12 Soulfood Sunday Dinner Ideas

12 Soulful Sunday Dinner Recipes Inspired by Soul Food

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Get ready for a delicious journey! You’re about to explore 12 amazing soulfood Sunday dinners that will make your taste buds happy.

From classic fried chicken and mashed potatoes to tasty braised short ribs, there’s something for everyone.

What’s special about these dinners is that they’re not just yummy, but they also have a special power – to take you to a different place.

Number 8 on the list is particularly exciting because it will transport you south, making you feel like you’re in a whole new world.

So, let’s dive in and discover these soulful soulfood Sunday dinners!

Table of Contents

Classic Fried Chicken and Mashed Potatoes

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Crispy fried chicken paired with creamy mashed potatoes, a soulful comfort food combination.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs chicken pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
  2. Pour buttermilk into a separate large bowl.
  3. Dip each chicken piece into the buttermilk, then roll in the flour mixture to coat.
  4. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  5. Fry the coated chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
  6. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels.
  7. Boil the chopped potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  8. Drain the potatoes and mash with butter, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  9. Serve the fried chicken with the mashed potatoes.

Slow Cooked Beef Brisket With Gravy

tender beef falls apart SAVE IT

Tender beef brisket cooked low and slow in a rich, flavorful gravy.

Ingredients

  • 1 (5-6 pound) beef brisket
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup beef broth
  • 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Rub the spice mixture all over the beef brisket, making sure to coat it evenly.
  4. Heat the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  5. Sear the beef brisket until browned on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  6. Remove the brisket from the pot and set it aside.
  7. Add the beef broth and barbecue sauce to the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  8. Return the brisket to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
  9. Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven.
  10. Braise the brisket for 3-4 hours, or until it is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
  11. Remove the pot from the oven and carefully remove the brisket from the pot.
  12. Strain the gravy and whisk in the flour to thicken.
  13. Slice the brisket against the grain and serve with the rich, flavorful gravy spooned over the top.

Southern Style Baked Mac and Cheese

comforting macaroni cheese dish SAVE IT

Creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting Southern Style Baked Mac and Cheese.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz macaroni
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
  4. Add flour and whisk to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
  5. Slowly pour in milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
  6. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens.
  7. Remove sauce from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted.
  8. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  9. Transfer macaroni mixture to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheese and breadcrumbs.
  10. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.

Pan Seared Catfish With Hushpuppies

southern style fried fish SAVE IT

Pan-seared catfish with hushpuppies is a classic Southern comfort food dish.

Ingredients

  • 4 catfish fillets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • Hushpuppy mix

Instructions

  1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
  2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
  3. Dip each catfish fillet into the buttermilk, coating completely, then roll in the flour mixture to coat.
  4. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  5. Add the coated catfish fillets to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. While the catfish is cooking, prepare the hushpuppy mix according to package instructions.
  7. Drop the hushpuppy batter by spoonfuls into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
  8. Remove the catfish and hushpuppies from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  9. Serve the catfish with hushpuppies and your choice of sides.

Braised Short Ribs With Creamy Grits

tender ribs comfort food SAVE IT

Tender short ribs slow-cooked in a rich sauce, served with creamy grits.

Ingredients

  • 4 short ribs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cup grits
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  4. Sear the short ribs until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side.
  5. Remove the short ribs from the pot and set them aside.
  6. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  7. Add the garlic, red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf to the pot.
  8. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  9. Return the short ribs to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
  10. Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven.
  11. Braise the short ribs for 2 1/2 hours, or until tender and falling off the bone.
  12. While the short ribs are cooking, prepare the grits by combining them with water in a medium saucepan.
  13. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, until the grits are creamy and tender, about 20-25 minutes.
  14. Stir in the butter and season the grits with salt and pepper to taste.
  15. Serve the short ribs with the creamy grits.

