8 Popular Southern Dishes Everyone Should Try
Are you tired of running around everywhere searching for the best restaurants that have the fanciest dishes, the most artistic-looking dishes, or the most exotic dishes?
Southern dishes are not only kind on your wallet but also a delicious taste of the South, a taste that you’ll yearn for after you’ve eaten them.
Are you still not sure? The guide below will help you make your decision. Check out the popular Southern dishes that are sure to satisfy your taste buds.
1. Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is a popular southern dish that everyone should try at least once. It is often served with potato wedges, mashed potatoes, and a variety of sides, such as macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, and green beans. The secret to successful fried chicken is the perfect combination of spices and oils to give the chicken that delicious, crunchy crust.
The outcome is a fried chicken dish that will have you hooked on the flavor, taste, and crunch that you can only find in the south. A lot of enthusiasts enjoy a good takeout and even reheat the fried chicken in air fryer to retain the taste.
2. Jambalaya
Jambalaya is a flavorful and filling dish that’s a staple of Southern cuisine. Originating from Louisiana, it’s a one-pot meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Jambalaya is traditionally made with rice, vegetables, and meat, with chicken and sausage being the most popular choices.
The dish is spiced with a blend of Cajun seasoning, which gives it a distinctive and delicious flavor. Jambalaya is a versatile dish that you can customize to suit individual tastes. You can make it with shrimp, crawfish, or even alligator meat, depending on what’s available.
3. Shrimp and Grits
Shrimp and grits is an iconic southern dish that everyone should have on their list of must-try dishes! This famous dish is usually made of shrimp, yellow grits, bacon, paprika, and cheddar cheese
The dish is typically flavorful yet not spicy while still packing a punch. It is often considered comfort food or a classic go-to for the southern palate. Shrimp and grit can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and is an excellent pairing with a mimosa or cold beer!
4. Red Beans and Rice
Southern cuisine is full of delicious dishes, and red beans and rice is no exception. Originating in Louisiana, red beans and rice has remained an integral part of the Southern diet.
The dish is made with white rice, red beans, and spices like cayenne and garlic and is often served over stewed tomatoes and cooked in a broth of tender onions. The key to good red beans and rice dish is to slowly simmer the beans until they’re soft, breaking them down as they cook. This creates a rich, creamy texture that is sure to please any palate.
The addition of cooked sausage and other meats to the dish gives it an extra boost of flavor. Red beans and rice is a comfort food favorite—one that everyone should try.
5. Biscuits and Gravy
Popular Southern dishes have been gaining popularity worldwide as people become more adventurous with their taste. A must-try is biscuits and gravy, a simple yet scrumptious dish of buttermilk biscuits served with a creamy sauce made with flour, milk, and sausage.
For best results, the gravy should be made with freshly ground sausage, adding a delightful texture and flavor. Those looking for a heartier version can opt to pair it with fried eggs. Enjoy with side options such as bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms, or green onions.
6. Pecan Pie
Pecan pie is a popular dish found throughout the Southern United States. It is a homey dessert with a sweet, gooey center surrounded by a flaky and buttery crust. The base of pecan pie is usually a combination of corn syrup and sugar, which is mixed with eggs, salty butter, and crunchy pecans.
The combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy is classic American comfort food with a Southern flair. Pecan pie is at its best when served piping hot, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side, allowing the hot and cold to compliment each other perfectly.
7. Collard Greens
Collard greens are a popular Southern dish that everyone should try. This dish is a staple in Southern cooking and is also served in many Southern homes. They are prepared with pork fat, hot sauce, and a variety of other flavorful seasonings, giving them a unique and delightful taste.
Collard greens are slowly cooked and are rich in calcium, vitamins A, C, and K, and dietary fiber. They are also rich in iron and magnesium, helping to strengthen bones and the immune system.
8. Banana Pudding
Banana pudding is one of the most popular Southern dishes to try. This creamy and sweet dessert is a combination of moist vanilla pudding, a creamy vanilla pudding layer, sliced ripe bananas, and then topped with a delicious meringue.
As the pudding cools, it absorbs the sweetness of the bananas, creating a truly unique and delightful flavor. This all-time favorite can be enjoyed on its own, or as part of a larger dessert spread served at traditional Southern dinners, barbecues, and gatherings. It can also be eaten as a snack in between meals, offering a delightful sweet treat anytime, anywhere.
Try These Southern Dishes Today
Try out these Southern dishes today! Popular Southern food has long been a fan favorite. With so many classic dishes to explore, there are plenty of flavors to try.
So, why wait? Give it a try today!
Did you find this article helpful? Check out the rest of our blogs!
