Hearty, creamy, carby, dreamythere’s a reason we call it Southern comfort food.
(A brief cautionary disclosure: this report may maximize either wanderlust or hometown appreciation.)
Check out our favoriteiconic Southern foods.
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And for more, don’t miss these15 Classic American Desserts That Deserve a Comeback.
Talk about Southern hospitality!
Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried tomatoes?
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These merged oddities are a popular favorite down southmuch like most things battered and fried.
The easy way to make healthier comfort foods.
Fried Okra
Fried okra is a mouth-watering side dish that even veggie haters will love.
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Enjoy it alongside a pulled pork sandwich or with creamed corn for a truly Southern meal.
But if you haven’t had cheese made with the slightly sweet pepper, you’re missing out.
Plus, they’re baked with seasoned flour and, you guessed it, cheese.
Don’t knock it until you try it!
These days, they keep fans' mouths shut and full of the crunchy golden brown nuggets.
Hummingbird Cake
This pineapple-banana spiced dessert is topped with sweet cream cheese frosting.
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No wonder it’s a Southern celebration staple.
Cheerwine
Unfortunately, this so-called wine does not contain any alcohol.
Shrimp and Grits
Southerners enjoy this creamy seafood dish for lunch, dinner, or even breakfast!
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Consider these the dixie version of a fortune cookie.
Chicken and Dumplings
This hearty dish is as comforting as comfort food gets.
Many people also add veggies like carrots, celery, or peas, but others call that blasphemy.
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Whole-Hog Barbecue
Anydiscussion about Southern BBQis truly incomplete without mentioning whole-hog pork sandwiches and racks of ribs.
roaming the streets of New Orleans.
Think of it as an old-fashioned ice cream truck, but for candy.
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Deviled Eggs
You’ve probably had this delicacy at a brunch restaurant or over the Easter season.
It’s a traditional Southern delicacy, often made with plenty of mayo and sugar.
However you like them, deviled eggs are the perfect appetizer for Southern classics like barbecue or fried chicken.
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Traditional Pecan Pie
Southerners don’t wait for Thanksgiving to enjoy this sweet and nutty pie.
This just might be the most flavorful way to cook the bird, with all the crispiness and juiciness.
Enjoy it on New Year’s Day for good luck all year round!
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Po’boy Sandwiches
One of the most iconic New Orleans foods, po’boy sandwiches are a Southern staple.
And while it’s named after the animal, possum pie is totally vegetarian-friendly.
Shoofly Pie
Did you think there’d be just one oddly named pie on this list?
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Shoofly pie features molasses and brown sugar crumbs for a sticky, deliciously sweet treat.
While shoofly pie originated with the Pennsylvania Dutch, many a Southerner has enjoyed this delicacy, too.
Hoecakes
No, these aren’t actual cakes.
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Hoecakes are a bang out of cornmeal cake, and they look like pancakes to the naked eye.
A lighter alternative to cornbread, hoecakes pair well with chicken and fried okra.
Collard Greens
Not into okra?
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Perhaps you’d prefer a side of collard greens, prepared with ham hocks and butter.
The collards themselves are nutrient-packed; the butter and meat make them delicious.
Potlikker
Speaking of collard greens, have you heard of potlikker?
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Red beans and spices come together with rice for a flavorful side dish.
Have leftover meat like ham or sausage?
Add it into the mix!
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Eaten at breakfast or dinner time, biscuits are one of the most iconic Southern foods out there.
Banana Pudding
Sure, you’re free to get banana pudding atMagnolia Bakerylocations up north.
But there’s something about down-home, Southern-style banana pudding that can’t be beaten.
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America is a melting pot, after all!
Sweet Tea
Sweet tea is the most iconic beverage of all time, and for good reason.
What better to wash down a barbecue sandwich with?
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Cornbread
Hoecakes not your style?
Enjoy your dinner with a square of cornbread instead.
Pro tip: If you’re outside the Southern states, the cornbread at Whole Foods is surprisingly authentic.
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Creamed Corn
Southerners enjoy corn in all shapes and forms!
Originally a Native American food, creamed corn has become a staple of Southern cuisine.
But in the South, Coca-Cola is way more than a movie-theater drink.
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It’s used to cook chicken and in baked treats like this one.
You might be surprised how much you love the fudgy taste!
Try ourCoca-Cola Cake Recipeand see for yourself.
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Order it at a Southern restaurant or try making your own at home.
We love thisBrunswick stew recipe from The Seasoned Mom, which uses both chicken and pork.
Chicken-Fried Steak
We’ve gone over fried chicken, but what about chicken-fried steak?
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This is one mashup that’s so uniquely Southern, we’re almost surprised it exists.
Steak is breaded and fried the way that fried chicken would be, and then topped with white gravy.
You have to try it to believe it.
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it’s possible for you to even order dirty rice as a side dish atregional fast-food chainslike Bojangles.
Custard Pie
The South sure loves its out-of-the-box pie creations!
Made with vanilla, eggs, and cream, this dessert is simple but satisfying.
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Divinity
Divinity is an old-school treat that Southerners still enjoy today.
Made with sugar and egg whites, this simple dessert lives up to its heavenly name.
Chow-Chow
This Southern relish features several vegetables in addition to pickles.
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It’s delicious atop hot dogs, burgers, or anything cooked on the grill.
But those from the Southern states can agree that this is one of the best ways to eat potatoes!
Corn Fritters
Yep, another corn recipe!
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Think of corn fritters as a chunkier version of cornbread, with whole kernels of corn in every bite.
Topped with jam or served plain, they’re a delicious side dish for any Southern meal.
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