Cozying up with a warm, comforting dish is one of life’s greatest pleasures. And what better way to do so than with a plate piled high with rustic hillbillies’ favorites? From flaky biscuits and crispy fried catfish to creamy chicken and dumplings, we’ve rounded up 18 hearty recipes that’ll make your taste buds do the Texas two-step.
In this article, we’ll be exploring some of the most iconic Southern dishes that’ll transport you straight to Grandma’s kitchen. With a mix of classic comfort foods and innovative twists, these recipes are sure to become new family favorites. So grab a glass of sweet tea, get cozy, and let’s dig in!
Grandma’s Buttermilk Biscuits
A classic Southern staple, these flaky and tender biscuits are a perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 4 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup buttermilk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the cold butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk and 1 tablespoon of water. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until the dough comes together in a shaggy mass.
5. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead 2-3 times until it forms a cohesive ball.
6. Roll out the dough to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass.
7. Place biscuits on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) space between each.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Smothered Pork Chops with Gravy
This classic Southern recipe yields tender pork chops smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy, perfect for serving over mashed potatoes or egg noodles. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll be enjoying this comforting dish in no time!
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless pork chops
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of chicken broth
– 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons of butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, cook the pork chops over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until browned.
4. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside.
5. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Add sliced onions and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally (about 10-12 minutes).
6. Sprinkle flour over the onions and whisk together. Gradually pour in chicken broth, whisking continuously.
7. Return pork chops to the skillet and simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes or until cooked through.
8. Serve hot with a spoonful of gravy over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Fried Green Tomatoes
A crispy and flavorful twist on a classic Southern staple. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as an appetizer for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 green tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each green tomato slice into the buttermilk, coating completely, then roll in the flour mixture to coat.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
5. Fry the coated tomato slices for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Cornbread Dressing with Sage
Add a savory twist to your holiday table with this flavorful cornbread dressing infused with the earthy goodness of sage. Perfect for accompanying roasted turkey or chicken, this side dish is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups stale cornbread, crumbled
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage leaves
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion and celery in butter until softened.
3. Add crumbled cornbread, sage leaves, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir until well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Slow-Cooked Pinto Beans with Ham Hock
A hearty, comforting dish perfect for a chilly evening or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried pinto beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 ham hock (about 6 inches long)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Water, for cooking
Instructions:
1. Preheat your slow cooker to Low.
2. In the crock pot, combine soaked pinto beans, ham hock, onion, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Add enough water to cover the ingredients by about an inch.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook for 8-10 hours or overnight.
5. When the cooking time is up, remove the ham hock from the pot and let it cool slightly.
6. Once cool enough to handle, strip the meat from the bone and return it to the beans.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (Low) or overnight
Country Fried Steak with Cream Gravy
A classic comfort food dish that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, this Country Fried Steak with Cream Gravy is a perfect solution for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb top round steak, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Dip each steak slice into buttermilk, then coat in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
3. Fry steaks in hot oil until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Remove steaks from oil and place on paper towels to drain.
5. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in heavy cream and flour until smooth. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve country-fried steak with cream gravy over your favorite sides.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Skillet Cornbread with Cracklins
This recipe combines the comforting warmth of cornbread with the crispy, savory goodness of cracklins. Perfect for a cozy dinner or as a side dish to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup cracklins (crispy fried pork rinds)
– Honey or maple syrup for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, salt, and baking soda.
3. In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, egg, and melted butter. Stir in the dry ingredients until just combined.
4. Pour the batter into a greased 10-inch cast-iron skillet.
5. Sprinkle cracklins evenly over the top of the cornbread.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cornbread is golden brown and cracklins are crispy.
7. Remove from oven, let cool slightly before serving with honey or maple syrup if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chicken and Dumplings
This hearty recipe combines tender chicken with soft, fluffy dumplings in a rich broth. A warm and cozy dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 teaspoons salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cups dumpling mixture (see below)
Dumpling Mixture:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1/2 cup warm water
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
2. Add chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
3. Pour in broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the dumpling mixture by whisking together flour, melted butter, and warm water.
5. Once the chicken is cooked, drop spoonfuls of dumpling mixture into the pot, stirring gently to distribute evenly.
6. Cover the pot and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Fried Catfish with Hushpuppies
Get ready for a taste of the South with this easy and flavorful recipe for fried catfish paired with crispy hushpuppies. This classic comfort food is perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering.
Ingredients:
For the Catfish:
– 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
For the Hushpuppies:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornmeal
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each catfish fillet in the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture. Place on a plate or tray.
4. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the catfish for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. For the hushpuppies, mix together flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt, and baking soda in a bowl. Add buttermilk and stir until a thick batter forms.
