10 High Soul Food Recipes

Soul food is more than just cuisine—it’s a rich cultural experience that blends history, flavor, and tradition.

Rooted in the African American communities of the Southern United States, soul food tells a story with every bite.

From the comforting embrace of creamy mac and cheese to the bold spice of Cajun-fried catfish, these dishes are celebrations of heritage, family, and resilience.

In today’s culinary landscape, soul food remains a beloved staple. Its hearty flavors, soulful origins, and crowd-pleasing appeal make it a go-to for Sunday dinners, special occasions, and everyday indulgence.

Whether you’re rediscovering the tastes of your childhood or exploring Southern classics for the first time, this list of 10 High Soul Food Recipes is your ultimate guide to cooking with heart.

1. Buttermilk Fried Chicken Supreme

Description: A crispy, golden exterior with juicy, seasoned meat inside—this classic buttermilk fried chicken defines comfort food at its finest.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (cut into 8 pieces)
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken pieces in buttermilk overnight (or at least 4 hours).
2. In a separate bowl, mix flour with spices.
3. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.
4. Dredge in seasoned flour and set aside.
5. Heat oil in a large skillet to 350°F (175°C).
6. Fry chicken in batches, turning occasionally, for 10–12 minutes per side.
7. Drain on paper towels before serving.

2. Smoky Collard Greens with Turkey

Description: These slow-simmered collard greens are rich with smoked turkey flavor and southern soul in every forkful.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs collard greens (washed and chopped)
• 1 smoked turkey leg or wing
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté onions and garlic until soft.
2. Add smoked turkey and chicken broth; bring to a boil.
3. Add collard greens in batches, letting each wilt before adding more.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 1.5–2 hours.
5. Stir in vinegar, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
6. Remove turkey, shred meat, return to pot, and serve.

3. Southern Macaroni & Cheese Bake

Description: Creamy, cheesy, and topped with a golden crust, this mac and cheese will steal the show at any gathering.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 stick butter
• Salt, pepper, paprika

Instructions:

1. Cook macaroni until al dente. Drain and return to pot.
2. Stir in butter, cheddar, and mozzarella until melted.
3. In a bowl, whisk eggs with milk and seasonings.
4. Combine with pasta, pour into greased baking dish.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes until top is browned and bubbly.

4. Cajun Catfish Fillets

Description: Boldly seasoned and pan-fried to perfection, these catfish fillets pack heat and Southern charm.

Ingredients:

• 4 catfish fillets
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Season catfish with Cajun spices.
2. In a bowl, whisk egg and milk.
3. Mix cornmeal and flour in a separate dish.
4. Dip catfish in egg wash, then dredge in cornmeal mixture.
5. Fry in hot oil (350°F) for 3–4 minutes per side.
6. Drain on paper towels; serve hot.

5. Creamy Grits with Butter & Cheese

Description: A warm, velvety dish topped with melted cheese and butter—grits are the heart of the Southern breakfast table.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 4 cups water or chicken broth
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Bring water or broth to a boil.
2. Stir in grits and reduce heat.
3. Simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Add butter and cheese; mix until creamy.
5. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

6. Sweet Potato Pie Deluxe

Description: Smooth, spiced sweet potato filling in a flaky crust—this pie is a sweet ending with soul.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter (softened)
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 pie crust (unbaked)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
3. Pour into pie crust.
4. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until set.
5. Cool before slicing.

7. BBQ Ribs with Brown Sugar Rub

Description: Fall-off-the-bone tender, these ribs are coated with a sweet-and-spicy rub and slathered in smoky BBQ sauce.

Ingredients:

• 2 racks pork ribs
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper
• 1 cup BBQ sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Mix dry rub and coat ribs generously.
3. Wrap in foil and bake for 2.5 hours.
4. Unwrap, brush with BBQ sauce, and broil for 5–7 minutes until caramelized.

8. Black-Eyed Peas with Ham Hocks

Description: A symbol of prosperity, these peas are slow-cooked with smoky ham hocks for depth and richness.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb dried black-eyed peas (soaked overnight)
• 1 smoked ham hock
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic.
2. Add ham hock, peas, and broth.
3. Simmer for 2–3 hours until peas are tender.
4. Remove ham, shred meat, return to pot.
5. Season to taste and serve warm.

9. Cornbread with Honey Butter Glaze

Description: Moist, fluffy, and slightly sweet, this cornbread is perfect on its own or served with stews and greens.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• Honey for glaze

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl, wet in another.
3. Combine and stir until just mixed.
4. Pour into greased pan; bake 20–25 minutes.
5. Brush with melted honey butter while warm.

10. Peach Cobbler Bliss

Description: Juicy peaches baked under a golden crust—this dessert captures Southern summer in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups sliced peaches (fresh or canned)
• 1 cup sugar (divided)
• 1/2 cup butter (melted)
• 1 cup flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Pour melted butter into a baking dish.
3. Mix flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, and milk to form batter.
4. Pour batter over butter—don’t stir.
5. Add peaches and sprinkle with remaining sugar and cinnamon.
6. Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Conclusion & Key Takeaways

Soul food is all about flavor, love, and tradition. These 10 High Soul Food Recipes represent the essence of Southern cooking—rich in history, bold in taste, and deeply satisfying.

Whether you’re preparing a hearty meal for family or trying your hand at classic dishes for the first time, these recipes are approachable, authentic, and guaranteed to impress.