Looking to indulge in some delicious Southern flavors without breaking the bank? Look no further! In this article, we’ve curated a list of 10 frugal Southern recipes that are not only budget-friendly but also incredibly tasty. From classic favorites like shrimp and grits to mouthwatering pecan pie, these recipes will satisfy your cravings without straining your wallet. So grab your apron and get ready to whip up some delectable Southern dishes that will have your taste buds dancing with joy!
Breakfast Recipes
Classic Buttermilk Biscuits
Start your day off right with these melt-in-your-mouth Classic Buttermilk Biscuits. Made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, these biscuits are budget-friendly and perfect for breakfast or brunch. The flaky layers and buttery taste will leave you wanting more. Serve them with butter and jam or use them as a base for a breakfast sandwich.
Southern-Style Grits
Grits are a staple in Southern cuisine, and this frugal recipe will show you just how delicious and budget-friendly they can be. Made with cornmeal and water, these creamy and comforting grits can be paired with a variety of toppings like cheese, bacon, or even shrimp. They are versatile and make for a filling and satisfying breakfast or brunch option.
Homemade Sausage Gravy
Nothing beats a hearty plate of biscuits and gravy, and this homemade sausage gravy recipe is both frugal and delicious. Made with ground sausage, flour, milk, and a few simple spices, this creamy and flavorful gravy will take your breakfast to the next level. Serve it over fresh biscuits for a comforting and satisfying start to your day.
Appetizer Recipes
Pimento Cheese Dip
This frugal Southern classic is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that won’t break the bank. Made with just a few ingredients like cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos, this creamy and tangy dip is perfect for parties or gatherings. Serve it with crackers or vegetables for a budget-friendly and delicious appetizer option.
Fried Green Tomatoes
If you have some unripe tomatoes sitting in your garden, this frugal recipe is a great way to put them to use. Crispy and tangy, fried green tomatoes are a Southern delicacy that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or even as a side dish. With just a few pantry staples like cornmeal, flour, and spices, you can create a dish that is both budget-friendly and packed with flavor.
Hush Puppies
Hush puppies are a classic Southern side dish that can also be enjoyed as a tasty appetizer. Made with cornmeal, flour, buttermilk, and spices, these crispy and golden balls of goodness are budget-friendly and add a pop of flavor to any meal. Serve them with a dipping sauce or alongside your favorite seafood dish for a true Southern experience.
Main Course Recipes
Southern Fried Chicken
Southern fried chicken is a beloved comfort food that doesn’t have to break the bank. With a few simple ingredients like chicken, flour, spices, and oil, you can create a delicious and budget-friendly meal that will satisfy your cravings. The crispy and flavorful coating paired with tender and juicy meat is sure to become a family favorite.
Shrimp and Grits
Shrimp and grits is a classic Southern dish that is not only delicious but can also be made on a budget. This frugal recipe combines succulent shrimp with creamy and flavorful grits for a meal that is both comforting and satisfying. With ingredients like shrimp, grits, bacon, and spices, you can create a dish that is packed with flavor without breaking the bank.
Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hocks
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cuisine and are often paired with smoked ham hocks for added flavor. This frugal recipe combines tender collard greens with smoky and savory ham hocks for a side dish that is both nutritious and budget-friendly. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that is full of flavor and perfect for any meal.
Side Dish Recipes
Cornbread
No Southern meal is complete without a side of cornbread. This frugal recipe combines simple ingredients like cornmeal, flour, milk, and oil to create a moist and flavorful cornbread that pairs well with any dish. Serve it warm with a pat of butter for a budget-friendly and delicious addition to your meal.
Black-Eyed Peas
Black-eyed peas are a traditional Southern dish that are not only tasty but also budget-friendly. With just a few ingredients like dried black-eyed peas, onions, bacon, and spices, you can create a flavorful and filling side dish that can be enjoyed year-round. Serve it alongside cornbread for a true Southern feast.
Fried Okra
If you’re looking for a frugal and delicious side dish, fried okra is the way to go. Made with fresh okra, cornmeal, flour, and spices, this crispy and flavorful dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or a side dish, fried okra is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Soup and Stew Recipes
Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and dumplings is a comforting Southern dish that can be made on a budget. This frugal recipe combines tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a flavorful broth for a meal that will warm your soul. With just a few simple ingredients like chicken, flour, vegetables, and spices, you can create a hearty and delicious soup that the whole family will love.
Brunswick Stew
Brunswick stew is a hearty and flavorful Southern dish that is perfect for chilly nights. Made with ingredients like chicken, vegetables, tomatoes, and spices, this frugal recipe is both budget-friendly and delicious. Serve it with a side of cornbread for a complete meal that will keep you warm and satisfied.
