10+ Soul Food Recipes You’ll Love to Try Today

Soul food recipes are a big part of American cooking, rooted in African American traditions. These dishes bring comfort and bold flavors, often using simple ingredients in creative ways.

You can enjoy soul food by learning easy recipes that bring warmth and culture to your kitchen.

With soul food, you’ll find meals that are hearty and full of history. Whether you stick with the classics or put your own spin on them, these recipes have a little something for anyone who loves tradition and good food.

Ingredients

• Chicken
• Collard greens
• Cornmeal
• Butter
• Onions
• Garlic
• Cheese
• Flour
• Milk
• Sugar
• Spices (like paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper)

Cooking Instructions

1. Season and cook your main protein thoroughly.
2. Wash, chop, and sauté greens with onions and garlic.
3. For sides like macaroni and cheese, cook the pasta, then mix with cheese sauce.
4. Combine ingredients as needed, and bake dishes at 350°F (175°C) unless it says otherwise.
5. Serve warm and dig in.

1) Classic Fried Chicken

Classic fried chicken is a soul food staple. Start by seasoning your chicken well—salt and pepper work, but a few extra spices in your flour never hurt.

Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for juicy, tender meat. Coat each piece in seasoned flour before frying. Frying at the right temperature is key for a crispy crust that doesn’t burn.

Heat your oil to about 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through, usually 12 to 15 minutes depending on size.

Ingredients

• 4 cups buttermilk
• 3 pounds chicken pieces
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• Vegetable oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak chicken in buttermilk for at least 2 hours.
2. Mix flour, salt, pepper, and paprika in a large bowl.
3. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep skillet or fryer.
4. Dredge chicken in the flour mixture until well coated.
5. Fry pieces in batches for 12-15 minutes until golden and cooked through.
6. Drain on paper towels before serving.

2) Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Southern baked macaroni and cheese is creamy and comforting. It’s usually made with a mix of cheeses and a custard base—eggs and cream or evaporated milk.

This combo bakes up into a smooth, rich casserole with a golden top. Try different cheeses like cheddar or smoked cheddar if you want more flavor.

It’s a favorite at gatherings because you can make it ahead and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded smoked cheddar cheese
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook macaroni as the package says and drain.
3. Whisk eggs, evaporated milk, heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine macaroni and cheese in a baking dish.
5. Pour the egg mixture over and stir gently.
6. Dot with butter on top.
7. Bake 45-50 minutes until set and golden.
8. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

For more details, check Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese.

3) Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey

Collard greens with smoked turkey is a classic. Simmer fresh collard greens with smoked turkey legs or wings for a rich, smoky flavor.

Cook the greens low and slow in a seasoned broth. Onions, garlic, and a splash of vinegar add extra depth.

The smoked turkey makes this dish hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 2 large bunches of collard greens
• 1 smoked turkey leg or 2 smoked turkey wings
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse and chop collard greens.
2. Sauté onions and garlic in a big pot.
3. Add smoked turkey and chicken broth.
4. Stir in collard greens.
5. Bring to a boil, then lower heat.
6. Simmer covered for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
7. Add vinegar, salt, and pepper.
8. Cook 10 more minutes. Serve hot.

Find more details at Southern Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey.

4) Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and grits is a beloved soul food dish with creamy texture and plenty of flavor. Cook stone-ground grits until they’re soft and fluffy.

Add cream, butter, and cheese for rich, smooth grits. While those cook, season and sauté shrimp with garlic, paprika, and pepper.

The shrimp usually cook in a flavorful sauce—maybe some broth or Creole seasoning. Spoon the shrimp over the grits and serve right away.

Great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, honestly.

Ingredients:

• Stone-ground grits
• Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Butter
• Cream
• Cheese (cheddar or cream cheese)
• Garlic
• Paprika
• Chicken stock or broth
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions:

1. Boil chicken stock and slowly add grits.
2. Stir in cream, butter, and cheese until creamy.
3. Season shrimp with garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Sauté shrimp until cooked through.
5. Serve shrimp on top of grits while warm.

5) Fried Catfish

Fried catfish is a soul food mainstay. Soak the fish in buttermilk to keep it tender, then coat with a seasoned cornmeal mixture.

Add spices like garlic powder, cayenne, and black pepper to the cornmeal. Fry the fillets in hot oil until golden brown—about 3-5 minutes per side.

You get a crispy outside and moist, flavorful fish inside. Pair it with collard greens or hush puppies for the full experience.

