30 Famous Alabama Recipes (2024)

These Alabama Famous Foods are exactly the southern-style food you’ve been looking for. Alabama is known for its delicious food and beautiful beaches.

Check out our 50 states unit study for some fun state info!

This list of popular southern dishes will fulfill all your comfort food needs.

With recipes like BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, banana pudding, and fried green tomatoes, you’ll find something everyone in your family will love.

30 Famous Alabama Recipes (1)

Don’t forget to check out this Alabama Unit Study as well to learn more about fun state facts and history.

Alabama has been an influential state in American history since the Civil War in the 1860s through civil rights movements through the 1960s. Alabama’s food culture is gathered from life in the south and is a mixture of down-home soul food and cajun influences. Don’t forget the sweet tea which is itself a whole thing!

These recipes are straight from the people who know how to do southern cooking right. There are a few different variations per dish category so you can choose the one that works best for you. They are all delicious and worth trying at least once!

Whip up this Alabama Fire Crackers Recipe as a fun snack to get started!

Table of Contents

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Pulled Pork

BBQ pulled pork is a southern staple that is mastered early for Alabamians. It can be piled high on sweet buns, drenched in white sauce, or paired with greens and corn on the cob.

Banana Pudding

Banana pudding is on every dessert menu in Alabama. It needs its own special category for its wonderful thick and creamy texture and classic banana flavor. Don’t forget to add the Nilla Wafers on top!

Fried Pickles

Sliced dill pickles coated in crunchy breading, fried, and served with a spicy aioli is a must-try dish that will make anyone a believer in southern soul food. That first bite of slightly salty, crunchy, hot pickles is bliss for foodies everywhere.

Shrimp and grits

Shrimp coated in cajun seasonings, grilled, and laid over a bed of cheesy, creamy grits is something everyone needs to make at least once. These recipes will make sure you get it right the first time!

Pecan Pie

You’ll find pecan pie in all kinds of variations in Alabama. With those crunchy pecans and caramel-y goodness, this is one indulgence you need to give in to. Top it with homemade whipped cream.

Chicken with white sauce

White sauce is an Alabamian condiment that is drizzled on barbeque chicken and pork. It’s made with mayonnaise, buttermilk, mustard, and spices and can be substituted for a tomato-based BBQ sauce.

Fried Chicken

Breaded and fried chicken is a classic southern dish that deserves to be made at home. The difference between homemade fried chicken and KFC fried chicken is like night and day. You get to control the quality of chicken, the spices, and you can eat it right out of the pan with a heap of mashed potatoes and gravy.

Fried green tomatoes

Fried green tomatoes are a local dish that has caught the US by storm. You can see these fried beauties in southern restaurants all over. They are made by using tomatoes before they’re ripe (green). This gives them a crunchy texture and a more tart flavor.

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Peach cobbler

Chilton County is known for having some of the best peaches in the south. What better way to use them than in cobbler?? These easy-to-make peach cobblers are best served with a hearty scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Beignets

Beignets are fried doughnuts covered with powdered sugar and eaten with a hot cup of chicory coffee. These little balls of dough are placed in hot oil and puff into light and delicate pastries.

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Do all states have famous foods?

Each state in the United States is known for something unique, whether it be their iconic landscapes or their famous landmarks.

Many states also have foods that they are recognized for and can call their own. While some states have more renowned dishes than others, every state has a food that they are proud to call their own.

From Maine’s lobster rolls to Texas’ barbecue brisket, and from Louisiana’s jambalaya to Hawaii’s Poke, these iconic dishes showcase the diversity and culture that each state brings to the culinary world.

So, whether you’re a foodie or just love to travel, exploring the famous foods of every state can be a fun and delicious adventure.

Are famous recipes in Louisiana spicy?

Cooking in Louisiana is a point of pride for many residents, and it’s no secret that the state is known for its bold, flavorful cuisine.

While it’s true that many famous Louisiana recipes are indeed spicy, not all of them pack the heat.

Traditional dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans and rice are often prepared with flavorful seasonings like bell peppers, onions, and garlic, which enhance the overall taste and complexity of the dish without being overwhelmingly spicy.

That being said, Cajun and Creole cooking can definitely turn up the heat with generous doses of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, and other fiery ingredients.

The key is balance, and many cooks take pride in creating dishes that offer just the right amount of heat to complement the other flavors in the dish.

Why are fried green tomatoes so popular?

Fried green tomatoes have become a staple in Southern cuisine and beyond. One reason for their popularity is their unique tart and tangy flavor, which sets them apart from more traditional tomato dishes.

Additionally, the crispy breading that coats each slice of tomato adds a satisfying crunch that pairs well with the soft and juicy texture of the tomato itself.

Another factor that contributes to the popularity of fried green tomatoes is their versatility. They can be served as a snack, appetizer, side dish, or even as the main course in a sandwich.

Overall, fried green tomatoes are a beloved dish that perfectly encapsulates the flavors and cultures of the South, and it is no wonder that they have become a fan favorite across the country.

