17 Southern Snacks the Rest of the World Needs to Experience

When it comes to comfort food, the American South knows best. Rich in history and bursting with flavor, Southern snack foods are a testament to the region’s diverse cultural influences. Yet, many of their mouth-watering treats remain a well-kept secret outside the Southern states. It’s time the rest of the world discovered the unique and irresistible flavors that Southerners have been savoring for years.

Pimento Cheese

Pimento cheese, often called the “Caviar of the South,” is a creamy, tangy spread that’s beloved throughout the region. The basic recipe includes 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, and a 4-ounce jar of diced pimentos. The sharp cheddar brings a bold flavor, while the mayo adds a smooth creaminess that ties everything together. The pimentos add a slightly sweet and spicy kick that elevates the spread to a new level of tastiness. It’s perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or as a dip for veggies. Pimento cheese is versatile, making it a Southern staple for any snack spread.

Boiled Peanuts

Boiled peanuts are a quintessential Southern snack found at roadside stands and local gatherings. To make them, you’ll need 1 pound of raw peanuts in their shells and 1/4 cup of salt. The peanuts are boiled in salty water for several hours until they become tender and briny. This method gives the peanuts a soft texture, unlike their roasted counterparts. Boiled peanuts are enjoyed warm and often spiced with Cajun seasoning for an extra kick. The unique flavor and texture make them a favorite among Southerners and visitors alike.

Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried green tomatoes are a Southern delicacy, known for their crispy exterior and tangy flavor. For this dish, use 4 firm, unripe green tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds. Coat them in a mixture of 1/2 cup cornmeal, 1/2 cup flour, and a dash of salt and pepper, then fry them in hot oil until golden brown. The firm texture of the green tomatoes holds up well during frying, resulting in a crunchy outside and tender inside. Serve with a tangy dipping sauce like remoulade to enhance the flavor. Fried green tomatoes are often enjoyed as a side dish or appetizer, representing the best of Southern comfort food.

MoonPies

MoonPies are a nostalgic treat dating back to the early 1900s, originally created for coal miners as a portable snack. This dessert consists of two graham cracker cookies sandwiching a marshmallow filling, all coated in chocolate. The graham crackers provide a crunchy base, while the marshmallow adds a soft, gooey contrast, and the chocolate coating ties it all together. MoonPies are loved for their sweet, indulgent flavors and have become an iconic Southern snack. They are perfect for a quick, sweet bite or as a treat to share during family gatherings.

Hushpuppies

Hushpuppies are deep-fried cornmeal batter balls that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. You’ll need 1 cup of cornmeal, 1/2 cup of flour, 1 egg, and 1/2 cup of buttermilk, seasoned with salt and pepper. Mix the ingredients into a thick batter, then drop spoonfuls into hot oil, frying until golden brown. Their slightly sweet and savory flavor makes them a perfect accompaniment to fried fish or barbecue. Hushpuppies are beloved across the South, often served as a side dish, but they’re just as delicious eaten on their own.

Benne Wafers

Benne wafers are thin, crispy cookies made with sesame seeds, a treat originating from Charleston, South Carolina. The key ingredients are 1/2 cup of sesame seeds, 1 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of butter, and 1/2 cup of flour. The sesame seeds, called “benne” in West Africa, were brought over by enslaved Africans, giving this cookie a deep cultural significance. These cookies are baked until golden brown and crispy, offering a nutty sweetness that is both unique and delicious. Benne wafers have a rich history and are still popular as a snack or dessert.

Pralines

Pralines are a Southern confection with French roots, made primarily from caramelized sugar and pecans. To make them, you’ll need 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of cream, 2 tablespoons of butter, and 1 cup of pecans. The sugar is cooked with butter and cream until it caramelizes, and then the pecans are stirred in before the mixture is dropped onto wax paper to cool. The result is a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth candy with the crunch of toasted pecans. Pralines are a favorite treat in places like New Orleans, where they’re enjoyed year-round.

Pork Rinds

Pork rinds are crispy, fried pork skins that have been seasoned with salt and spices. They start with pork skin, cut into bite-sized pieces, which are fried until they puff up and become crispy. Pork rinds are a high-protein, low-carb snack, making them popular with those following ketogenic diets. They have a light, airy texture and a salty, savory flavor that makes them a favorite snack in the South. Pork rinds are often enjoyed plain, but flavored versions such as barbecue or spicy are also popular.

