Southern cuisine represents the ultimate form of comfort food with its heavy use of sugar and butter.
I have gathered 17 authentic soul food recipes to showcase exactly why these traditions remain so popular.
Prepare to fill your stomach with delicious meals that can cure almost any ailment.
1. Sweet Potato Casserole
You mash sweet potatoes before topping them with melted marshmallows and toasted pecans for a crunchy side dish. This does not need to be limited to just holiday feasts.
It serves as a fast soul food side that works for any dinner. I find this casserole practically passes for dessert thanks to the brown sugar and butter.
2. Southern Black Eyed Peas
You can attract some good luck by making this Southern recipe for black eyed peas. I believe anyone who dislikes peas simply has not tried this specific version yet.
Red pepper flakes add heat while smoky meat seasons the pot for incredible flavor. The peas turn out tender and firm rather than mushy.
3. Fried Green Tomatoes
Sliced green tomatoes make for a tasty and uncomplicated appetizer or side. Young tomatoes provide a tangy flavor profile that cuts right through the golden breading.
I think these deserve more attention than standard fried potatoes. You can eat them plain or dip them in ketchup just like french fries.
4. Biscuits and Gravy
Begin your Saturday with a filling meal of biscuits and gravy. Nothing beats creamy sausage gravy poured over fluffy and light biscuits.
I love how this version adds heat with a solid amount of crushed red pepper. You can smother homemade biscuits in rich sauce for a true soul food breakfast.
5. Seafood Gumbo
You can taste the Gulf Coast by sipping on this spicy seafood gumbo. Shrimp mixes with sausage and crab to create a hearty stew.
I love filling up on the robust flavors in this dish. A can of beer goes into the pot alongside standard garlic and onions.
6. Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese
I doubt you will ever want boxed instant macaroni again after tasting this baked casserole. It features a breadcrumb topping and three distinct types of cheese.
You can bite into a buttery cheese blend that feels good for the soul. This Southern style baked mac represents a true creamy masterpiece.
7. Stewed Okra and Tomatoes
You start this recipe with bacon grease and it somehow keeps improving from there.
I am always ready for a dish that pairs bacon with onions, spices, tomatoes, and fresh okra. This side comes packed with home cooked flavor and tender vegetables from the garden.
8. Southern Fried Catfish
Friday night fish fries are often bigger events than Christmas in the South. You can make crispy Southern fried catfish fillets that are perfect for tartar sauce.
Garlic powder and cornmeal create a crunchy exterior that hides a flaky center. This meal is ready in 20 minutes to save your weeknight.
9. Sweet Tea Fried Chicken
This recipe combines a classic soul drink with a favorite soul food. You brine chicken in sweet tea to create a sweet and salty result better than KFC.
I find the brine infuses the meat with flavor to keep it tender and juicy. Garlic and onion powder season the salted breading.
10. Grits
These grits work at any time of day rather than just for breakfast.
A handful of cheese and a dollop of butter provide plenty of flavor. I find savory grits make the perfect partner for any soul food meal.
11. Southern Deviled Eggs
I cannot think of a better picnic food than a dozen deviled eggs. You fill hard boiled egg halves with a tangy spread before topping them with paprika.
A squirt of pickle relish and a dollop of mayonnaise create a sweet bite that is hard to resist. This Southern appetizer is sure to charm your guests.
12. Candied Sweet Potatoes
This recipe for candied sweet potatoes basically lets you eat dessert for dinner. Roasted potato coins sit in a butter and brown sugar sauce with fresh thyme on top.
I think these are too tasty to save only for Thanksgiving. You likely already have the ingredients needed in your pantry.
13. Hush Puppies
Hush puppies represent a delicious adventure in simplicity. It is amazing how such few ingredients can yield such a tasty result.
You should toss a few of these into the oil if you are already frying something else. I love adding these golden fritters as a finishing touch to a meal.
14. Shepherd’s Pie
You top a savory mixture of vegetables and ground beef with cheesy mashed potatoes. The entire dish bakes in the oven to perfection.
I love how this covers your whole meal in a single pan.
15. Collard Greens
Collard greens are tender leaves smothered in bacon grease for a delightful result. You toss fresh greens with garlic and onion to let the bacon do the work.
I guarantee your family will fight over this pan of flavorful vegetables. It serves as a fast soul food side perfect for any night.
16. Red Beans and Rice
Classic comfort food like this provides rich textures and bold flavors. You simmer a seasoned roux with sausage and serve it over a bowl of tender rice.
I like to keep a pot simmering all day to develop that Louisiana flavor. An extra dash of cayenne pepper really kicks up the heat.
17. Southern Cornbread Dressing
Southerners eat dressing year round and usually skip the white bread. This cornbread version features ingredients your family will crave.
Tender celery pieces mix with thyme and sage to perk up the menu. I enjoy eating this smothered in gravy for a true soul food fix.