The Best Southern Soul Food Mother’s Day Dinner Ideas
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Southern Soul Food Mother’s Day Dinner Ideas – Are you wondering, “What would be a good dinner menu for Mother’s Day?” or how to make your mom or wife feel special on this day? You’ve come to the right place for soul food dinner ideas rich in seasoning and flavor, just like how mom always nourishes you!
How can you make Mother’s Day special?
Mother’s Day honors the culinary skills handed down through generations and fills the day with nostalgia and family connections. It is a celebration not only of mothers but also of shared memories, brought to life on your Mother’s Day menu with every bite of pecan pie to every sip of sweet tea.
To capture the essence of Southern cuisine for your Mother’s Day dinner, focus on a table setting that complements beloved Southern dishes such as fried chicken, gumbo, and peach cobbler.
To create a warm and inviting atmosphere, incorporate classic Southern elements. Perhaps checkered tablecloths and mason jars for drinks like sweet tea. These touches pay homage to traditional Southern cooking and provide the perfect backdrop for enjoying comfort food favorites, from macaroni and cheese to sweet potato pie.
Soul food Mother’s Day dinner ideas
A good dinner made exceptional for Mother’s Day includes a variety of flavorful dishes, from fried chicken to seasoned pasta recipes. The curated dishes listed here are essential for creating comforting soul food meals.
Each dish features a rich blend of seasonings, flavors, and traditions, making them perfect for an exceptional dinner to celebrate the incredible mothers in your life on their special day!
Soul Food Southern Fried Chicken
This dish stands at the heart of your Southern Mother's Day celebration, embodying the warmth and love that soul food fried chicken effortlessly imparts.
Check out this recipe!
Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken
This air fryer fried chicken recipe highlights the comfort and joy of Southern soul food, using less oil. It's mom-approved!
Check out this recipe!
Baked BBQ Chicken
You don't need to take mom to a restaurant for Southern BBQ chicken. With my easy recipe for Southern baked BBQ chicken, she can enjoy the same delicious savory flavors in the comfort of her home!
Check out this recipe!
Soul Food Cornish Hens
This recipe is seasoned and prepared the soul food way, making it moist, juicy, and flavorful—just as mom likes it!
Check out this recipe!
Smothered Chicken
Mom is familiar with the comforting warmth that a dish of smothered chicken brings, with its rich gravy evoking a sense of home and heart.
Check out this recipe!
Instant Pot Whole Chicken Recipe
Mom will think you cooked all day when you deliver this easy and flavorful whole chicken recipe!
Check out this recipe!
Mamala Instant Pot Lemon Chicken
Need to nourish and unite a nation? Then you need Madam VP's (Mamala's) quick and easy recipe for a Sunshine State-inspired dish, perfect for a quick resolution for a family meal, thanks to the Instant Pot!
Check out this recipe!
Blueberry Chicken Thighs In The Instant Pot
Imagine the delight in your mother's eyes as you serve this blueberry chicken thighs recipe. It's a novel twist on a soul food classic but also saves precious time, allowing for more moments spent with her and the family.
Check out this recipe!
Curry Chicken Mango Kabobs
The enticing flavor of curry chicken mango kabobs on a summer evening will surely delight mom's taste buds with a wonderful dinner.
Check out this recipe!
Southern Turkey Recipe
Crispy skin and moist, juicy, flavorful meat embody a Southern turkey recipe cherished in Black culture. It's an exceptional addition to your Mother's Day soul food menu.
Check out this recipe!
Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Experience the delightful fusion of Southern comfort and home-style goodness in this incredible chicken pot pie recipe that will have mom's taste buds singing!
Check out this recipe!
Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
A brown sugar-glazed ham, transforming an ordinary day into something extraordinary holiday!
Check out this recipe!
Soul Food Lamb Chops
With simple, soulful seasonings, succulent lamb chops become not just a meal but an expression of enduring love and gratitude when served on Mother's Day.
Check out this recipe!
Corned Beef And Cabbage
Tender, seasoned meat with buttery, rich cabbage is a Southern comfort food favorite perfectly suited for Mother's Day!
Check out this recipe!
Soul Food Meatloaf Recipe
Thus, let us pledge to make each meal for our mothers with a banquet of love, starting with the comforting embrace of a soulfully made Southern meatloaf recipe.
Check out this recipe!
Soul Food Lobster Tail Recipe
Special occasions often call for the elegance of lobster tails, a luxury that mom truly deserves!
Check out this recipe!
Soul Food Chicken Yock
Chicken yock is a big bowl of soulful comfort ready to share with mom on her special day.
Check out this recipe!
Shrimp Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
This dish features tender shrimp combined with zesty Italian dressing in a pasta salad. Serve it to mom on Mother's Day to celebrate flavors and strengthen family connections.
Check out this recipe!
