When you think of soul food recipes, you imagine warm, hearty meals that bring people together around the table.
From crispy fried chicken to creamy mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread, these dishes are rich in flavor and tradition. The best part?
They’re easy to make, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday dinners.
With a prep time of about 20 minutes and a cook time of 30–60 minutes depending on the dish, you’ll be serving up Southern comfort in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Full of flavor: Every bite is seasoned to perfection.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike can’t resist it.
- Customizable: Swap meats, sides, or spices to fit your taste.
- Easy to make: Beginner-friendly steps anyone can follow.
- Perfect for gatherings: Brings warmth and joy to any table.
Ingredients Needed
(For a classic soul food dinner plate)
- Fried Chicken
- Chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or breasts)
- Buttermilk (or regular milk + 1 tbsp vinegar as a substitute)
- Flour
- Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne
- Salt & pepper
- Oil for frying
- Chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or breasts)
- Collard Greens
- Fresh collard greens (or kale as a substitute)
- Smoked turkey leg or ham hock (can use vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Fresh collard greens (or kale as a substitute)
- Mac and Cheese
- Elbow macaroni
- Cheddar cheese (or mix with mozzarella/Colby Jack)
- Milk
- Butter
- Flour (for roux)
- Elbow macaroni
- Cornbread
- Cornmeal
- Flour
- Sugar (optional for sweet cornbread)
- Baking powder
- Eggs
- Milk or buttermilk
- Cornmeal
How to Make Soul Food Recipes
- Fried Chicken
- Soak chicken in buttermilk for at least 1 hour.
- Mix flour with spices.
- Dredge chicken, then fry in hot oil until golden and cooked through.
- Soak chicken in buttermilk for at least 1 hour.
- Collard Greens
- Wash and chop greens.
- In a pot, sauté onion and garlic.
- Add smoked meat and broth, simmer 1–2 hours.
- Wash and chop greens.
- Mac and Cheese
- Boil pasta until al dente.
- Make a cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and cheese.
- Mix pasta with sauce, bake until bubbly.
- Boil pasta until al dente.
- Cornbread
- Mix dry ingredients, then whisk in wet ingredients.
- Pour into a greased pan, bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
- Mix dry ingredients, then whisk in wet ingredients.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Switch up proteins: Try fried catfish, turkey wings, or BBQ ribs instead of chicken.
- Vegetarian-friendly: Use smoked paprika or liquid smoke in collard greens instead of meat.
- Cheese lovers: Add cream cheese or Velveeta to mac and cheese for extra creaminess.
- Avoid soggy chicken: Keep the oil hot (350°F) when frying.
- Healthier twist: Bake chicken instead of frying.
What to Serve It With
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Sweet potato casserole
- Rice and gravy
- Fresh garden salad
- Peach cobbler for dessert 🍑
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Fried chicken: Store in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for crispiness.
- Greens: Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Mac & cheese: Keep in airtight container; reheat with a splash of milk.
- Cornbread: Store at room temp for 2 days or freeze for later.
Nutrition Info (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 600–700
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 50g
- Fat: 30g
(Varies depending on dish and portion size)
Printable Recipe Card
Soul Food Recipes – Classic Dinner Plate
Ingredients:
- Chicken, buttermilk, flour, spices, oil
- Collard greens, smoked meat, broth, onion, garlic
- Macaroni, cheese, milk, butter, flour
- Cornmeal, flour, baking powder, eggs, milk
Instructions:
- Fry chicken after soaking in buttermilk.
- Simmer collard greens with smoked meat.
- Bake cheesy mac until bubbly.
- Bake cornbread until golden.
FAQs About Soul Food Recipes
1. What makes food “soul food”?
Soul food comes from African American Southern traditions, featuring hearty, comforting dishes like fried chicken, greens, cornbread, and more.
2. Can I make soul food healthy?
Yes! Bake instead of fry, use lean meats, and lighten up dairy-based dishes.
3. What is the most popular soul food dish?
Fried chicken and mac & cheese are the most iconic.
4. Can I meal prep soul food?
Absolutely—greens, cornbread, and mac reheat well for weekly meals.
5. What dessert pairs well with soul food?
Peach cobbler, banana pudding, or sweet potato pie.
Conclusion
Soul food recipes are more than just meals—they’re comfort on a plate, rich in flavor and tradition.Â
Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or craving something cozy, this recipe collection has everything you need for a soul-satisfying feast.
Bonnie Mae is a recipe creator who loves turning simple ingredients into delicious meals. She shares easy, tasty, and family-friendly dishes. Her passion is making cooking fun, quick, and enjoyable for everyone.
