Aspiring home bakers can try a range of treats at home, including delicious Southern comfort foods. The ingredients are usually basic, but the result is flavorful and undeniably satisfying to the taste buds. But there are various Southern recipes out there, and picking the right one can take time. That’s why reading about the simplest options could inspire one to make the perfect meal to share with their family and friends.
1. Chicken pot pie with biscuits
This classic Southern comfort food recipe is a popular choice, but the biscuits add a twist. The dish comprises shredded chicken, white beans, and veggies like onions, carrots, and garlic, all mixed with an extra creamy cheese filling. Top this with some flaky cheddar herb biscuits, and the dish is good to become the center of attention on most celebratory weekends.
2. Flaky honey buttermilk biscuits
These biscuits are buttery, flaky, tender, and have a hint of sweetness to them. All it takes to make the dish are the right ingredients, like all-purpose flour, buttermilk, baking powder, unsalted butter, cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, and honey. The flaky honey buttermilk biscuits are perfect for sprucing up a morning breakfast or afternoon tea.
3. Creamy southern cheese grits
Among traditional Southern comfort foods to prepare at home is creamy Southern cheese grits. The most common ingredients for the recipe include white corn grits, almond milk, heavy cream, seasonings, butter, and cheddar cheese. One can enjoy this classic dish at any meal, from breakfast to dinner. This recipe also has a creamy texture, which blends perfectly with the spices and liquidy cheddar cheese. Those who try it may enjoy the dish for its rich flavor, easy-to-make nature, and for being gluten-free.
4. Southern chicken and waffles
Beginners who try this top Southern recipe are going to enjoy it. Cooking it is an easy process. All one needs is fried chicken, all-purpose flour, cane sugar, baking powder, eggs, almond milk, bananas, vanilla, and vegetable oil. After air frying the chicken and combining the other ingredients to make waffles, combine the two to make the southern chicken and waffle recipe. Aspiring bakers can keep the dish traditional with large chicken pieces or go for the spin-off with chicken tenders.
5. Baked mac and cheese
The Southern-based best mac and cheese recipes are usually creamy and gooey in the center while being crisp on the top. Almonds, shell pasta (or elbow pasta), gouda cheese, mozzarella, smoked paprika, and ground mustard are some ingredients that go into making this dish. The recipe can also be frozen and stored for about three to four days in the refrigerators and reheated when ready to serve with ease. Consider serving the dish as an entree on its own or make it a side dish to go well with shredded BBQ jerk chicken.
6. Corn fritters
The fluffy and crispy Southern food recipe is a perfect side dish for family gatherings, including summer dinners. They also pair well with BBQ ribs, crab legs, or a taco spread. Neutral oil, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and baking soda are some of the ingredients required to make this dish. Other additions include kosher salt, whole milk, eggs, corn (shucked, with its kernels removed), and powdered sugar (for serving). Corn fritters are a convenient side dish for gatherings as they can be made in advance and stored for at least five days if not more. This way, one doesn’t need to worry about preparing a side dish at the last minute.
7. Tex-Mex potato salad
One of the most popular Southern comfort food dishes best for BBQs and picnics is the Tex-Mex potato salad. The salad is flavorful because of its ingredients, like taco seasonings, lime juice, and more. Other things that go into making this dish include potatoes, eggs, beans, cherry tomatoes, corn, chopped green onions, and tortilla chips. For the dressing, use mayo, ranch, or other preferred ingredients. Ultimately, preparing the Tex-Mex salad assures a unique flavor that one can enjoy anytime.
8. Pulled pork in a soft potato bun
Some of the best pork recipes come from the Southern regions, such as pulled pork in a soft potato bun dish. Gather ingredients like pork shoulder, brown sugar, and preferred spices. Try ingredients like ketchup, dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar for the sauce. While beginner chefs could try a basic pulled pork recipe at home, there are variations to try as well, like burgers made with chipotle chilis, instant pot pulled pork, and pickleback pulled pork. Sides that go well with this Southern dish include potato salad, baked beans, and vinegar coleslaw.
9. Southern-style cajun pasta with pecan breadcrumbs
This vegan southern-style recipe is topped with buttery pecan breadcrumbs and a creamy, dairy-free, and vegan cajun-infused parmesan sauce. The sauce used in this recipe is smooth and full of the Cajun flavor. The buttered breadcrumbs add the right amount of texture and flavor to each bite. The dish is also ideal for those who enjoy bold flavors at any time of the day. Moreover, it’s also easy to store, meaning it’s the perfect substitute that can be reheated and eaten after a hard day at work.
10. Southern salted caramel cake
A fluffy, moist, buttery, and caramel flavor makes the Southern salted caramel cake the best dessert choice for birthdays, holidays, and parties. The recipe is easy and requires simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, cane sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and vanilla. Other additions include unsalted butter, plant-based milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and salted caramel sauce. Serve the dish with whipped cream, ice cream, and fresh berries to capture the essence of Southern baking.
