8 Best Southern Breakfast Recipes: The South is famous for its unique and flavorful cuisine, and breakfast is no exception. From fluffy biscuits smothered in gravy to sweet, crispy waffles, Southern breakfasts are designed to start your day off right. Let’s dive into the heart of Southern cooking with recipes that have been passed down through generations and are cherished in households across the region.
1. Classic Buttermilk Biscuits
The Foundation of Any Southern Breakfast
No Southern breakfast menu is complete without soft, flaky buttermilk biscuits. They’re the perfect vessel for butter, honey, or a generous helping of sausage gravy.
How to Make Them
To make these delightful biscuits, you’ll need flour, buttermilk, butter, and a touch of baking powder. The key to perfect biscuits is not overworking the dough, which keeps them light and airy. Bake until golden brown, and you’ll have a batch of biscuits that are sure to impress.
2. Savory Sausage Gravy
A Hearty Companion to Biscuits
Imagine ladling thick, creamy sausage gravy over freshly baked biscuits. This gravy is a staple in the Southern breakfast repertoire and adds a savory depth to any morning meal.
Ingredients and Steps
Cook up some ground sausage, sprinkle in flour to form a roux, and then slowly add milk until the mixture thickens into a rich gravy. Season with salt and pepper to taste—it’s that simple!
3. Southern-Style Grits
Creamy Goodness
Grits are a cornerstone of Southern cuisine. When cooked right, they transform into a creamy, buttery dish that can be the star of the breakfast table.
Perfecting Grits
The secret to creamy grits lies in slow-cooking them with plenty of water and butter, and finishing with a splash of cream or milk. For an extra touch of luxury, stir in some sharp cheddar cheese just before serving.
4. Fried Green Tomatoes
A Crispy Delight
Fried green tomatoes add a tangy crunch to any Southern breakfast. They’re slightly acidic, which makes them a perfect counterpoint to richer dishes.
Frying Them to Perfection
Slice green tomatoes, dredge them in seasoned cornmeal, and fry until the coating is crisp and golden. Serve hot with a dollop of remoulade or buttermilk dressing.
5. Chicken and Waffles
The Ultimate Sweet and Savory Combo
Chicken and waffles is a beloved Southern dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to make any breakfast special.
How to Serve
Fry seasoned chicken until crispy and serve it atop a buttery, syrup-drizzled waffle. This dish combines the best of both worlds and is a true testament to Southern culinary creativity.
6. Country Ham and Red-Eye Gravy
A Salt Lover’s Dream
Country ham with red-eye gravy is for those who love a savory, meaty breakfast. The ham’s saltiness paired with the unique coffee-infused gravy is unforgettable.
Making Red-Eye Gravy
After frying the ham, deglaze the pan with black coffee, which mixes with the ham drippings to create a rich, dark gravy. It’s a simple yet flavor-packed sauce that enhances any Southern breakfast plate.
7. Sweet Potato Pancakes
A Twist on the Classic
Sweet potato pancakes are a wonderful variation of the traditional pancake, adding a hint of sweetness and lots of nutrients.
Preparing the Pancakes
Mix mashed sweet potatoes with standard pancake ingredients for a slightly sweet, moist pancake. Serve with maple syrup and a sprinkle of pecans for added texture and flavor.
8. Beignets with Powdered Sugar
A Taste of New Orleans
Beignets, though a New Orleans specialty, have become a beloved part of Southern breakfasts everywhere. These pillowy doughnuts are a sweet way to end your meal.
Beignet Basics
Deep fry squares of yeasted dough until they puff up and then generously dust with powdered sugar. Serve hot for a truly indulgent treat.
Conclusion
These eight Southern breakfast recipes offer a delightful mix of flavors and textures that are sure to please any palate. Whether you’re craving something sweet or savory, this roundup has a little bit of everything to start your day off with a taste of the South. So why not bring a bit of Southern hospitality to your breakfast table tomorrow?