6. Drop tablespoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes total.
Collard Greens with Bacon
A classic Southern side dish that’s both comforting and nutritious. This recipe pairs the earthy flavor of collard greens with crispy bacon for a delicious and satisfying accompaniment to your favorite meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh or frozen collard greens, chopped
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove the cooked bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. Add the chopped collard greens, minced garlic, and chicken broth to the same skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the greens have wilted and reduced in size.
4. Stir in the cooked bacon and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Possum Pie (Mock Apple Pie)
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this creative twist on traditional apple pie, featuring the humble possum berry!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups possum berries (or substitute with a combination of blueberries and blackberries)
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine possum berries and sugar. Let it sit for 15 minutes, allowing the berries to release their juice.
3. Add cornstarch, lemon juice, and salt to the berry mixture. Mix until well combined.
4. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish.
5. Pour the possum berry mixture into the pie crust.
6. Dot the top of the filling with butter pieces.
7. Roll out the remaining pie crust to create a lattice-top or crisscross design.
8. Place the design on top of the filling and trim excess crust.
9. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Blackberry Cobbler
This classic Southern dessert is a perfect way to enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors of blackberries during the warm summer months. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a delicious cobbler that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together blackberries and granulated sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add melted butter to dry ingredients and stir until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients and stir until just combined (do not overmix).
6. Pour batter over blackberry mixture in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Brush egg wash over top of cobbler.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling bubbles up.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Fried Okra
A Southern classic, fried okra is a delicious and addictive snack or side dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. This recipe yields crispy, flavorful okra pods that are perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh okra pods
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dredge okra pods in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Dip floured okra in the buttermilk, then coat in flour mixture again, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Fry okra pods in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes total.
Homemade Apple Butter
This recipe yields a rich and tangy apple butter that’s perfect for topping toast, using as a filling for cakes and pastries, or serving alongside your favorite cheeses. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you’ll be enjoying homemade apple butter in no time.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 lbs apples (any variety, but firmer apples like Granny Smith work best)
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
1. Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces.
2. In a large pot, combine the apple pieces, brown sugar, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon (if using).
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the apples are soft and the liquid has reduced.
4. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the mixture until smooth.
5. Continue cooking the apple butter over low heat for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Cooking Time: About 1 hour
Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
A classic holiday main course, this baked ham is elevated by a sweet and sticky brown sugar glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham, trimmed of excess fat
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon.
3. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, scored diamond-patterned side up.
4. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored lines.
5. Cover the ham with foil and bake for 2 hours.
6. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized.
7. Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Pinto Bean Soup with Cornbread
Warm up with a hearty Pinto Bean Soup and crumbly Cornbread combination! This classic Southern duo is perfect for a cozy night in or a comforting meal after a long day.
Pinto Bean Soup
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried pinto beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper in a little water until tender.
2. Add soaked pinto beans, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and cumin.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour or until beans are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cornbread
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add buttermilk and egg; stir until just combined.
4. Pour into a greased skillet or baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden.
Cooking Time:
– Pinto Bean Soup: 1 hour
– Cornbread: 15-20 minutes
Peach Jam Biscuit Shortcake
A sweet and tangy twist on classic shortcake, this recipe combines flaky biscuits with a layer of warm peach jam and fresh whipped cream. Perfect for a summer brunch or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg, beaten
– Peach jam (store-bought or homemade)
– Fresh whipped cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work into crumbs.
3. Pour in heavy cream, granulated sugar, and beaten egg. Mix until dough forms.
4. Roll out dough on floured surface to about 1 inch thickness. Cut into squares or circles.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Split biscuits in half horizontally. Top with peach jam and whipped cream.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Molasses-Glazed Sweet Potatoes
Molasses-Glazed Sweet Potatoes: A Twist on a Classic Recipe
Sweet potatoes get a rich and savory makeover with this molasses glaze recipe. This sweet and sticky glaze adds depth and complexity to the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 4 large sweet potatoes
– 1/2 cup molasses
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt, to taste
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork.
3. Bake the sweet potatoes for 45-50 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
4. While the sweet potatoes are baking, combine molasses, brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, and cinnamon in a small saucepan.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and brush them with the warm glaze.
7. Sprinkle salt to taste and dot the top of each sweet potato with butter.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Summary
Get cozy with these hearty hillbilly recipes that’ll transport you to a rustic comfort zone. From classic buttermilk biscuits and slow-cooked pinto beans with ham hock, to country-fried steak with cream gravy and skillet cornbread with cracklins, these comforting dishes are sure to satisfy your cravings. Other highlights include chicken and dumplings, fried catfish with hushpuppies, collard greens with bacon, and sweet treats like blackberry cobbler and peach jam biscuit shortcake. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying meal or a warm dessert, these recipes have got you covered.
