63 Southern Tailgate Food Recipes With Soul Food Flavor

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I’m breaking out my best Southern tailgate food roster, and these insanely delicious and hearty soul food tailgate recipes are perfect for the occasion!

From game-day food classics to new and adventurous ideas, this menu will spice up your tailgating experience. You’ll get everything from easy appetizers to hearty meat dishes, sweet desserts, and finger-licking dips.

Southern Tailgate Food With Soul Food Flavor

Why is it called tailgate food?

In American football, the stadium parking lot is called the tailgate lot. 

The concept of tailgating is to have a picnic before the game. People used this concept and started eating at the stadium before the game. Since the food is consumed in a tailgate lot, it’s called tailgate food.

Is tailgating an American thing?

Tailgating is a way of life for many people in the United States. It’s a way for people to socialize by dining outside in the stadium parking lot.

Thus, food culture in the United States has been influenced by tailgating at the stadiums.

What is an HBCU tailgate event?

What is an HBCU tailgate event?

HBCUs are historically Black colleges and universities founded with the mission of educating African American students. 

Historically, HBCUs are also higher learning institutions for African Americans, embodying Black culture and Black excellence.

HBCU tailgating is an event (mainly in the fall and spring) that encourages students to come together for food, fun, music, and fellowship through the best classic soul food recipes and Southern grilled foods.

For most HBCUs, tailgates are usually sporting events, but others are centered around the arts and culture. 

How do you have a good tailgate party?

The essentials include:

  1. Food 
  2. Family & friends
  3. Music
  4. Team color attire or decorations
  5. Countertop appliances or a grill

Pro tip: Serious tailgaters will also say you need an electric generator!

With the above essentials, there’s nothing like a collegiate HBCU cookout or Southern tailgate food party with people you know, things you love, and as much food as you can eat! 

HBCU tailgates are traditions that are unique, dynamic, and varied. An event that promotes unity, bonding, and fellowship among students, alums, and friends of the HBCU.

Tailgate parties bring friends and family together to enjoy the festive atmosphere and share their passion for their favorite teams. 

It’s a great way to do the traditional pre-game food and drink while having the most fun and fanfare together.

What food is good for tailgating?

What is good football food?

Because game day food is the main attraction of pre-kickoff, you don’t have to set up tents on your front lawn to host or have a good time. 

You can, however, include these Southern tailgate food recipes. A mix of classic Southern dishes with new takes like soul food seasoned air fryer BBQ chickenInstant Pot Southern low country boilgrilled soul burgers, or a slow cooker easy gumbo recipe.

Can you grill on your tailgate?

Grilled foods and cookout recipes were traditionally at the heart of any Southern tailgate food party. 

What is the most popular tailgate food?

How do you tailgate without a grill?

Today, with innovative appliances that travel well to keep food warm, like Instant Pots and air fryers, tailgate food does not necessarily have to be prepared on the grill.

What food is good for tailgating?

Since tailgating is a type of game day party where people get together before the game with the food as the center point of the get-together, the food should be easy to eat and carry in an outdoor setting.

That’s why finger foods and foods you can easily scoop into a paper cup or bowl are often best for tailgating recipes. 

How do you tailgate without a grill?

What is considered a finger food?

Small, individual portions of food that are eaten out of hand and ideally do not create a mess and do not require utensils such as knives, plates, and forks. 

Finger foods are optimal for tailgating because they’re easy to eat while standing up. 

What are 5 finger foods?

What should you bring to a tailgate party?

Check out this list of the best Southern tailgate food ideas. 

What should you bring to a tailgate party?

Southern tailgate drinks

How To Make Moscow Mules
Easy Moscow mules with football-laced limes! To achieve the football laces in your lime, cut the lime vertically into four sections…
Check out this recipe!

Black Folks Southern Sweet Tea
Black Folks Southern Sweet Tea
For starters, Southern sweet tea is a delicious blend of refreshingly sweet and tangy flavors. (Mostly sweet flavors when making Southern-style sweet tea the Black folks' way!) But sweet tea is more than just a thirst-quenching beverage. It symbolizes Southern hospitality and good company, enjoyed throughout the deep South.
Check out this recipe!

 

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 Watermelon Red Soda Recipe
Juneteenth Red Foods & Drinks | Watermelon Red Soda
Juneteenth's red foods and drinks are not only delicious but also symbolic. Red is one of the primary colors used by African Americans to celebrate Juneteenth Black History, including this easy-to-make watermelon red soda recipe.
Check out this recipe!