Southern Spaghetti
This Southern spaghetti recipe embodies the loving gesture of providing mom with food for the body and nourishment for the soul, reflecting the essence of Southern hospitality.
Check out this recipe!
Chicken Spaghetti
The simple joy of sitting down to a family dinner featuring spaghetti tossed in a flavorful red sauce and topped with shredded seasoned chicken is something mom can appreciate.
Check out this recipe!
Stuffed Peppers
This interplay of flavors and textures elevates a meal from mere food to a memorable Mother's Day feast!
Check out this recipe!
Easy Gumbo Recipe
The zest of an easy gumbo recipe introduces a spectrum of tastes for mom to savor on her special day.
Check out this recipe!
Low Country Shrimp Boil
This Instant Pot recipe beautifully combines simplicity with sophistication, showcasing how technology blends with tradition to create family-style dishes that resonate with the essence of Southern cooking and timeless gatherings for Mother's Day.
Check out this recipe!
Mother’s Day soul food dinner sides
Consider these easy soul food side dishes for your Mother’s Day Sunday dinner. They not only nourish the body but also uplift the spirit, bringing your dinner together in joy and remembrance. These dishes, rich in generations of love and skill, provide the perfect backdrop to honor mom and celebrate the family bonds that define you.
Southern Potato Salad
Southern potato salad is a must-have for any African American holiday celebration. Mom will surely miss this creamy and tangy dressing, balanced with soul food seasonings and flavors if it's not part of her Mother's Day feast!
Check out this recipe!
Soul Food Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad is an essential part of Black culinary traditions. The choice of ingredients respects tradition, while a handful of soulful seasonings and spices enhance the flavor. It's a recipe for success and the perfect addition to Mother's Day!
Check out this recipe!
Soul Food Coleslaw Recipe
Soul food coleslaw recipes are packed with flavor! This classic dish pairs perfectly with smoky BBQ meats and is a must-have for a Mother's Day cookout menu.
Check out this recipe!
Soul Food Collard Greens
This dish conveys gratitude, reflecting how mothers provide comfort through their cooking. Collard greens have become indispensable for the occasion.
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Candied Yams Soul Food Recipe
Candied yams are infused with a legacy of love and resilience. They tell a story of generations, hard work, and the incredible women who have passed these recipes down through the years.
Check out this recipe!
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
A Mother's Day dinner isn't complete without the harmony of soulful sides like the comfort of a Southern creamy mashed potatoes recipe.
Check out this recipe!
Baked Macaroni And Cheese
This Mother's Day, celebrate the matriarchs with a dinner featuring the heartwarming centerpiece and soul food classic, baked macaroni and cheese.
Check out this recipe!
Cornbread Dressing Recipe
In Southern cuisine, savory breads and dressings stand at the heart of every celebratory meal. These are not just accompaniments but pivotal elements that shape the Mother's Day dining experience.
Check out this recipe!
Southern Cabbage Recipe
A comforting Southern cabbage recipe embodies love, tradition, and the warmth of African American Southern cooking. These meals provide a perfect opportunity to honor the women who shaped who we are today.
Check out this recipe!
Soul Food Red Beans And Rice
Gather the secret ingredient to make Mama's hearty red beans and rice because a Mother's Day gathering does more than just satisfy hunger. It strengthens familial bonds and fosters a deep sense of belonging.
Check out this recipe!
Baked Apple Slices
On Mother's Day, sweet baked apples become especially meaningful, carrying a legacy of love.
Check out this recipe!
Soul Food Cornbread
Soul food cornbread has become a staple for occasions like Mother's Day. It adds an essential layer of warmth and familiarity that binds the entire meal together.
Check out this recipe!
Soul food Mother’s Day dinner desserts
For a perfect finale, consider serving banana pudding or peach cobbler—two quintessential Southern desserts. These dishes originated from this region, providing the South with an extraordinary claim to each. These delightful desserts will satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth at your Mother’s Day dinner.
Southern Banana Pudding
For Mother's Day, banana pudding serves as a sweet tribute to the warmth and nurturing nature of mothers everywhere. Its layered combination of vanilla-flavored custard, ripe bananas, and soft Nilla Wafers, all topped with a light meringue or whipped cream, provides a comforting hug in every bite.
Check out this recipe!
Southern Peach Cobbler Recipe
Peach cobbler symbolizes the warmth and comfort of celebrating a Southern Mother's Day. A narrative of love and the comfort found in each bite.
Check out this recipe!
Pig Pickin Cake
A homemade, moist yellow cake topped with whipped pineapple frosting, filled with vanilla pudding, and sweet mandarin oranges. Pig pickin cake is as unique as its name, making it a perfect standout recipe for Mother's Day, capturing the joy of sharing a special menu with mom.
Check out this recipe!
