comfort food favorite gets a sweet twist with the addition of maple syrup. This recipe combines crispy fried chicken, fluffy waffles, and a drizzle of pure Canadian maple syrup for a match made in heaven.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Waffle batter (homemade or store-bought)
– Maple syrup, warmed
Instructions:
1. Prepare the chicken: In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Dredge the chicken: Dip each breast in buttermilk, then coat in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
3. Fry the chicken: Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
4. Make the waffles: Prepare waffle batter according to package instructions. Cook in a hot waffle iron following manufacturer’s guidelines.
5. Serve: Place fried chicken on top of a waffle, drizzle with warmed maple syrup, and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Okra and Tomatoes Stew
Okra and Tomatoes Stew Recipe: A Hearty and Flavorful Delight
This classic West African-inspired stew is a staple of many cuisines, combining the tender texture of okra with the sweetness of fresh tomatoes. This simple recipe yields a flavorful and nutritious meal perfect for any day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup okra, sliced
– 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (or 1 can diced tomatoes)
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, cumin, and paprika; cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the sliced okra and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
5. Stir in the chopped tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes) and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Simmer the stew for 15-20 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Sweet Potato Pie with Whipped Cream
This sweet potato pie recipe combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a hint of spice, topped with a dollop of whipped cream for an added touch of indulgence.
Ingredients:
• 2 large sweet potatoes, baked and mashed
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
• Whipped cream for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until smooth.
3. Add melted butter and eggs; mix well.
4. Roll out pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with sweet potato mixture.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until filling is set.
6. Allow pie to cool before serving with whipped cream.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Fried Green Tomatoes with Ranch Dressing
Experience the perfect blend of Southern comfort food and creamy coolness with this recipe that combines crispy fried green tomatoes with a tangy ranch dressing.
Ingredients:
– 4 large green tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip each tomato slice into the flour mixture, coating both sides evenly.
3. Dip the floured tomato slices into buttermilk, making sure they’re fully coated.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the tomato slices in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Remove the fried tomatoes from the oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Serve the fried green tomatoes with ranch dressing for dipping. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Jambalaya with Shrimp and Chicken
Jambalaya, a classic Louisiana dish, combines the flavors of rice, meat, and spices for a hearty meal. This recipe adds succulent shrimp and chicken to create a mouthwatering twist on the original.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add shrimp, onion, and garlic; cook until the shrimp are pink, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add rice, water, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well.
4. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is cooked.
5. Stir in diced tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this classic peach cobbler recipe, perfectly paired with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. This warm-weather dessert is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups fresh peaches, sliced
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup vanilla ice cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine peaches, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss until coated.
3. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Drizzle melted butter over the peach mixture.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly.
6. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Coleslaw
This classic Southern-inspired dish combines the fall-apart tenderness of slow-cooked pork shoulder with the crunch and tang of a refreshing coleslaw. Perfect for casual gatherings or family meals, this recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients:
For the pulled pork:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
For the coleslaw:
– 2 cups shredded cabbage
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Place the pork in a large Dutch oven or slow cooker and cook for 8-10 hours or overnight.
5. Shred the pork with two forks and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. In a separate bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
7. Assemble sandwiches by placing pulled pork on a bun and topping with coleslaw.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours or overnight
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the rich flavors and comforting dishes of soul food! This collection of 18 recipes will transport you to the heart of Southern cuisine. From classic fried chicken and smothered pork chops with gravy, to collard greens with smoked turkey and sweet potato pie with whipped cream, there’s something for everyone. These beloved dishes are sure to become family favorites. Whether you’re in the mood for spicy shrimp and grits or hearty black-eyed peas with ham hocks, these recipes will warm your heart and fill your belly.
