100 Ways to Cook Southern
Bacon Pimiento Cheese
Recipe: Bacon Pimiento Cheese
Spread homemade Bacon Pimiento Cheese on whole wheat bread with lettuce and tomato. Use leftover spread on crackers or celery for a snack.
1 of 100
Two-Step Pound Cake
Recipe: Two-Step Pound Cake
It takes only six ingredients and two easy steps to create this buttery, from-scratch Southern staple. Simply layer the ingredients in a bowl, mix, pour, and bake.
2 of 100
Southern Sweet Tea
Recipe: Southern Sweet Tea
Only Southerners understand just how sweet tea should be. Add the full cup of sugar to this recipe if you like yours extra sweet.
Watch Video: Simply Southern Sweet Tea
3 of 100
Buttermilk Biscuits
Recipe: Buttermilk Biscuits
A Southern breakfast is far from complete without flaky, buttery biscuits. This simple five-ingredient recipe gets rave reviews from readers who say it can result only in perfection. Save time by making the dough in a food processor. Pulse dry ingredients six or seven times, and then slowly add liquid through the food chute while processing
Watch: Our Best Ever Buttermilk Biscuit
4 of 100
Hot Grits With Tomato Gravy
Recipe: Tomato Gravy
Tomato Gravy over hot grits makes a winning combination for any meal.
5 of 100
Cheese Straws
Recipe: Cheese Straws
If you like yours less spicy, use the smaller amount of red pepper.
6 of 100
Tennessee Caviar
Recipe: Tennessee Caviar
Instead of fish eggs, this Southern version of caviar features down-home veggies. Make it a day ahead for the best flavor.
7 of 100
Grilled Chicken With White Barbecue Sauce
Recipe: Grilled Chicken With White Barbecue Sauce
Chicken thighs are seasoned with rub of dried thyme, oregano, cumin, and paprika. The versatile white sauce received our highest rating and is also good as a condiment for burgers.
8 of 100
Best Boiled Peanuts
Recipe: Boiled Peanuts
Southerners love shelling out these soft and salty nuts.
9 of 100
Pork Tenderloin on Cornmeal Biscuits
Recipe: Pork Tenderloin on Cornmeal Biscuits
Running out of time to assemble sandwiches yourself? Let guests make their own—serve sliced pork on a platter with chutney and biscuits on the side.
10 of 100
Beer-Batter Fried Pickles
Recipe:Beer-Batter Fried Pickles
Crunchy, tart pickles get a crispy, deep-fried coating for this crowd-pleaser. We liked the recipe made with Alabama-bred Wickles-brand sweet-hot sliced pickles. Serve with Spicy Ranch Dipping Sauce.
11 of 100
Praline Pecans
Recipe: Praline Pecans
Pralines are best made when the weather is dry--humidity tends to make them grainy. Be sure to use a heavy saucepan, and work quickly when spooning the pecan mixture onto the wax paper.
12 of 100
Southern-Style Collard Greens
Recipe: Southern-Style Collard Greens
It’s the slow cooking method that really brings out that mouth-watering smoky pork flavor and the tender texture of Southern-Style Collard Greens. But, the best part is dipping a piece of cornbread in all that leftover potlikker.
13 of 100
Herb-Grilled Chicken With Watermelon-Feta Salad
Recipe: Herb-Grilled Chicken With Watermelon-Feta Salad
Forget to marinate the chicken in advance? No problem. This rub only takes 30 minutes. Simply add the refreshing, flavorful Watermelon-Feta Salad for a quick and easy meal your family will love.
14 of 100
Quick & Tasty Banana Pudding
Recipe: Quick & Tasty Banana Pudding
This super easy banana pudding calls for just four ingredients: a banana, thawed whipping topping, prepared vanilla pudding, and vanilla wafer.
15 of 100
Assemble-Your-Own Barbecue Stacks
Recipe: Assemble-Your-Own Barbecue Stack
Have a few of these yummy Barbecue Stacks ready to go when your friends arrive. The rest can be put together by your guests.
16 of 100
Shrimp Po’boys
Recipe: Shrimp Po’boys
Try this authentic shrimp po'boy recipe to get a taste of New Orleans' famous cajun cuisine.
17 of 100
Crab Cakes With Lemon Rémoulade
Recipe: Crab Cakes With Lemon Rémoulade
Serve these classic crab-filled cakes atop a mixed baby greens salad.
18 of 100
Pineapple Upside-Down Carrot Cake
Recipe: Pineapple Upside-Down Carrot Cake
One quick flip and this moist cake with perfectly caramelized fruit slips from a skillet.
19 of 100
Warm Turnip Green Dip
Recipe: Warm Turnip Green Dip
It's Southern tradition to have a little hot sauce with your turnip greens, so be sure to offer guests several brands to choose from on the side.
20 of 100
Luscious Lemon Bars
Recipe: Luscious Lemon Bars
Classic lemon squares are always a popular dessert at teas, luncheons, and showers. As an added bonus, you can make them ahead and freeze for up to one month.
