Southern food recipe is a rich tapestry of comfort, culture, and tradition. Known for his heartfelt taste, soul-prolific texture, and deep roots in American culinary history, the southern cuisine brings people together with every bite.
A true southern food recipe is more than just material – it is about heritage, hospitality, and heart. Whether it is the crispy fried chicken, butter biscuits, creamy grits, or collard greens, which is seasoned with Smoky Ham Hock, each dish tells the story of the past generations. Experienced with bold spices and often cooked at a slow pace for perfection, southern dishes are known for their love of taste and enjoyment. Pecan pie or banana pudding, such as sweet behavior, falls out of the menu, making southern food a celebration in every course.

This cuisine often stems from a mixture of African, original American, and European influences, which makes a unique cook landscape that continues to develop. Cooking in the southern style gives comfort, taste, and a little tradition to your table.
Southern Food Recipe

Southern Food Recipe
Equipment
- Deep skillet or cast-iron pan
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Paper towels
- Cooling rack (optional)
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Mariga Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and put buttermilk on them. Cover and cool for 30 minutes (or overnight for the best taste).
- Prepare the coating: In a separate bowl, add flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, keene, salt and pepper.
- Drease chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk and drag well into experienced flour, pressurizing to follow.
- Heat the oil: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep pan for 350 ° F (175 ° C).
- Fry Chicken: Golden brown, crisp and internal temporary pieces of chicken reach 165 ° F (74 ° C) for 10–12 minutes per side.
- Drain and comfort: Transfer to a paper towel-rocked plate or wire rack. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Flavour Profile of Southern Food Recipe
- Bold and Well-Seasoned – Paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, black pepper, and onion powder are given maximal exposure in the recipes.
- Savory and Rich- butter, bacon fat, and gravy lend heavy, creamy textures.
- Smoky Speckling- Smoky undertones especially in selection of smoked meats (ham hock, bacon, sausage, smoked turkey).
- Sweet and Spicy- Generally, the sweet counterpart (molasses, brown sugar) dances with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Vinegary-Tangy- Vinegar-based sauces, pickles, and buttermilk all provide sharp, tangy notes.
- Comforting and Hearty- Emphasis on slow cooking textures with soulful, filling ingredients such as grits, cornbread, and beans.
- Crunchy and Crispy- From fried chicken to okra, crunchy textures are quintessential.
- Umami Intense- Ingredients like tomatoes, curing meats, and broths develop deep savory flavor.
- Creamy and Buttery- Found in mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, as well as in gravy-laden dishes.
- Optional Heat- Some heat is imparted to many a dish from the drops of hot sauce, slices of jalapeños, or sprinkling of Cajun or Creole spices.
Southern Food Recipe Nutrition & Calories
Dish | Serving Size | Calories |
---|---|---|
Fried Chicken | 1 piece (thigh) | 320 |
Shrimp & Grits | 1.5 cups | 450 |
Chicken and Dumplings | 1.5 cups | 370 |
Biscuits and Gravy | 1 biscuit + 1/4 cup gravy | 420 |
Collard Greens (with ham hock) | 1 cup | 120 |
Cornbread | 1 square (2.5"x2.5") | 200 |
Jambalaya | 1.5 cups | 410 |
Gumbo (with sausage & shrimp) | 1.5 cups | 380 |
Macaroni and Cheese | 1 cup | 350 |
Peach Cobbler | 1 serving (1/8 pan) | 280 |

Megan Sheley is the passionate voice and creative force behind Clean Meal Recipes. With over 7 years of experience as a Food Blogger and Recipe Developer, Megan blends her love for wholesome food with her educational background in Public Health to create nutritious, delicious, and approachable recipes.