59 Juneteenth Menu Ideas & Recipes

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Juneteenth menu ideas –

“I am the dream and the hope of the slave.” —Maya Angelou

This post is packed with soul food favorite Juneteenth menu ideas!

From the main dish to the sides and even dessert. 

It’s my pleasure to share with you what food to serve on Juneteenth and why it’s important.

Juneteenth Menu Ideas Food

What do Black folks eat to celebrate Juneteenth?

Notable Black culture recipes like collard greenscornbreadbaked macaroni and cheesered velvet cakesweet potato pie, or banana pudding are a few of the soul food menu favorites served on Juneteenth. 

These recipes are part of the authentic soul food family. Recipes passed along through generations and a legacy of African Americans. 

Black folks’ food!

What is Juneteenth, and why is it celebrated?

Juneteenth is the African-American celebration of the emancipation of enslaved Black people. African American freedom day.

Juneteenth Food History, Facts & Black Folks Recipes -The Soul Food Pot
Juneteenth Food History, Facts & Black Folks Recipes -The Soul Food Pot
Juneteenth food history, traditions, drinks & desserts for your African American celebration. Recipes inspired by Netflix’s High On The Hog.
Check out this recipe!

Why is it called Juneteenth?

Justice is usually delayed for Black people. So it wasn’t until years after The Emancipation Proclamation that many enslaved people learned of their freedom. 

This day is June 19th, 1865 – also known as Juneteenth. 

When did Juneteenth become a federal holiday?

Juneteenth became a state holiday in Texas in 1980. However, it took until 2021, when President Joe Biden signed a bill for a federal Juneteenth holiday honored on June 19th.

Is there a Juneteenth flag?

Is there a Juneteenth flag?

Yes, there is an official Juneteenth flag rich with symbolism.

The design of the Juneteenth flag depicts a bursting new star on the horizon. The star represents new freedom and new people.

What does the curved line on the Juneteenth flag mean?

The curved line on the flag under the bursting star represents a new horizon of opportunity and promise for Black Americans.

What are the official colors of Juneteenth? And why is the Juneteenth flag red and blue?

The red, white, and blue colors in the Juneteenth flag represent that enslaved African Americans and that their descendants are all Americans.

How Did Red Food And Red Drink Join The Juneteenth Feast? What is Juneteenth’s traditional beverage? Red hibiscus drink

Why is Juneteenth food red?

The color red is extra special for Juneteenth. 

Red is the primary color of Juneteenth, symbolic of our ancestors’ bloodshed before freedom. So we honor them with a celebratory spread of African-American soul food classic dishes.

How do you acknowledge Juneteenth?

Acknowledge Juneteenth with a call to action for Black people and our equality in the United States

How do you organize a Juneteenth celebration?

How do you organize a Juneteenth celebration?

Celebrate with your family and friends by initiating discussions and movements around justice, reform, voting rights, and equal rights for Black people.

How do you virtually celebrate Juneteenth?

You could even celebrate Juneteenth with your family and friends via an app like Zoom! 

The important part is to take the opportunity to initiate the conversation about how to help Black people in our continuous fight for equality in our own country.

What is Juneteenth, and why is it celebrated?

How is Juneteenth celebrated at home?

Host a cookout or a Black BBQ gathering!

Watch this video for a Black American family Juneteenth celebration at home with Juneteenth menu ideas!

How do you honor Juneteenth, and what do people eat to celebrate?

We honor the ancestors and Juneteenth with a celebration spread of African-American soul food classic dishes. Especially red foods!

Celebrate with your family and friends with a variety of these Juneteenth recipes. In addition, you can ask your guests to participate by bringing a dish from the Juneteenth red foods menu

🎙 Listen to The Soul Food Pod episode: Juneteenth Food

Keep the podcast conversation going about Juneteenth food HERE!

How did red food and red drink join the Juneteenth feast?

Why do people eat red food on Juneteenth?
 

Red symbolizes our ancestor’s bloodshed before freedom, which is why we celebrate Juneteenth in remembrance with red food and drinks.

Juneteenth Menu Ideas - Southern Soul Food Tomato Watermelon Salad

So what do you serve at a Juneteenth party?

Juneteenth menu red food ideas & what you can bring to a Juneteenth party

What food or drinks might you see at a Juneteenth celebration?

