David G. from Yelp has a deep appreciation for the culinary delights of the South. The Southeastern U.S. is a treasure trove of delicious food that could take a lifetime to fully explore. While many Southern delicacies have gained popularity nationwide, nothing beats the authentic Southern experience. Here are some Southern specialties that you might wish were available in your own neighborhood.
1. Biscuits: In the South, biscuits are typically made from scratch using White Lily flour. From rolled and cut out biscuits to buttermilk versions, there’s a wide variety to enjoy. And let’s not forget the classic combination of biscuits and gravy.
2. Pimento Cheese: This beloved Southern snack is a mix of shredded cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos. Perfect for parties or as a sandwich spread, pimento cheese is a versatile treat that can elevate any dish.
3. Cajun and Creole: Louisiana offers a rich culinary heritage with dishes like jambalaya, po’boys, gumbo, beignets, and more. The blend of African, French, Spanish, Native American, and Caribbean influences creates a truly unique dining experience.
4. Barbecue: Southerners take their barbecue seriously, with various regional styles and techniques. From whole hog in North Carolina to brisket in Texas, barbecue aficionados can debate endlessly about the best approach.
5. Cornbread: Unlike the sweet cornbread found elsewhere, Southern cornbread is dense and rustic, often cooked in a hot cast iron skillet for a hearty crust. Variations with jalapenos and cheese add a spicy twist.
6. Peach Everything: Southern states like Georgia are known for their juicy peaches, which are used in a variety of dishes like cobblers and pies. The South’s love for peaches ensures that this fruit is a staple in many desserts.
For more insights into regional specialties, be sure to subscribe to our newsletters.
You can also find peach salsa, pork chops with peaches, and peach jams.
Fried Chicken:
While fried chicken can be found throughout the U.S., it was perfected in the South over centuries and has become an iconic dish. The technique of frying chicken may have originated from Scots-Irish settlers who passed it on to their African American slaves. Now, it is one of the most popular dishes in Southern restaurants and homes.
Grits:
Introduced by Native Americans centuries ago, grits are a corn porridge that has become a staple food in the South, particularly among those facing poverty. It is commonly eaten for breakfast but can also be served as a side dish for any meal. Shrimp and grits is a popular way to enjoy this dish outside of the South.
Mac and Cheese:
Macaroni and cheese is a must-have at holiday gatherings in Southern households, especially during Thanksgiving. There are countless variations of this cheesy dish, each with its own secret recipe. Whether it includes eggs, a crunchy cracker topping, or American cheese, opinions on the best way to make mac and cheese are strongly held. And forget about the boxed varieties!
Casseroles:
Southerners are known for their delicious casseroles, including classics like cheesy broccoli and rice, chicken spaghetti, and King Ranch casserole. There are also lesser-known baked dishes such as pineapple casserole, poppy seed chicken, and spoonbread. Casseroles offer both convenience and comfort in Southern cuisine.
Nashville Hot Chicken:
The Nashville-style hot chicken, known for its fiery spice, originated at Prince’s in Nashville and remains a favorite for hot food lovers. Unlike many imitators, the original hot chicken features bone-in fried chicken coated in a cayenne-laced oil, ensuring a crunchy coating that sets it apart.
Boiled Peanuts:
A Southern specialty, boiled peanuts have a unique history dating back to their introduction from Africa. Fresh peanuts are boiled in their shells until soft, often seasoned with spices, and sold at roadside stands or gas stations. This unusual treat showcases the versatility of peanuts in Southern cuisine.
Country Ham:
Similar to hams from Italy and Spain, the South has its own version known as country ham. This ham is salt-cured and aged, resulting in a salty and flavorful profile reminiscent of prosciutto. Served on special occasions, country ham is typically thinly sliced and enjoyed on fresh mini biscuits.
14. Collard Greens
Collard greens are among the oldest greens globally and surprisingly originated in the eastern Mediterranean. The Southern cooking style of collard greens was introduced by enslaved African Americans, who utilized the greens they could gather along with leftover bits of pork or meat, stewing them together to create a simple yet tangy and complex dish. Don’t forget to enjoy the potlikker with cornbread when you eat them.
15. Caribbean Cuisine
Thanks to the South’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean cuisine has thrived in certain regions. Florida is renowned for its Cuban cuisine, with the Cubano sandwich becoming iconic in Tampa and Miami. Haitian cuisine is also popular in South Florida, featuring traditional dishes like griot and ox tail stew with pikliz, a Haitian pickled vegetable relish, served in many restaurants and cafes.
16. Key Lime Pie
The origins of key lime pie are debated, but it’s undeniable that the Florida Keys are its current home. Made with fragrant key limes, this pie offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors with the key lime juice mixed with sweetened condensed milk.
17. Banana Pudding
Banana pudding is a quintessential Southern dessert, although its origins are not from the region. It wasn’t until after the Civil War that bananas became more accessible in America, leading to the rise in popularity of banana pudding recipes. The South particularly embraced it post-World War II due to its cooling and refreshing qualities in the summer, ease of preparation, and affordability.
18. Tomato Sandwich
When the garden yields bumper crops of tomatoes, it’s time for a beloved Southern tradition: tomato sandwiches. These sandwiches are a simple and elegant way to savor a ripe tomato. Slice the tomato thickly, season with salt and pepper, and layer on white bread with generous amounts of Duke’s mayo. Enjoy it over a sink to prevent messy tomato juices.
– Originally published on Cheapism.
