50 Meals You Can Solely Discover within the South

Hearty, creamy, carby, dreamy—there is a purpose we name it Southern consolation meals. Whether or not you are a fan of the area’s African and French-inspired fare or iconic bourbon and candy tea, the South undoubtedly has a number of the most distinctive (and mouthwatering) cuisines within the nation. That is why we devoted an entire checklist to enlightening the remainder of America about grub normally discovered within the backside states. (A short cautionary disclosure: this report could maximize both wanderlust or hometown appreciation.)

And whereas we all know you may get these meals in different components of the nation—hey, Southern meals is legendary for a purpose!—we predict they’re finest when eaten within the Southern states. Try our favourite iconic Southern meals.

And for extra, do not miss these 15 Basic American Desserts That Deserve a Comeback.

1

King Cake

A Mardi Gras custom, this doughy ring-shaped cake is topped with sufficient sugar and icing to make anybody develop a candy tooth. If you happen to’re the fortunate taster who finds a plastic child doll hiding in your slice, do not fret—that simply means you’ve got been chosen to host subsequent yr’s Fats Tuesday bash (or simply deliver the cake). Speak about Southern hospitality!

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2

Boiled Peanuts

If you happen to’re the one who all the time grabs a bag of peanuts at baseball video games, chances are you’ll need to strive the boiled model of this excessive protein snack. They’re hottest in Georgia, and the nuts are even bought by the freeway for individuals who get particularly hungry on the street.

3

Fried Inexperienced Tomatoes

Fried tomatoes? Inexperienced tomatoes? These merged oddities are a preferred favourite down south—very similar to most issues battered and fried.

RELATED: The straightforward option to make more healthy consolation meals.

4

Fried Okra

Fried okra is a mouth-watering facet dish that even veggie haters will love. Get pleasure from it alongside a pulled pork sandwich or with creamed corn for a really Southern meal.

5

Pimento Cheese

A sort of pepper, pimentos are normally discovered minimize up and mysteriously stuffed into inexperienced olives. But when you have not had cheese made with the marginally candy pepper, you are lacking out. Combined with grated cheese, mayo, salt, and pepper, this dixie basic is typically referred to as the “caviar of the South.”

6

Cheese Straws

Earlier than you get too excited, no, you can not sip a drink with this tacky concoction. Cheese straws are type of like breadsticks, as they make the proper accompaniment to soups and salads down South. Plus, they’re baked with seasoned flour and, you guessed it, cheese.

7

Wickles

Seasoned with a customized mix of spices, Wickles are a number of the most scrumptious pickles you may ever eat. Based in 1998, Wickles brings the style of the South straight to your house with these tasty jarred treats.

8

Chitlins

Also referred to as chitterlings, chitlins are pig intestines which can be cooked after which ladled onto a bowl of rice or pasta. Do not knock it till you strive it!

9

Mint Juleps

Certain, you possibly can ask your native bartender to fire up one in every of these as a nightcap. However the OG mint julep turned a Southern staple largely as a result of its recognition within the Kentucky Derby, which is why the bourbon, sugar, mint, and water combine turned the horse race’s official drink.

10

Hush Puppies

Because the title suggests, this deep-fried finger meals was initially made to bribe canine into retaining quiet. Today, they maintain followers’ mouths shut and stuffed with the crunchy golden brown nuggets.

11

Hummingbird Cake

This pineapple-banana spiced dessert is topped with candy cream cheese frosting. No surprise it is a Southern celebration staple.

12

Cheerwine

Sadly, this so-called wine doesn’t include any alcohol. It has been round since 1917 (after it was made throughout a WWI sugar scarcity), so this Salisbury-born soda have to be successful.

13

Shrimp and Grits

Southerners take pleasure in this creamy seafood dish for lunch, dinner, and even breakfast! In addition to being an on a regular basis staple, a heat bowl of creamy shrimp and grits can be fairly festive, because it’s normally loved on Christmas or New Yr’s.

14

Appeal Desserts

Appeal truffles, a major a part of Southern weddings, are pastries which have little charms hooked up to a ribbon hiding inside for every of the bridesmaids to tug out and uncover their destiny. The anchor attraction signifies a steady life, whereas the ring symbolizes marriage, and the airplane suggests journey and journey. Contemplate these the dixie model of a fortune cookie.

