If you know, you know.

After all, no cookbook can tell you how muchbuttermilkto add like your grandmother could.

We rounded up our favorite Southern recipes that should bememorized and mastered.

New Orleans Red Beans And Rice

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It doesn’t ask for much.

(That step, however simple, is imperative.)

Then, crispy fried perfection.

Southern Living Easy Black Eyed Peas in a bowl to serve

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Both sausage links and pork shoulder bring incredible richness to thisstew.

When in doubt, our classicButtermilk Biscuitsmake a delicious base for breakfast.

Starting with the same aromatics as mostonion, bell pepper, celeryit’s a heavenly free-for-all after that.

Hummingbird Cake - Southern Living

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Deviled Eggs

This favorite Southern snack and side doesn’t always get the credit it’s due.

Don’t forget the heirloom deviled egg tray.

Cheese Straws

These might be the hallmark of Southern hosting.

Southern Living Mamas Fried Chicken on a platter to serve

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In fact, a batch of these simple cheese straws can carry an entire party on its back.

Learn it, and learn it well.

As much so as its sibling, the green bean casserole.

Sausage Balls - Southern Living

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(Here’s our favorite recipe for that.)

These are dishes you’ll cook your entire life, so why not master them now?

The rest is personalized seasoning.

Southern Living Kentucky Burgoo in bowls to serve

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Sour cream helps make the filling rich and comforting but also tangy and light.

It’s the time-saving tip that’ll get chicken and dumplings on the dinner table a little bit faster.

Don’t separate them from their favorite friendsham hocks and baconand we won’t have any problems.

Southern Living Drop Biscuits ready to serve with butter

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Apple cider vinegar, sugar, and garlic give a nice touch.

This recipe features chicken and sausage as the meats to make a hearty and delicious meal for any occasion.

Homemade Baked Beans

It’s not a Southern barbecue without a tray of delicious baked beans.

Southern Living Sausage and Gravy served on a plate

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This recipe makes a meaty, savory tray of baked beans that all will enjoy.

Tomatoes are the must-have ingredient!

Browned butter is the extra step that gives this cornbread its “perfect” title.

Southern Living Basic Pimento Cheese in a bowl to serve with crackers and vegetables

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Tack onchicken saladandham saladto your list, and you’ll have mastered the Southern spread trio.

Seasoned, dredged in flour, dipped in egg-milk mixture, and pan-fried in oilthat’s about it.

Oh, but don’t dare forget about the pepper-cream gravy, which is made from the drippings.

Classic Deviled Eggs

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Stone-ground cornmeal makes for the crispiest crust you’ve ever tasted, and hearty seasoning will steer you home.

There’s still debate whether this dish hails from Georgia or Virginia.

It takes a page straight from grandmother’s recipe box.

chicken bog in bowls - Southern Living

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Peach Cobbler

Peach cobbler is the ultimate classic.

Even if you practically burn water on the stove, you might make this easy six-ingredient recipe.

Bourbon Balls

This boozy confection is a Southern holiday favorite worth knowing.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese in a white oval dish - Southern Living

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Million Dollar Pound Cake

Will Dickey

This is as timeless as it gets.

A basic pound cake can fit in anywhere from bridal showers to big potlucks.

Serve with toppings of your choice, including fruit and whipped cream.

Southern Living Cheese Straws on a platter to serve

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Gumbo

In the realm of Louisiana cooking, gumbo is many a cook’s specialty.

(Okra is the ideal thickening agent.)

The base requires aromatics like onion, bell pepper, and celery.

Southern Living Old School Squash Casserole with a serving scooped out onto a plate with a fork

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Hot sauce is always appreciated.

Pan-Fried Okra

This essentially two-ingredient side dish is a must-know for any Southern cook.

Chili

Having a go-to chili recipe is necessary for cold winter nights and football tailgates.

Home-Style Butterbeans in a dutch oven

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From holiday parties to neighborly baking, anything with pecans feels ultimately Southern.

Shout Hallelujah Potato Salad - Southern Living

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Southern Living Easy Chicken Pot Pie scooping the pie out of the dish to serve

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Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

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Southern-Style Collard Greens - Southern Living

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Southern Living Shrimp Boil ready to serve

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Chicken And Sausage Jambalaya

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Classic Chess Pie

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Southern Living Homemade Baked Beans in the dish ready to serve

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Red Rice

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Ben Mim’s Perfect Cornbread Recipe

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Southern Living Egg Salad in a bowl to serve

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Southern Living Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy on a plate to serve with broccoli

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Southern Living Classic Fried Catfish on a platter to serve with lemon wedges

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Southern Living New Orleans Shrimp and Grits in bowls to serve

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Smoky Mountain Brunswick Stew

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a square pan of banana pudding on a yellow linen

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Easy Peach Cobbler

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Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Balls Recipe

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million dollar pound cake - southern living

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Shrimp and Okra Gumbo

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tomato sandwich halves stacked on top of one another

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Pan-Fried Okra with Cornmeal Recipe

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Easy Chili

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Soup Beans

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Utterly Deadly Southern Pecan Pie

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