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Allrecipes/Qi Ai
Southern recipes are central to American cuisine. We have the South to thank for barbecue, Lowcountry boils, and Southern fried chicken. We all know the popular sides like collard greens, biscuits, and cornbread. However, there are so many lesser know recipes that deserve our attention. Here are 20 dishes that you’ve probably never tried that come from every corner of the South. Some are variations on classic creations, others are as traditional as they come.
01
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Southern Fried Chicken Livers
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
"This is one of my favorite foods EVER," says reviewer Sarah Jo. "I add a little Johnny's seasoning salt to my flour with the garlic powder. This is heaven. Great thing about this dish, too, is you can almost always buy the ingredients for this on the cheap."
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02
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Fried Dandelions (Appalachian-Style)
Larry
"Fried dandelions are a local favorite back in West Virginia, up in the Appalachian Mountains," says Allrecipes community member Micah Funk. "This is my mom's recipe and consists of picking the largest dandelion flowers and leaving the entire stem behind, battering the flowers up and frying them in butter."
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03
of 20
Carolina Red Slaw
Chef John
We've all had slaw at one point or another, but how about Chef John's version on the Carolina Red Slaw?
“This was a fabulous side for our barbecue. I’ve never had slaw like this before,” says reviewer Lacyanne. “The uniform size of the cabbage and the complexity of the flavor made it a star. The husband really enjoyed the spice and said he prefers it to ‘regular’ slaw.”
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Our 18 Most Popular Cabbage Recipes
04
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Ozarks Potato Salad
lutzflcat
"My momma always made this for those hot summer days when we would all go to the creek or floating on the many creeks we have around here," says Allrecipes community member Mammas girl. "It's a classic Arkansas take on potato salad.
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05
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Southern-Style Chocolate Gravy
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This chocolate gravy lets you have chocolate for breakfast,” says Allrecipes member April Yeager. “It’s excellent served over hot, flaky biscuits or homemade drop biscuits. Everyone will be cheering for more.”
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06
of 20
Cathead Biscuits
StephW
This recipe gets its name because the biscuits are supposed to come out the size of a cat's head, and in this instance, bigger is better.
"This is the old-time recipe from our grandmamas," says Allrecipes member Hollinhead77. "There is no real measurement in this for the shortening. Wonderful and tasty heavy biscuit from the old times. Great with homemade sausage gravy."
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I Tried Our 5 Most Popular Biscuit Recipes and There Was One Clear Winner
07
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Pan-Fried Crookneck Squash
Corina Harison
"This pan-fried crookneck squash is good ole Southern fried food," says Allrecipes community member Teresa Clements. "The cornmeal really brings out the squash's flavor. I serve it as a side dish with just about any meal during the season."
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08
of 20
Persimmon Cake
Natasha Titanova
"Make this deliciously moist persimmon cake when persimmons are in season in fall and early winter," says Allrecipes community member kmusgrave. "It's an easy recipe and sweet enough to eat as-is or with a light dusting of powdered sugar—although some decadent cream cheese icing on top is also an option!
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09
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Mississippi Slugburger
ALLRECIPES / KAREN HIBBARD
“I’m showing you my take on one of America’s strangest hamburgers, and certainly the hamburger with the strangest name,” says Chef John. “But don’t worry, this is 100 percent mollusk-free. The name comes from the fact that these used to cost a nickel, and in the past, the slang term for nickel was ‘slug.'”
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This Oklahoma Staple Is the Original Smash Burger
10
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Scott Hibb's Amazing Whisky Grilled Baby Back Ribs
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
"The zippy taste was refreshingly different than that overly sweet and sticky chain restaurant taste everyone assumes baby back ribs should be," says one reviewer. "Rib meat fell off the bone with every bite. A big hit at the Labor Day BBQ!"
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15 Quick and Easy Barbecue Side Dishes
11
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Dooky Chase-Style Fried Chicken
Chef John
"I've tried to make Fried Chicken using other recipes," says reviewer El Baz. "This is the only one that has ever really come out like I wanted it to. No double dipping, no messing around. Very straight forward."
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15 Classic Side Dishes for Fried Chicken
12
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Alligator Fingers
"Learn how to cook alligator with this quick and easy way to fix up gator bites for your friends," says Allrecipes community member JerryFLA. "If you're new to gator, don't be intimidated—it tastes like chicken!"
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13
of 20
Georgia Caviar
"Black-eyed peas in a zesty marinade make a wonderful dip for tortilla chips or bread," says Allrecipes community member Gabrielle.
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The ‘Ultimate’ Party Dip With a Perfect 5-Star Rating
14
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Mississippi Sin
"I have been making this for years," says reviewer HappyBoard2102. "Lovely done in any kind of bread and easy to take for parties (Bring extra crackers as the bread goes fast). I have also done it in a crock pot. Everyone will ask for the recipe."
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15
of 20
Pickled Peaches
Here's a delicious recipe passed down from a grandma.
"Amazing," says reviewer Linda Lou. "I had never tasted pickled peaches before, but I do know that Southern Women are great cooks. I am so glad I trusted my instincts! That first taste literally took my breath away."
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16
of 20
Southern-Style Neck Bones
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
"Pork neck bones are great with greens or cabbage," says Allrecipes member KERYNE. "They can be baked or boiled, and this recipe can be fixed either way. It depends upon how much attention you want to give the dish. I think this is one of those meals that takes you back to your mother's kitchen."
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17
of 20
Mom's Purple Hull Peas
Allrecipes/Qi Ai
"What a great comfort food recipe," says reviewer LovesCooking. "It’s the kind of dish that hugs you and feeds your soul. It is hearty and delicious. The bacon goes so well with the other components, adding a nice touch of smokiness."
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18
of 20
Traditional Kentucky Burgoo
"This is my version of a traditional Kentucky stew recipe my brother brought back after going to school in Louisville," says Allrecipes community member TonyEditor. "A favorite on Derby Day or any day!"
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19
of 20
Elvis Presley Cake
Beth K.
"This cake was delicious," says reviewer Indigo. "I made it for my mother's birthday because she loves Elvis and Pina Coladas so I thought it was perfect. Everyone loved it!"
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Elvis Presley’s Favorite 4-Ingredient Sandwich Is So Iconic, It’s Simply Called ‘The Elvis’
20
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Southern-Style Vanilla Lemonade
"I love this lemonade—it's got the perfect blend of lemon sour and vanilla musk," says reviewer Phot. "I use one or two more lemons than the recipe calls for because I like my lemonade nice and sour."
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More Inspiration
Photography: Carson Downing / Food: Lauren McAnelly / Prop Styling: Laura Ellefson/Lexi Juhl
- Our 15 All-time Favorite Southern Potluck Recipes
- 15 Classic Dishes My Southern In-Laws Taught Me to Cook
- Our Entire Collection of Southern Recipes
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