30+ Awesome Black History Month Recipes (2024)

Black History Month Soul Food Recipes– Black History Month is the perfect time to pay homage to the wonders of soul food! Most of these recipes are on repeat in my kitchen all year round, TBH. All the bold, beautiful flavors in African American, African, and Caribbean recipes are the epitome of comfort food. 🥰

You’ll probably agree that food is an integral part of any culture, and Black culture is no exception. What I love about Black culinary heritage is how diverse it is. From cooking techniques to ingredients, there are so many different ways to make and enjoy Black recipes.

With 30 fantastic recipes for appetizers, main courses, drinks, and desserts, you’ve got plenty of menu options to celebrate Black History Month in style. You can literally whip up a new recipe every day if you’re feeling extra soulful. So, sit back and enjoy the scroll because I have some incredible soul food to share today.

FAQs

So, let’s get to the good stuff and check out deliciously classic Black History Month recipes!

Black History Month Appetizers

1. Honey Hot Wings

Hot wings play a fascinating part in modernBlack culinary historythat’s worth looking up. But they’re also just plain addictive. Loads of hot wing recipes deliver good options, but honey hot wings are my favorite and a sweet and spicy way to celebrate. They make a stellar appetizer, but you could also serve them withbaked crispy potato wedgesandgrilled coconut cornfor a whole meal.

2. Grilled Okra with Dipping Sauce

You’ve had fried okra, but how about grilled okra with dipping sauce? This insanely good concoction features that beloved Southern veggie grilled to perfection. Douse them with a creamy homemaderemoulade sauce, and serve them with other finger foods likefried chicken gizzardsandchicken croquettes. 😉

3. Smoked Deviled Eggs

Sweet, tangy, spicy and…smokey? Smoked deviled eggs are a real celebration for the taste buds. This Southern delicacy always makes an appearance at my family functions, and for good reason.

They’re also ultra-refreshing and totally satisfying atop a fresh salad. I love them with atossed saladfor a little extra protein or atop agrilled Caesar salad.

4. Aloo (Potato) Pie

These savory snacks come all the way from Trinidad and Tobago, but they’re popular all over the Caribbean. The star of this show is the delectable dough made finger-licking good with a tasty filling of potato, corn, and peas. Fry or bake them and serve them up withmango chutney and someAfrican pepper saucefor dipping.

5. Suya

This West African street food is mouthwateringly good. Tender beef skewered on a stick makes for an easy-to-hold appetizer. You can bake or grill these; just don’t skimp on the ridiculously good spicy peanut sauce. Complete your suya appetizer bar withpita breadandfried plantainsfor a spectacular flavor combo.

Black History Month Main Courses

6. Southern Fried Chicken

One crunch into the crispy, spicy fried skin and tender, juicy chicken meat will hook you on this recipe. A true Southern classic, fried chicken is soul food at its best. Balance out the flavors and textures by serving fresh and crunchycoleslawand warm, tenderhomemade butter biscuits. 😋 Oh, and havehomemade barbecue sauceon the side.

7. Fried Catfish Nuggets

Fried catfish is a fixture in Black America and with good reason. Crispy, spicy, fried catfish is what comfort food is all about. These fried catfish nuggets are heavenly and, I should probably warn you, extremely addictive. Serve them up with someCajun baked sweet potato friesand a pitcher of refreshinglemonadefor a dinner that will have everyone raving.

8. Chicken and Waffles

What could be more decadent than chicken and waffles? And no list of classic Black food would be complete without this sweet and savory dish. It’s the perfect mix of fluffy, sweet waffles and syrup with crispy, savory fried chicken legs. Try it with some Tabasco-infused butter andgritsandbaconfor the sides of your soul food breakfast, brunch, or even dinner!

9. Smothered Pork Chops

Nothing screams soul food like gravy, and these fork-tender smothered pork chops are gravy-licious. They’re meaty, they’re saucy, and they’re super easy to make. This soul food goodness goes great with a carby side to soak up some of the gravy, likegarlic mashed potatoesor flavorfulmushroom rice.

10. Jambalaya

This classic one-pot dish boasts all the bold, smoky, meaty Cajun flavors that put Cajun cooking on the culinary map. It’s easy enough to be a hearty weeknight meal for the fam but impressive enough to make when entertaining guests. You won’t need side dishes to fill your guests up, but I still like to go all out withhomemade garlic breadandsorrel (hibiscus) fruity sangrias.

11. Gumbo

Another Creole favorite, gumbo, is a true Louisiana gem. This dish featuring a rich, complex sauce, the holy trinity of veggies, and generous amounts of herbs and spices is good to the last drop. I know because I always sop up every last drop with a piece of crusty baguette. Serve it over steamybasmati riceor even over some piping-hotcheesy grits.

