By Bring “Southern Soul Food Platter: Crispy Fried Chicken, Mac & Cheese, Collard Greens, Candied Yams, Rice, Cornbread, and Banana Pudding” to your table with an easy method and crowd-pleasing taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings alike.
“Southern Soul Food Platter: Crispy Fried Chicken, Mac & Cheese, Collard Greens, Candied Yams, Rice, Cornbread, and Banana Pudding” captures the essence of desserts|puddings & mousses while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, “Southern Soul Food Platter: Crispy Fried Chicken, Mac & Cheese, Collard Greens, Candied Yams, Rice, Cornbread, and Banana Pudding” becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
8 pieces of chicken (wings, thighs, drumsticks)
2 cups buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for frying
PREPARATION STEPS
Marinate the chicken in buttermilk, salt, and pepper for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Mix flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
Heat oil in a deep skillet to 175°C (350°F).
Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, then fry in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 12-15 minutes per side.
Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
2. Mac & Cheese
Ingredients:
2 cups elbow macaroni
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs for topping
Instructions:
Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat; whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Slowly add milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens.
Stir in cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Mix the cheese sauce with the macaroni. For a baked version, transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes until golden.
3. Collard Greens
Ingredients:
1 large bunch collard greens, washed, trimmed, and chopped
4 slices bacon or 1 smoked turkey leg
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook bacon in a large pot until crispy; remove and set aside, leaving the drippings.
Sauté onion and garlic in the bacon drippings until softened.
Add collard greens and chicken broth, then bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the greens are tender. Add vinegar and season with salt and pepper.
Crumble bacon on top before serving.
4. Candied Yams
Ingredients:
4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional: Marshmallows for topping
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
Layer sliced sweet potatoes in a baking dish.
Melt butter and mix with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Pour over sweet potatoes.
Cover and bake for 45 minutes, until tender.
Optional: Add marshmallows on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
5. Rice
Ingredients:
2 cups long-grain white rice
4 cups water or chicken broth
1 tbsp butter
Salt to taste
Instructions:
Rinse rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
Bring water or broth to a boil in a large pot.
Add rice and butter; stir, cover, and reduce heat to low.
Simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Fluff with a fork before serving.
6. Cornbread
Ingredients:
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a 9-inch baking pan.
Mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, oil, and egg. Add to dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
7. Banana Pudding
Ingredients:
1 package instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping
4 ripe bananas, sliced
1 box vanilla wafers
Instructions:
Prepare pudding according to package instructions using cold milk. Stir in condensed milk and vanilla extract.
Fold in whipped cream or topping.
Layer sliced bananas and vanilla wafers in a serving dish.
Pour pudding mixture over the layers, repeating until the dish is filled.
Chill for at least 2 hours before serving. Garnish with additional whipped cream and a drizzle of strawberry sauce if desired.
This Southern-style feast offers a comforting mix of flavors and textures, perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal.
ORIGIN
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 55 min | Servings: 12 | Calories: ~320 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRINGS
Coffee; Tea; Vanilla ice cream; Fresh berries
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
