When it comes to comfort food, few cuisines can match the warmth and richness of soul food. Hearty, satisfying dishes that originated in the Southern United States, soul food is all about indulging in flavors and textures that evoke a sense of home and community. Whether you’re looking for a classic Southern fried chicken recipe or a modern twist on traditional collard greens, there’s something for everyone in this collection of 18 soul-stirring recipes.
From comforting casseroles to crispy cornbread and tender meat dishes, these beloved recipes have been passed down through generations of cooks who know that the key to a truly satisfying meal lies in using only the freshest ingredients and a healthy dose of love. So grab your apron and get ready to dig in – we’ve got everything you need to create a soul food spread that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Southern Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Marinade
Get ready for a finger-lickin’ good time with this classic Southern recipe! Tender and juicy chicken pieces are marinated in a tangy buttermilk mixture, then dredged in crispy flour and fried to golden perfection.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 tsp paprika
– 1/4 tsp garlic powder
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
5. Dredge the chicken pieces in flour, shaking off excess.
6. Fry the chicken for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Slow-Cooked Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey
A hearty, comforting dish that combines the rich flavor of smoked turkey with the tender sweetness of slow-cooked collard greens. Perfect for a chilly winter evening or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound collard greens, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 pound smoked turkey breast or thighs, sliced
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the collard greens, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the greens are slightly wilted, about 10 minutes.
5. Add the chicken broth, water, and apple cider vinegar. Bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and add the sliced smoked turkey. Simmer, covered, for 2-3 hours or overnight.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours or overnight
Classic Mac and Cheese with Three Cheeses
Satisfy your comfort food cravings with this creamy, cheesy macaroni dish that combines the richness of three artisanal cheeses.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups milk
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add milk, stirring until smooth.
4. Bring mixture to a simmer and let cook for 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
6. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Stir until well coated.
7. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until top is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Crispy Cornbread with Honey Butter
Elevate your cornbread game with this crispy, golden-brown recipe that’s perfect for snacking or serving alongside your favorite dishes. The sweet and tangy honey butter adds a delightful contrast to the crunchy cornbread.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Honey butter ingredients (below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine sugar, buttermilk, egg, and melted butter. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Honey Butter:
– 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons pure honey
Mix softened butter and honey in a small bowl until smooth. Spread on warm cornbread for an added layer of flavor.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Smothered Pork Chops in Onion Gravy
A classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in. Thick-cut pork chops smothered in a rich, caramelized onion gravy will become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork chops (1-1.5 inches thick)
– 2 large onions, sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally (about 20-25 minutes).
4. Remove onions from skillet, leaving drippings behind. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Place pork chops in the same skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned.
6. Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until pork reaches desired doneness.
7. Remove from oven and top each chop with a spoonful of caramelized onions and a drizzle of chicken broth mixture (equal parts broth and milk/heavy cream).
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Black-Eyed Peas with Ham Hocks
Classic comfort food at its finest! This hearty, flavorful dish is a staple of Southern cuisine.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight and drained
– 2 ham hocks (about 1 pound)
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine black-eyed peas, ham hocks, onion, garlic, and cumin.
2. Pour in chicken broth until the peas are covered by about an inch.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until peas are tender and liquid has reduced slightly.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Sweet Potato Pie with Cinnamon Whipped Cream
A sweet and comforting twist on traditional pumpkin pie, this sweet potato pie is perfect for the fall season. The addition of cinnamon whipped cream takes it to the next level!
Ingredients:
For the pie:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
For the whipped cream:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a bowl, combine sweet potatoes, sugar, flour, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
3. Stir in heavy cream, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.
4. Pour into a pie crust and bake for 45-50 minutes or until set.
5. Let cool completely before serving with cinnamon whipped cream.
Whipped Cream:
1. In a bowl, whip heavy cream and sugar until stiff peaks form.
2. Add cinnamon and whip until combined.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Fried Catfish with Spicy Remoulade Sauce
A Southern classic gets a kick of heat from this spicy remoulade sauce, perfectly pairing crispy fried catfish with a tangy and creamy condiment.
Ingredients:
– 4 catfish fillets
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Remoulade Sauce:
+ 1/2 cup mayonnaise
+ 1/4 cup chopped green onions
+ 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
+ 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
+ Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Dip each catfish fillet into the flour mixture, coating both sides evenly.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Fry the catfish for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together remoulade sauce ingredients.
6. Serve fried catfish with Spicy Remoulade Sauce spooned on top.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Red Beans and Rice with Andouille Sausage
This hearty dish is a staple of Louisiana cuisine, made rich by the flavors of tender beans, savory sausage, and fluffy rice. Enjoy this comforting meal on its own or as a side to your favorite protein.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 pound Andouille sausage, sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the sausage over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Add olive oil to the pot and sauté the onion and garlic until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; stir for 1 minute.
4. Add soaked beans, browned sausage, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until beans are tender.
5. Serve the red bean mixture over cooked rice and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Buttermilk Biscuits with Sausage Gravy
Start your day off right with a warm, flaky biscuit and a rich, savory gravy made with sweet sausage. This classic Southern combination is easy to make and sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 4 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup buttermilk
– 1 sausage link (such as Jimmy Dean), cooked and crumbled
– 2 tablespoons pan drippings from cooking the sausage
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add buttermilk and stir until dough comes together.
4. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently 2-3 times.
5. Roll out to 1-inch thickness. Cut into desired shape (biscuit cutter or simply tear into pieces).
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Gravy:
1. In a small skillet, cook sausage link over medium heat until browned.
2. Remove sausage from pan and set aside. Leave drippings in pan.
3. Add crumbled sausage back into the pan and stir to combine with drippings.
4. Serve hot over warm biscuits.
Candied Yams with Brown Sugar Glaze
Sweeten up your holiday meal with this easy and delicious side dish. Candied yams smothered in a rich brown sugar glaze will be a new family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 large yams, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
– 1 cup light brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine yam slices and brown sugar mixture (below). Toss until the yams are evenly coated.
3. Spread the yam mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 45 minutes or until the yams are tender and caramelized.
Brown Sugar Glaze:
1. In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, water, butter, and vanilla extract. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and brush the glaze over the yams during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Shrimp and Grits with Cheese and Bacon
A Southern classic gets a decadent twist with the addition of melted cheese, crispy bacon, and succulent shrimp.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in the grits and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20-25 minutes or until creamy.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Stir in crumbled bacon and cooked shrimp into the grits. Mix well to combine.
4. Transfer the grit mixture to a serving dish or individual ramekins. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Chicken and Dumplings with Herb Broth
A classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for a chilly evening or a family gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned.
3. Sprinkle flour, thyme, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper over the mixture; stir to combine.
4. Gradually add broth and milk, whisking continuously. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, prepare dumplings by mixing together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons butter, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Roll out dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling mixture into the broth, cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes or until dumplings float to the surface.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes.
Pecan Praline Bread Pudding
Rich, buttery bread is transformed into a decadent dessert with the addition of caramelized pecans and a crunchy praline topping.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup caramelized pecans (see note)
– Praline topping ingredients: 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup light corn syrup, 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sugars, salt, and cinnamon. Add bread cubes and toss until evenly coated.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, eggs, and melted butter. Pour mixture over bread cubes and stir until well combined.
4. Fold in caramelized pecans.
5. Pour pudding into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
6. While pudding is baking, prepare praline topping by melting sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in pecans.
Note: To caramelize pecans, preheat oven to 350°F. Toss 1/2 cup chopped pecans with 1 tablespoon brown sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until fragrant and lightly browned. Let cool before using.
Okra and Tomatoes Stew with Cornbread
A hearty and comforting stew that combines the flavors of okra, tomatoes, and spices, served with a crispy cornbread crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup okra, sliced
– 2 cups chopped tomatoes (canned or fresh)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 cup cornbread mix
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Honey or sugar, optional
Instructions:
1. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the sliced okra and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Add the chopped tomatoes and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the okra is tender.
6. Meanwhile, prepare the cornbread by combining the mix with buttermilk in a bowl. Stir until smooth. Pour into a greased skillet or baking dish.
7. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
BBQ Ribs with Homemade Bourbon Sauce
Get ready for a taste of pure bliss with these mouthwatering BBQ ribs smothered in a rich and tangy homemade bourbon sauce. The perfect combination of sweet and savory, these ribs are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs
– 1 cup BBQ rub
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey (optional)
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or oven to 275°F.
2. Remove membrane from back of ribs; season with BBQ rub.
3. Grill or bake ribs for 2-3 hours, or until tender.
4. While ribs are cooking, combine bourbon sauce ingredients in a saucepan; bring to a simmer over medium heat.
5. Reduce heat to low and let sauce thicken for 10-15 minutes.
6. Brush ribs with bourbon sauce during last 30 minutes of cooking.
7. Remove from heat; let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Fried Green Tomatoes with Ranch Dressing
Savor the crispy, savory goodness of fried green tomatoes paired with a creamy ranch dressing for a twist on a classic Southern favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 green tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Ranch dressing, store-bought or homemade
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each tomato slice first in the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry the tomato slices in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately with ranch dressing for dipping.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes total, depending on the number of batches you fry.
Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream
Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Warm up to a sweet treat on a cozy night! This classic peach cobbler recipe is paired with creamy vanilla ice cream, creating the perfect combination of flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups fresh peaches, sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup biscuit or cobbler topping (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 pint vanilla ice cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine peaches, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until the peaches are evenly coated.
3. Pour the melted butter over the peach mixture and mix well.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Roll out the biscuit or cobbler topping to fit the dish, placing it on top of the peach mixture.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly.
7. Serve warm with scoops of vanilla ice cream.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Serves: 8-10
Summary
Get ready to indulge in some comfort food heaven! This collection of 18 soulful recipes will transport you to a world of hearty, satisfying meals. From classic mac and cheese to smothered pork chops, crispy cornbread to sweet potato pie, these comforting dishes are sure to become new family favorites. With a mix of old-school Southern staples and creative twists, there’s something for everyone in this delicious lineup. So go ahead, grab a plate, and dig into the flavors that’ll make your taste buds sing!
