Ride Through the Culinary South Without Leaving Home

Nothing says comfort food quite like the dishes from the American South. From succulent collard greens to crunchy fried chicken, it’s easy to see why this beloved cuisine has such a fervent following. While enjoying these delightful dishes means a trip to the Southern United States is in order, there’s no need to leave home if you want to get your fix. With just a bit of imagination, you can take a virtual ride through the Culinary South without ever leaving your kitchen.

Kicking off your flavor tour of Southern eats starts with a classic: Fried Chicken. This beloved staple might be best experienced onsite in the American South, but there are plenty of recipes out there that will bring the taste of these crispy morsels right into your own kitchen. From spiced-up recipes with Cajun flair, to modern takes on fried chicken with all the necessary trimmings, getting your fill of this iconic dish has never been easier.

No Southern comfort food package would be complete without some hearty sides, so why not pull up a batch of macaroni and cheese casserole? This traditional dish is flavorful, rich and oh so cheesy—it doesn’t get much more comforting than this! Of course any Southern meal wouldn’t be complete without collard greens and cornbread. The trick for true culinary connoisseurs is perfecting the sweet, smoky flavorings that bring out the authentic taste of these delicacies—but luckily there’s no shortage of delicious recipes available online.

Finally, what better way to end your virtual ride through the Culinary South than with a dessert? Why not whip up some homemade peach cobbler and pretend that you’re enjoying it underneath a warm Georgia sunset? In no time at all you’ll have whipped up a full spread that captures all of the flavor of Southern cooking—no passport necessary!

Tucking into this delectable assortment of tried-and-true Southern dishes is sure to satisfy even the most discerning tastes. Whether you’ve got a hankering for old-fashioned comfort food or just want an easy way to explore some new flavors, bringing these creations into your own kitchen is the perfect way to experience the best of what the Culinary South has to offer.

When you hear about the South, you undoubtedly think about its rich culture and traditions. But what about its cuisine? The South is renown for its lip-smacking, down-home cooking, ranging from fried chicken to gumbo. Nowadays, you don’t even have to leave your home to savor some of the South’s best offerings.

Thanks to a few innovative Southern chefs, you can now experience traditional Southern flavors in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether home cooks or experienced grill masters, Southern aficionados are sure to find something to tantalize their taste buds.

Take Louis Osteen, for example; the renowned Charleston-based chef has taken traditional Lowcountry recipes and blended them with global influences to create a unique form of ‘New Southern Cuisine’. A quick browse of Osteen’s cookbook will yield delicious options such as Cajun-spiced shellfish appetizers and Carolina BBQ Shrimp Tacos.

If seafood is not your thing, do not worry! There are plenty more options from which to choose. Nashville chef Maneet Chauhan has delighted fans with her modern Indian twist on classic Southern dishes like bacon-wrapped okra and buttermilk mashed potatoes. Or try spicing up steak night with Jesse Griffiths’ Smoked Beef Brisket on Sourdough Toast with Mexican Caviar.

Maybe you just want the classics? Look no further than Virginia chef Vivian Howard, whose restaurants have garnered acclaim for their slow cooked pork shoulder and fried green tomatoes. Of course, if you’re looking for a truly unique experience, Howard also offers recipes such as Clam Fritters with Meyer Lemon Hot Sauce and Catawba Island Cedar Plank Salmon with Red Lentil Stew.

No matter what your tastes may be, it is clear that there are plenty of opportunities to explore Southern cuisine without ever having to leave home. With so many innovative takes on classic dishes, it’s easy to experience the flavors of the Culinary South without ever having to set foot outside your door. Enjoy!