Ingredients

• Catfish fillets
• Buttermilk
• Cornmeal
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Black pepper
• Salt
• Cooking oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak catfish fillets in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
2. Mix cornmeal with spices and salt.
3. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
4. Dredge fillets in cornmeal mixture, shake off excess.
5. Fry 3-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
6. Drain on paper towels before serving.

6) Black-Eyed Peas with Ham Hocks

Black-eyed peas with ham hocks is simple and packed with flavor. The ham hocks give the peas a smoky, rich taste.

Cook the peas slowly so they get tender and soak up all the seasonings. You can use a slow cooker or just a pot on the stove.

Onions, celery, and garlic add more depth. Some folks like a little heat from jalapeños or black pepper.

This dish goes well with rice or cornbread. It’s even better the next day, honestly.

Ingredients

• 2 smoked ham hocks
• 1 cup dried black-eyed peas
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups water or broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: jalapeños or hot sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak black-eyed peas overnight, then drain.
2. Heat a pot with a bit of oil. Add onions, celery, and garlic—cook until soft.
3. Add ham hocks, peas, and water or broth.
4. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 1.5 to 2 hours.
5. Check peas for tenderness, then add salt, pepper, and any spice.
6. Remove ham hocks, shred the meat, and stir it back in before serving.

Get more info at Southern Style Black Eyed Peas with Hamhocks.

7) Cornbread with Honey Butter

Cornbread with honey butter is a soul food classic. The bread is sweet and moist, with a soft middle and crisp edges.

Spread warm honey butter on top for a creamy, rich sweetness. This dish comes together quickly and pairs well with just about anything.

The honey butter melts right in, making each bite extra comforting. I always brush the honey butter on as soon as the cornbread comes out of the oven—it soaks in better that way.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup butter (for honey butter)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.
4. Add wet to dry and stir just until combined.
5. Pour batter into a greased baking dish.
6. Bake 20-25 minutes until golden.
7. Mix honey with 1/4 cup butter until smooth.
8. Brush honey butter over warm cornbread and serve.

For a step-by-step, check Honey Butter Cornbread – Toni’s Recipes.

8) Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie is one of those soul food classics that never really goes out of style. The filling comes out smooth and creamy, thanks to baked sweet potatoes blended with cinnamon and nutmeg.

That spice mix brings a cozy, rich flavor that’s honestly hard to resist. The crust turns out flaky and buttery, which cuts through the sweetness just right.

You’ll need just a handful of basic ingredients to make this pie from scratch. Once it’s in the oven, the custard sets up but keeps a bit of softness in the middle.

Ingredients

• 2 cups baked sweet potatoes (mashed)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pie crust (9-inch)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Mix mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, milk, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla until smooth.

3. Pour the filling into your pie crust.

4. Bake for 55-60 minutes until the center looks set.

5. Let it cool before serving.

If you want the full classic soul food sweet potato pie recipe, check out The Soul Food Pot.

9) Candied Yams

Candied yams always show up at family gatherings, and for good reason. You cook sweet potatoes slow in a buttery glaze with brown sugar and warm spices—think cinnamon and nutmeg.

That’s what gives the yams their soft texture and that glossy, sweet finish. You can bake them or do them on the stove.

Baking adds a bit of caramelization, while the stove keeps things syrupy and extra soft. Sometimes a little citrus zest wakes up the flavor and makes it pop.

Ingredients:

• 4 large sweet potatoes
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• Zest of 1 orange or lemon (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into rounds.

3. Melt butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and citrus zest in a saucepan.

4. Lay out the sweet potatoes in a baking dish and pour the glaze all over them.

5. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

6. Take off the foil and bake another 15 minutes to thicken up the glaze.

7. Serve them warm.

10) Red Beans and Rice

Red beans and rice—honestly, it’s hard to beat the comfort factor here. This classic soul food dish is simple, filling, and just feels right after a long day.

You cook red beans low and slow with spices and smoked sausage. That’s how you get that deep, hearty flavor.

A splash of hot sauce on the side? Always a good idea.

This dish leans on the “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking: onion, celery, and bell pepper. Tossing in a ham hock or smoked sausage gives it that smoky thing everyone craves.

Serve it over steamed white rice. There’s something about that combo that just works.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried red beans
• 1 smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 ham hock (optional)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups cooked white rice

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the red beans and soak them overnight. If you’re short on time, quick soak by boiling for 5 minutes.
2. In a large pot, sauté onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic until they’re soft.
3. Add sausage and ham hock. Let them cook for about 5 minutes.
4. Drain the beans, then add them to the pot with chicken broth, bay leaves, and Cajun seasoning.
5. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beans get tender.
6. Take out the ham hock, shred the meat, and toss it back in.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Spoon the hot beans over cooked white rice and dig in.