30 Appalachian Cuisine Recipe Ideas To Try

Appalachian cuisine is a unique and flavorful style of cooking that has its roots in the Southern United States.

From hearty stews and casseroles to sweet desserts and snacks, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this regional cuisine.

This regional cuisine is known for its hearty and comforting dishes that use simple, locally-sourced ingredients to create delicious meals that have been passed down for generations.

From classic Southern favorites like fried chicken and biscuits to more unique dishes like ramps and sorghum molasses cookies, Appalachian cuisine has something to offer everyone.

In this article, we'll explore 30 different Appalachian cuisine ideas that you can try at home, complete with cooking tips, seasonings used, preparation time, and procedures.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, these recipes are sure to impress your family and friends with their delicious taste and comforting flavors.

1. Cornbread

Cornbread is a staple of Southern cuisine and is particularly popular in the Appalachian region. It's a simple bread made from cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, eggs, milk, and butter. Some recipes also call for sugar or honey. Cornbread is typically baked in a cast iron skillet and served warm with butter.

2. Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is a classic Southern dish and a favorite in the Appalachian region. To make fried chicken, you'll need chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or breasts), flour, buttermilk, salt, pepper, and oil for frying. The chicken is first soaked in buttermilk to tenderize it, then dredged in seasoned flour and fried until crispy and golden brown.

3. Collard Greens

Collard greens are a nutritious leafy green vegetable that is often served as a side dish in Southern cooking. To prepare collard greens, you'll need collard greens, bacon or ham hocks, onions, garlic, chicken or vegetable broth, vinegar, salt, and pepper. The collard greens are first washed and chopped, then cooked with the other ingredients until tender.

4. Biscuits and Gravy

Biscuits and gravy is a hearty breakfast dish that's popular throughout the South. To make biscuits, you'll need flour, baking powder, salt, butter, and milk. The gravy is typically made from pork sausage, flour, milk, salt, and pepper. The biscuits are baked in the oven while the gravy is cooked on the stovetop.

5. Pinto Beans and Cornbread

Pinto beans and cornbread are a classic Appalachian combination. To make pinto beans, you'll need dried pinto beans, water, ham hocks or bacon, onions, garlic, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and cumin. The beans are simmered on the stovetop until tender and then served with cornbread.

6. Fried Catfish

Catfish is a popular fish in the South, and fried catfish is a favorite in the Appalachian region. To make fried catfish, you'll need catfish fillets, cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, and oil for frying. The catfish is coated in seasoned cornmeal and flour and then fried until crispy and golden brown.

7. Pork Rinds

Pork rinds are a crunchy snack made from the skin of a pig. To make pork rinds, you'll need pork skin, salt, and oil for frying. The pork skin is fried until crispy and then seasoned with salt.

8. Black-Eyed Peas and Ham

Black-eyed peas and ham is a classic Southern dish that's often eaten on New Year's Day for good luck. To make black-eyed peas and ham, you'll need dried black-eyed peas, water, ham hocks or bacon, onions, garlic, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and cumin. The peas are simmered on the stovetop until tender and then served with ham.

9. Apple Butter

Apple butter is a sweet spread made from apples that have been cooked down until they're soft and smooth. To make apple butter, you'll need apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemon juice. The apples are cooked in a slow cooker or on the stovetop until they're soft and then blended until smooth.

10. Hoppin' John

Hoppin' John is a Southern dish made with black-eyed peas, rice, and pork. To make Hoppin' John, you'll need black-eyed peas, rice, bacon or ham hocks, onions, celery, garlic, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and thyme. The dish is typically served with hot sauce or vinegar.

11. Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole is a popular side dish during the holiday season. To make sweet potato casserole, you'll need sweet potatoes, butter, sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. The sweet potatoes are mashed and combined with the other ingredients, then baked in the oven until golden brown.

12. Fried Okra

Fried okra is a crunchy and savory side dish that's popular in the South. To make fried okra, you'll need fresh okra, cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, and oil for frying. The okra is sliced, coated in seasoned cornmeal and flour, and then fried until crispy.

13. Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried green tomatoes are a classic Southern dish made with unripe green tomatoes. To make fried green tomatoes, you'll need green tomatoes, cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, and oil for frying. The tomatoes are sliced, coated in seasoned cornmeal and flour, and then fried until crispy.

14. Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings is a hearty and comforting Southern dish. To make chicken and dumplings, you'll need chicken, chicken broth, flour, milk, baking powder, salt, and pepper. The chicken is simmered in broth with onions, garlic, and seasonings, then the dumplings are added to the pot and cooked until fluffy.

15. Red Beans and Rice

Red beans and rice is a traditional Cajun dish that has made its way into the Appalachian region. To make red beans and rice, you'll need dried red beans, onions, celery, bell peppers, garlic, smoked sausage, and seasonings like Cajun seasoning, bay leaves, and thyme. The beans are cooked with the other ingredients until tender and then served over rice.

16. Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is a classic Southern dessert that's perfect for the holiday season. To make pecan pie, you'll need a pie crust, pecans, sugar, corn syrup, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. The pie is baked in the oven until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.

17. Banana Pudding

Banana pudding is a creamy and sweet dessert that's a favorite in the South. To make banana pudding, you'll need vanilla pudding mix, milk, vanilla wafers, bananas, and whipped cream. The pudding is layered with the wafers and bananas, then topped with whipped cream.

18. Buttermilk Pie

Buttermilk pie is a custard-like pie that's popular in the South. To make buttermilk pie, you'll need a pie crust, buttermilk, sugar, eggs, flour, butter, vanilla extract, and nutmeg. The pie is baked in the oven until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.

