16 Iconic Southern Dishes You Have to Experience at Least Once

Known for its rich flavors, bold seasonings, and comforting dishes, Southern cooking has influenced food across the United States and beyond. Southern dishes tell the stories of the South’s history, its people, and their love for homegrown ingredients. If you’ve never tasted Southern cooking, there’s no better time than now to dive in. Here are some of the iconic Southern dishes you must try at least once in your lifetime.

Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and grits is a classic Southern comfort food that combines savory shrimp with creamy grits. Start by cooking 1 cup of grits in 4 cups of water or broth until thickened. Sauté 1 pound of shrimp in 2 tablespoons of butter with garlic, lemon juice, and a dash of hot sauce. Serve the shrimp over the grits, garnishing with chopped green onions and crumbled bacon. This dish is often served for breakfast but makes a perfect dinner too. The smooth texture of the grits pairs wonderfully with the spicy shrimp, offering a delightful contrast in flavor. Enjoy it with a side of cornbread to complete your Southern feast.

Biscuits and Gravy

A true Southern breakfast staple, biscuits and gravy combines soft, flaky biscuits with a rich, creamy sausage gravy. To make the biscuits, mix 2 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 cup of cold butter. Add 3/4 cup of buttermilk and mix until the dough forms. Pat the dough out, cut it into rounds, and bake at 450°F for about 12 minutes. For the gravy, brown 1 pound of sausage in a skillet, then stir in 2 tablespoons of flour, followed by 2 cups of milk. Simmer until thickened and season with salt and pepper. Split the biscuits and pour the gravy over the top for a deliciously indulgent meal.

Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is perhaps the most iconic Southern dish. Start by brining 4 chicken pieces in a mixture of 1 cup of buttermilk and 1 tablespoon of hot sauce for at least 2 hours. Dredge the chicken in a mixture of 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F and fry the chicken until golden and crispy, about 10 minutes per side. Serve with mashed potatoes or a side of greens for the perfect meal. The crispy, seasoned crust with juicy chicken inside is a combination that’s hard to beat. It’s a dish that speaks to the heart and soul of Southern cooking.

Gumbo

Gumbo is a hearty stew made with a flavorful roux, vegetables, and either seafood or sausage. Begin by making a roux with 1/2 cup of flour and 1/2 cup of oil, cooking it until it turns a rich brown. Add 1 chopped onion, 1 bell pepper, and 2 celery stalks, and cook until softened. Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and 1 can of diced tomatoes. Stir in 1 pound of sausage, 1 pound of shrimp, and 2 bay leaves. Simmer for about 45 minutes, seasoning with Cajun spices, salt, and pepper. Serve the gumbo over white rice, and garnish with fresh parsley and green onions. It’s a spicy, savory dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.

Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is a Southern dessert that combines the rich sweetness of caramelized sugar with the nuttiness of toasted pecans. Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of corn syrup, 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of melted butter, and 4 eggs. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of pecan halves and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Pour the mixture into a pie crust and bake for 50-60 minutes until set. Let the pie cool before slicing. The result is a sticky, sweet, and nutty filling that pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Jambalaya

A Creole classic, jambalaya is a one-pot dish that combines rice, meat, and bold spices. Start by cooking 1 pound of sausage and 1 pound of chicken in a large pot until browned. Add 1 chopped onion, 1 bell pepper, 2 celery stalks, and 3 minced garlic cloves, and cook until softened. Stir in 2 cups of rice, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 4 cups of chicken broth, and a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender. Serve with hot sauce on the side for added heat. This dish is hearty and flavorful, with layers of spice that reflect the multicultural influences of the South.

Collard Greens

Collard greens are a Southern favorite, often cooked with smoked meat for added flavor. Start by washing 2 pounds of collard greens thoroughly, then removing the tough stems. In a large pot, sauté 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the greens along with 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 ham hock, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the greens are tender. Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of vinegar. Collard greens are a perfect side dish to complement fried chicken or cornbread.

