The United States is a melting pot where different cultures can exist within the same national borders. One epicenter that produces mouth-watering food is the American South. African, European, and Native American influences join forces to create amazing meals unlike any other.

Authentic southern cuisine requires time, effort, and a lot of heart. It’s all about invigorating seasonings, interesting ingredients, and using recipes passed from generation to generation. Create something delicious with these key elements of traditionally southern meals.

Deep-Fried Batters

Nothing satisfies hunger quite like deep-fried food. Chicken, steak, ice cream—if you can batter it, you can fry it. The key is to use rich buttermilk, soft flour, and plenty of spices to make your fried recipe pop.

You’ll need a good smoking oil to get your coating crispy. Look for an oil with a smoking point between 350-375 degrees, such as vegetable or peanut oil. Some people fry once and call it a day; for that extra crunch, double-fry your recipe by dunking it in hot oil twice.

Grilling and BBQ

Texas, Tennessee, and the Carolinas are famous for their incredible barbecue. This cooking style involves smoking meats over a live fire for several hours. Each state will say they have the best BBQ sauce; your favorite will depend on sweet, tangy, and savory preferences.

You’ll need split cooking wood and plenty of ventilation to barbecue safely. Common meats that get cooked this way include ribs, brisket, hamburger patties, and more. Don’t forget to add a hefty helping of mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, and greens on the side!

Juicy Southern Fruits

When people think about key elements of traditionally southern meals, they usually picture heavy ingredients with a ton of taste and calories. However, the American South is home to plenty of juicy fruits that are as sweet as the sweetest tea.

Georgia is world-famous for its ripe peaches. Similarly, Florida always has luscious oranges that get shipped all over the country. You can find apples of different varieties all over the southern half of the U.S. Many families turn their home-grown fruits into delightful desserts like apple pie and peach cobbler.

It’s no wonder people are always looking for seasonal travel destinations down south; there’s plenty to do and so much fantastic food to eat! Next time you’re looking for a new recipe to try, consider taking a southern-style recipe for a spin.