The Best Juneteenth Red Foods & Drinks
The Best Juneteenth Red Foods & Drinks
Juneteenth red foods and drinks are delicious & symbolic. Red is one of the primary colors used to celebrate Juneteenth Black History
Check out this recipe!

Juneteenth menu ideas FAQs

Why is Southern baked mac and cheese so important to Black culture and Black History Month?

Baked macaroni and cheese is one of the many soul food cuisines turned American dishes. And this yummy dish has an ancient history!

First known as macaroni pie, baked mac and cheese was created by James Hemings, an enslaved Black person who trained as a culinary chef in France.

Black Folks Southern Baked Mac And Cheese

How did mac and cheese become soul food?

Hemings’ cooking gene and baked mac and cheese legacy continued long after the Emancipation Proclamation in the 1860s. 

Macaroni and cheese began to have new meanings and multiple identities for Black families and the Black household.

 Mac and cheese became “a celebratory dish, a convenient comfort food, and a meal stretcher for impoverished families.”

Today we appropriately recognize this dish that’s been feeding America for centuries as soul food!

Why is red velvet cake eaten on Juneteenth?

Since the color red recognizes the bloodshed and honors the lives of our Black ancestors pre-emancipation, we eat red velvet cake in honor of those who never got the chance to taste the freedoms we savor today.

Juneteenth Menu Southern Red Velvet Cake

Did Black people create red velvet cake?

What’s the story behind red velvet cake? 

Did Black folks invent it?

Red velvet cake is considered soul food of the South! 

Because like most Southern cuisine that originated in the 1800s, red velvet cake is believed to also be of African-American origin. 

What drink is synonymous with Juneteenth?

Asked other ways, “What is the official drink of Juneteenth?” Or, “What is Juneteenth’s traditional beverage?”

Red hibiscus drink (usually red hibiscus sweet tea) for two reasons. Because the beverage is red, and hibiscus flowers are native to West Africa.

What is the fruit for Juneteenth?

Culinary historian Adrian Miller tells us that red drinks at Juneteenth celebrations have links to two native West African fruits, the kola nut, and hibiscus.

 

What does strawberry soda have to do with Juneteenth?

Red hibiscus drink is a popular drink still made in West Africa today. 

However, since hibiscus flowers to make tea have not always been easily accessible in the US, easy to get strawberry soda became a red drink staple for celebrating Juneteenth.

What do you serve at a Juneteenth party? Start with red food and drinks

What are some Juneteenth traditions?

Juneteenth traditions primarily African American friends and family gatherings with a spread of soul food favorite recipes

What is the history of Juneteenth and Juneteenth food?

Soul food and Black people’s food are a legacy of African American recipes. A constant honor of culinary creations from our ancestors enslaved.

Black folks, particularly with our food, are sensational at creating something from nothing. 

The soul food eaten during Juneteenth celebrations is a rich history of our ancestral African roots, creativity, and ingenuity to thrive off the land. 

“We nourished a nation through our cooking and baked our traditions in the cuisines that would define America.” —Stephen Satterfield, Netflix High On The Hog

What traditional food is served on Juneteenth?

Start here with these classic soul food Juneteenth menu ideas!

This menu list will answer the question, What Black folks food can you make for Juneteenth?”

Juneteenth Menu Ideas - What Black folks food can you make for Juneteenth?
Soul Food Cookout

