The 7 Soul Food Plates You’ve Gotta Taste

Soul food is more than just food; it’s a warm hug on a plate, a story whispered from generations past, a taste of tradition that fills your heart as much as your stomach.

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From savory meats slow-cooked to perfection to side dishes bursting with flavor, these soul food classics are a must-try for any food lover.

1. Fried Chicken: A Crispy, Golden Classic

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Easy Fried Chicken from CJ Eats Recipes

Cooking Time: 3 hr 15 min . Rating: 5 . Reviews: 206 reviews . Ingredients: Drumsticks, cayenne pepper, seasoning mix, baking powder, garlic powder

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Crispy Fried Chicken from Allrecipes

Cooking Time: 1 hr 20 min . Rating: 4.5 . Reviews: 771 reviews . Ingredients: Chicken, buttermilk, all purpose flour, vegetable oil

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Fried Chicken from Taste of Home

Cooking Time: 30 min . Rating: 4.5 . Reviews: 120 reviews . Ingredients: Poultry seasoning, deep fat, eggs, cut up, garlic salt

Fried chicken is the undisputed king of soul food. Each bite offers a symphony of textures – the satisfying crunch of the perfectly seasoned crust giving way to the juicy tenderness of the meat within.

Whether you prefer it spicy, buttermilk-soaked, or simply seasoned with salt and pepper, fried chicken is a soul food experience that never disappoints.

2. Macaroni and Cheese: A Creamy, Cheesy Delight

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Creamy Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese from The Chunky Chef

Cooking Time: 35 min . Rating: 4.9 . Reviews: 3100 reviews . Ingredients: Gruyere cheese, cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, elbow pasta, all purpose flour

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Simple Macaroni and Cheese from Allrecipes

Cooking Time: 25 min . Rating: 4.5 . Reviews: 1100 reviews . Ingredients: Elbow macaroni, cheddar cheese, all purpose flour, black pepper

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Macaroni and Cheese from The Pioneer Woman

Cooking Time: 30 min . Rating: 4.2 . Reviews: 34 reviews . Ingredients: Cheese, dry mustard, egg, cayenne pepper, seasoned salt

Macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. This dish is pure cheesy goodness, with each noodle coated in a rich, creamy sauce.

Baked with a crispy breadcrumb topping or served straight from the stovetop, macaroni and cheese is a soul food staple that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

3. Collard Greens: A Savory, Nutritious Side Dish

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Southern Collard Greens from Divas Can Cook

Cooking Time: 2 hr . Rating: 5 . Reviews: 140 reviews . Ingredients: Fresh collard greens, smoked turkey leg, chicken broth, red pepper flakes, olive oil

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Quick Collard Greens from Cookie and Kate

Cooking Time: 15 min . Rating: 4.9 . Reviews: 169 reviews . Ingredients: Collard greens, lemon, red pepper flakes, olive oil, garlic

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Southern Collard Greens Recipe from Grandbaby Cakes

Cooking Time: 3 hr 15 min . Rating: 4.7 . Reviews: 440 reviews . Ingredients: Collard greens, smoked ham hock, apple cider vinegar, bacon grease, sauce

Collard greens are a soul food staple that’s both delicious and good for you. These leafy greens are typically simmered with smoky ham hocks or bacon, adding a rich depth of flavor.

Collard greens are a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals while enjoying a taste of tradition.

4. Cornbread: A Sweet and Savory Staple

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BEST Super Moist Cornbread from Creme De La Crumb

Cooking Time: 45 min . Rating: 5 . Reviews: 2600 reviews . Ingredients: Honey, butter, eggs, baking powder

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Sweet Cornbread {Moist and Tender} from Divas Can Cook

Cooking Time: 45 min . Rating: 4.6 . Reviews: 99 reviews . Ingredients: Honey, baking soda, baking powder, sugar, egg yolk

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Easy Moist Cornbread Recipe from Baker Bettie

Cooking Time: 35 min . Rating: 4.4 . Reviews: 390 reviews . Ingredients: Stone ground cornmeal, baking soda, baking powder, all purpose flour

Cornbread is a versatile soul food staple that can be enjoyed as a side dish, a snack, or even a dessert. This sweet and savory bread is typically made with cornmeal, buttermilk, and eggs, resulting in a moist, crumbly texture.

Slathered with butter or drizzled with honey, cornbread is a soul food classic that never goes out of style.

5. Black-Eyed Peas: A Lucky New Year’s Tradition

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Best Ever Black-Eyed Peas from Food.com

Cooking Time: 1 hr 45 min . Rating: 5 . Reviews: 36 reviews . Ingredients: Black eyed peas, ham hocks, garlic, sugar, black pepper

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Southern Black-Eyed Peas Recipe from Immaculate Bites

Cooking Time: 2 hr 50 min . Rating: 5 . Reviews: 341 reviews . Ingredients: Black eyed peas, collard greens, smoked sausage, bacon, chicken broth

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Southern-Style Black-Eyed Peas from Allrecipes

Cooking Time: 4 hr 55 min . Rating: 4.3 . Reviews: 7 reviews . Ingredients: Black eyed peas, smoked ham hocks, red pepper, garlic, seasoned salt

Black-eyed peas are a soul food tradition that’s said to bring good luck and prosperity in the new year. These small, creamy beans are typically simmered with ham hocks or bacon, resulting in a hearty, flavorful dish.

As a side dish or a main course, black-eyed peas are a soul food staple that’s full of flavor and tradition.

6. Sweet Potato Pie: A Warm, Spiced Dessert

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Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe from Add a Pinch

Cooking Time: 2 hr . Rating: 5 . Reviews: 198 reviews . Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, marshmallow fluff, pie crust, whipped cream, eggs

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Sweet Potato Pie from Allrecipes

Cooking Time: 1 hr 55 min . Rating: 4.8 . Reviews: 3400 reviews . Ingredients: Sweet potato, pie crust, cinnamon, eggs, white sugar

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Sweet Potato Pie from Budget Bytes

Cooking Time: 3 hr 40 min . Rating: 4.8 . Reviews: 13 reviews . Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, evaporated milk, dish pie crust, brown sugar, cinnamon

Sweet potato pie is a soul food dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. This warm, spiced pie is made with mashed sweet potatoes, eggs, sugar, and spices, resulting in a smooth, creamy filling.

Enjoy it plain or topped with whipped cream, sweet potato pie is a soul food classic that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

7. Peach Cobbler: A Sweet, Summery Treat

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Peach Cobbler from Tastes Better From Scratch

Cooking Time: 55 min . Rating: 4.9 . Reviews: 9100 reviews . Ingredients: Peaches, butter, cinnamon, baking powder, all purpose flour

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Fresh Peach Cobbler from Sally’s Baking Addiction

Cooking Time: 1 hr 20 min . Rating: 4.9 . Reviews: 83 reviews . Ingredients: Dark brown sugar, fresh peaches, buttermilk, cinnamon, lemon juice

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Fresh Southern Peach Cobbler from Allrecipes

Cooking Time: 1 hr . Rating: 4.8 . Reviews: 4100 reviews . Ingredients: Brown sugar, fresh peaches, cinnamon, lemon juice, baking powder

Peach cobbler is a soul food dessert that’s perfect for summer. This sweet, bubbly dish is made with fresh peaches, sugar, butter, and a biscuit-like topping.

The combination of warm, juicy peaches and a crispy, buttery topping is a match made in heaven.

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