  

Black Folks Moscato Sangria Recipe
Black Folks Moscato Sangria
Black folks like sweet recipes, so it's no wonder that we've signed on for this fruity and often sparkly Italian wine. And like we always do, started creating our own Black folks' recipes - like moscato sangria!
#BlackFolksSwag
Check out this recipe!

Wakanda Food Vibranium Drink Recipe - Black Panther Heart-Shaped Herb Drink
Wakanda Food Vibranium Drink Recipe
Join the kings and queens of Wakanda and enjoy African-flavor-packed meals of Wakanda Forever food, starting with the purple juice of the ancient Heart-Shaped Herb, known to strengthen the legacy of Black Panther kings. 
This is a Disney easy recipe for Vibranium Drink!
Check out this recipe!

Starbucks White Hot Chocolate Copycat Recipe
Starbucks White Hot Chocolate In The Instant Pot
Copycat Starbucks white hot chocolate – easy to order & even easier to make at home in the Instant Pot!
Why spend your hard-earned bucks on one little cup of deliciousness when you can make it at home for less?
Check out this recipe!
Fruit Infused Water
What is fruit infused water? Fruit infused water, detox water, also called fruit flavored water is any combination of fruits, veggies or herbs immersed in drinking water.
Check out this recipe!
Why is it called tailgate food?

Southern tailgate food appetizers

Buffalo Chicken Taco Boats
What’s a tailgate party without buffalo wings? And what’s a Big Game celebration without nachos or tacos? Simply bland is what it is.
Check out this recipe!

Black Folks Soul Food Southern Deviled Eggs Recipe
Black Folks Soul Food Southern Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs start as hard-boiled egg yolks mashed. Then they're seasoned to perfection and stuffed into the egg whites for a delicious and flavorful appetizer! 
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 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!

 

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!

 

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!

Easy Pumpkin Dip Recipe Instant Pot
Pumpkin Dip Recipe In The Instant Pot
This savory and sweet pumpkin dip recipe is made with cowboy caviar (salsa, black beans, corn), cream cheese, shredded cheese & pumpkin puree. An Instant Pot easy appetizer perfect for a Southern Thanksgiving!
Check out this recipe!
Football Charcuterie Board Ideas
How to Make A Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie boards, by definition, have cold cuts or meats. Your boards don’t have to include meats; you can have holiday treats, breakfast food, desserts, candy, hot chocolates, dinner food or s’mores, to name a few creative charcuterie board ideas.
Check out this recipe!
Southern Soul Food Pulled BBQ Chicken Recipe

Southern tailgate food main dishes

Steve Harvey Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe
Steve Harvey Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce
Steve Harvey shares his easy homemade BBQ sauce recipe, perfect for slathering your favorite Memorial Day meats. 
And bonus—you'll likely have enough leftover sauce to bottle and share or refrigerate for later!
Check out this recipe!

Southern Soul Food BBQ Chicken Recipe
Southern Baked BBQ Chicken
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!

 

Soul Food BBQ Ribs Recipe Card
Soul Food BBQ Ribs 
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!

  

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!

Instant Pot Corned Beef The Southern Soul Food Way
Instant Pot Corned Beef The Southern Soul Food Way
What is the secret to corned beef? The best corned beef brisket is a Southern recipe favorite enhanced with a soul food pickling spice for maximum flavor. Pressure cooker easy!
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!

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!
Teriyaki Meatballs
Courtesy of my mom and her excellent culinary skills, we were fortunate to enjoy this delicious treat of Japanese teriyaki meatballs.
Check out this recipe!
Southern Stuffed Peppers
Southern Stuffed Peppers
This Southern stuffed peppers recipe may seem like a fancy dish at first glance – but take another look… They're an old-fashioned Southern meal homemade with ingredients you can easily find in your pantry!
Check out this recipe!
Southern tailgate food sides

Southern tailgate food sides

Black Folks Potato Salad Recipe
Black People Southern Potato Salad
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. It's also called Black cookout potato salad! 
Check out this recipe!

Black Folks Southern Soul Food Baked Beans
Southern Soul Food Baked Beans Recipe
This recipe is a fresh take on a classic Southern dish with an added twist of soul food seasonings and flavors. After soaking and boiling the dry beans, the diced vegetables lay the groundwork. Then, the combination of brown sugar, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, molasses, barbecue sauce, and soul food seasonings truly transforms the dish!
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!

 

Black Folks Soul Food Macaroni Salad
Black Folks 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.
Check out this recipe!

