Tennessee’s food scene is as diverse as its music.
Hot chicken might steal the spotlight, but believe me, there’s so much more to discover.
I’ve rounded up 16 must-try Tennessee recipes that’ll have you saying “yee-haw” with every bite.
1. Memphis-Style Pork Ribs
Making this recipe only involves ribs and your own Memphis dry rub. You can make the blend mentioned previously for a more smokey flavor, or look online for a pre-made spice. You could choose this recipe’s ingredients for something spicier and sweeter, too.
Both recipes are very much alike; however, for this one, swap out smoked paprika with sweet paprika. No matter which you make, they’ll come out delicious.
2. Country Sausage Gravy
No one makes sausage gravy like folks down south. This gravy is awesome because it has a rich and creamy texture, and huge morsels of tasty sausage. It’s the sort of meal that will stick to your ribs, to put it how my dad would.
There’s even a small amount of spice, too. However, if you’re not a fan, you can simply leave the red pepper out.
3. Nashville Hot Fried Chicken Tenders
Once more, hot chicken is on the menu! However, this time, it’s chicken tenders.
You can count on the same flavor and spiciness, only in a smaller package. There’s simply no end to the ways to enjoy Nashville’s signature dish!
4. Nashville Style Hot Fried Chicken
The creator of this recipe describes the taste of Nashville hot chicken as “Heaven and Hell in one bite.” This is more than an accurate statement if you’ve never had it. The crust is perfectly crisp and well-seasoned, and the chicken on the inside is moist and delicious.
It’s extremely hot, as well. It has the kind of spiciness that will set your mouth on fire and make your eyes water. But it’s just so delicious that you can’t stop coming back for more.
The best part of making it at home is choosing your preferred level of spiciness. Feel free to turn down the hot sauce if you don’t like things too hot.
5. Slow Cooker Memphis Style Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Speaking of summer cookouts, can you think of anything better to eat than pulled pork sandwiches? You can easily pull the lean pork roast apart after it’s cooked. Next, you’ll drown it in a hickory-smoked BBQ sauce with Tabasco sauce.
It already tastes wonderful just as it is. However, you can make it even better by topping it off with homemade coleslaw.
Load everything on your favorite buns and serve them with a side of potato chips or veggies. It is as good as it gets.
6. Homemade Moon Pies
No matter how you feel about them, Moon Pies are truly unique. They’re originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee. For that reason, most Tennessee residents have a recipe for making them at home.
In my opinion, this recipe does the best job of recreating that taste. With the marshmallow center that most of us love or know, they’re fluffy and have a hint of chocolate.
Don’t get turned away by the 3-hour cook time. That’s mostly for letting the dough rise to give them that large shape and fluffy texture.
7. Tangy Memphis BBQ Sauce
Maybe Nashville is the hot chicken capital, but Memphis knows all about BBQ. You can easily make that delicious, smokey BBQ flavor at home with this recipe.
With just nine pantry staples, it only takes 15 minutes to make. It will become your new favorite BBQ sauce, I guarantee it.
8. Nashville Chicken Mac And Cheese
It’s true that I’ve shared a couple of hot chicken recipes, but this one’s too good to miss. I guarantee this will be the last hot chicken recipe.
This rich mac and cheese is substantial enough to eat on its own. With chunks of chicken and your favorite shredded cheese, cheddar or Colby Jack would be excellent choices. It’s that recognizable mac and cheese with toasted breadcrumbs on top and a kick of Nashville heat.
9. Memphis Barbecue Chicken Wings
Needing only five ingredients, these wings have a crispy outside, saucy glaze, and tender, juicy insides. It will take under an hour to make them.
They’re also the ideal appetizer for cookouts or game day. Be warned, though, because they’re addicting!
10. Barbecued Baked Beans
Southern-style BBQ baked beans will likely be some of the tastiest and most filling beans you’ll ever have. But that means they’re going to need extra effort.
The beans themselves require few ingredients, like oil, beans, and onion. For the BBQ sauce, though, you’ll need to put in more time.
Even so, it won’t involve a ton of work, just time. Everyone who eats them will be thankful for your effort.
11. Nashville Hot Chicken Quesadillas (and Tacos)
You can even use Nashville hot chicken in your Mexican dishes, like tacos or quesadillas.
These quesadillas are cheesy, hot, filling, and have a bit of tang. With the addition of dill pickles and blue cheese, you’ll give them a Southern vibe.
12. Memphis Dry Rub
The Memphis dry rub isn’t bad to have, either. Pulling it all together only takes about 5 minutes, and it has loads of tasty seasonings and herbs. You’ll definitely be digging through the spice rack.
Expect to use smoked paprika, salt, brown sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, celery seed, oregano, and mustard powder. It’s full of smokey, earthy, and herby flavors that taste great on ribs.
13. Tennessee Onions
The concept of an onion casserole might seem a little silly to some. But after you taste it, you’ll be hooked.
This recipe makes use of three kinds of cheese, garlic, and sweet Vidalia onions. It’s exceptionally cheesy, and the garlic and onions give it such great flavor.
No matter if you enjoy it as a topping for your burger or just as a side, everyone will love it.
14. Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches
Just like any other city with an iconic meal, Nashville knew they had struck gold with their hot chicken. Then, they chose to make even more of it.
These sandwiches use hot chicken to make for a tasty handheld meal. That’s actually the most common way people eat it.
While the recipes are almost the same, you’ll add pickles and coleslaw to the bun to help with the heat.