If you’re craving a taste of the South that warms your heart and fills your home with irresistible aromas, soul food is the answer. Rooted in African American culinary traditions, soul food is more than just food — it’s history, family, and comfort served on a plate. From crispy fried chicken to creamy mac and cheese, soul food recipes are made to be shared and savored.
In this article, we’ll explore 5 soul food recipes that are perfect for family dinners, Sunday gatherings, or anytime you need a little extra comfort. These recipes are easy to follow, use simple ingredients, and deliver big, bold flavors.
1. Southern Fried Chicken
No list of soul food recipes would be complete without classic Southern fried chicken. Crispy, golden, and juicy, this dish is a true comfort food icon.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (or 8 drumsticks/thighs)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- Marinate the chicken: Place chicken pieces in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let it marinate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, in the refrigerator.
- Prepare the coating: In a separate bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, and dredge in seasoned flour until fully coated.
- Fry to perfection: Heat oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (about 12–15 minutes).
- Drain and serve: Place fried chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot.
Pro Tip: For extra crispy chicken, double dip — coat the chicken in flour, dip it back in buttermilk, then coat it again with flour before frying.
2. Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey
Collard greens are a Southern staple, slow-simmered until tender with smoky, savory flavor. Using smoked turkey instead of ham hock gives you a lighter but equally delicious version.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs collard greens, cleaned and chopped
- 1 smoked turkey leg or wing
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the pot: In a large pot, add smoked turkey, chicken broth, onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add the greens: Stir in collard greens, cover, and simmer for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until greens are tender.
- Season and serve: Remove turkey leg, shred the meat, and return it to the pot. Add apple cider vinegar, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serving Tip: Pair with cornbread to soak up the flavorful pot liquor (the rich broth left in the pot).
3. Creamy Southern Mac and Cheese
Baked mac and cheese is one of the most loved soul food side dishes. Forget the boxed stuff — this homemade version is cheesy, creamy, and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Boil macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to make a roux. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly until thickened.
- Add the cheese: Stir in cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Season with mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bake to perfection: Combine pasta with cheese sauce and pour into a greased baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs (if using) and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Variation: Add crumbled cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or a dash of hot sauce for extra depth of flavor.
4. Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon
Black-eyed peas are traditionally eaten on New Year’s Day for good luck, but they make a delicious side dish year-round.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb dried black-eyed peas (or 3 cans, drained and rinsed)
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare peas: If using dried peas, soak overnight or use quick-soak method. Drain and rinse.
- Cook the bacon: In a large pot, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving rendered fat in the pot.
- Sauté aromatics: Add onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened.
- Simmer peas: Add peas, chicken broth, and bay leaf. Simmer for 45 minutes (or 20 minutes if using canned peas) until tender.
- Season and finish: Stir in bacon, season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.
Serving Suggestion: Serve alongside cornbread or rice for a complete soul food meal.
5. Peach Cobbler
No soul food dinner is complete without a sweet ending, and peach cobbler is a true Southern classic.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups sliced peaches (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup self-rising flour
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup butter, melted
Instructions:
- Prepare peaches: Toss peaches with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
- Make the batter: In a bowl, whisk together flour, milk, and melted butter until smooth.
- Assemble cobbler: Pour batter into a greased baking dish, then spoon peaches evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Serving Tip: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort dessert.
Final Thoughts
These 5 soul food recipes capture the heart and flavor of Southern cooking. Whether you’re making them for Sunday dinner, a holiday gathering, or just a weeknight treat, each dish is packed with flavor and tradition.
From crispy fried chicken to sweet peach cobbler, soul food brings people together around the table. Try one or all of these recipes and experience the warmth, comfort, and love that soul food is known for.