21 of 100
Sour Cream Cornbread
Recipe: Sour Cream Cornbread
Low-fat kitchen staples keep this Cheddar-topped cornbread moist and delicious. Enjoy it as a side to any meal, or use this recipe as an ingredient in our fabulous Farmhouse Eggs Benedict.
22 of 100
Fiesta Brisket
Recipe: Fiesta Brisket
Serve spicy Fiesta Brisket with a squirt of fresh lime juice and a sprig of cilantro.
23 of 100
Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Recipe: Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Give up the box mix, making Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese from scratch is easier than you think. Even if you have never tried to make your own mac ‘n’ cheese at home before, this simple recipe will have you enjoying a bowl of warm, creamy, cheesy goodness in a matter of minutes. Baked macaroni and cheese is rich and delicious, and this is one of our most-requested recipes. So step up to the stove and step away with a dish full of this mac ’n’ cheese delight.
Test Kitchen Tip: It’s best to shred your own block of cheese, especially if using a reduced-fat product. Pre-shredded brands don’t always melt as well or deliver that extra-sharp flavor. You can use a box grater or a food processor with a shredding device.
Step-by-Step Video: Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese
24 of 100
Easy Brunswick Stew
Recipe: Easy Brunswick Stew
Nothing is more comforting than a big bowl of hearty Brunswick stew. Sop up every flavorful last bit with crusty bread or crispy cornbread crackers.
25 of 100
Classic Mint Julep
Recipe: Classic Mint Julep
The classic version is served in silver julep cups. These are filled to the rim with a refreshing concoction of the finest bourbon, simple syrup, fresh mint, and crushed ice. See our tips and techniques for stirring up a mint julep.
Step-by-Step Video: Make a Classic Mint Julep
26 of 100
Ham-Stuffed Biscuits With Mustard Butter
Recipe: Ham-Stuffed Biscuits With Mustard Butter
Yeast biscuits—also called angel or bride’s biscuits—hold together well, so they’re a good choice to serve at gatherings. The so-Southern combination of ham and biscuits is always a hit!
27 of 100
Pecan Bourbon Balls
Recipe: Pecan Bourbon Balls
Who spiked the cookies? Hardly a Christmas can pass in the South without these traditional ball-shaped, bourbon-flavored pecan cookies ending up on a dessert bar or in a gift box.
28 of 100
Old-fashioned Meatloaf
Recipe: Old-fashioned Meatloaf
Meatloaf may be one of the ultimate comfort foods, so a classic meatloaf recipe is always a reader favorite. Beginning with lean ground beef, this Southern meatloaf recipe features Creole and Greek seasonings and a hint of garlic. Celery, breadcrumbs, onion, and tomato paste all add flavor, richness, and depth to this delicious delight. A few tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce—that's the fantastic taste you're trying to figure out—spice up the traditional ketchup topping which keeps this meatloaf moist, tender, and juicy. This may be called the Old-Fashioned Meatloaf, but it is one of the best-tasting meatloaves you will eat today.
Watch: How To Make Old-fashioned Meatloaf
29 of 100
Mississippi Hush Puppies
Recipe: Hush Puppies
While these golden deep-fried gems are often paired with fried fish, Kentuckians and Carolinians think of them as natural partners to any plate of barbecue.
30 of 100
Easy Three-Seed Pan Rolls
Recipe: Easy Three-Seed Pan Rolls
These rolls start with frozen bread dough but taste as if they're made from scratch--perfect for no-fuss entertaining. You'll get a spectacular look and big flavor while saving time.
31 of 100
The Ultimate Carrot Cake
Recipe: The Ultimate Carrot Cake
Truly our best-ever carrot cake recipe, make this classic favorite for a crowd and you might not have any leftovers to bring home.
Step-by-Step Video: Best Carrot Cake Ever
32 of 100
Shrimp and Grits
Recipe: Shrimp and Grits
The original recipe for this hearty shrimp and grits dish is from Bill Smith, executive chef at Crook's Corner, the landmark Southern restaurant in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
33 of 100
Pork Chops with Pepper Jelly Sauce
Recipe: Pork Chops with Pepper Jelly Sauce
The sweet and spicy pepper jelly sauce creates a beautiful glaze on the pork chop and keeps the meat moist and tender.
34 of 100
Cinnamon-Pecan Rolls
Recipe: Cinnamon-Pecan Rolls
These rolls feature a buttery, brown sugar-pecan filling as well as a rich and creamy vanilla glaze. Better yet, the easy yeast-roll dough rises in just 30 minutes.
35 of 100
Honey-Bourbon Glazed Ham
Recipe: Honey-Bourbon Glazed Ham
Roasting ham with cloves makes for a showstopping Southern classic. Your family and friends are sure to love the flavorful sweet glaze. For a twist, try Honey-Bourbon Boneless Glazed Ham.
36 of 100
Pecan Pie
Recipe: Pecan Pie
A refrigerated pie crust keeps the prep time for Pecan Pie under 5 minutes. Pair with Vanilla Ice Cream for the ultimate treat.
