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African American Southern Style Cooking Recipes

Celebrate rich traditions passed down through generations with these classic soul food recipes that bring warmth and comfort to every meal. These Black Southern country food recipes showcase hearty, flavorful dishes rooted in history and made for sharing around the table

  • The Best Homemade Biscuits and Easy Sausage Gravy
    Holiday Brunch Breakfast

    The Best Homemade Biscuits and Easy Sausage Gravy

    23 min cook time

    Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this homemade biscuits and easy sausage gravy recipe! Flaky, buttery biscuits are layered to perfection and topped with the best sausage gravy – rich, creamy, hearty, and full of flavor. This classic Southern dish is perfect for a cozy weekend, Thanksgiving dinner, or Christmas brunch, offering a warm meal that’s simple yet deeply satisfying.

    Whether you’re sharing with loved ones during the holidays or treating yourself, these biscuits and homemade sausage gravy are bound to become a favorite staple for comforting, down-home cooking. For a complete meal, consider serving these biscuits and gravy with a fluffy cheese omelet with crispy bacon, or a Greek yogurt parfait layered with fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast.

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  • Skillet Cornbread Recipe
    Side Dish

    Skillet Cornbread Recipe

    30 min cook time

    Make room at your next gathering for this Skillet Cornbread. With just the right amount of cornmeal and sour cream, it’s got a satisfying grainy-but-tender texture. A touch of brown sugar brings the sweetness, and the Cheddar and lactose-free milk harmonize all the flavors—even if you decide to add chilies into the mix!

    Did we mention it’s nourishing too? This recipe is an excellent source of vitamin A and iodine, and a good source of folate, fiber, protein, iron and choline.

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  • Cheesy Grits Recipe
    Side Dish Budget

    Cheesy Grits Recipe

    15 min cook time

    What goes with any meal and even works as a snack? Cheesy grits! Warm up on a cold day with an easy-to-make comfort food. This creamy cheddar grits recipe takes mild corn flavor up a notch with the addition of shredded Cheddar and a dash of paprika. Milk—whether lactose-free or not—brings out the rich and smooth texture. Our cheesy grits recipe is also a good source of protein, Vitamin A and calcium.

    Whether you are making cheesy grits for breakfast or supper, serve it with chicken, fried fish, shrimp or even eggs! You can also use it as a side dish with your favorite topping. 

    You can also swap out the Cheddar for Pepper Jack and add green chilies and fresh cilantro for the classic Southwest cheese grits.

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  • Macaroni and Cheese With Panko Breadcrumbs
    Side Dish Budget

    Macaroni and Cheese With Panko Breadcrumbs

    20 min cook time

    Macaroni and cheese is a dish that brings everyone to the table, from the youngest diners to adults craving comfort food. This mac and cheese with bread crumbs delivers mild, creamy flavors that please picky eaters, while the different types of cheeses—sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and a touch of Parmesan—add depth and richness for more experienced palates.

    When baked in a skillet, the pasta absorbs the cheesy sauce perfectly, and topping it with panko breadcrumbs or a crunchy layer creates a golden, crispy exterior that contrasts with the smooth, indulgent interior. This baked mac and cheese with bread crumbs not only tastes decadent but also caramelizes evenly under the broiler for a satisfying bite every time.

    Plus, it’s a recipe you can feel good about serving. It's an excellent source of protein, vitamin A, folate, calcium, and a good source of iron, this macaroni and cheese with panko breadcrumbs is as nourishing as it is comforting.

    How To Make Macaroni and Cheese with Panko Breadcrumbs

    To make mac and cheese with bread crumbs, start by cooking the pasta until tender and toasting the breadcrumbs in butter until golden. Next, prepare a creamy cheese sauce by whisking together butter, flour, mustard, and seasonings, then gradually adding milk until thickened. Stir in a blend of cheddar and mozzarella, reserving some for the topping. Combine the pasta with the sauce in a skillet, sprinkle with the remaining cheese and toasted panko, and broil until the breadcrumbs are crisp and golden for a baked mac and cheese with bread crumbs that’s creamy inside and crunchy on top.

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  • Parker House Dinner Rolls
    Side Dish Holiday

    Parker House Dinner Rolls

    32 min cook time

    Bring a touch of old-fashioned charm to your table with these homemade Parker House Rolls, perfectly soft, fluffy, and buttery. These classic Parker House dinner rolls are a delightful addition to any meal, with a golden crust and tender, pillowy interior that melts in your mouth. Named after the Parker House Hotel in Boston, where they were first created in the 1870’s, these yeast dinner rolls quickly became iconic for their unique fold and luxurious texture. The Parker House Hotel popularized these rolls by serving them with meals, captivating diners with their slight sweetness, soft texture, and buttery finish—a combination that embodies classic American baking traditions.

    Each dinner roll is brushed with a hint of cream before baking, adding richness to the already irresistible flavor. Paired with a savory garlic-herb butter, these Parker House rolls are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or any cozy night in. Get ready to savor the simple joys of freshly baked bread, one delicious roll at a time!

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A Closer Look at Southern Recipes

What are some traditional Southern foods?

Traditional Southern recipes are known for their warmth, richness, and comforting flavors. Staples include fried chicken, cornbread, mac and cheese, and grits. For example, our Panko Mac and Cheese delivers a golden, crunchy topping over a creamy base, perfect for fans of Southern mac and cheese recipes. The types of cheese you use—like sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a touch of cream cheese—can make all the difference in achieving that iconic, melt-in-your-mouth Southern comfort.

What are some Southern side dishes?

Classic Southern side dishes range from creamy to crispy and everything in between. Favorites include mashed potatoes, casseroles, and cornbread. Try our Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese for a velvety twist on a staple. Our Cheesy Green Bean Casserole is another must-have, especially during holidays. Both pair beautifully with cornbread, like our Cheddar Cornbread Squares, inspired by a true Southern cornbread recipe. 

What is a traditional Black Southern meal?

A traditional meal in Black Southern cooking recipes often reflects deep-rooted family traditions and bold, soulful flavors. Meals typically include dishes like fried or grilled chicken, cornbread, greens, and mac and cheese. For example, the Kefir-Brined Barbecue Chicken offers a flavorful twist on classic Southern chicken recipes, keeping the meat juicy and tender. Pair it with our Parker House Rolls for a meal that celebrates the heart of African American Southern recipes and brings generations of flavor to the table.

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