Juneteenth menu ideas – main dishes

Black Folks Soul Food BBQ Ribs Recipe
Black Folks Soul Food BBQ Ribs Recipe
Soul food BBQ ribs are a perfect crowd pleaser and an all-time favorite main dish for potlucks, tailgates, game days, or a Black BBQ cookout menu. 
Check out this recipe!
Southern Soul Food BBQ Chicken Recipe
Southern Soul Food BBQ Chicken Recipe
No, you don't have to go to a restaurant when you crave Southern BBQ.
Thanks to this easy Southern soul food BBQ chicken recipe, you can bring the same deliciousness of savory BBQ flavors home to your kitchen. 
Check out this recipe!
Black Folks Southern Pulled BBQ Chicken
Black Folks Southern Pulled BBQ Chicken
A Black folks’ Southern pulled BBQ chicken recipe is the epitome of finger-lickin’ good!
This is the ultimate in no-fail BBQ chicken recipes, whether you’re making this dish from scratch or with leftover BBQ chicken. 
Check out this recipe!
Southern Soul Food Homemade Burger Recipe
Southern Soul Food Homemade Burger Recipe
What makes a Southern soul food burger?
A Southern soul food homemade burger is made with savory bell pepper & sweet onion for a thick, juicy, tender, well-seasoned ground beef patty.
Check out this recipe!
Soul Food Southern Cheddar Ranch Burgers Recipe
Southern Cheddar Ranch Burgers
Southern cheddar ranch burgers – Instant Pot burgers are effortless, like so many Instant Pot ground beef recipes.
Put 'em in the pot, walk away, and return to serve up major deliciousness! Perfect today for a dining-out-like experience served comfortably at home.
Check out this recipe!
Black Folks Instant Pot Smoked Turkey Legs
Black Folks Instant Pot Smoked Turkey Legs
Thanksgiving doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Black folks Instant Pot turkey legs are an easy alternative to a whole turkey. A welcome addition to your Southern soul food Thanksgiving menu!
Check out this recipe!
Curry Chicken Kabobs
Curry Chicken Mango Kabobs
Curry chicken mango kabobs are the perfect summer appetizer – or main dish- no matter what type of event you're hosting!
The flavor combination of sweet and savory chicken with mango, red onion, cilantro, and bell peppers all skewered together on wooden or metal skewers make a fantastic appetizer or main course for your next friend's and family get together!
Check out this recipe!
Black Folks Soul Food-Southern Fried Chicken
Black Folks Soul Food Southern Fried Chicken Recipe
What is the secret to good fried chicken?
The answer is a soul food Southern fried chicken recipe that Black folks created and perfected!
Check out this recipe!
Black Folks Soul Food Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken
Black Folks Soul Food Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken
Do air fryers work for soul food Southern fried chicken?
Yes, and you won't believe how good and crispy chicken is when it's air fryer Southern fried chicken! A soul food Southern fried chicken recipe is a unique, flavorful dish that Black folks created and perfected – and here's how to cook it in an air fryer!
Check out this recipe!
Black Folks Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe
Black Folks Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe
Tender, juicy, fried chicken with flavorful, crispy, crunchy skin is a Black folks' buttermilk fried chicken recipe. A soul food recipe for buttermilk marinated chicken.
Check out this recipe!
Black Folks Southern Chicken Salad Recipe
Black Folks Southern Chicken Salad Recipe
Are you craving the perfect chicken salad?
A Black folks' Southern chicken salad goes beyond the mayo and chicken chunks! It's packed with flavor and just the right amount of savory, sweet, and crunch.
Check out this recipe!
Steve Harvey Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce
Steve Harvey shares his easy homemade BBQ sauce recipe.
This Southern BBQ sauce is perfect for slathering your favorite meats for Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, or any other holiday!
You'll have enough leftover sauce to store in a mason jar and share!
Check out this recipe!
What Is Black Folks Southern Shrimp And Grits?
Black Folks Southern Shrimp And Grits Recipe
The secret ingredient to Black folks shrimp and grits is the Southern Creole sauce!
Typical to soul food and Black folks cooking, the seasonings make each recipe like none other. 
It's all about the spices and the special sauce.
Check out this recipe!
Easy Gumbo Recipe
Easy Gumbo Recipe
Nothing's more Louisiana than gumbo! A classic Southern dish and culinary staple in The Big Easy.
This easy gumbo recipe is Cajun cooking combined with Creole seasoning & spicy Thai flavors – served over rice and pressure cooker ready in only 15 minutes!
Check out this recipe!
Instant Pot Shrimp Boil
Instant Pot Southern Soul Food Low Country Shrimp Boil
African-Americans have been hosting gatherings with soul food low country shrimp boils for years. Often called a Southern shrimp boil Big Easy!
I love low country boils because they have all my favorite flavors – spicy sausage, tender shrimp, and sweet corn. 
Check out this recipe!
Jamaican Oxtail Recipe
Instant Pot Jamaican Oxtail Recipe
Instant Pot Jamaican oxtail recipe saves 4 hours with this easy pressure cooker method.
Cook your oxtail in half the time without compromise to the authentic Jamaican mouth-watering flavors!
Check out this recipe!

