February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the incredible contributions Black Americans have made to shaping our country. As we honor the resilience, achievements, and lasting impact of Black leaders, innovators, and trailblazers, it’s also the perfect time to recognize the rich culinary traditions that have influenced American food culture. Black People Food/ Black Cuisine is more than just delicious—it tells stories of history, heritage, and creativity. Today, I will share 20 must-try dishes that highlight the depth and diversity of Black food culture. Let’s celebrate Black history, Black culture, and the amazing flavors that bring us all together.
Black History Month Food Ideas and Recipes
1. Collard Greens
Every soul food menu will have Collard Greens at the top of the list. Collard greens are full of flavor. Cooked with smoked meat and seasoned to perfection. Collard greens are great alone or you can prepare Mixed Greens by adding kale, mustard greens and or turnip greens.
2. Black eyed Peas
Black eyed Peas is a dish traditional eaten on New Year’s Day to bring good luck and prosperity. You can enjoy it any day of the year and a variety of ways. Hoppin John is a Southern dish made with black eyed peas, smoked meat and rice that everyone loves.
3. Dirty Rice
If you want a little spice and a lot of flavor in your life then Dirty Rice is what you are looking for. Made with parboiled rice, beef, pork and a blend of seasonings, this recipe won’t disappoint.
4. Sweet Potato Pie
A Southern dessert made with sweet potatoes, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, baked in a delicious crust. Some compared sweet potato pie to pumpkin pie, but sweet pie is often preferred in the Black American family. When it come to the holidays or any given Sunday, no soul food dessert table is complete without Sweet potato pie.
5. Fried Chicken
Crispy Fried Chicken is a great addition to any soul food plate. This versatile dishI flavor is dependent on the blend of spices and seasoning you choose to use. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasoning to suit your preference.
6. Tea Cakes
Tea cakes have been a stable recipe for many generations. When I think of tea cakes, they reminds me of the resilience and creativity that exist in the Black community. Originating during the time when slaves had to make do with what was given to them, these simple yet delicious cookies became a source of comfort and tradition.
7. Mac and Cheese
Baked Mac and cheese is one of my favorite all time dishes. My recipe is full of creamy cheese and baked to perfection. You will love this recipe made with 6 different cheeses that perfectly compliment each other. It will become a family favorite.
8. Candied Yams
Southern Candied Yams are a perfect side dish. It adds a sweet element to your soul food plate. It’s made with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and other complimentary spices that great for a holiday or any day of the week.
9. Peach Cobbler
My homemade peach cobbler recipe is my dessert of choice during the holidays. It is usually the first to go on the dessert table. Nothing taste better that peach cobbler with a side of vanilla ice cream. Oh so good!
10. Gumbo
Gumbo is a tradition in many homes doing the holidays. There are so many variations to gumbo and they are all equally as delicious. Whether you try seafood gumbo or chicken and sausage gumbo you will love this taste of Louisiana cuisine.
11. Cornbread
This cornbread recipe is easy to follow and makes the best cornbread you will ever have. This cornbread is cooked in a cast iron skillet baked in the oven to perfection.
12. Shrimp and Grits
Who doesn’t love Shrimp and Grits . They are a cajun treat that can be served for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The combination of the tender shrimp in a spicy cajun sauce and cheesy grits is always a crowd pleaser.
13. Classic Banana Pudding
My Banana pudding recipe is another classic soul food dessert. This recipe is made with homemade pudding, vanilla wafers and sweet fresh bananas.
14. Southern Fried Cabbage
Fried cabbage is a delicious side dish that pairs well with so many other dishes. Similarly to greens, they are made with smoked meat and cooked until they are tender and flavorful.
15. Oxtails
Oxtails , once considered to be an inexpensive cut of meat, are now a delicacy that is slow cooked and fall of the bone good.
16. Southern Fried Catfish Nuggets
Southern fried catfish is a soul food stable. These fried catfish nuggets are perfectly battered and fried to give you bite sized pieces of this delicious soul food classic dish.
17. Red Beans and Rice
Delicious Red Beans and Rice is a classic Louisiana dish, made with red beans and smoked sausage, and spices, served with white rice. Red beans and rice originally a Monday meal using leftover ham bones, it is a comfort food dish known for its savory flavor.
18. Jambalaya
If you are looking for a taste of Louisiana then you need to try this Jambalaya recipe. It is a Louisiana one pot dish that is full of rich flavor and spice. Made with a combination of shrimp and smoked sausage, this staple of Cajun cooking is sure to satisfy.
19. Smothered Chicken
Nothing says comfort food like Smothered Chicken. It is comfort food at it’s best. Made by browning chicken then creating a rich brown gravy that is perfect over rice or mashed potatoes.
20. 7Up Pound Cake
If you are looking for the perfect pound cake then you must try 7UP pound cake . It’s a rich, buttery Southern dessert that gets its signature light texture and subtle citrus flavor from 7UP soda. Baked to golden perfection with a soft, moist crumb, this classic cake is favorite go to pound cake served at family gatherings and celebrations.
Black History Month
What is Black History Month?
Black History Month is a time to recognize, honor, and celebrate the incredible contributions Black Americans have made to the United States. It’s a month dedicated to highlighting the achievements, history, and cultural impact of Black individuals, from trailblazers in civil rights to pioneers in science, arts, sports, and beyond. So Black History Month is much more than just a history lesson, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the resilience, creativity, and influence of Black Americans throughout the country’s past and present.
When is Black History Month?
In 1926, Carter G. Woodson ignited a passion for recognizing Black Americans contributions to the nation by launching Negro History Week. He championed integrating their achievements into public school curriculums, understanding that this knowledge was vital for all Americans. It is celebrated in February’s second week, Negro History Week thrived for decades before evolving into Black History Month in the 1970s. Finally, in 1976, President Gerald Ford officially declared February as Black History Month, solidifying its national significance.