 

Soul Food Shrimp Spaghetti Pasta Salad With Italian Dressing
Soul Food Shrimp Spaghetti Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
This soul food pasta salad recipe is a beautiful summertime classic made with a zesty sauce, irresistible steamed shrimp, and delicious seasoning.
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 and creamy homemade cheese sauce and delicious soulful seasonings and spices. It's Southern comfort food the way Black folks make it!
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!

 

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 Chicken Salad Recipe
Black Folks Southern Chicken Salad Recipe
Are you in the mood for a delicious chicken salad recipe? 
A traditional Southern chicken salad made by Black folks is more than just mayo and chicken chunks. It's bursting with flavor and the perfect balance of savory, crunch, and sweet.
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 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!

 

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 Creamed Corn Pudding Casserole
Black Folks Creamed Corn Pudding Casserole
This Southern creamed corn casserole has a sweet corn flavor with onion and garlic for a rich, savory, soul food taste. Add sour cream for a creamy melt-in-your-mouth pudding and parmesan cheese for the cornbread crust.
Check out this recipe!

 

Black Folks Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Black Folks Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Who has the best mashed potatoes? This Black folks creamy mashed potatoes recipe is the best I've ever had & my family's favorite too!
Check out this recipe!

 

Black Folks Southern Candied Yams
Stovetop Candied Yams Soul Food Recipe
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 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!

 

Southern Green Beans
Black Folks Southern Green Beans In The Instant Pot
Black folks, Southern green beans are not just another bland green vegetable!
And with Instant Pot, they're ready in only 2 mins with no compromise to the irresistible Southern soul food flavors!
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!

 

Southern Creamed Corn Recipe
Creamed Corn Recipe In The Instant Pot
This homemade creamed corn recipe is sure to be the hit of your next get-together. 
What’s the best thing about this recipe other than the Southern soul food flavors?
The taste is fresh and vibrant because it’s made easily from scratch!
Check out this recipe!

  

The Best Soul Food Cookout Side Dishes
The Best Soul Food Cookout Side Dishes
If the soul food cookout is about the main course, then the soul food cookout side dishes are about enhancing the main dish flavors!
Check out this recipe!

 

Southern tailgate food desserts

Southern tailgate food desserts

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, and sweet mandarin oranges baked in. Pig pickin is a cake as unique as its name and the official dessert of Southern pig roasts and pickings!
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!

 

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 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 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!

 

Southern Sweet Potato Pie With Cream Cheese
Southern Sweet Potato Pie With Cream Cheese
Similar to my original Black Folks' Sweet Potato Pie™, this Southern sweet potato pie recipe uses fresh sweet potatoes and soul food spices and seasonings. 
But for this recipe, it's the Southern charm added to the pie after it bakes, a thin layer of homemade cream cheese frosting is spread on top to savor the sweet taste of Southern hospitality!
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!

 

Lemon Fruit Dip With Cream Cheese
Quick & easy lemon fruit dip with cream cheese. A light, refreshing & zesty lemon dip recipe for your favorite juicy summer fruit & fruit salads!
Check out this recipe!

 

Coconut Water Mixed Berry Fruit Popsicles
One of the healthiest recipes known on Earth is fruit popsicles. You can prepare homemade fruit popsicles with as little as five essential ingredients you already have in your refrigerator, like blueberries, raspberries and blackberries.
Check out this recipe!

 

Black Folks Southern Tea Cake Recipe
Black Folks Southern Tea Cake Recipe
A Black folks' tea cake recipe is a delightful Southern dessert. These little round cakes are light and airy, sometimes compared to soda bread or pound cake. Like sweet little biscuits, tea cakes are highly valued in the South and are a traditional African American treat dating back to the 1600s.
Check out this recipe!

TikTok Booty Dip Recipe
TikTok dessert recipe for Booty Dip: An easy, no-bake chocolate chip marshmallow dip perfect for all holidays made by simply mixing cream cheese, brown sugar, whipped cream, marshmallow fluff and chocolate chips. AKA: Big Booty Dip!
Check out this recipe!

 

Southern tailgate food FAQs

Tailgate food is always a big topic of conversation among sports fans. So many people go to the game just for the food! 

The most popular tailgate food is barbecue. Of course, hot dogs and hamburgers are also prevalent. But anything BBQ’ed is sure to be the first pick! 

What is the most eaten food on Superbowl Sunday?

Hands down chicken wings- or should I say hands filled with chicken wings? Americans consume over 1.5 billion wings on Superbowl Sunday!