15

Hen and Dumplings

This hearty dish is as comforting as consolation meals will get. Many individuals additionally add veggies like carrots, celery, or peas, however others name that blasphemy.

16

Moon Pie

Whilst you could discover these at your native BJ’s or Costco, this s’more-like dessert originated in 1917 in Kentucky after a coal miner had a yearning for a candy deal with “as huge because the moon.”

17

Fried Catfish

Candy and perfect for deep frying, this white-fleshed fish is dipped into seasoned cornmeal and buttermilk and is a well-liked southern lunch. Pair catfish with a bucket of hush puppies and plentiful tartar sauce, and you have your self a belly-filling meal.

18

Complete-Hog Barbecue

Any dialogue about Southern BBQ is really incomplete with out mentioning whole-hog pork sandwiches and racks of ribs. The truth is, Southerners are so devoted to their grill that they started a staff referred to as South Pork BBQ, which goals to have the “greatest celebration and one of the best BBQ at each occasion” and has been competing for greater than 18 years!

19

Roman Sweet

This connoisseur deal with is bought solely by way of a wagon (which was the unique automobile used since 1915!) roaming the streets of New Orleans. Consider it as an old style ice cream truck, however for sweet.

20

Deviled Eggs

You have most likely had this delicacy at a brunch restaurant or over the Easter season. It is a conventional Southern delicacy, usually made with loads of mayo and sugar. Nevertheless you want them, deviled eggs are the proper appetizer for Southern classics like barbecue or fried rooster.

21

Conventional Pecan Pie

Southerners do not anticipate Thanksgiving to take pleasure in this candy and nutty pie. Whereas pecan pie is a vacation favourite, this ooey, gooey custom began within the South—in spite of everything, San Saba, Texas, is “The Pecan Capital of The World.”

22

Fried Hen

Is it actually a roundup of Southern meals if we do not embody fried rooster? This simply is likely to be probably the most flavorful option to cook dinner the hen, with all of the crispiness and juiciness. Whereas yow will discover fried rooster at locations like Popeyes and KFC, nothing beats a recent batch ready at dwelling.

23

Giblet Gravy

Talking of rooster, do not let the opposite components of the hen go to waste. Giblet gravy incorporates the gizzard, coronary heart, and neck of the rooster right into a wealthy sauce you possibly can serve with rooster or turkey.

24

Hoppin’ John

This dish options rice, onions, and black-eyed peas, together with a hearty dose of bacon for taste. It is a scrumptious facet dish to fried rooster or barbecue, or you could possibly eat a bowl of it for a lighter meal. Get pleasure from it on New Yr’s Day for good luck all yr spherical!

25

Po’boy Sandwiches

Some of the iconic New Orleans meals, po’boy sandwiches are a Southern staple. Made with fried seafood and even roast beef, full with thick, crusty bread, these sandwiches are legendary for a purpose.

26

Possum Pie

Made with chocolate, pecans, and cream cheese, this dessert is ideal for anybody with a candy tooth. And whereas it is named after the animal, possum pie is completely vegetarian-friendly.

27

Shoofly Pie

Did you assume there’d be only one oddly named pie on this checklist? Shoofly pie options molasses and brown sugar crumbs for a sticky, deliciously candy deal with. Whereas shoofly pie originated with the Pennsylvania Dutch, many a Southerner has loved this delicacy, too.

28

Hoecakes

No, these aren’t precise truffles. Hoecakes are a kind of cornmeal cake, and so they appear to be pancakes to the bare eye. A lighter various to cornbread, hoecakes pair effectively with rooster and fried okra.

29

Collard Greens

Not into okra? Maybe you’d favor a facet of collard greens, ready with ham hocks and butter. The collards themselves are nutrient-packed; the butter and meat make them scrumptious.

30

Potlikker

Talking of collard greens, have you ever heard of potlikker? The time period refers back to the leftover water from cooking the greens, which is full of vitamins and infrequently served with meat and seasonings.

31

Crimson Beans and Rice

One other staple of Louisiana delicacies, this dish is precisely what it feels like. Crimson beans and spices come along with rice for a flavorful facet dish. Have leftover meat like ham or sausage? Add it into the combination!

32

Biscuits

Whether or not you prime your biscuit with a fried rooster breast or simply with butter and jam, you possibly can’t go incorrect with these scrumptious buttermilk treats. Eaten at breakfast or time for supper, biscuits are probably the most iconic Southern meals on the market.

