28 Authentic Soul Food Recipes From The Queen of Soul Food Cooking (2024)

Soul Food Recipes are the heart and soul of the Black Community. They have historically been the glue that holds our village together. There’s something about the rich flavors that will always take you back home. Soul Food is more than just a delicious cuisine, it’s a part of our culture and heritage.

Soul food originated in the Southern United States during slavery. Slaves had to eat what was leftover and make meals from the scraps that were given to them. So what did they do? They did what we always do, they “made do“. They used what they had and created a cuisine that has been often imitated but never duplicated.

Today, soul food is enjoyed by people of all races. Although many seem to think there is a thin line between Soul Food and Southern Cuisine, many of the foods that are now considered Southern dishes were created by enslaved Africans who were forced to use whatever ingredients they could find to make a meal and that fact should never be forgotten. Soul food recipes are passed down from generation to generation, and they continue to be a source of comfort and tradition for our families. In this blog I will share 28 of my favorite Soul Food Recipes. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. You can always watch me make these and other great soul food recipes here.

– The Queen of Soul Food Cooking

1. Mac and Cheese

Mac and Cheese is my ultimate favorite. It is a must have on any Soul Food Dinner Plate. There are many different ways to make mac and cheese but my recipe is loaded with 6 cheeses and baked to perfection. The combination of the creamy cheese and the crispy, golden brown crust is simply irresistible.

2. Collard Greens

Collard Greens are a staple of Soul Food Cuisine. They are great all by themselves or when mixed with other greens such as mustard, turnip and kale. Greens are often cooked with ham hocks but smoked turkey, bacon or other proteins can be substituted to give them ultimate flavor.

3. Fried Chicken

Who does love Fried Chicken? The best fried chicken is juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Adding the right seasoning always yields great fried chicken.

4. Fried Cabbage

Fried Cabbage is another one of my favorites. I love it because it is healthy and full of flavor.

5. Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and grits is a classic soul food dish that is usually served for breakfast or brunch. In my recipe, the shrimp are cooked in a Cajun sauce with bacon and andouille sausage and served over grits. It is simply delicious!

6. Fried Catfish

Any Friday night fish fry would not be complete without Fried Catfish. Fried Catfish can be found on every Soul Food Restaurant menu. It is seasoned, battered and fried until crispy and golden.

7. Seafood Gumbo

Gumbo is a Louisiana staple that is love by all. When visiting New Orleans, I can’t leave without having the local classic dish. With my Seafood Gumbo Recipe, the secret is in the roux. For gumbo, the roux has to be done right.

8. Candied Yams

Thanksgiving and Christmas and to be truthful, most Sundays would not be complete without Candied Yams on my plate. They are sweet and oh so good.

9. Smothered Chicken

What’s better than fried chicken? Smothered Chicken in gravy. That is all.

10. Red Beans and Rice

Red Beans and Rice is a Cajun/Creole dish that is warm and comforting. Made with Red beans, sausage and the holy trinity, they are perfect anytime you want a hearty meal.

11. Oxtails

If you want tender beef cooked in a flavorful gravy then look no further. This Oxtail Recipe is out of this world.

12. Peach Cobbler

The smell of a Peach Cobbler in the oven is heavenly. The thought of the peaches, cinnamon, white and brown sugar and nutmeg between a crispy crust is simply divine.

13. Hot Water Cornbread

One of the quickest and easiest soul food recipes to make is Hot Water Cornbread. With only a few simple ingredients your cornbread will be ready in no time.

14. Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are another side dish that I just have to have on my Sunday Dinner Plate. They are easy to make. Just be careful not to eat them all.

15. Smothered Turkey Wings

Another hearty meal that is a crowd pleaser are Smothered Turkey Wings. Just add all of your ingredients to a baking dish, season the wings, after they are done you are in for a treat.

16. Jambalaya

Jambalaya is another Louisiana staple that is a favorite in my home. This recipe has a spicy kick and the combination of the andouille sausage, shrimp and chicken makes this dish a delectable meal.

17. Banana Pudding

Banana Pudding is such a wonderful dessert. It is filled with layers of vanilla pudding, vanilla wafers, and sliced bananas. It is sometimes topped with homemade whipped cream and some extra cookie crumbs. I have loves this sweet treat since I could remember but I always have to be careful because it is so easy to overindulge.

18. Green Beans and Potatoes

Green Beans and Potatoes are a healthy chose for a tasty soul food recipe. Made with fresh green beans, potatoes and bacon they are slow cooked to perfection.

19. Cajun Fried Shrimp

These Cajun Fried Shrimp are spicy and crispy. They can serve as a great appetizer or meal and will leave you wanting to plan your next trip to the Bayou.

20. Cornbread Dressing

Cornbread Dressing is a soul food recipe that is a must have on any holiday table.

21. Tea Cakes

Tea Cakes are a traditional soul food dessert that are made with simple ingredients you already have like butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and vanilla. They are a cross between a cookie and a cake, and they are typically served with tea or coffee.

22. Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet Potato Pie is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed on any occasion. I always serve it on Thanksgiving and Christmas, but it can also be enjoyed year-round. If you only have one soul food recipe, make sure this is it.

23. Dirty Rice

I love this Dirty Rice Recipe with Crispy Fried Chicken. It is loaded with flavor and has a slight kick.

24. 7-Up Cake

This 7-Up Cake is full of lemony flavor. It is topped with a light icing that gives it just the right amount of sweetness. This recipe will remind you of your Big Momma’s Kitchen.

25. Hamburger Gravy

Hamburger Gravy and mashed potatoes is a hearty, budget friendly meal that is quick and easy to make. It will leave your family smiling.

26. Hamburger Steak and Gravy

Hamburger Steak and Gravy is one of my easy weeknight go to meals. It pairs perfectly with rice or mashed potatoes.

27. Red Velvet Cake

This Red Velvet Cake with cream cheese frosting is everything a cake should be. It is moist, it has a deep flavor and the frosting compliments the cake oh so well. If you haven’t tried red velvet cake before then you must try this authentic soul food recipe.

28. Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo

This Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo is an easier version of my seafood gumbo. It is full of that cajun flavor that everyone knows and loves.

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soul food soul food recipes