Collard Chips

Collard chips are a healthy, crunchy snack made by baking collard greens until they are crisp. To prepare, toss fresh collard leaves with olive oil, salt, and your choice of spices, then bake at 300°F for about 20 minutes until crispy. These chips are a nutritious alternative to traditional potato chips, offering a boost of vitamins A, C, and K. The collards retain a slight bitterness, balanced by the salt and seasoning, making them a savory and satisfying snack. They’re perfect for those looking to enjoy the nutritional benefits of greens in a fun and crunchy form.

Chicken Biscuits

Chicken biscuits are a classic Southern breakfast or snack, consisting of flaky buttermilk biscuits filled with fried chicken. For the biscuits, you’ll need 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of butter, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1 cup of buttermilk. Fry boneless chicken breasts, seasoned and dredged in flour, until golden and crispy. The biscuits are baked until light and fluffy, then split open and filled with the crispy fried chicken. Often served with honey or hot sauce, chicken biscuits are a comforting, indulgent Southern staple.

Buttermilk Pie

Buttermilk pie is a traditional Southern custard pie made with simple ingredients like buttermilk, sugar, and butter. To make the filling, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of sugar, 1/2 cup of melted butter, 3 eggs, and 1 cup of buttermilk, then pour into an unbaked pie crust. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes until the filling is set and slightly golden. The tanginess of the buttermilk contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the custard, creating a balanced and comforting dessert. This pie is often enjoyed during holidays or family gatherings, loved for its rich yet simple flavors.

Fried Pickles

Fried pickles are pickle slices battered and deep-fried to crispy perfection. Start by slicing dill pickles into rounds, then dip them in a batter made of 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of cornmeal, and 1 cup of buttermilk. Fry them in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. The tangy, salty flavor of the pickles contrasts with the crispy coating, creating a unique and addictive snack. Fried pickles are often served with ranch dressing for dipping and are a popular appetizer in Southern restaurants and bars.

Grits

Grits are made from ground corn and cooked until smooth and creamy, a breakfast staple in the South. Use 4 cups of water, 1 cup of grits, and a pinch of salt, cooking the grits slowly while stirring often. They can be served savory with butter, cheese, or shrimp, or made sweet with sugar and cream. Grits are known for their versatility and ability to absorb the flavors of whatever they’re paired with. They’re a comforting and filling dish enjoyed at any time of day.

Okra Chips

Okra chips are a nutritious snack made by dehydrating or baking fresh okra. To prepare, slice the okra into thin rounds and toss with olive oil and salt. Bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until crispy. Okra chips retain the vegetable’s slightly nutty flavor without its characteristic sliminess, making them a great snack for even picky eaters. These chips are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, offering a crunchy and healthy alternative to traditional snacks.

Pecan Pie Bars

Pecan pie bars are a handheld version of the classic pecan pie, combining all the rich flavors in a convenient form. The crust is made with 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of butter, and 1/4 cup of sugar, while the filling is a mix of 1 cup of pecans, 3/4 cup of brown sugar, and 2 eggs. The bars are baked until the filling is set and the pecans are toasted, creating a sweet, buttery treat with a crunchy top. These bars are perfect for potlucks and holiday gatherings, offering a taste of pecan pie in every bite.

Chess Pie

Chess pie is a simple yet rich Southern dessert made with butter, sugar, eggs, and cornmeal. Combine 1 1/2 cups of sugar, 1/2 cup of melted butter, 3 eggs, and 2 tablespoons of cornmeal, then pour into an unbaked pie crust. Bake at 350°F for about 50 minutes until the pie is set and golden. The cornmeal gives the pie a slight texture, while the buttery custard is rich and sweet. Chess pie is a beloved dessert for its simplicity and deep flavor, often served at Southern family gatherings.

Peach Cobbler

Peach cobbler is a baked dessert made with sweet, spiced peaches topped with a biscuit or cake-like crust. To make the filling, use 4 cups of sliced peaches, 1/2 cup of sugar, and a dash of cinnamon. The topping is made from 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup of milk, spread over the peaches before baking at 350°F for 40 minutes. The result is a warm, juicy dessert with a golden crust, best enjoyed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Peach cobbler is a Southern classic, highlighting the region’s love for fresh peaches.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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