Catfish Fry

Catfish fry is a quintessential Southern dish, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Start by soaking 4 catfish fillets in buttermilk for 30 minutes. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of cornmeal, 1/2 cup of flour, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Heat oil to 350°F in a deep fryer or large pot. Dredge the catfish fillets in the cornmeal mixture, then fry for 3-5 minutes until golden brown. Serve with a side of tartar sauce and lemon wedges for a delicious, crispy dish.

Hushpuppies

Hushpuppies are deep-fried cornmeal balls that are a perfect side for fried fish or shrimp. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of cornmeal, 1/2 cup of flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and salt. Add 1/2 cup of buttermilk, 1 egg, and 1 small diced onion. Stir until combined. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into hot oil and fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately. These crispy, savory treats are a Southern favorite that pairs perfectly with seafood.

Southern Cornbread

Southern cornbread is a classic side dish that’s slightly sweet and crumbly. Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of cornmeal, 1 cup of flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and salt. Add 1 cup of buttermilk, 2 eggs, and 1/4 cup of melted butter. Pour the batter into a greased skillet or baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden. Serve warm with butter and honey for a comforting side dish that’s a staple in Southern kitchens.

Low Country Boil

A Low Country boil is a Southern seafood extravaganza, combining shrimp, sausage, potatoes, and corn. In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil and add 1/4 cup of Old Bay seasoning. Add 1 pound of sausage, cut into pieces, and 2 pounds of potatoes. Boil until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. Add 4 ears of corn, broken in half, and 2 pounds of shrimp. Boil for another 5-7 minutes until the shrimp are pink. Drain and serve the boil on a newspaper-covered table for a fun, communal meal.

Banana Pudding

Banana pudding is a beloved Southern dessert made with creamy custard, bananas, and vanilla wafers. Start by preparing 1 package of vanilla pudding mix according to the package directions. Layer the pudding with sliced bananas and vanilla wafers in a large dish. Repeat the layers until the dish is full, then top with whipped cream. Chill the pudding in the fridge for at least 2 hours. The result is a creamy, sweet dessert that’s perfect for family gatherings or any special occasion.

Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings is a comforting dish made with tender chicken, savory broth, and soft dumplings. Begin by cooking 1 whole chicken in a large pot with 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 onion, and 2 celery stalks. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it and shred the meat. In the same pot, add 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to make the dumplings. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering broth and cook until they float to the surface. Serve with the shredded chicken for a hearty, filling meal.

Southern-Style Barbecue Ribs

No Southern meal is complete without a plate of tender, smoky barbecue ribs. Begin by seasoning 2 racks of baby back ribs with a dry rub made from 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Preheat your grill to a low heat (around 225°F) and place the ribs on the grill, bone side down. Smoke the ribs for 3 to 4 hours, keeping the lid closed and adding wood chips for extra smokiness. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the ribs with a generous amount of your favorite barbecue sauce. Once the ribs are tender and the meat pulls away from the bone easily, remove from the grill and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. This dish embodies Southern hospitality and will leave you craving more with each flavorful bite.

Chicken and Waffles

A true soul food delight, chicken and waffles combines crispy fried chicken with sweet, fluffy waffles. Start by making the waffles by whisking together 2 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 1/2 cups of buttermilk, 1/4 cup of melted butter, and 2 beaten eggs. Pour the batter into a preheated waffle iron and cook until golden and crispy. For the chicken, marinate 4 chicken breasts in a mixture of buttermilk, hot sauce, and salt for at least 2 hours. In a separate bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture and fry in hot oil until crispy and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes per side. Serve the crispy chicken atop the waffles, drizzling with maple syrup. This dish offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crispy textures that’s a must-try for any Southern food lover.

Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried green tomatoes are a beloved Southern appetizer that’s crispy, tangy, and delicious. Slice 4 medium green tomatoes into 1/2-inch thick slices and sprinkle with salt. In one bowl, whisk together 1 cup of cornmeal, 1/2 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. In another bowl, beat 2 eggs with a splash of buttermilk. Dip each tomato slice into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the cornmeal mixture. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the tomatoes for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and serve with a side of remoulade or ranch dressing. This dish is a perfect blend of tart and savory, making it an iconic Southern appetizer or side dish.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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