If you're craving some comfort food that'll make your taste buds dance, you've got to check out the five best Paula Deen recipes. From the creamy shrimp and grits to that crispy, golden fried chicken, each dish is packed with Southern charm. And let's not forget about the sweet banana pudding that'll have you dreaming of dessert! Ready to whip up some deliciousness? Let's get into these mouthwatering recipes!
Shrimp and Grits
Shrimp and grits is a classic Southern dish that beautifully combines creamy, buttery grits with succulent shrimp, often seasoned to perfection. This dish isn't only hearty but also incredibly flavorful, making it a favorite for brunch or a cozy dinner.
With a few simple ingredients and a little love, you can bring a taste of the South to your table.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced bell pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
Begin by cooking the grits according to package instructions, using water or chicken broth for added flavor.
In a separate skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, then remove it from the pan and set aside, leaving the rendered fat.
Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with Cajun seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, and cook until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Finally, stir in the heavy cream and butter, allowing it to melt and combine with the shrimp mixture.
Serve the shrimp over a generous scoop of grits and top with crispy bacon and chopped green onions.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, use high-quality stone-ground grits rather than quick-cooking varieties, as they provide a richer texture.
You can customize your shrimp and grits by adding other ingredients like diced tomatoes or spicy sausage for a twist.
Be mindful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
For a bit of heat, consider adding a splash of hot sauce to the shrimp mixture or serving it on the side.
Enjoy your delicious Southern comfort food!
Paula's Famous Fried Chicken
Paula Deen's Famous Fried Chicken is a true Southern classic that brings comfort and flavor to any table. This dish features juicy chicken pieces coated in a seasoned buttermilk batter that creates a crispy, golden exterior. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, this fried chicken is sure to impress with its mouthwatering taste and delightful crunch.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut oil)
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by marinating the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, in the refrigerator. This tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor.
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the buttermilk and allow the excess to drip off.
Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour, making sure it's well-coated. Heat oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, for about 12-15 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Drain the fried chicken on paper towels before serving.
Extra Tips:
For an even crispier coating, double-dip the chicken by returning it to the buttermilk after the first flour coating, then dredging it in the flour mixture again.
If you prefer a bit of spice, add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture to give the chicken a kick. Always maintain the oil at the proper temperature; if it's too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks, and if it's too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Finally, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, making sure each bite is juicy and flavorful.
Southern Biscuits
Southern biscuits are a classic staple of Southern cooking, known for their flaky texture and buttery flavor. These biscuits are perfect for breakfast, served alongside gravy, or as a side dish to complement any meal.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of warm, homemade biscuits that will have your family and friends coming back for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add the buttermilk, stirring until just combined. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together.
Roll or pat the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness, then cut out biscuits using a biscuit cutter. Place the biscuits on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy!
Extra Tips:
For even flakier biscuits, make sure your butter is very cold and handle the dough as little as possible.
If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice—let it sit for a few minutes to sour.
Also, for added flavor, consider incorporating herbs or cheese into the dough. Enjoy your freshly baked Southern biscuits!
Banana Pudding
Banana pudding is a classic Southern dessert that brings a delightful combination of creamy custard, ripe bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers. This indulgent treat is perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a gathering or simply want to enjoy a comforting dessert at home.
With its layers of flavor and texture, Paula Deen's banana pudding is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 (5-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping, thawed
- 4 to 5 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 (12-ounce) box vanilla wafer cookies
Cooking Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix with the cold milk, whisking until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
Next, fold in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until fully combined. Gently stir in the whipped topping until the mixture is creamy and well-blended.
In a trifle dish or a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and the pudding mixture. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of pudding on top.
Refrigerate the banana pudding for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the cookies to soften.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, use ripe bananas that are still firm but not overly soft.
You can also add a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers or a drizzle of chocolate syrup on top for added texture and sweetness.
If you prefer a homemade touch, consider making your own vanilla custard instead of using instant pudding mix, which will deepen the flavor and give a more traditional feel to the dish.
Remember to cover the pudding with plastic wrap in the refrigerator to prevent any unwanted odors from the fridge from seeping in.
Enjoy your delicious banana pudding!
Lady and Sons' Macaroni and Cheese
Lady and Sons' Macaroni and Cheese is a rich and creamy dish that's certain to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. This indulgent recipe, inspired by Paula Deen's Southern cooking, combines three types of cheese for a flavor that's both comforting and satisfying. Perfect as a side dish or a standalone meal, this mac and cheese is easy to prepare and will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, whisking constantly to create a roux.
Gradually add the milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens and bubbles. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth.
Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Drain the pasta and combine it with the cheese sauce, mixing well to guarantee all the macaroni is coated.
For added texture, you can pour the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish and top it with breadcrumbs before baking in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
Extra Tips:
For a richer flavor, consider adding cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables like spinach or broccoli to the mixture before baking.
You can also experiment with different cheese combinations, such as adding Gruyère for a nutty taste or pepper jack for a bit of heat.
If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, assemble it up to the baking step and refrigerate. Just remember to adjust the baking time if baking from cold.
Enjoy your delicious and creamy mac and cheese!