Baking and cooking with our grandchildren is a true gift. And while we always love to share family favorite recipes, there are often Southern classics that we forget to teach the next generation. Here are just a few beloved recipes that you should make with your grandchildren at least once this year.
With all of the trendy desserts these days, it’s comforting to return to a classic like banana pudding. Smooth, extra creamy, and perfect for potlucks, picnics, or birthday parties. Break out the spoons and enjoy this dessert together.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Frito pie, oh my. A little like chili with a surprising ingredient that everyone loves: a bag of Fritos. An individual package of Fritos brand corn chips is the foundation for this recipe that’s soul-satisfying and perfect for a chilly autumn tailgate.
Stacy K. Allen, Props: Josh Hoggle, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray
Jambalaya is a true Southern classic. While there are many differing opinions on just how to make it the right way, this recipe (which comes together in under an hour) is perfect for a weeknight dinner or Sunday supper.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Not to be confused with a sauce or marinara, tomato gravy has been a staple in Southern kitchens for decades. This gravy, which is delicious spooned over biscuits, can be made with ripe or canned tomatoes.
Antonis Achilleos, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Some call them sides. Others consider them dessert. We call them absolutely delicious. This is quick, easy to make, stars potatoes, and brings together spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar) and a touch of cream in one unforgettable recipe.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
A Southern icon that really needs no introduction. Three decadent layers of chocolate cake enhanced with coffee which gives this cake a moist, extra chocolatey flavor. Plus, it wouldn’t be a Southern classic without buttermilk, which is added to the recipe as well.
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Crispy on the outside, moist and juicy on the inside – there is nothing that can compete with Mama’s original fried chicken recipe. Skip the shortcuts and store-bought options in favor of this classic recipe.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Rebecca Cummins
Legendary for a reason: While we celebrate summer with the simple tomato sandwich, don’t forget about the fried green tomatoes. Slices of green tomato are dredged in a cornmeal mixture and fried until golden, crispy brown. Many folks toss them on salads and layer than on sandwiches, but they’re delicious on their own.
Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Props Stylist: Christina Brockman
Eat your greens they say over and over. These days there are so many quick and easy ways to sneak our veggies into meals, but we suggest giving yourself the time to do it right. These classic collards are cooked low and slow in a stockpot with smoky ingredients to give them an extra boost of flavor.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Ready to impress? Layer some of your favorite ingredients–cornbread, bacon, black-eyed peas–into one extravagant crowdpleaser. This is an old-fashioned favorite that is always a welcome addition at potlucks and family gatherings.
This recipe was originally shared from a reader in Louisiana, and has become a staple on our tables. Bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, ham, and elbow macaroni are tossed in a Cajun-seasoned dressing for a creamy, can’t-eat-just-one-bite dish.
Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
This recipe has stuck around for a very good reason: it’s pure comfort food. Start with the basics–cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken–and then finish it off with poppy seeds and a buttery top coating.
Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
Meet the casserole that everyone has an opinion about. We urge you to give it a chance. Just one bite and you’ll fall head over heels for its unique flavors and texture. Canned pineapple chunks, Cheddar cheese, and crispy Ritz cracker crust come together in a casserole that can’t be topped.
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox
If you like pimento cheese, there is a very good chance you’ll enjoy this recipe too. Cheese slaw is a regional recipe that has fans all over the South. Banana peppers, jalapeños and Swiss cheese come together in a slaw that deserves to be made again and again.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
What makes this recipe extra special is that it has two classics in one impressive confection: the moist cake and the creamy Ermine frosting. Take one bite and you’ll be instantly transported back to Grandma’s table.
