29 Soul Food Recipes | A Selection Of Satisfying Southern Goodness

Craving for some soul food? Feast your eyes on these traditional Southern African-American soul food recipes. Ranging from fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread, and more!

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Experience the Magic of These Soul Food Recipes

Soul Food Recipes You Never Knew You Needed

“Soul food” gained popularity in the late 1960s. But its roots trace all the way back to Africa centuries ago. When okra, rice, and corn were common ingredients of the cuisine.

After making its way to the Southern part of the United States, it evolved into what we are now familiar with. Jambalaya, fried okra, cornbread, fried chicken, baked beans, and so on. If you're in the market for some homemade soul food, check out these authentic soul food recipes.

1. “Gumbo-Laya” Stew

The Gumbo-Laya is one-of-a-kind stew with rich, zesty gumbo flavors. It's the perfect marriage of spices from gumbo and jambalaya. Serve this up for the whole family, with fragrant rice on the side.

2. Banana Pudding

Banana Pudding is one of the most incredible desserts you will ever have! You can't miss out on a pudding this good, so try it out this winter.

Soul food recipes like this deserve to be in either your Christmas or Thanksgiving menu.

3. Southern Style Cabbage

Looking for an easy Southern dinner recipe? A Southern-style cabbage might be right up your alley. With only five ingredients, you can prepare and cook it in 45 minutes, tops.

Here's a savory tip: Use beef broth instead of water to cook the cabbage in.

4. Collard Greens

You may not be a fan of greens but you'll warm up to collard greens in Southern-style cooking. This is a simple dish everyone loves. But with a delicious flavor, you wouldn't expect from a veggie dish!

Soul food recipes really do make an awesome down-home meal.

5. Grandmother's Buttermilk Cornbread

Buttermilk cornbread is the perfect pair for so many other soul food recipes on this list. A Southern soul food cookbook isn't complete without a take on buttermilk cornbread.

You can even customize it by adding in different mixes.

6. Southern-Style Green Beans

Besides okra, green beans are a favorite in Southern-style cooking. Cook them low and slow, using fresh green beans.

This a perfect side dish for any Southern-style dishes, like Southern-style fried chicken.

7. Shrimp and Grits

Savory shrimp recipe are best when made hearty, with grits. Don't forget to prepare grits first which is easy, really.

This dish is great for brunch or dinner. And you can also top the grits with peppers, onions, and bacon.

8. Pecan Pie

You can't go wrong with a pecan pie. Make one with cupboard essentials. It's so simple, even kids can help out in the kitchen.

The next time you're hankering for a pastry dessert, get some pecans around and raid your cupboard. Those are all you need to baking.

9. Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried green tomatoes are not only a favorite Southern side dish but a pretty popular snack, too. Why not make them fancy by serving them at brunch?

And fried green tomatoes also make great appetizers. Soul food recipes like this also come with a zesty and creamy dip.

10. Creole Chicken Okra

People either love or hate okra. If you're the former who enjoys this humble veggie and its health benefits, try this chicken dish. It's a Creole-infused veggie-filled African dish that comes together in no time.

It's perfect for a quick and healthy dinner.

11. Southern Fried Chicken

Craving for a crisp and savory chicken delight? Our collection of soul food recipes won't be complete without chicken recipes.

A finger-licking good Southern fried chicken is first on our list!

12. Slow Cooker Creamed Corn

Smother corn in heavy cream and what you have is an authentic Southern dish. Put a slow-cooker in the equation and what you have is an even more lovable soul food recipe. With ingredients, you can dump in the slow-cooker and forget about.

13. Louisiana Cajun Lasagna

Let French, African, and American cuisine come together. Make a spicy, hearty and comforting Louisiana Cajun Lasagna. It's sure to wake up your taste buds.

This should make it to your Southern-inspired dinners for special occasions!

14. Country-Fried Skillet Corn

Southern food features summer harvest like corn. And because we can't get enough of this comforting food, we are including another corn recipe on our list.

The country-fried skillet corn with bacon is a meal you can't resist.

