28 Authentic Soul Food Recipes From The Queen of Soul Food Cooking

Last Updated on February 17, 2026 by Barbara

As someone who was raised on soul food, I have decades of stories that shine a light on how wonderful and resilient soul food is. I have watched my mother and aunties make meals, taught to them, that have become family traditions. Like my ancestors, they used the simplest ingredients—some of which were deemed undesirable—and turned them into good eats. These good eats are the soul food staples I have cooked and loved for decades. You can find them at every family reunion, church gathering, and Sunday dinner—and you will find them there for generations to come.

Today, I am sharing 28 of my favorite soul food recipes. Each has its own story, each tested and perfected for generations, and each made with love.

Barbara – The Queen of Soul Food Cooking

Want even more delicious ideas? Visit my full Soul Food Recipes Collection for more Southern favorites.

Start Here: Fan Favorite Soul Food Recipes

Start Here: Fan-Favorite Soul Food Recipes
Not sure where to start? These fan favorites yield perfect results again and again.

• Southern Baked Mac and Cheese – Super cheesy with those golden, crispy corners we all love.
• Southern Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey – Tender greens cooked low and slow with deep, smoky flavor.
• Southern Fried Chicken – Juicy inside, crispy outside, and seasoned just right.
• Southern Slow Cooker Oxtails – Fall-off-the-bone tender in a rich, flavorful gravy.
• Southern Peach Cobbler – Warm spiced peaches under a crisp crust that tastes like home.

Soul Food Main Dishes

The kitchen starts to smell like home long before the plates are even set. These are the recipes that ground the table. They’re the slow-simmered, golden-brown heart of every Sunday meal. They take time, a bit of intuition, and a whole lot of love to get just right, serving as the savory anchor that brings everyone together for seconds.

Soul Food Sides

A Sunday plate isn’t truly finished until the corners are filled with these soul food favorites. They are the essential companions, the sides with textures and smoky flavors that turn a simple dinner into a full-on spread. Think of these as the soulful stories told between the main chapters, providing the perfect balance to every bite.

Friday Night Fish Fry & Seafood Favorites

Whether it’s Friday night or you’re just in the mood for a soul food seafood dish, you’ll find it here. This section is all about seasoned-to-perfection fish, crispy shrimp, and shrimp and grits that will have you begging for seconds.

Louisiana / Creole Classics

These recipes carry the soul of the bayou, where the steam rising from the pot tells a story of deep roots and complex layers. This is a simmered tribute to a place where food is the ultimate language of culture and history.

Desserts

After the dinner plates are cleared, make room for a little grace. These desserts wrap the night in a warm hug. Golden and syrupy, they’re baked with the kind of nostalgia that only comes from a family kitchen. They’re the final note that ensures the last taste of the evening is the sweetest one.

Frequently Asked Questions

These 28 recipes are classic staples of Soul food, but they only represent a small fraction of our traditions. I hope I have inspired you to not only try these flavorful classic dishes, but to explore other Soul Food recipes. My wish is for you to bring your people together, cook a Soul Food meal and create new memories. If you try any of these dishes, I would love to see your creations! Share them with me on social media or tag @SoulFoodCooking so we can continue spreading the joy of soul food together.