Soul Food Carrot Cake
The allure of my soul food carrot cake recipe lies deep within its spiced complexity. This is my Great-Grandma Florence's recipe. It seamlessly melds the warmth of spices with the luxurious texture of finely grated carrots and a creamy frosting to top off the experience.
Check out this recipe!
Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie Recipe™
In the Black community, sweet potato pie is a testament to a commitment to celebrate mothers. Traditionally prepared with love and patience, this dessert carries sweet, earthy flavors that resonate with comfort and nostalgia.
Check out this recipe!
Southern Pecan Pie
The table on Mother's Day wouldn't be complete without the luscious presence of pecan pie. This dessert fills the room with the aroma of sweet, toasted nuts. The golden and crumbly crust pairs perfectly with the rich, caramelized filling.
Check out this recipe!
Soul Food Apple Pie
A soul food apple pie recipe takes a beloved American classic and infuses it with a unique Southern twist, making it an absolute must-have for any Mother's Day celebration. It's a heartwarming tribute to the love and care mothers have shown throughout the years.
Check out this recipe!
Southern Red Velvet Cake
Southern red velvet cake offers a taste of tradition and love wrapped in its velvety texture. This cake stands out with its iconic deep red hue, a symbol of love and celebration, making it perfect for honoring mothers.
Check out this recipe!
Southern Living Chocolate Lava Cake
With its molten center, this dessert pairs perfectly with the classic comfort found in Southern baking. It offers a delightful surprise for mom that captures the essence of celebratory desserts.
Check out this recipe!
Southern Mother’s Day brunch ideas
Why wait to start the festivities at dinner?
Surprise Mom early with her favorite Southern dishes from my soul food Mother’s Day brunch menu. It’s not complete without sweet tea, a refreshing staple that harmonizes with every dish.
For a boozy brunch, consider Moscato sangria or adding bourbon to your sweet tea to bring warmth to the celebration. These iconic and beloved beverages perfectly embody the essence of Southern hospitality.
Southern Sweet Tea
Every memorable Mother's Day brunch begins with the perfect drink. It sets a celebratory tone and creates a warm atmosphere from the very start. Southern sweet tea embodies tales of tradition, Southern hospitality, and care—ingredients woven into every sip.
Check out this recipe!
Moscato Sangria
Raise a glass and toast to the maternal figures in your life! Moscato sangria is a vibrant mix that bridges the old with the new. Its effervescence and fruity notes dance on the palate, promising a Mother's Day brunch filled with laughter and cherished conversations.
Check out this recipe!
Fruit-Infused Water
A Mother's Day brunch filled with Southern charm isn't complete without delicious starters. Fruit-infused water serves as the ideal introduction to the feast, celebrating refreshing beginnings and embodying the essence of Southern hospitality.
Check out this recipe!
Disney Dole Whip
Refreshers like the Disney Dole Whip, a favorite at the Southern Florida theme park, cleanse the palate. Refreshers like this at brunch pave the way for a culinary journey to "The Most Magical Place On Earth," Disney World, highlighting some of mom's most memorable experiences!
Check out this recipe!
Southern Shrimp And Grits
For Mother's Day brunch, the perfect blend of creamy, buttery grits is paired with spicy, succulent shrimp, making every bite a delightful experience. This dish has been a favorite for generations, effortlessly capturing the essence of Southern hospitality and culinary mastery.
Check out this recipe!
Fried Chicken And Waffles
A heartfelt fried chicken and waffles recipe serves as a tribute to the maternal figures in our lives. It expresses gratitude and love and plays a special role in the day's celebration. It's an irresistible choice, seamlessly merging breakfast and dinner favorites into one spectacular meal!
Check out this recipe!
Lobster Mac And Cheese
Only the best for mom, like the luxurious hint of lobster tucked within velvety layers of mac and cheese!
Check out this recipe!
Pork Jowl Bacon In The Air Fryer
Pork jowl bacon offers a memorable experience. It sets the stage for what's to come, promising satisfaction and leaving mom eager for the next course!
Check out this recipe!
Captain Crunch French Toast
The innovative twist of Captain Crunch French toast truly embodies the spirit of a homemade Mother’sDay brunch.
Check out this recipe!
The innovative twist of Captain Crunch French toast truly embodies the spirit of a homemade Mother’sDay brunch.
Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a staple at any Southern table, embodying the perfect blend of creamy and spicy flavors that welcome mom with delicious flavor and open arms.
Check out this recipe!
Southern Tomato Watermelon Salad
In the heart of every Southern brunch lies a hidden gem, a dish that refreshes the palate and delights the senses. This is where the Southern tomato watermelon salad shines. It embodies the essence of Mother's Day recipes, offering a refreshing contrast to the richer, more decadent dishes typical of Southern cuisine.
Check out this recipe!
