Even the picky aunts and uncles will enjoy these dishes.
As with most Southern events, however,family reunionsquickly become about something more.
Well, yes, but we were thinking of another wordfood!
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Here are a few of our favorites.
Our recipe adds a touch of sweetness with sweet pickle relish and makes enough to serve 12.
Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, the secret to this decadent recipe is the buttermilk.
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check that to soak your chicken in buttermilk for at least two hours before frying.
But we kept it classic with salty bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and a honey mustard dressing.
The defining elements are its shape and a rich batter that incorporates buttermilk and Dr. Pepper.
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The decadentfudge icingis heated and poured on the warm, just-out-of-the-oven cake.
Crescent roll dough and a sausage cheese filling send this dish over the top.
Use your favorite frozen meatballs to save time.
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This recipe provides instructions for using either dried beans or canned.
Permanent Slaw
A heaping bowl of coleslaw belongs right alongside the baked beans at a Southern cookout.
Serve on its own or atop pulled pork or fried chicken sandwiches.
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The simple six-ingredient concoction includes canned pineapple, Cheddar cheese, and Ritz crackers baked to buttery perfection.
If you’re wondering whether to serve this as a side dish or dessert, the answer is both.
A dry rub with smoked paprika creates the characteristic smoky flavor.
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Our recipe features a creamy sauce made with whole milk and Cheddar cheese and thickened with a flour-and-butter roux.
Assemble this recipe ahead of time and refrigerate until you should probably pop it in the oven.
That is, until you discern the distinctly Southern kick it gets from Cajun seasoning.
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Chill this fuss-free salad for at least two hours before serving.
Use juicy, fresh peaches in season for stunning results.
Bake into gooey goodness just before serving.
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Each cob is wrapped individually in foil for ultimate flavor.
Though the recipe makes eight dozen, you just may need a double batch.
Though there are a few steps involved, the whole dish is prepared in one pan.
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Fresh summer squash is baked in a rich mixture of butter, cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise.
Sprinkle crushed buttery crackers on top to brown in the oven.
These rolls can also be made long in advance and frozen.
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After the batter is poured into a baking pan, the cream cheese mixture is swirled in.
Tomato Pie
Tomato Pie is summer perfection thanks to garden fresh tomatoes and herbs.
The filling is poured in a traditional pie crust and topped with grated Gruyere and Parmesan.
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Tomato pie is good whether served hot, warm, or at room temperature.
This version includes crushed pineapple, cottage cheese, and an unexpected touch of horseradish.
Use a pretty mold to impress the guests.
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With only eight ingredients and very little hands-on time, this recipe is a busy cook’s dream.
If fresh corn isn’t available, use frozen or canned.
Just remember to prepare key lime pie a couple of hours in advance so the pie can chill.
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Top with a thick layer of whipped cream and slices of lime.
It’s truly one for the pickle fans.
We’ve tried them all, and this one takes the prize.
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After cooking on the stovetop, we mix in cubes of Cheddar that will bake into velvety goodness.
Or, save the sweetness for dessert.
New Tuna Casserole With Potato Chips
Tuna noodle casserole has been gracing Southern tables for decades.
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This recipe has all the comforting flavors you love but with fresh alternatives to the can of condensed soup.
Then it’s topped with potato chips, a crunchy counterpart to the creamy casserole.
Easy to make and easier to pick up at parties, indulgent chocolate fudge will never last long.
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Sprinkle with parsley before serving for a bit of color.
none of the above?
all of the above?)
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This simple, old-school recipe will keep everyone at the reunion happy.
Boiled eggs and pickle relish are optional.
Skillet Cornbread
Southern Living
Southerners know the best homemade cornbread comes straight from a cast-iron skillet.
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And of course, a buttermilk batter is best.
But don’t worry, most of the cooking takes place in the oven.
Mint leaves make it even fresher.
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Set out a bottle of bourbon for guests who want a spiked version.
In this version, both the crust and the topping are sweetened up with powdered sugar.
The graham cracker crust is sprinkled with layers of chocolate chips, pecans, and shredded coconut.
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Cool completely before attempting to cut.
This casserole can be assembled in advance and baked on the day of the reunion.
Chocolate Lasagna
Who wants a layered chocolate-and-whipped cream dessert?
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All hands should go up.
Pecan Pie
Traditional pecan pie is basically the queen bee of the Southern dessert table.
We like to use roughly chopped nuts for ultimate texture and flavor.
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Plus, it’s a great use ofleftover turkeyand boxes of stuffing.
Fresh mushrooms and spinach make this dish even more alluring.
We love to prep them old-school style with smoked ham hocks for rich flavor.
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Remove the hocks after cooking, but stir in any bits of ham you find.
Experiment with different cheeses and seasonings to play with the flavor.
Simply saute until bright green, sprinkle with seasoning and cornmeal, and cook until golden brown.
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It’s a simple hack that allows the vegetable to shine.
We include instructions for layering in a baking dish for a crowd.
Fresh Fruit Salad
No family picnic is complete without a fruit salad.
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This version is heavy on the berries and tossed with orange juice and mint leaves for extra zest.
Prepare ahead of time so the flavors can soak in for at least an hour.
Make the salad the day you are serving it so it won’t become watery.
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Add cayenne if you like more bite in your pimento.
This recipe combines vanilla and sea salt with a rich custard.
Sea Salt Ice Cream can be savored on its own or atop a rich and sweet dessert.
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