Juneteenth menu ideas – side dishes

Juneteenth Southern Red Cabbage Slaw
Juneteenth Red Foods | Southern Red Cabbage Slaw
Southern red cabbage slaw is a delicious blend of red cabbage with carrots, celery, onion, herbs, and savory soul food seasonings. A dish perfect for a Juneteenth red foods menu!
Check out this recipe!
Black Folks Soul Food Red Beans And Rice
Black Folks Soul Food Red Beans And Rice
Experience the rich taste of soul food by way of a simple yet flavorful staple dish. Black folks' soul food red beans and rice. A dish that will make your mouth water when you smell the aroma of savory seasonings and spices as the red kidney beans soak in the rich flavors of this dish!
Check out this recipe!
Black Folks Southern Baked Mac And Cheese
Black Folks Soul Food Baked Macaroni And Cheese
Soul food baked mac and cheese is made with a rich & creamy homemade cheese sauce & yummy Southern spices. Southern comfort food the Black folks way!
Check out this recipe!
Black Folks Soul Food Macaroni Salad
Black Folks Soul Food Macaroni Salad
How do you make Black macaroni salad?
Black folks' soul food macaroni salad includes flavorful ingredients like sweet carrots, savory onions, and diced celery. Plus, mayo, mustard, and seasonings like thyme, celery salt, and cayenne pepper pack a delicious punch with a tiny touch of sweet heat!
Check out this recipe!
Black Folks Soul Food Southern Coleslaw Recipe
Black Folks Soul Food Southern Coleslaw Recipe
How do Black people make coleslaw?
With lots of flavor!
Black folks’ soul food Southern coleslaw is a classic recipe perfect for pairing with smokey BBQ meats and a great accompaniment with a pulled pork sandwich. 
Check out this recipe!
Coleslaw Recipe For BBQ No Mayo | The Soul Food Pot Southern Recipes
No Mayo Coleslaw Recipe
How do you make healthy coleslaw from scratch without mayo?
Easy, with the help of one of my favorite heart-centric ingredients – olive oil!
While there’s no keto, vegan or vegetarian need to swap lettuce for cabbage (more thoughts on that idea in this post), you can choose this low-fat coleslaw recipe with olive oil instead of mayonnaise in your slaw mix.
Check out this recipe!
Southern Soul Food Tomato Watermelon Salad
Southern Soul Food Tomato Watermelon Salad
Add to the menu a tangy and sweet Southern soul food tomato watermelon salad for your next outdoor BBQ party!
Summertime is all about the refreshing flavors of juicy watermelon and tangy tomatoes. 
This recipe for tomato watermelon salad with feta cheese, pickled onions, pickled peppers, and zesty cilantro is a classy Southern dish, perfect for any occasion!
Check out this recipe!
Black Folks Potato Salad Recipe
Black Folks Southern Potato Salad Recipe
Black folks Southern potato salad recipe is a must-have for any African American cookout, family reunion, picnic, or potluck! It’s a creamy yet tangy dressing balanced by soul food seasonings and flavors. AKA Black cookout potato salad! 
Check out this recipe!
Black Folks Soul Food Southern Deviled Eggs Recipe
Black Folks Soul Food Southern Deviled Eggs
Black folks' soul food Southern deviled eggs start as hard-boiled eggs mashed. Then they're seasoned to perfection and stuffed back into the egg whites for a delicious and flavorful snack! 
Check out this recipe!
Black Folks Southern Soul Food Baked Beans
Black Folks Southern Soul Food Baked Beans
What can you add to baked beans for flavor?
The answer is in this Southern soul food baked beans recipe!
Because the main difference between delicious soul food baked beans and mediocre baked beans is the preparation and seasoning.
Check out this recipe!
Grilled Fruit Recipe Roundup
How to grill fruit – 4 easy grilled fruit & veggie recipes to try today!
1. Turmeric & smokehouse honey grilled corn
2. Balsamic, mint & feta grilled watermelon
3. Olive oil & sea salt grilled avocado
4. Cinnamon & honey grilled pineapple
Check it out!
Cinnamon & Honey Grilled Pineapple Recipe
Black Folks Baked Apple Slices
Black Folks Baked Apple Slices
What makes this a soul food specialty? It’s gotta be the spices! 
