Unveil the Treasured Family Recipes Collection!
By Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
There is never a wrong time to reminisce about a meal your grandmother used to prepare. Many cherished childhood memories are centered around the kitchen counter, watching her create one of her signature dishes. When reflecting on beloved childhood favorites, most share three common traits: simplicity, Southern charm, and affordability. Knowing your way around the kitchen allows you to create something delicious without breaking the bank.
We reached out to our Southern Living readers to share their favorite budget-friendly childhood meals, and the responses have us yearning for these traditional classics. Here are 13 timeless Southern dishes that we will continue to enjoy.
Pinto Beans and Cornbread
Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
Among the top picks from our readers, pinto beans and cornbread is a satisfying, economical meal that is also great for using up leftovers. Skilled cooks know how to infuse these beans with rich flavors using minimal ingredients.
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Soup Beans
Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee; Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood
Demonstrating that beans remain a staple that offers excellent value, soup beans (a favorite in the Appalachian region) is another beloved childhood dish. The flavorful broth sets it apart, often served with chow-chow or other pickled accompaniments.
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Stewed Okra and Tomatoes
Monica Farber/Southern Living
This simple, comforting dish embodies resourcefulness, a hallmark of affordable Southern cuisine. Slow-cooking okra and tomatoes creates a flavorful dish that stands on its own, usually served over rice with a side of cornbread.
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Macaroni And Tomatoes
Hannah Hufham, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
A cherished classic among readers, this dish is a straightforward combination of macaroni noodles and canned tomatoes—no meat needed. It is often enjoyed with a slice of buttered white bread.
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Creamed Chipped Beef & Toast
Jen Causey; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley; Food Stylist: Ana Kelly
This dish, known by a less formal name, features a creamy white sauce with dried beef generously ladled over toast. It’s a nostalgic skillet recipe that many still appreciate.
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Vegetable Soup
Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
A versatile and practical dinner option, vegetable soup is ideal for utilizing seasonal or frozen vegetables to feed a family. Adding ground beef is common but not always necessary.
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Red Beans and Rice
Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Red beans and rice are perfect for serving a crowd
Biscuits with Tomato Gravy, Chicken and Dumplings by Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
It’s hard to believe that something as delicious as chicken and dumplings can also be budget-friendly and perfect for the whole family. This dish is simple to make and features hearty dumplings, whether you prefer drop biscuits or rolled dough. Get the Recipe
Salmon Cake Patties by Micah A. Leal
Canned salmon has long been a staple in Southern households, offering a more affordable alternative to crab cakes. The flavorful mixture typically includes mayonnaise and Old Bay seasoning. Get the Recipe
Sausage Gravy And Biscuits by Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
It turns out that many readers enjoy this comforting dish not only for breakfast but also at dinner. It’s a quick and easy recipe that pairs perfectly with leftover biscuits. Get the Recipe
Black-Eyed Peas and Cornbread by Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist: Christine Keeley
Whether you come from a pinto bean family or a black-eyed pea family, cornbread is a must-have. Cooking the peas with bacon or ham hock creates a satisfying and savory meal. Get the Recipe
Hamburger Steak with Gravy by Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey
Ground beef is a reliable and budget-friendly option for meals, and hamburger steaks are a great choice when paired with quick gravy and potatoes. This dish is perfect for serving a crowd. Get the Recipe
For more recipes, visit the original article on Southern Living.