More Alabama Resources

  • Free Printable Alabama Worksheets
  • Books about Alabama for Kids
  • Alabama Themed Gifts for all Alabama Fans
  • Super Fun Alabama Coloring and Writing Book
30 Famous Alabama Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the number 1 food in Alabama? ›

1. Alabama Barbecue. Whether it's pulled pork sandwiches, smoked chicken wings, or ribs, Alabama is home to some of the best barbecue in the country. Served with white Alabama barbecue sauce, there's no better spot to enjoy a finger-licking meal than Moe's Original BBQ.

What is the national food of Alabama? ›

List of U.S. state foods
StateFood typeFood name
AlabamaState dessertLane cake
State vegetableSweet potato
State legumePeanut
Alaska
126 more rows

What is Alabama's dinner food? ›

Alabama is known for its barbecue, like many southern states, and even has it's own unique White BBQ Sauce. But it's also well-known for many other southern and soul food favorites like Fried Green Tomatoes, Classic Southern Smothered Pork Chops, Collard Greens, Fried Chicken, Shrimp & Grits, and Tomato Pie.

What dessert is Alabama known for? ›

  • ALABAMA: Lane cake. Lane Cake. ...
  • ALASKA: Baked Alaska. Baked Alaska. ...
  • ARIZONA: Buñuelos. Buñuelos. ...
  • ARKANSAS: Fried pies. Fried pies. ...
  • CALIFORNIA: Fortune cookies. Fortune cookies. ...
  • COLORADO: Palisade peach cobbler. Peach cobbler. ...
  • CONNECTICUT: Apple cider donuts. Apple cider donuts. ...
  • DELAWARE: Peach pie. Peach pie.
Aug 19, 2022

What breakfast is Alabama known for? ›

Alabama: Shrimp and grits

The breakfast dish is essentially a porridge topped with plump, juicy shrimp, but each establishment has its own twist.

What is the oldest family owned restaurant in Alabama? ›

Welcome to the Bright Star Restaurant - the oldest family owned restaurant in Alabama. Located in Bessemer, Alabama midway between Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, the restaurant enjoys a rich heritage and history.

What is the first restaurant in Alabama? ›

The oldest restaurant in Alabama, The Bright Star opened in 1907 just a few blocks from where it now stands. It started as a 25-seat establishment, and today it can hold 330 customers (with five dining rooms plus a bar) and a staff of 70.

What is unique to Alabama? ›

Alabama is known for peanuts, cotton and agriculture industry, southern hospitality, the beautiful gulf coast beaches, its role in the Civil Rights Movement, and college football, especially the intra-state rivalry between University of Alabama and Auburn University.

What did Native Americans eat in Alabama? ›

The crops that formed the foundation of this traditional Native American diet were the “three sisters”—corn, beans, and squash—a combination of foods that provides most of the essential vitamins, nutrients, and calories of a healthy diet.

What is the state vegetable of Alabama? ›

And did you know that in 2021 Gov. Kay Ivey proclaimed the sweet potato Alabama's official state vegetable? Thanks to the hard work of some homeschooled students in North Alabama, the Legislature recognized the tasty tuber with the honor.

What fruit is associated with Alabama? ›

In April 2004, the Alabama House of Representatives voted 91-1 to approve the blackberry as the official fruit of Alabama. In May 2004, Governor Bill Riley signed the legislation at Fairhope Elementary School. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc.

What is Alabama's state cake? ›

Lane cake, also known as prize cake, is a four-layer white cake with a bourbon-spiked raisin filling that originated in the American South. It's the official state cake of Alabama.

What is the Alabama motto? ›

Audemus jura nostra defendere — Latin for "We Dare Defend Our Rights" or "We Dare Maintain Our Rights" — is the state motto of Alabama and is depicted on the official Coat of arms of Alabama.

Do they eat gumbo in Alabama? ›

A Southern Must-Have. It's no secret that the beaches of Alabama offer some of the best seafood around, and this includes gumbo. Whether you like your roux dark or light, gumbo is a must-have meal during a Gulf Shores and Orange Beach vacation.

What food is Birmingham, Alabama known for? ›

Here are 10 of the best foods to try during your next visit to the city.
  • 01 of 10. Alabama Barbecue. Courtesy of SAW'S BBQ. ...
  • 02 of 10. Corn Dog. ...
  • 03 of 10. Oysters. ...
  • 04 of 10. Chicken and Waffles. ...
  • 06 of 10. Stone Ground Baked Grits. ...
  • 07 of 10. Fried Chicken. ...
  • 08 of 10. Popsicle from Steel City Pops. ...
  • 09 of 10. Pho Doc Biet.
Mar 11, 2021

What are some traditions in Alabama? ›

Alabama is rich in rural cultural traditions. Storytelling in particular has attracted the attention of folklore specialists, and quilt making is also a highly developed art. Sacred music, in the form of gospel ensembles and shape-note, or “fa-so-la,” singing, remains a vital part of Alabama's cultural life.

What sport is Alabama known for? ›

College football is by far the most popular spectator sport in the state. Historically successful programs at rivals University of Alabama and Auburn University have created a legacy of excitement and excellence that draws top recruits from across the country.

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