Cinnamon, brown sugar, nutmeg, and vanilla combine with fresh apples to make Black folks baked apple slices.
Check out this recipe!
Soul Food Southern Pasta With Italian Dressing
Soul Food Southern Pasta with Italian Dressing
Soul food Southern pasta with Italian dressing and savory shrimp is a Black folks' creative way to make a flavorful soul food pasta dish you've come to expect from your favorite African American cookouts and family gatherings!
Check out this recipe!
Black Folks Soul Food Lobster Mac And Cheese
Soul Food Lobster Mac And Cheese
Even with the addition of decadent lobster meat, there’s no compromise to the Southern soul food flavors customary to this meal. In other words, this is still baked macaroni and cheese made the Black folks way!
Check out this recipe!
Soul Food Southern Mac And Cheese
Soul Food Southern Mac And Cheese
African American grandmas and moms have been producing great pots of soul food Southern mac and cheese for years!
It just might've gotten lost how impactful this recipe is to the Black community.
Check out this recipe!
Soul Food Southern Black Eyed Peas
Southern Black Eyed Peas
Soul food Southern black eyed peas are intensely flavored in a thick sauce with smokey & spicy seasonings. Warm, comforting, & flavorful good luck you can eat for prosperity in the New Year!
Check out this recipe!
Black Folks Soul Food Collard Greens Recipe
Black Folks Soul Food Collard Greens Recipe
What is a soul food collard greens recipe?
A Black folks collard greens recipe is the quintessential dish of any Southern soul food dinner.
Check out this recipe!
Black Folks Southern Hoppin John Recipe
Black Folks Soul Food Hoppin John Recipe
Black folks' Hoppin John is black-eyed peas, collard greens, and rice with Southern soul food flavors. An African American New Year's tradition and comfort food recipe.
Check out this recipe!
Black Folks Southern Cabbage Recipe
Southern Cabbage Recipe The Soul Food Way
A Black folks' Southern cabbage recipe is a delicious way to enjoy one of the South's favorite side dishes that's warm and sweet with savory soul food flavors!
Check out this recipe!
Black Folks Southern Candied Yams
Southern Candied Yams The Soul Food Way
Candied yams are an old-fashioned Southern African-American recipe. A sweet potato soul food side dish cooked to perfection in a cinnamon-brown sugar glaze.
Check out this recipe!
Black Folks Fresh Cranberry Sauce
Black Folks Fresh Cranberry Sauce
Black folks fresh cranberry sauce is the soul food version of classic cranberry sauce because Southern Black folks always spice things up!
Check out this recipe!
Black Folks Pork Jowl In The Air Fryer
Black Folks Pork Jowl Bacon In The Air Fryer
Pork jowl or hog jowl is a Black Folks soul food staple served on New Year's Day with black-eyed peas, cornbread & collard greens.
This recipe is a contemporary soul food recipe for pork jowl. A new twist on an old classic, cooked quicker, easier, and still to perfection in the air fryer!
Check out this recipe!
Black Folks Southern Homemade Cornbread
Black Folks Southern Homemade Cornbread
Black folks homemade cornbread does not use a box mix. Instead, cornmeal is used to make this Southern skillet cornbread recipe from scratch.
Check out this recipe!
Cornbread Recipe With Corn
Southern Cornbread Recipe With Corn
This cornbread recipe with corn is my go-to for a soul food Thanksgiving menu, Christmas dinner, and Sunday Southern dinners all throughout the year!
You’ll never want another dry slice of bread again!
Check out this recipe!
Sweet Cornbread Recipe
Black Folks Southern Sweet Cornbread Recipe
Cornbread is best served the Black folks' way! With Sunday soul food dinners and Thanksgiving staples like fresh cranberry sauce, Southern-style green beans, and homemade stuffing. 
Give your next meal the Southern comfort it deserves with this warm, sweet, and flavorful recipe!
Check out this recipe!
Cranberry Sauce Cornbread Recipe
Cranberry Sauce Cornbread
A sweet soul food cornbread and fresh cranberry sauce treat!
Check out this recipe!

