Soul Food Recipes

Soul Food Recipes

Soul food is more than just a meal—it's a celebration of Southern culture and history. It’s comfort food at its finest, often rooted in African American traditions with influences from Africa, the Caribbean, and the South. From fried chicken and collard greens to cornbread and sweet potato pie, soul food is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for gatherings and family meals. Here are some simple yet delicious soul food recipes that bring the love, tradition, and soul into every bite.

➡ Southern Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is an iconic soul food dish—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and full of flavor. Perfect for Sunday dinners or any occasion that calls for comfort food!

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (or 10-12 chicken drumsticks or thighs)

2 cups buttermilk

1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon paprika

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Add the chicken pieces and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to marinate.

2. In a large shallow dish, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.

3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to submerge the chicken halfway.

4. Dredge each piece of marinated chicken in the flour mixture, pressing it lightly to coat well.

5. Fry the chicken in batches, cooking each piece for about 10-12 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F).

6. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Serve with your favorite sides!

➡ Collard Greens

Collard greens are a Southern classic, often cooked with smoked meats to bring out their rich, savory flavor. This dish is a must-have at every soul food table.

Ingredients:

2 lbs fresh collard greens, washed and chopped

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 smoked ham hock or smoked turkey leg

4 cups chicken broth

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened.

2. Add the ham hock (or turkey leg), chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer.

3. Add the collard greens in batches, stirring until all the greens are submerged in the broth.

4. Cover and cook for about 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the greens are tender and the flavors have melded.

5. Remove the ham hock or turkey leg, shred any meat off the bones, and return it to the pot. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

6. Serve hot with cornbread for an authentic soul food experience.

➡ Cornbread

No soul food meal is complete without a side of cornbread. This recipe yields a moist, buttery cornbread with a slightly crumbly texture—perfect for sopping up gravy or greens!

Ingredients:

1 cup cornmeal

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup melted butter

2 large eggs

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or baking dish.

2. In a large bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.

3. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs.

4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared skillet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with butter!

➡ Mac and Cheese

Soul food mac and cheese is cheesy, creamy, and utterly decadent. This classic comfort food side dish will be the star of your soul food spread.

Ingredients:

1 lb elbow macaroni, cooked according to package instructions

3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups heavy cream

1/4 cup butter

2 large eggs, beaten

1 teaspoon mustard powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Paprika for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.

3. Stir in the mustard powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

4. Once the cream mixture is hot, add the shredded cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.

5. Remove the pot from the heat and whisk in the beaten eggs until well combined.

6. Stir in the cooked macaroni and mix until everything is well-coated.

7. Pour the macaroni and cheese into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

8. Sprinkle with paprika before serving for a pop of color and extra flavor.

➡ Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie is a Southern dessert staple. It’s rich, smooth, and subtly spiced—perfect for holidays or any special occasion.

Ingredients:

2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 large sweet potatoes)

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup evaporated milk

2 large eggs

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon butter, melted

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 unbaked pie crust

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

2. In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, evaporated milk, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, butter, and salt. Mix until smooth.

3. Pour the mixture into the unbaked pie crust and spread evenly.

4. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the pie is set and a knife inserted comes out clean.

5. Let the pie cool completely before serving. Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

➡ Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried green tomatoes are a delicious Southern snack or appetizer. Crispy on the outside and tart on the inside, these make the perfect addition to any soul food meal.

Ingredients:

4 green tomatoes, sliced 1/2-inch thick

1 cup cornmeal

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

1/4 cup buttermilk

Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a shallow dish, combine the cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.

2. Dip the tomato slices in buttermilk, then dredge in the cornmeal mixture, ensuring they are coated evenly.

3. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.

4. Fry the tomato slices in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.

5. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve with a dipping sauce or enjoy as is!

Tips for Cooking Soul Food:

Use cast-iron skillets for frying and baking to get that crispy, golden crust.

Don’t skimp on the seasoning—soul food is all about bold flavors.

Always cook low and slow for tender meats and rich flavors, especially for dishes like collard greens and stews.

From crispy fried chicken to sweet potato pie, soul food offers comfort and warmth, making every meal a special occasion. These recipes will help you bring the rich, flavorful traditions of Southern cooking into your home and fill your table with love, soul, and good food. Enjoy!