37 of 100
Herb-Grilled Chicken
Recipe: Herb-Grilled Chicken
We've concocted a simple, healthful recipe to start your season of outdoor cooking. Choose your favorite fresh herb to enhance the flavor of grilled chicken. Remove the herb sprig before serving, or leave it as a garnish.
38 of 100
Banana Pudding Pie
Recipe: Banana Pudding Pie
Pie just doesn’t get much easier or better than this tasty twist on banana pudding. In fact, once you try our speedy version of homemade custard, you’ll never be tempted to make instant pudding again. If you’re a big fan of vanilla wafers like we are, pick up an extra box and tuck a few into the meringue before baking. For party-pretty slices, dip the knife blade in cold water or lightly coat with vegetable cooking spray.
39 of 100
Southern-Stuffed Rosemary Chicken
Recipe: Southern-Stuffed Rosemary Chicken
This surprisingly easy recipe takes less than an hour to prepare and consistently receives top ratings from reviewers. Chicken breasts are stuffed with toasted pecans and cornbread stuffing, then topped with a creamy sauce, parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh rosemary.
40 of 100
Peach-and-Toasted-Pecan Ice Cream
Recipe: Peach-and-Toasted-Pecan Ice Cream
This sublime ice cream is packed with two Southern favorites, refreshing peaches and nutty pecans.
41 of 100
Macaroni-and-Pimiento Cheese Bites
Recipe: Macaroni-and-Pimiento Cheese Bites
Wow family and friends with these easy party poppers. You can also bake the mixture in a casserole dish and use the breadcrumb coating as a crispy topping.
42 of 100
Classic Fried Catfish
Recipe: Classic Fried Catfish
Red pepper and garlic seal the flavor of the cornbread mixture that coats these catfish fillets. For an extra-crispy crust, use stone-ground yellow cornmeal.
43 of 100
Chicken-and-Sausage Gumbo
Recipe: Chicken-and-Sausage Gumbo
After preparing the roux, most of the time spent making gumbo is basically hands-free. You’ll just need to stir the pot occasionally to prevent sticking. This flavorful stew recipe is worth the effort.
44 of 100
Vanilla Ice Cream With Fruit Blend
Recipe: Vanilla Ice Cream With Fruit Blend
Serve this soft right out of the ice-cream maker's container, or freeze it for a firmer consistency.
45 of 100
Southern Shrimp Cocktails
Recipe: Southern Shrimp Cocktails
Have the seafood market steam shrimp to save time, or follow our easy instructions in the recipe. Serve the shrimp, okra, and breadsticks on a platter around a bowl of the sauce, or make individual cocktails. Use 4-oz. votive candleholders, shot glasses, cordial glasses, or mini-martini glasses.
46 of 100
Blueberry-Cinnamon Muffins
Recipe: Blueberry-Cinnamon Muffins
Fat-free buttermilk and a teaspoon of cinnamon take the traditional blueberry muffin recipe to the next level. Tip: To prevent berries from bleeding, toss them in flour, and then gently fold them into batter.
47 of 100
Georgia Peach Trifle
Recipe: Georgia Peach Trifle
Layers of bourbon-drizzled pound cake, creamy vanilla pudding, and juicy peaches meld together in an elegant trifle presentation that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
48 of 100
Italian Pot Roast
Recipe: Italian Pot Roast
This Italian pot roast is an easy weeknight dinner. Play around with the mushroom selection; try baby portabellas or creminis.
49 of 100
Roast Pork with Garlic-Onion Gravy
Recipe: Roast Pork with Garlic-Onion Gravy
It's worth purchasing a meat thermometer for this recipe. We used an instant-read version, but a standard one would work equally well. Cook the roast to 180° to 185° for incredibly tender but sliceable meat, making a pretty holiday presentation.
50 of 100
Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies
Recipe: Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies
Dark brown sugar adds surprising richness to this cookie dough. Bake each batch 8 minutes for soft and gooey cookies, or up to 14 minutes for crisp results.
51 of 100
Watermelon Cooler
Recipe: Watermelon Cooler
Watermelons are a classic summer road stand fruit that sometimes goes to waste because they are so large. Make use of your leftover watermelon slices and cool down from the heat with this fresh, tangy summer sipper.
52 of 100
Spicy Cheddar-Stuffed Burgers
Recipe: Spicy Cheddar-Stuffed Burgers
This burger will make you the envy of the neighborhood. Start by mixing the ground beef with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Then press two patties together, both topped with cheddar cheese. The result is a thick, spicy, and delicious cheese-filled burger.
53 of 100
She-crab soup
Recipe:She-Crab Soup
Top off a creamy bowl of this iconic Charleston soup with a spoonful of sherry at the table.
54 of 100
Fresh Peach Salsa
Recipe: Fresh Peach Salsa
Add fresh, fruity flavor to grilled chicken, fish, or baked pita chips for a snack with this versatile salsa. Sautéing peaches with onions and jalapeño intensifies the flavors.