Juneteenth menu ideas – desserts

Black Folks Southern Red Velvet Cake Recipe
Southern Red Velvet Cake
Red velvet cake is considered to be soul food of the South!
A Black folks' Southern red velvet cake is a made-from-scratch decadent red sponge cake with homemade cream cheese frosting. A cake that's just sweet enough to be irresistible!
Check out this recipe!
Soul Food Apple Pie Recipe
Soul Food Southern Apple Pie Recipe
What makes this apple pie a Southern soul food specialty?
The flavor! This soul food apple pie recipe features fresh apples sweetened with brown sugar and spiced with a blend of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Seasoned to perfection, the apples are roasted and then baked in the pie to leave you reminiscing on the best Southern dinners!
Check out this recipe!
Black Folks Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe
Black Folks Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe
This soul food dessert and the darling favorite of the South is loaded with fresh, juicy peaches and topped with a light and airy cinnamon sugar crust. A cobbler so delicious, you may want to eat it all. All by yourself!
Check out this recipe!
Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
A Black folks’ sweet potato pie recipe is a delightful Thanksgiving and Christmas dessert packed with flavorful seasonings and spices in the tradition of Black folks’ soul food cooking. 
Check out this recipe!
Black Folks Purple Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
Black Folks Purple Sweet Potato Pie Recipe
New twist on an old classic: Introducing Black folks purple sweet potato pie recipe!
Same but new – incredible soul food flavors with a regal purple hue!
Check out this recipe!
Southern Soul Food Pig Pickin Cake
Southern Soul Food Pig Pickin Cake
What is a Southern soul food pig pickin cake? 
It's a homemade, moist yellow cake with whipped pineapple frosting, vanilla pudding & sweet mandarin oranges baked in. Pig pikckin is a one-of-a-kind cake as unique as its name and the official dessert of Southern pig roasts and pig pickins!
Check out this recipe!
Black Folks Southern Tea Cake Recipe
Black Folks Southern Tea Cake Recipe
What are Black folks tea cakes?
An African American Southern dessert, Black folks tea cake is a sweet little biscuit. Light, airy, and sometimes compared to soda bread or pound cake. Tea cakes are a traditional African American treat that dates back to the 1600s.
Check out this recipe!
Black Southern Banana Pudding
Black Folks Southern Banana Pudding
How to make banana pudding the Black way
You'll never be able to look at other banana pudding the same way once you've tried this soul food delicious delight – Southern banana pudding prepared the Black way!
Check out this recipe!
Black Folks Chocolate Southern Banana Pudding
Black Folks Chocolate Southern Banana Pudding Recipe
This chocolate banana pudding recipe is as quick and easy as the original soul food banana pudding recipe.
You simply add an additional layer of chocolate pudding and crunchy buttery Nilla Wafers for pure chocolate bliss!
Check out this recipe!
Southern Ambrosia Recipe
Southern Ambrosia Recipe
Ambrosia salad is a Southern dessert made with tropical and citrus fruits like mandarin orange, pineapple, and shredded coconut. 
While ambrosia of the gods bestowed immortality on all who ate it. Human ambrosia simply bestows a very divine and refreshing taste after fried chicken and potato salad!
Check out this recipe!
Instant Pot Cheesecake
Instant Pot Cheesecake
Instant Pot cheesecake recipe – Who wants Cheesecake Factory cheesecake? Everybody and their mama! Duh!
Check out this recipe!
Soul Food Almond Flour Pie Crust
Soul Food Almond Flour Pie Crust
What’s the story of soul food and almond flour pie crust?
Almond flour has a Black folks' history and soul food legacy.
Black cooks in the South used to bake with almond flour because they didn't have access to traditional flour. The result was a moister, richer, and softer baked good!
Check out this recipe!

Juneteenth menu ideas – drinks

Juneteenth Southern Hibiscus Sweet Tea
Juneteenth Red Drink Southern Hibiscus Sweet Tea
What is the official drink of Juneteenth?
Southern hibiscus sweet tea. It's a delicious red drink, and hibiscus flowers are native to West Africa. So, hibiscus tea has been part of Black culture since the beginning!
Check out this recipe!
Juneteenth Red Foods Drinks Watermelon Red Soda
Juneteenth Red Foods & Drinks | Watermelon Red Soda
Juneteenth red foods and drinks are not only delicious, but they are also symbolic. Red is one of the primary colors used by African Americans to celebrate Juneteenth Black History, including this easy-to-make Juneteenth watermelon red soda recipe.
Check out this recipe!
Black Folks Southern Sweet Tea
Black Folks Southern Sweet Tea
Southern sweet tea is a delicious blend of refreshingly sweet and tangy flavors. (Mostly sweet flavors when it comes to making Black folks Southern sweet tea!)
But sweet ice tea is more than just a thirst-quenching beverage – it's a symbol of Southern hospitality and good company, and it's enjoyed throughout the deep South all year.
"All that sweet tea and cobbler!"
Check out this recipe!
Disney Dole Whip Recipe
Pineapple & Watermelon Dole Whip Recipe
Dole Whip is still the best-kept secret in the frozen dessert world! Making it even more special when you find pineapple or watermelon Dole Whip at Disney Parks like Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom.
But what exactly is this tasty treat? And how do you make this fabulous concoction at home?
Check out this recipe!

