Experience the Magic of These Soul Food Recipes!

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

Experience the Magic of These Soul Food Recipes

Soul Food Dishes

While “soul food” gained popularity in the late 1960s, 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, soul food 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

A one-of-a-kind stew with rich, zesty gumbo flavors, this recipe is 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

This probably one of the most incredible desserts you will ever have! You can’t miss out on a pudding this good, so try out this Southern-style banana pudding recipe, now.

I guarantee you, this dessert will make it to either your Christmas or Thanksgiving menu.

3. Southern Style Cabbage

If you’re looking for an easy Southern dinner recipe, this Southern-style cabbage would be right up your alley. With only five ingredients, you can prepare and cook this recipe 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 recipe, but with a delicious flavor you wouldn’t expect from a veggie dish, especially collard greens.

These authentic Southern collard greens make a truly awesome down-home meal.

5. Grandmother’s Buttermilk Cornbread

This 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.

The best part about this recipe is you can customize it by adding in different mixes. Help yourself to Grandmother’s buttermilk cornbread recipe.

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.

Take on this easy vegetable recipe perfect as a side dish for any Southern-style dishes, like Southern-style fried chicken.

7. Shrimp and Grits

What you want for this savory shrimp recipe is to make it hearty as well, with grits. You are going 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 this easy, made 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 and you’ve got some pecans around, raid your cupboard and get 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?

Apparently, fried green tomatoes also make great appetizers. Try this recipe, which also comes with a zesty and creamy dip.

10. Creole Chicken Okra

People either love or hate okra, but if you’re one of the former and truly enjoys this humble veggie along with its health benefits, include this okra recipe in your repertoire. 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 Southern-style dishes won’t be complete without soul food chicken recipes.

This incredibly flavorful and 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 just dump in the slow-cooker and forget about.

13. Louisiana Cajun Lasagna

French, African, and American cuisine come together to make this spicy, hearty and comforting lasagna. Try this delicious Louisiana Cajun Lasagna recipe that will 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.

This country-fried skillet corn with bacon is a meal you can’t resist.

RELATED: 25 Homemade Bread Recipes

15. Crunchy Oven-Fried Okra

Skip frying and try this oven-fried version instead. This oven-fried okra has less grease but more flavor! This way, fried okra becomes healthier and tolerable for people who are not so much into these lady’s fingers.

It’s a mouthwatering classic Southern appetizer!

16. Black-Eyed Pea Stew

This delicious recipe has a long history behind it with humble beginnings. Southern tradition says it brings good luck for 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 in the inside peach pockets or pies will satisfy your craving any day.

19. 4-Ingredient Overnight Southern Buttermilk Biscuits

This is an easy biscuit recipe that goes well with soup, red bean stew, steak, butter, jam, and homestyle gravy. Serve this up on a BBQ or cookout and it will sell better than hotcakes!

20. Jambalaya

This classic jambalaya is the real deal with the distinct Cajun flavors you can’t resist! Grab the jambalaya recipe here and whip it up for dinner.

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

21. Macaroni and Cheese

You can’t say soul food without mac and cheese, and this entry is Southern through and through. What makes this mac n’ cheese recipe a cut above the rest is it’s a Martha Stewart recipe.

Bake 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 these zesty hush puppies alongside your favorite fish dinner.

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

24. Creamy Hash Brown Potatoes

Group gatherings can capitalize on these delightful cheesy slow-cooker potatoes. If you normally buy it in stores and think it doesn’t really satisfy your tastebuds, it’s time to do it at home and make it flavorful by adding your own spices.

Cooking diner-style hashbrowns at home couldn’t be simpler.

25. Shepherd’s Pie

This comfort food is so flexible, you can add extra veggies and the meat of your choice beneath those fluffy mashed potatoes. Traditional shepherd’s pie is made with ground lamb, but beef is just as delectable.

Cooking this recipe is fast and easy; you can make it even on a busy weeknight!

26. Peanut Butter Fudge

This peanut butter fudge recipe is absolutely easy. You can either use the chunky style or the creamy peanut butter; it’s simply a luscious dessert.

Besides being incredibly fast and easy to make, this stuff would make a great edible gift for the holidays.

27. Sour Cream Cucumbers

Sour cream cucumbers are great during the summer when you have fresh harvest cucumbers from the garden. This recipe is quick and easy to make, and makes a yummy side dish 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 this juicy and tender recipe. Skillet pork chops are an excellent comfort food you can accompany with fruit and salads.

You’ll love these tender meaty chops that are super flavorful but too easy to make.

29. Cream of Mushroom Soup

Think about loads of mushrooms, garlic, cream, and chicken stock 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 trying this recipe. Have fun cooking, foodie friends!

Watch this video from Drew Binsky for his Top 10 favorite Southern Food:

There you have it, foodies. A list of soul food dishes and traditional Southern food recipes 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 all of 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 August 19, 2016, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

29 Yummy Soul Food Recipes | A Selection Of Satisfying Southern Goodness