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15. Crunchy Oven-Fried Okra

Skip frying and try an oven-fried version instead. The oven-fried okra has less grease but more flavor! Making it healthier and tolerable for people who are not into these lady's fingers.

It's a mouthwatering classic Southern appetizer!

16. Black-Eyed Pea Stew

The Black-Eyed Pea Stew has a long history behind its humble beginnings. Southern tradition says it brings good luck to those who consume it on New Year's Day!

Now it's a comforting Southern favorite, perfect for cold, rainy, or winter days.

17. Southern Baked Beans

Baked beans and bacon is a great side dish recipe, but one can dig into this any time even as a whole meal in itself. You can also make this ahead of time, freeze, and heat up when you're craving comfort food.

18. Fried Peach Pies

We all know what fruit's abundant down South. So any self-respecting soul food recipes list won't do without a peach pie recipe. These flaky on the outside, creamy on the inside peach pockets or pies will satisfy your craving any day.

19. 4-Ingredient Overnight Southern Buttermilk Biscuits

Southern Buttermilk Biscuits go well with soup. Also with red bean stew, steak, butter, jam, and homestyle gravy. Serve them up on a BBQ or cookout and they'll sell better than hotcakes!

20. Jambalaya

Classic jambalaya is the real deal with the distinct Cajun flavors you can't resist! Whip it up for dinner to surprise the family.

Here's a spicy soul food recipes tip: If you want it extra hot, add two jalapenos for the extra kick.

21. Macaroni and Cheese

You can't say soul food without mac and cheese, and this entry is Southern through and through.

Bake your mac and cheese until the top layer is a crisp brown and enjoy it for dinner with some collards and BBQ ribs.

22. Chicken and Okra Gumbo

This Creole dish recipe will take more than an hour of your time to cook. But you won't regret doing it for a delicious fresh homemade gumbo!

Chicken and okra gumbo is a great contribution to your freezer meal group. It's a bit complicated, but you'll have a lot of fun getting it right.

23. Peppery Hush Puppies

Nice and crispy on the outside, soft and delicious on the inside! You might want to enjoy zesty hush puppies alongside your favorite fish dinner.

Prep, cook, and indulge yourselves with this appetizing side. You can also serve them as a standalone snack.

24. Creamy Hash Brown Potatoes

Group gatherings can capitalize on these delightful cheesy slow-cooker potatoes. If you normally buy hash browns in stores, it's time to make them at home. And make them flavorful by adding your own spices.

25. Shepherd's Pie

Add extra veggies and meat beneath your shepherd's pie's mashed potatoes. Traditional shepherd's pie is made with ground lamb, but beef is just as delectable.

Cooking soul food recipes are fast and easy. You can make them even on a busy weeknight!

26. Peanut Butter Fudge

Making peanut butter fudge is absolutely easy. You can either use the chunky style or the creamy peanut butter; it'll still be a luscious dessert.

Fudge also make great edible gifts for the holidays.

27. Sour Cream Cucumbers

Sour cream cucumbers are great during the summer. Especially when you have freshly harvested cucumbers from the garden.

They're quick and easy to make, and are such yummy side dishes to serve alongside chicken, fish, ham, or pork dishes. You will love these creamy, crunchy bites of goodness.

28. Saucy Pork Chops

Say goodbye to dry and flavorless pork chops with these juicy and tender ones. Skillet pork chops are an excellent comfort food you can pair with fruits and salads.

You'll love tender meaty chops that are super flavorful, but so easy to make.

29. Cream of Mushroom Soup

Think about loads of mushrooms, garlic, cream, and chicken stock. All cooked down into a comforting dish. Feel free to experiment and combine more exotic mushroom varieties.

You'll change your mind about buying a can of mushroom soup after making your own once. Have fun cooking, foodie friends!

Discover more comfort foods from around the world in this video by Food Insider:

There you have it, foodies. A list of soul food recipes and traditional Southern food you'll want to try again and again.

Try each of these soul food recipes to see which ones will become your meal plan's mainstay. We're sure it's going to be tough but you can always have these soul food recipes on hand whenever you need them.

Which of these delicious soul food recipes are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments section below! 

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Editor’s Note – This post was originally published on February 21, 2020, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.