Our Favorite Southern Food Bloggers of 2017

By Southern Living
Photo: Syrup and Biscuits

The South is justly famous for its diverse culinary offerings, where food is as much a part of the region as its unique history and cultural influence. And we’re lucky enough to have dedicated food bloggers, who bring their love and passion from the kitchen to our screens every day, showcasing delicious recipes to make at home, helpful restaurant recommendations, and yes, mouth-watering food photos. When looking for something different outside of your go-to blogs, turn to one of these eight Southern foodies. From easy weekday dinners to melt-in-your-mouth desserts, here’s a list of the best blogs you should follow in 2017. Cue food envy. 

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Karly Gomez

Photo: A Simple Pantry

Visit her blog: A Simple Pantry

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About A Simple Pantry

Photo: A Simple Pantry

Yes, we’re “hangry” too after scrolling through Karly Gomez’s blog. If you love stunning visuals and arresting photographs of food, this Texas native and mother of four has you covered. Her blog features back-to-basic recipes, as well as more aspiring dishes, like these Sweet & Smoky Pulled Pork Cornbread Waffle Sliders. 

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Carol Lou

Photo: T. Moran

Visit her blog: A Passion for Entertaining

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About A Passion for Entertaining

Photo: A Passion for Entertaining

The name says it all, as Carol Lou brings her passion for entertaining to her readers. Sure, you can find tried-and-tested family favorites and interesting spins on Southern classics, like the crispy bacon pops pictured above that we’re currently drooling over. But we also love reading about her interesting finds from various Southern destinations.  

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Erika Council

Photo: Andrew Thomas Lee/Southern Souffle

Visit her blog: Southern Soufflé

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About Southern Soufflé

Photo: Southern Soufflé

“In college, I was hell on a hot plate and used to serve meals out of my dorm room, which earned me the nickname ‘Southern Soufflé,’” states Erika Council, the Atlantan behind the aptly-titled food blog. When you’re craving just a little bit of soul on a plate, Council delivers. Southern Soufflé boasts traditional down-home foods with Council's own delicious tweaks. Expect to see plenty of biscuit recipes and cast-iron favorites here that go way beyond skillet cornbread.  

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Beth Branch

Photo: Beth Cakes

Visit her blog: Beth Cakes

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About Beth Cakes

Photo: Beth Cakes

If you and your sweet tooth aren’t following baking extraordinaire Beth Branch, you’re truly missing out on a feast for the eyes (and tummy). Branch is a former intern of trusted recipe curator, MyRecipes, and a 2013 graduate from the University of Alabama. But, most importantly, she’s about to change dessert as you’ve come to know it, specifically when it comes to baking decadent pies and cakes. Oh, how sweet it is! 

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The South's 10 Best Barbecue Joints

Barbecue is a Southern art that's been perfected through hours of cooking meat over low, slow-burning fires. From classic, juicy pulled pork to Texas' famous slow-cooked brisket, barbecue spreads far and wide across the region in all different forms. Some of us dredge our pulled pork in a tangy, vinegar-based red barbecue sauce, while others are smothering their shredded smoked chicken with creamy Alabama white sauce. We asked around–here are your vote for the top 10 Southern spots for finding perfect, melt-in-your-mouth barbecue.

View all of the South's Best 2017 winners here. 

10. 4 Rivers Smokehouse; Winter Park, FL
4 Rivers began when owner John River cooked barbeque for a friend’s fundraiser. Now, it has 13 locations in Florida.

9. Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q; Decatur, AL
In 1925, railroad worker Bob Gibson started serving barbecue right out of the pit he dug by hand.

8. Franklin Barbecue; Austin, TX
You can only grab lunch at this dining spot. The listed hours are 11 a.m. to SOLD OUT.

7. Central BBQ; Memphis, TN
You won’t find sauce near this Memphis barbeque spot. Instead, Central BBQ uses a secret combination of dry spices.

6. The Salt Lick BBQ; Driftwood, TX
Three generations of the Roberts family have been barbecuing over the same fire pit for 50 years.

5. Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous; Memphis, TN
This Memphis landmark still cooks ribs like they did 60 years ago – with a vinegar wash and a dry rub borrowed from the founder’s family chili recipe.

4. Lexington Barbecue; Lexington, NC
Locals refer to it as the “Honeymonk” in honor of Wayne Monk who opened the restaurant in 1962.

3. Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q; Atlanta, GA
Fox Bros. started as the backyard barbeques of two Texas brothers and grew into to an Atlanta staple.

2. Dreamland; Tuscaloosa, AL
As revered as Paul “Bear” Bryant Jr., both the legendary coach and this legendary barbecue joint got their start in Tuscaloosa in 1958.

1. Southern Soul Barbeque; St. Simons Island, GA
A converted old gas station in this Georgia beach town is barbecue heaven.

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Stacey Little

Photo: Southern Bite

Visit his blog: Southern Bite

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About Southern Bite

Photo: Southern Bite

“Feeding people makes me happy,” says cookbook author and proud dad, Stacey Little. And we’re happy we get to digitally teleport into Little’s kitchen, where he serves up more than just fried food, biscuits, and gravy. You can see how he expertly infuses fresh, local ingredients into classic Southern staples. Case in point: crispy egg rolls stuffed with pulled pork and collard greens, with signature Alabama white sauce for dipping. See more of his game-day inspired bites here. 

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Susannah Brinkley

Photo: Kristen Abigail Photography/Feast and West

Visit her blog: Feast + West

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About Feast + West

Photo: Feast and West

Food blogger Susannah Brinkley launched Feast + West in 2014. Brinkley currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, and uses this food blog to highlight the intersectionality among design, travel, and food. And somehow she manages to incorporate all three into one tasty package. Find cooking and entertaining tips here, as well as travel inspiration and themed recipes to add to your arsenal. 

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Brandie Skibinski

Photo: The Country Cook

Visit her blog: The Country Cook

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About The Country Cook

Photo: The Country Cook

For home cook enthusiasts who are short on time and need budget-friendly recipes, look no further than The Country Cook. Virginian Brandie Skibinski is dedicated to providing easy-to-make recipes for busy cooks. The Country Cook basically takes the guesswork out of your weekday meal planning. Something we all can be grateful for. 

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Jackie Garvin

Photo: Syrup and Biscuits

Visit her blog: Syrup and Biscuits

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About Syrup and Biscuits

Photo: Syrup and Biscuits

Pull up a chair to Jackie Garvin’s dinner table, where you’ll be treated to an eye full of Southern-inspired meals and recipes that hang their hat on tradition. And if you want to know more about the former Alabama native, this quote from her blog sums it up perfectly: “Being born and raised in Alabama and entrenched in southernism was a gift. It gave me an identity. I am part of a culture that embraces gracious hospitality, manners, love of God and country, frugality, family values and good honest food.”

We couldn’t have said it better. 

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