Cold suppers have been a staple in Southern kitchens and hearts for decades.
Summer weather in the South is divided into two categories: sweltering and barely bearable.
Fromceiling fanstocooling sheets, were full of tricks and tips.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
But one of our favorite heat-beating inventions doesnt require batteries or fancy technology at all.
Its the cold plate, also known as a cold supper.
The cold plate is and will remain a staple in Southern kitchens and hearts for generations to come.
Credit:Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
What Is A Cold Plate?
Consensus is that cold plates got their start in Newfoundland.
and served it cold alongside an array of potato salads and coleslaws.
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The Southern adaptation of a cold plate isnt much different.
Think tuna salad,chicken salad,egg salad, and even pimento cheese.
The salads come paired with a stack of crackersbe they fancy water crackers or buttery Captains Wafers.
Sometimes briny pickled okra and green beans make it onto the plate.
And if youre lucky, you might find adeviled eggtucked into the mix.
When Is The Best Time To Eat A Cold Plate?
Credit: Hannah Zimmerman/Southern Living
Bonus points if youve got a fan buzzing overhead and lightning bugs flickering in the yard.
Cold Plate Recipes
Ready to embark on your own cold supper journey?
Homemade Chicken Salad
Let this Southern favorite anchor your cold plate.
Credit:Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Not a fan of tomato?
First, bless your heart.
We adore this mashup of potato salad, egg salad, and chicken salad.
Credit:Jennifer Davick
Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Torie Cox, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
Credit:Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Torie Cox, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
