There’s nothing like a warm dose of Southern cuisine to put you in the zone. Usually, those dishes cook away on the stove for hours, but what if you only have 30 minutes? No problem! Here are ten down-home Southern meals you can make super-quick.
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Quick Grits and Shrimp
Shrimp and grits scream “Southern comfort” and they don’t have to be an all-day affair to make. Choose some quick-cooking grits, heat them in a saucepan, and throw in some frozen shrimp. Add a splash of milk, water, salt & butter, then, sprinkle in some garlic and green onion. You’ve got a meal that comes out tasting like it’s spent hours on the stove! This is the perfect dinner on a busy weeknight when you just want something satisfying but not heavy.
Savory Cornbread Muffins
Who said cornbread takes hours? Serve these delicious cornbread muffins in no time at all by spiking them with diced jalapenos or sweet corn. They cook quicker than cornbread, so you can get them out the door in about 15 minutes. Mix some flour, sugar, baking powder, cornmeal and salt in a bowl. Then, throw in some butter and eggs before whisking. Bake them for around 20 minutes until they look golden brown.
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Easy Red Beans and Rice
Don’t waste time cooking red beans and rice. Start with canned red beans, roast some onions and bell peppers, add a pinch of Cajun seasoning, and heat up. Pour this over steamed rice to have the ultimate dinner. It’ll take the taste of New Orleans right to your table before you realize it.
Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried green tomatoes are a crispy Southern classic everyone loves, and you can get into them right away. Slice up the tomatoes and sprinkle them with some seasoned cornmeal. Fry them until crispy and golden. They’re a good lunchtime snack or dinner side dish. They’re also super popular at potlucks!
Creamy Chicken and Dumplings
For super quick chicken and dumplings, tear some frozen biscuit dough into quarters and drop them into a simmering chicken broth with cooked chicken and veggies. It takes 20 minutes or so for the dough to expand into pillowy dumplings covered in creamy sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food in a bowl.
Southern Style Coleslaw
Make a quick Southern coleslaw using a bag of ready-to-shredded cabbage and prep some dressing. You just need some mayo, a little vinegar, a little sugar & some celery seeds before you toss it all together. Crunchy, creamy, and a last-minute side dish for barbecue and sandwiches.
Peach Cobbler in a Skillet
When you need a peach cobbler but don’t have time to make it, canned peaches are your friend. Simply place them in a skillet with a simple batter and leave the oven to do the rest. Within 20 minutes, you’ll be eating golden pudding and satiating your sweet tooth. Don’t forget to put some ice cream on top!
Quick-Fix Pulled Pork
You’d think making pulled pork takes all day although it doesn’t have to be that way. Get a tender pork loin, put it in a crock pot and cook it up before rubbing it with your BBQ sauce. Add some soft buns to it to make a sandwich you won’t stop eating. It cooks fast and tastes like it’s been sitting in the oven all day – absolutely perfect!
Pan-Seared Catfish
Nothing’s more Southern than a piece of good catfish. For a straightforward meal that will give you the South in under 15 minutes, sprinkle the fillets with salt and pepper and fry them in a hot pan with a bit of butter until they’re golden brown. For the final flourish, combine some lemon rinds and tartar sauce.
Black-Eyed Peas Salad
Fancy having a lighter version of black-eyed peas? You can just make a quick salad from canned peas. Mix them with diced tomatoes, onions & a quick vinaigrette for a refreshing side loaded with Southern flare. It’s quick and delicious. If that’s not good enough, it’s also a healthy starter for a meal!
Speedy Collard Greens
You don’t need to spend hours to make yummy collard greens. Just fry ‘em up with some bacon pieces, garlic & onion for a Southern classic that’s ready in 10 minutes. And they’re just the thing to complete a Southern feast, even when you’re in a rush. You can have them as a side or a full meal, depending on how much you make.
Fast Lane Jambalaya
Jambalaya is an everyday labor of love — But you can save some time & take shortcuts. In just 30 minutes, you can get all the flavors of this Louisiana favorite with pre-cooked sausage and shrimp. Cook some chicken in a skillet, then add some butter and flour. Add some onions and garlic, along with seasoning and some chicken broth. Once you’ve put the rice in, you just need to wait for 20 minutes. Add the precooked sausage & shrimp in the last 5 minutes. It’s a one-pot miracle that’s filling enough to keep your family satisfied on a busy weeknight.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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