Last Updated on January 1, 2026 by Barbara
Soul food recipes are the heart and soul of the Black community. For generations, they have been the glue that holds our village together. They are rich in flavor, love, and history. Soul food is more than just comfort food; it is a reflection of our heritage, a story of resilience, and a taste of home.
Authentic soul food recipes were born from creativity and survival. Enslaved Africans in the American South transformed scraps and leftovers into dishes that nourished both body and spirit. Today, those same recipes are celebrated across every culture, passed down from generation to generation. In this post, I’m sharing 28 of my favorite authentic soul food recipes — comforting classics made with love, tradition, and a whole lot of soul.
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
Not quite sure where to start? Below are a few fan favorites that yields perfect results over and over again.
- Southern Baked Mac and Cheese – Super Cheesy and baked with those golden crispy corners we all love.
- Southern Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey – Tender greens cooked low and slow with that deep smoky flavor.
- Southern Fried Chicken – Juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside and seasoned just the right way.
- 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
1. Southern Fried Chicken
Crispy, golden, and seasoned for ultimate flavor. This method keeps it juicy on the inside with a crust that stays crispy on the outside.
2. Smothered Chicken
Tender chicken cooked in rich, savory gravy. Made with simple ingredients and give big comfort.
3. Red Beans and Rice
Hearty, comforting, and full of Creole flavor—perfect when you want a warm, satisfying bowl of goodness.
4. Southern Soul Food Oxtails
Slow-cooked until fall-off-the-bone tender and finished in a gravy you’ll want to spoon over everything.
5. Smothered Turkey Wings
Seasoned wings baked until tender in flavorful gravy. All made in one pan, all comfort.
6. Cubed Steak and Gravy
A weeknight classic—savory steak smothered in gravy that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes.
7. Hamburger Gravy
Budget-friendly and satisfying—quick, cozy, and always a family hit.
8. Dirty Rice
Savory, seasoned, and full of personality—perfect alongside fried chicken or smothered dishes.
Soul Food Sides
9. Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
My signature mac and cheese—rich, creamy, and baked until the top is golden with irresistible crispy edges.
10. Southern Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey
Long-simmered greens with smoky flavor and a finish of vinegar to brighten every bite.
11. Fried Cabbage
Not mushy, not bland—bacon, onion, and garlic turn cabbage into a side everyone loves.
12. Candied Yams
Sweet, buttery, and glazed to perfection—holiday favorite, Sunday dinner staple.
13. Hot Water Cornbread
Quick, crispy-edged cornbread cakes made with pantry staples—ready fast and always satisfying.
14. Deviled Eggs
Creamy, classic, and always the first dish to disappear at Sunday dinner.
15. Green Beans and Potatoes
Slow-cooked with smoky flavor—tender potatoes, seasoned broth, and real comfort.
16. Cornbread Dressing
A must-have holiday side—savory, comforting, and made for a full soul food plate.
Friday Night Fish Fry & Seafood Favorites
17. Soul Food Shrimp and Grits
Creamy grits topped with Cajun shrimp, bacon, and sausage—brunch or dinner, it’s always a winner.
18. Fried Catfish
Crispy, golden, and seasoned right—everything you want for fish fry night.
19. Cajun Fried Shrimp
Spicy, crunchy, and perfect as an appetizer or a full meal.
Louisiana / Creole Classics
20. Seafood Gumbo
Deep flavor starts with the roux—this pot is rich, comforting, and loaded with seafood goodness.
21. Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo
An easier gumbo with big Cajun flavor—smoky sausage, tender shrimp, and a savory broth.
22. Jambalaya
A bold, hearty rice dish with shrimp, chicken, and andouille sausage—one pot, big flavor.
Desserts
23. Peach Cobbler
Warm peaches, cozy spices, and a crisp crust—this is the dessert that makes the whole house smell good.
24. Banana Pudding
Layers of pudding, wafers, and bananas—sweet, creamy, and dangerously easy to go back for seconds.
25. Tea Cakes
Old-fashioned and simple—tender, buttery, and perfect with coffee or tea.
26. Sweet Potato Pie
Smooth, spiced, and classic—if you make one soul food dessert, make this one.
27. 7-Up Cake
Bright lemony flavor with a light icing—pure nostalgia in every slice.
28. Red Velvet Cake
Moist cake with a decadent cream cheese frosting. It’s rich, classic and celebration-worthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Soul food includes such dishes as fried chicken, collard greens, baked mac and cheese, cornbread, candied yams, peach cobbler, banana pudding, and sweet potato pie.
An appropriate beginner meal could include fried chicken, mac and cheese, and collard greens, then add cornbread.
Mac and cheese, greens, cabbage, yams, cornbread, deviled eggs, and green beans and potatoes are all perfect pairings.
Soul food will always be more than just a meal, it is love on a plate and a celebration of where we come from. I hope these recipes inspire you to gather your family, create new memories, and keep these authentic traditions alive. 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.
The meatloaf was absolutely delicious!!