What do you think of these Juneteenth menu ideas and recipes?

Which recipes are you going to make?

Comment below and lemme know. Then subscribe HERE for all the soul food!

 The Ultimate Soul Food Recipes Guide
The Ultimate Soul Food Recipes Guide
What is soul food? Soul food recipes are African-American recipes full of flavor! A legacy of Southern cooking the Black way. Check out this collection of the best soul food recipes!
Check out this recipe!

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What food do you eat on Juneteenth? Juneteenth Menu Ideas & Recipes
Juneteenth Menu Ideas Food

Juneteenth Menu Ideas | Black Folks Soul Food Baked Macaroni And Cheese

This post is packed with soul food favorite Juneteenth menu ideas – starting with Black folks soul food baked mac and cheese. Southern comfort food the Black folks way!
It’s my pleasure to share with you what food to serve on Juneteenth and why it’s important.
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Bake Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Soul Food
Keyword: baked mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese recipe, Baked mac and cheese the Black way, baked macaroni and cheese recipes, Black folks baked mac and cheese, Black folks recipes, Black mac and cheese, Black people food, Instant Pot Duo, Instant Pot Omni Plus, Instant Pot recipe, Juneteenth food, Juneteenth menu, Juneteenth menu ideas, Juneteenth sides, soul food, southern baked mac and cheese, southern food, vegetarian
Servings: 6
Calories: 522kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided – 1 tablespoon & 3 tablespoons
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup Colby-jack cheese shredded
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ tablespoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon mustard dried
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 3 cups water
  • 4 ¼ cups milk divided – 1 ¼ cups & 3 cups
  • 8 oz. macaroni noodles uncooked

Instructions

  • Turn the Instant Pot on the sauté setting for 25 minutes (although you may not need this entire amount of time).
  • Fill the Instant Pot stainless steel inner pot with 3 cups of milk, 3 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of butter.

Pro tip: For baked mac and cheese the Black way, use milk to coat the macaroni and give it a smooth, silky texture. Perfect for layering on cheese!

  • Once the liquid begins to simmer, add the macaroni and cook according to the package directions, stirring occasionally to make sure the macaroni does not clump & stick.
  • Drain the macaroni and set it aside.
  • Add the 3 tablespoons of butter to the empty inner pot and turn it back on the sauté setting.
  • When the butter is melted, add the flour, 1 ¼ cups of milk, and seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried mustard and paprika) and whisk until smooth.
  • Change the Instant Pot cook setting from sauté to slow cook for 1-hour (although you will not need this entire amount of time).
  • While the cook setting changes from sauté to slow cook, allow the ingredients to simmer for about 3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
  • Stir in the cheeses (reserve some for topping when baking).
  • Close the Instant Pot with the lid and let slow cook for 5-10 minutes until the cheeses are blended.
  • Open the lid to add the cooked pasta and the heavy cream to the inner pot, stirring the mixture to blend evenly.
  • Transfer the pasta mixture into an 8-inch cast iron skillet or baking pan.
  • Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
  • Bake in the Instant Pot Omni Plus oven at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Or bake in the conventional oven for 25 minutes or until mac and cheese is golden and bubbly.
  • Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of dry thyme or 4-5 fresh thyme sprigs.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Video

Notes

  • First: Southern mac and cheese must include sharp cheddar cheese.
  • Then start with a good quality macaroni. 
  • Making baked mac and cheese the Black way – boil the macaroni in a mixture of half water and half milk. The milk coats the macaroni and gives it a smooth, silky texture. Perfect for layering on cheese!
  • Make sure you’re using a baking dish that’s not too deep. An 8-inch baking pan or 8-inch cast iron skillet is perfect for this oven recipe!
  • Make sure not to walk away from the Instant Pot when using the sauté setting to avoid burning or over-cooking.
Black Folks Soul Food Baked Macaroni And Cheese Recipe Card

Nutrition

Calories: 522kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 92mg | Sodium: 541mg | Potassium: 386mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1094IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 505mg | Iron: 1mg
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