Southern Chicken Salad
Dishes like a Southern chicken salad, rich and satisfying, defy expectations. It's a classic recipe moms have made to warm hearts for generations.
Check out this recipe!
Southern Bread Pudding
Are you searching for a classic Southern bread pudding or a soul food African American bread pudding recipe for your Mother's Day celebration? Look no further—this is your easy go-to recipe!
Check out this recipe!
Southern Tea Cake Recipe
The Southern tea cake offers a delicate and tender finish, evoking memories of past celebrations and honoring moms who have nurtured and shaped generations.
Check out this recipe!
Southern Ambrosia
Pour your love into making this delicious goddess recipe for mom! While mythical ambrosia of the gods granted immortality to those who consumed it, our version offers a divine and refreshing taste that beautifully complements fried chicken and potato salad. This sweet addition enhances the richness of Mother's Day brunch, making it an unforgettable experience.
Check out this recipe!
What recipes do you wish your mom or grandmother had passed down to you?
If there’s a recipe you wish had been passed down, you can create a new tradition and impress your mom with these classic soul food recipes. They are quick and easy to make, with step-by-step instructions.
From Southern banana pudding prepared the traditional Black way to sweet potato pie, these soul food recipes are approved by moms, grandmas, and aunties! These authentic soul food recipes are so delicious that your mom will think you brought home takeout from her favorite Southern eatery!
Servings: 6
Calories: 2249kcal
Equipment
- Instant Pot electric pressure cooker Optional
Ingredients
Ingredients for the buttermilk chicken brine
- 3 cups buttermilk (Buttermilk = 3 cups of milk & 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Ingredients for Black folks soul food buttermilk fried chicken
- 6-8 pieces chicken or one 3-pound chicken cut into pieces
- 48 oz peanut oil or vegetable oil
- 2 cups all-purpose flour divided
- 1 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon red pepper
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg
- ½ cup buttermilk (½ cup of buttermilk = ½ cup of milk & ½ tablespoon of apple cider vinegar)
Instructions
Instructions for buttermilk marinade chicken brine
- To make homemade buttermilk, use 3 cups of milk and 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. In a medium-sized bowl, stir the two ingredients together and let them sit for 5 minutes.
- Open the Instant Pot lid and add the buttermilk and 1 teaspoon of salt to the stainless steel inner pot.
- Add the chicken pieces, skin-side up, to the pot with the buttermilk. (No Instant Pot? No problem! – allow the chicken to marinate in the buttermilk for 4 hours to overnight.)
- Close the Instant Pot lid (make sure the valve is in the sealing position – up) and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.
- When the cooking time is finished, allow a natural pressure release for at least 10 minutes.
- To open the Instant Pot lid, move the valve to ‘venting’ and manually release any remaining pressure, if applicable.
- Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot (you can discard the buttermilk) and set the chicken pieces aside on a rimmed baking sheet to cool off to the touch.
Instructions for soul food buttermilk Southern fried chicken
- Pour the peanut oil (preferred) or vegetable oil into a deep fryer, 6-quart skillet, or Dutch oven until the oil is 1-inch deep.
- Heat the oil over medium heat or until it reaches 350 degrees F.
- While you’re waiting for the oil to heat up. Place 1 cup of the divided flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and red pepper in a medium-size mixing bowl (or 1-gallon resealable food storage bag).
- Shake (or mix) the sealed bag to combine the ingredients for a homemade poultry seasoning, and set the flour mixture aside.
- Pour the second cup of flour into a second resealable bag (or medium-sized mixing bowl) and set it aside.
- Whisk together ½ a cup of buttermilk and egg in another medium-sized bowl, and set that mixture aside too.
- Sprinkle the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- The chicken will go through a 3-step process from here.
- First, place the chicken in the bag (or bowl) of seasoned flour and shake or toss to coat the chicken evenly.
- Second, shake off the excess flour and dip the chicken into the buttermilk mixture.
- Third, transfer the chicken to the last bag (or bowl) of flour and shake or toss until it’s very well coated.
- Place the coated chicken into the pre-heated oil, skin-side down, and be careful not to overcrowd the chicken in the oil. You can fry a second batch if need be to avoid overcrowding by frying all the chicken at once. Just make sure the hot oil remains at 350 degrees F.
- Cook the chicken pieces for 10 to 12 minutes, occasionally turning to prevent excessive browning.
- As the chicken batter turns golden brown, remove it from the hot oil.
- Allow the chicken to drain in a closed container (to keep the fried chicken warm) with a paper towel under the chicken.
- Serve soul food Southern buttermilk fried chicken right away, and enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
Calories: 2249kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 232g | Saturated Fat: 41g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 73g | Monounsaturated Fat: 106g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 1108mg | Potassium: 240mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 298IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 153mg | Iron: 2mg
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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!