19. Chess Pie

Chess pie is a simple and sweet pie that's popular in the Appalachian region. To make chess pie, you'll need a pie crust, sugar, cornmeal, butter, eggs, vinegar, and vanilla extract. The pie is baked in the oven until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.

20. Fried Apple Pies

Fried apple pies are a classic Southern dessert that's perfect for the fall season. To make fried apple pies, you'll need a pie crust, apples, sugar, cinnamon, and oil for frying. The apples are cooked with the sugar and cinnamon until they're soft, then added to the pie crust and fried until golden brown.

21. Hushpuppies

Hushpuppies are a savory and crunchy side dish that's often served with seafood in the South. To make hushpuppies, you'll need cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, milk, egg, onion, and oil for frying. The ingredients are mixed together and formed into small balls or oblong shapes, then fried until crispy and golden brown.

22. Apple Cider Donuts

Apple cider donuts are a delicious treat that's perfect for the fall season. To make apple cider donuts, you'll need flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, apple cider, eggs, milk, butter, and oil for frying. The ingredients are mixed together to form a dough, then cut into donut shapes and fried until golden brown.

23. Cornbread Stuffing

Cornbread stuffing is a classic Thanksgiving side dish that's popular in the South. To make cornbread stuffing, you'll need cornbread, celery, onion, chicken broth, sage, thyme, butter, salt, and pepper. The cornbread is crumbled and mixed with the other ingredients, then baked in the oven until golden brown.

24. Brunswick Stew

Brunswick stew is a hearty and flavorful stew that's popular in the Appalachian region. To make Brunswick stew, you'll need chicken, pork, corn, lima beans, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, and seasonings like garlic, bay leaves, and paprika. The ingredients are simmered together until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

25. Biscuits and Gravy

Biscuits and gravy is a classic Southern breakfast dish. To make biscuits and gravy, you'll need flour, butter, milk, salt, pepper, sausage, and biscuits. The sausage is cooked and crumbled, then mixed with a milk and flour mixture to make the gravy. The biscuits are baked in the oven until golden brown.

26. Sorghum Molasses Cookies

Sorghum molasses cookies are a sweet and chewy cookie that's popular in the Appalachian region. To make sorghum molasses cookies, you'll need sorghum molasses, flour, sugar, butter, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. The ingredients are mixed together to form a dough, then baked in the oven until golden brown.

27. Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is a classic Southern dish that's enjoyed all over the region. To make fried chicken, you'll need chicken, flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and oil for frying. The chicken is coated in seasoned flour, then fried until crispy and golden brown.

28. Hot Brown

Hot Brown is a Kentucky dish that's popular in the Appalachian region. To make Hot Brown, you'll need turkey, bacon, bread, cheese sauce, and tomato. The ingredients are layered together and baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

29. Pimento Cheese

Pimento cheese is a classic Southern spread that's perfect for sandwiches and crackers. To make pimento cheese, you'll need cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, and seasonings like garlic, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. The ingredients are mixed together until well combined, then chilled until ready to serve.

30. Corn Pudding

Corn pudding is a creamy and savory side dish that's popular in the South. To make corn pudding, you'll need corn, cream-style corn, milk, eggs, flour, sugar, butter, and salt. The ingredients are mixed together and baked in the oven until the pudding is set and golden brown on top.

1. Embrace simple flavors: Appalachian cuisine is all about comfort food, so don't be afraid to use simple seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
2. Experiment with different types of cornmeal: Cornmeal is a staple ingredient in Appalachian cuisine, and there are many different types available, including yellow, white, and stone-ground. Try different types to see which one you prefer.
3. Slow-cook meats: Many Appalachian dishes are made with meats like pork and chicken, which benefit from long, slow cooking to become tender and flavorful. Consider using a slow cooker or Dutch oven to cook these dishes.
4. Use cast iron cookware: Cast iron skillets and Dutch ovens are a staple in Appalachian kitchens and are great for cooking everything from fried chicken to cornbread.
5. While many Appalachian dishes use traditional ingredients, there is also room for experimentation. Consider incorporating new flavors and ingredients, like hot peppers or fresh herbs, to add a modern twist to classic dishes.
6. Pay attention to presentation: While Appalachian cuisine is known for its rustic, homey feel, presentation is still important. Consider using garnishes like fresh herbs or colorful vegetables to make your dishes look as good as they taste.

By using simple, locally-sourced ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, you can recreate these classic Appalachian dishes in your own kitchen and experience the comforting flavors and tastes of this unique culinary tradition.

So why not try one of the 30 Appalachian cuisine ideas we've shared in this article and discover a new favorite dish today? We hope you've found this article informative and inspiring, and we wish you happy cooking and delicious eating!

What are some common ingredients used in Appalachian cuisine?

Common ingredients used in Appalachian cuisine include cornmeal, beans, potatoes, pork, chicken, biscuits, cornbread, and sorghum molasses.

Is Appalachian cuisine healthy?

Some Appalachian dishes can be high in fat and calories, but many dishes can be made healthier by using leaner cuts of meat, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Is Appalachian cuisine the same as Southern cuisine?

Appalachian cuisine is similar to Southern cuisine, but it has its own unique flavors and dishes that are specific to the Appalachian region.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options in Appalachian cuisine?

Yes, there are many vegetarian and vegan options in Appalachian cuisine, including dishes like collard greens, black-eyed peas, and roasted sweet potatoes.