Red Beans and Rice
Red beans and rice is a classic Southern dish that is not only delicious but also easy on the wallet. This frugal recipe combines red beans, rice, and flavorful spices for a meal that is both hearty and satisfying. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that is packed with flavor and perfect for any day of the week.
Dessert Recipes
Peach Cobbler
Peach cobbler is a classic Southern dessert that is both frugal and delicious. Made with fresh peaches, a buttery crust, and a hint of cinnamon, this warm and fruity dessert is perfect for any occasion. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
Banana Pudding
Banana pudding is a crowd-pleasing dessert that is not only budget-friendly but also incredibly delicious. Made with layers of bananas, vanilla pudding, and Nilla wafers, this creamy and sweet treat is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether served at a potluck or a family gathering, banana pudding is always a hit.
Buttermilk Pie
Buttermilk pie is a Southern classic that is both frugal and flavorful. Made with simple ingredients like buttermilk, sugar, butter, and spices, this custard-based pie has a rich and creamy texture that is hard to resist. Serve it warm or chilled for a sweet ending to any meal.
Beverages
Sweet Tea
Sweet tea is a refreshing and budget-friendly beverage that is a staple in the South. Made with just a few ingredients like tea bags, sugar, and water, this drink is perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot day. Serve it over ice and garnish with a lemon slice for a truly Southern experience.
Mint Julep
Mint julep is a classic Southern cocktail that is both refreshing and budget-friendly. Made with fresh mint, bourbon, sugar, and crushed ice, this drink is perfect for sipping on a warm day or at your next Derby party. Garnish with a sprig of mint and enjoy this iconic Southern beverage.
Watermelon Lemonade
Watermelon lemonade is a fruity and refreshing drink that is perfect for summertime. Made with fresh watermelon, lemons, sugar, and water, this frugal recipe is both budget-friendly and delicious. Serve it over ice and garnish with a watermelon wedge for a refreshing and vibrant drink that everyone will enjoy.
Southern-Style Sauces and Dressings
Barbecue Sauce
Barbecue sauce is a must-have condiment in Southern cuisine, and making your own is not only frugal but also allows you to customize the flavors to your liking. With ingredients like ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices, you can create a tangy and smoky sauce that is perfect for grilling or dipping.
Comeback Dressing
Comeback dressing is a versatile and flavorful sauce that can be used as a dressing or a dip. Made with simple ingredients like mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, and spices, this frugal recipe is perfect for adding a zesty kick to salads, sandwiches, or even as a dipping sauce for fries.
Remoulade Sauce
Remoulade sauce is a classic condiment in Southern cuisine that is both tangy and flavorful. Made with ingredients like mayonnaise, mustard, pickles, and spices, this versatile sauce can be used to enhance the flavors of seafood, sandwiches, or even as a dipping sauce for fried foods. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious and budget-friendly sauce that will elevate any dish.
One-Pot Meals
Jambalaya
Jambalaya is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal that is popular in Southern cooking. Made with ingredients like sausage, chicken, shrimp, rice, and vegetables, this frugal recipe is packed with flavors and spices. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a weeknight dinner, jambalaya is the perfect dish to enjoy.
Shrimp and Okra Gumbo
Gumbo is a Louisiana classic that can be made on a budget without compromising on flavor. This frugal recipe combines succulent shrimp, okra, tomatoes, and spices to create a rich and flavorful stew. Serve it over rice for a complete and satisfying meal that will warm you up from the inside out.
Country Boil
A country boil is a festive and frugal one-pot meal that brings people together. Made with ingredients like shrimp, sausage, corn, potatoes, and spices, this flavorful dish is perfect for gatherings or even just a family dinner. Simply boil the ingredients together and serve it with melted butter and your favorite dipping sauces for a true Southern feast.
Quick Breads
Cornbread Muffins
Cornbread muffins are a frugal and easy-to-make bread that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Made with simple ingredients like cornmeal, flour, milk, and oil, these fluffy and golden muffins are perfect for breakfast, dinner, or a snack. Serve them warm with a drizzle of honey for a sweet and savory treat.
Buttermilk Biscuit Rolls
Buttermilk biscuit rolls are a twist on the classic biscuit recipe and are perfect for any meal. Made with buttermilk, flour, butter, and spices, these soft and flaky rolls are easy to make and budget-friendly. Whether served as a side to a main course or used as a base for a sandwich, these biscuit rolls are sure to be a hit.
Sweet Potato Biscuits
Sweet potato biscuits are a unique and delicious bread option that is both frugal and flavorful. Made with mashed sweet potatoes, flour, butter, and spices, these tender and slightly sweet biscuits are perfect for breakfast or brunch. Serve them warm with a pat of butter or your favorite jam for a delightful treat.
With these frugal Southern recipes, you can enjoy the flavors of the South without breaking the bank. From classic breakfast dishes to mouthwatering desserts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create delicious meals that are both budget-friendly and delicious. Happy cooking!