33

Banana Pudding

Certain, you may get banana pudding at Magnolia Bakery places up north. However there’s one thing about down-home, Southern-style banana pudding that may’t be crushed. For an genuine cup of banana pudding, head to a barbecue joint and add this candy deal with to your meal.

34

Candy Potato Pie

Candy potatoes are a scrumptious addition to the Thanksgiving desk and nutritious addition to any meal. However in the event you’re from the South, you might need additionally loved candy potato pie, which has similarities to pumpkin pie and scrumptious all yr spherical.

35

Nation Captain

Made with stewed rooster and curry powder, Nation Captain is a form of Southern tackle Indian meals. America is a melting pot, in spite of everything!

36

Candy Tea

Candy tea is probably the most iconic beverage of all time, and for good purpose. Even those that do not love the style of scorching black tea will flip to an ice-cold tea so candy it will make your tooth damage. What higher to clean down a barbecue sandwich with?

37

Cornbread

Hoecakes not your model? Get pleasure from your dinner with a sq. of cornbread as a substitute. Professional tip: If you happen to’re outdoors the Southern states, the cornbread at Complete Meals is surprisingly genuine.

38

Creamed Corn

Southerners take pleasure in corn in all shapes and types! Initially a Native American meals, creamed corn has develop into a staple of Southern delicacies. To make your individual, you may want milk and heavy cream or cream cheese—we love this creamed corn recipe from Gimme Some Oven.

40

Coca-Cola Cake

If you happen to’ve seen this chocolate dessert on the menu at Cracker Barrel, you might need questioned what the fuss was about. However within the South, Coca-Cola is far more than a movie-theater drink. It is used to cook dinner rooster and in baked treats like this one. You is likely to be stunned how a lot you’re keen on the fudgy style! Strive our Coca-Cola Cake Recipe and see for your self.

41

Brunswick Stew

With meat, beans, greens, and a tomato base, it is a hearty, Southern model of soup or chili. Order it at a Southern restaurant or strive making your individual at dwelling. We love this Brunswick stew recipe from The Seasoned Mother, which makes use of each rooster and pork.

42

Hen-Fried Steak

We have gone over fried rooster, however what about chicken-fried steak? That is one mashup that is so uniquely Southern, we’re nearly stunned it exists. Steak is breaded and fried the best way that fried rooster could be, after which topped with white gravy. It’s a must to strive it to imagine it.

43

Soiled Rice

There’s nothing unsanitary about this dish—quite, it takes its title from the brown coloration the rice takes when mixed with rooster liver, greens, and meat. You’ll be able to even order soiled rice as a facet dish at regional fast-food chains like Bojangles.

44

Custard Pie

The South certain loves its out-of-the-box pie creations! Made with vanilla, eggs, and cream, this dessert is easy however satisfying. The eggs and candy flavors come collectively for a scrumptious deal with that does not want jazzing as much as be scrumptious.

45

Divinity

Divinity is an old-school deal with that Southerners nonetheless take pleasure in at present. Made with sugar and egg whites, this easy dessert lives as much as its heavenly title.

46

Chow-Chow

This Southern relish options a number of greens along with pickles. It is scrumptious atop scorching canine, burgers, or something cooked on the grill.

47

Potato Salad

There are numerous substances that individuals swear by when making home made potato salad, and Southerners have their opinions about which strategies are finest. However these from the Southern states can agree that this is likely one of the finest methods to eat potatoes!

48

Corn Fritters

Yep, one other corn recipe! Consider corn fritters as a chunkier model of cornbread, with entire kernels of corn in each chunk. Topped with jam or served plain, they are a scrumptious facet dish for any Southern meal.

49

Zucchini Bread

If you happen to grew up within the South, you might need loved this veggie baked right into a loaf of bread. Wherever you are from, that is one recipe that is straightforward to make at dwelling—do that zucchini bread recipe from Sally’s Baking Habit.

50

Nation Ham

With its scrumptious salt crust, nation ham is much less candy than your typical spiral ham. Strive it at a Southern restaurant, or purchase a spiral ham on the grocery retailer and season it to perfection.

Now that you already know all of those Southern meals, you may need to guide a trip to the South ASAP.