What are the 5 most popular Superbowl foods?
  1. Chicken wings
  2. Meatballs
  3. Guacamole
  4. Chips & salsa
  5. Chili

How do you keep food warm at a tailgate?

What’s the worst thing to happen at a tailgate? 

Nobody eats because there are lukewarm hot dogs, hamburgers, and cold chicken wings!

Wondering how you heat food at a tailgate?

If you’re a tailgater, here are a few solutions to keep your food warm throughout the party.

  1. Make sure you use disposable foil and trays to insulate your food through transport.
  2. Use an Instant Pot, Crockpot, or air fryer appliance to keep food hot at home or your tailgate if you have electricity.
  3. Coolers can also keep hot food hot by trapping and retaining heat.
Is tailgating an American thing?

What is American tailgate food?

American tailgating is about having fun with friends and family while enjoying delicious food and drinks. 

There are plenty of American tailgate party foods to choose from, so you can easily find something to please everyone, especially among these flavorful soul food Southern tailgate food recipes!

What is considered a finger food?

What’s your favorite tailgate food recipe?

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!

Like this post? Pin the below image to your Pinterest “Soul Food Recipes” board!

Soul Food Southern Tailgate Food
Southern Tailgate Food With Soul Food Flavor | BBQ Chicken Wings

Southern Tailgate Food With Soul Food Flavor | BBQ Chicken Wings

We're breaking out our best game-day tailgate roster with these insanely delicious and hearty Southern soul food tailgate recipes!
Starting with easy Southern BBQ chicken wings with savory soul food flavors for your next tailgate party.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Soul Food, Southern Food
Servings: 6
Calories: 396kcal

Equipment

  • Instant Pot electric pressure cooker (optional)
  • Air fryer, Instant Pot Omni Plus oven/air fryer, or conventional oven 

Ingredients

  • 12 chicken wings
  • 2 tablespoons seasoning salt Famous Dave’s Country Roast Chicken Seasoning or similar (Contains soulful flavors such as paprika, mustard seed, garlic powder, onion powder, bell pepper, and lemon zest all in one!)
  • 2 tablespoons garlic & herb seasoning Weber Seasoning Roasted Garlic & Herb, or similar
  • 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce Homemade BBQ sauce recipe HERE!

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, mix the chicken seasoning and the garlic & herb seasoning.
  • Rub the seasoning mixture on the chicken pieces to coat them.
  • Then use a basting brush to coat the chicken with the BBQ sauce.
  • Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil, or if you have an air fryer tray or baking sheet, line it with parchment paper and then spray the paper.
  • Place the chicken wings in or on the air fryer basket or tray.
  • Air fry at 350 degrees F for a total of 30 minutes.
  • Halfway through, after about 15 minutes, flip the wings over in the air fryer and return to cooking.
  • Air fry at 350 degrees for the remaining 15 minutes.
  • Serve this Southern soul food BBQ chicken wings recipe right away, and enjoy!

Video

Notes

How do you make soft BBQ chicken?
Optionally, you can use the below instructions and marinate the chicken in a buttermilk brine to tenderize it before adding the BBQ sauce.
This additional step is easiest with an Instant Pot electric pressure cooker.
Instructions for a buttermilk marinade chicken brine
  1. 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. 
  2. Open the Instant Pot lid and add the buttermilk and 1 teaspoon of salt to the stainless steel inner pot.
  3. 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.)
  4. Close the Instant Pot lid (make sure the valve is in the sealing position – up) and pressure cook on high for 20 minutes.
  5. When the cooking time is finished, allow a natural pressure release for at least 10 minutes.
  6. To open the Instant Pot lid, move the valve to ‘venting’ and manually release any remaining pressure, if applicable.
  7. 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.
You can make the buttermilk for this recipe yourself. Because let’s be real – it’s not a common pantry ingredient!
Buttermilk for this recipe: ½ cup of buttermilk = ½ cup of milk + ½ tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Stir and let it sit for 5 minutes. 
What can you substitute for the poultry and herb seasonings?
You can use your favorite all-purpose seasoning or a combination of these soul food seasonings to make 4 tablespoons
Homemade soul food chicken seasoning:
  • Paprika
  • Mustard seed
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Grated bell pepper
  • Lemon zest
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Nutrition

Calories: 396kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 5476mg | Potassium: 407mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 338IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 2mg
Save it so you can make it!Pin this recipe to remember it later.
5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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One Comment

  1. Rayan Frederick says:

    5 stars
    I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Thanks Again. Cool.