Smothered Pork Chops With Sweet Potatoes

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Smothered pork chops with sweet potatoes is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients

  • 4 pork chops
  • 2 large sweet potatoes
  • 1 onion
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 cup of chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes.
  3. Season the pork chops with salt, pepper, and thyme.
  4. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
  5. Sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side, then set aside.
  6. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until translucent.
  7. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  8. Add the sweet potatoes, chicken broth, and seared pork chops to the skillet.
  9. Cover the skillet with a lid and transfer to the preheated oven.
  10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and the sweet potatoes are tender.
  11. Serve hot and enjoy.

Spicy Jambalaya With Sausage and Rice

spicy sausage rice dish SAVE IT

Spicy Jambalaya With Sausage and Rice is a classic Louisiana dish.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound sausage
  • 1 cup uncooked rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
  5. Add the rice and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
  7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed, about 25-30 minutes.
  8. Serve hot and enjoy!

Traditional Chicken and Dumplings

classic comfort food dish SAVE IT

Traditional Chicken and Dumplings is a comforting, homemade dish made with tender chicken and fluffy dumplings.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, combine the chicken, chicken broth, carrots, celery, and garlic.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and pepper.
  4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the pot, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
  5. Continue to simmer for another 10-12 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened.
  6. Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, drop the dumpling mixture into the pot.
  7. Cover the pot and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
  8. Stir in the butter until melted, then serve hot.

Roasted Turkey With Herb Butter and Stuffing

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Savory roasted turkey with herb butter and stuffing, perfect for a special occasion.

Ingredients

  • 1 (12-14 pound) whole turkey
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup stuffing mix
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, sage, thyme, and garlic.
  3. Rub the herb butter mixture all over the turkey, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
  4. Season the turkey with salt and pepper.
  5. Stuff the turkey loosely with the stuffing mix.
  6. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and pour in the chicken broth.
  7. Roast the turkey for about 4-4 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  8. Baste the turkey with the pan juices every 30 minutes.
  9. Let the turkey rest for 30 minutes before carving and serving.

Creamy Collard Greens With Smoked Bacon

smoked bacon greens recipe SAVE IT

Creamy collard greens with smoked bacon is a rich and flavorful side dish perfect for Soulfood Sunday Dinners.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound collard greens
  • 6 slices of smoked bacon
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the smoked bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy.
  2. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the grease in the skillet.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until it’s translucent.
  4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Add the collard greens to the skillet and cook until they start to wilt.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
  7. Reduce the heat to low and let the greens simmer for 20 minutes.
  8. Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  9. Add the cooked bacon back into the skillet and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Serve the creamy collard greens hot.

Black Eyed Pea and Ham Hock Stew

hearty bean based stew SAVE IT

Hearty stew with black eyed peas and ham hock.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound dried black eyed peas
  • 1 ham hock
  • 1 onion
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 carrot
  • 1 celery stalk
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Rinse the black eyed peas and soak them in water for at least 8 hours.
  2. Drain and rinse the peas, then set them aside.
  3. Chop the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery.
  4. In a large pot, sauté the chopped vegetables in a little bit of oil until they’re tender.
  5. Add the ham hock, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour.
  7. Add the soaked black eyed peas to the pot and continue to simmer for another 30-40 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
  8. Remove the ham hock from the pot and let it cool.
  9. Once the ham hock is cool enough to handle, chop the meat into small pieces and add it back to the pot.
  10. Serve the stew hot.

Sweet Potato Pie With Marshmallow Topping

sweet potato dessert pie SAVE IT

A classic Southern dessert, sweet potato pie with marshmallow topping is a delicious treat.

Ingredients

  • 2 large sweet potatoes
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup marshmallows
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Bake the sweet potatoes for 45 minutes, or until they’re soft.
  3. Scoop the flesh out of the sweet potatoes and mash in a bowl.
  4. Add the sugar, flour, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger to the bowl and mix well.
  5. Stir in the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  6. Pour the mixture into a pie crust and bake for 40 minutes.
  7. Top the pie with marshmallows and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown.
  8. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool before serving.

Conclusion

You’ll be passing on the ordinary and indulging in a “taste sensation” with these soulful soulfood Sunday dinners, where every bite is a “flavor explosion” that’ll leave you feeling delightfully stuffed and nostalgic for the South’s warm hospitality. These dishes are a “gastronomic escape” to a world of comfort and tradition, if only for a day.

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