There are a few things that the Southern US states are known for.
Their rich culture, hospitality, and roots in bluegrass music are just the beginning. The Southern comfort foods this area is known for are something to behold.
Sweet desserts using fresh fruits. Rich gravies, fried meats, and flaky biscuits. There’s nothing quite like the traditional comfort foods of the South.
Read on to find our favorite dishes to whip up at home or treat yourself to when you dine out.
1. Hush Puppies
If you’re a true Southerner, you know how almost any food can be made better by frying it. Hush puppies are a delicious fried cornbread with a crispy outside and doughy inside.
They’re served best as a side with fish fry or as an accompaniment for a BBQ.
2. Biscuits
Traditionally, this southern comfort food was made with lard. These days even southerners are trying to be more health-conscious, so they use shortening instead.
Biscuits are a yummy accompaniment for fried chicken meals or served on the side with breakfast.
3. Fried Catfish
Remember how we said any food tastes better when it’s fried? Seafood is certainly no exception to this rule. In fact, seafood is one of the staples in a lot of Southern cuisines.
Catfish are common in the Gulf states, so if you want a comforting fish dish, catfish is where it’s at.
4. Fried Chicken
This list of the best Southern food would not be complete without mentioning one more fried dish.
Chicken is one of the most common and versatile Southern dishes.
Fry it and serve with grits or cornbread. Stick it between syrup-laden Belgian waffles. Your southern-inspired mac and cheese recipe will pair nicely with fried chicken, too.
5. Gumbo
Gumbo is a New Orleans classic. It’s truly a melting pot of a dish, taking influence from the French, Choctaw Indians, and Cajuns.
The great thing about gumbo is that you can tweak it to your exact tastes.
Love shrimp and crab? Try a classic seafood gumbo.
Prefer chicken? How about a chicken and sausage gumbo instead?
6. Peach Cobbler
Nothing says “comfort food” quite like a delectable dessert. Though rich chocolate desserts often take the spotlight, there’s something to be said for fruit-centric treats, too.
Since Georgia is one of the top peach producing states, we had to include peach cobbler on our list.
Warm peaches with a crumbly and sweet crust are the perfect combo to end a meal. Serve it with a scoop of ice cream for the ultimate sweet treat.
7. Bananas Foster
How does a dessert made with bananas, ice cream, and a sweet buttery sauce sound? If we have you drooling, you need to try authentic bananas foster.
This dessert originated in New Orleans and is a must if you go out to eat. Since it’s flambeed, chefs often turn its preparation into a tableside performance.
Whip Up Your Favorite Southern Comfort Foods
There’s nothing quite like cozying up with Southern comfort foods. They not only taste fantastic, but they can fuel the soul, too.
Check out our Recipes section for mouthwatering comfort foods to try today.