12. Jollof Rice and Chicken

This one-pan dish is a West African favorite that takes simple ingredients, chicken and rice, to the next level. Rich tomato sauce, paprika, and a scotch bonnet pepper meld with the juicy chicken thighs, making for a true flavor explosion. Serve it up with a freshcucumber tomato saladand a side ofgarlic knotsif you’re a bread lover like me.

13. Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Add a little island flavor to Black History Month with a nod to Jamaican culture. This super easy dish balances heat and sweetness in a way that still blows my mind (and taste buds) every single time. Plate this dish withcoconut riceandfried plantainsfor a meal that is sheer perfection. 🤯

14. Ndole

Stews are popular in many African countries, particularly in West Africa. Every bite of this aromatic Cameroonian spinach stew featuring peanuts, garlic, and crayfish takes me back home. If you haven’t heard about it, you’ve been missing out. Try it withbaked plantainsor evenfried plantainsif you’re feeling a little extra.

15. Chicken Stew (African Style)

A rich tomato base and lots of warm spices, including curry, thyme, and paprika, make this chicken stew another African favorite in my household. This super simple dish boasts intense yet balanced flavors. Serve it withugali (corn fufu)andnjama njamafor an authentic African dinner.

16. Feijoada

This typical Brazilian dish, often associated with African culture, is much like Southern soul food in the U.S., and it’s easy to see why. This meat and beans stew is insanely rich and flavorful and perfect for bringing the whole family together over a meal. Make the entire meal a celebration of Brazil by pairing feijoada withBrazilian lemonadeandbrigadeirofor dessert.

Black History Month Side Dishes

17. Southern-Style Cornbread

Buttery, crumbly, tender, and moist, this Southern-style cornbread may be the quintessential Black History Month side dish. It has a long history with Black Americans and is irresistibly good. Serve it with classic Southern dishes likeHoppin’ John, a steaming bowl ofblack-eyed pea soup, or just butter it up for a snack! 😉

18. Southern Mac and Cheese

This creamy, cheesy soul food recipe (or variations of it) has been on Black people’s dinner tables for decades. Macaroni and cheese makes my mouth water – especially when I add a touch of my secret ingredient,Creole seasoning. Serve me a bowl of this with a huge, fluffybutter biscuitany day of the week!

19. Collard Greens

Slow simmering collards in a spicy, flavorful broth with ham hocks is a dish I can’t live without. It’s been a staple in Black kitchens forever and pairs beautifully with all the Southern and African classics. These collards withskillet cornbreadandfried chicken livers were just meant to be together. 🤩

20. Black-Eyed Peas

Smoky, spicy black-eyed peas with some gorgeous bacon undertones are a soul-warming, hearty side that will take you right back to your mama’s kitchen. So get ready for some soul food vibes. Serve them alongsidefried pork chops andturnip greensor other classic Southern dishes.

21. Potato Salad

Would you really be paying homage to Black History Month if you didn’t make some potato salad at least once? 😜Perfectly creamy, with just the right amount of tang and a hint of heat, this Southern potato salad recipe is family get-together approved. Pair it with other classic sides likegreen beans and baconorCajun fried corn on the cob and watch it disappear.

22. Southern Buttermilk Biscuits

Comforting and indulgent, these fluffy biscuits are just like mama used to make. You’ll be eating them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner because they’re just that good. A few classic biscuit-making techniques and a generous amount of buttermilk get them just right. I love serving them with eggs andbreakfast turkey sausage, orchocolate gravy if my sweet tooth is acting up 🤎

23. Jollof Rice

Jollof rice is a legendary African dish so easy and flavorful that it comes out flawless every time. Even if you’ve had your battles with stovetop rice, you can take the easy way out and finish this dish in the oven. It’s ultra-flavorful and just as versatile to pair with a main course. Try it withcurried goat stew,African beef stew, or any other protein you love.

24. Caribbean Rice and Beans

You haven’t lived until you’ve eaten Caribbean rice and beans! This hearty dish with fluffy rice and red beans infused with garlic, onions, bay leaves, thyme, scotch bonnet, and coconut milk is insanely good. Serve it as a side to other Caribbean dishes likebrown stew chickenorJamaican curry goat.

25. Fufu

Unassuming fufu is an African staple that is smooth, dense, and filling. Its mild flavor means you can serve it up with the most flavorful stews. The plantain or cassava base is gluten-free and truly satisfying. Pair it with a bowl ofokra stew,ogbono soup, or anything saucy and flavorful.

Black History Month Drinks

26. Sweet Tea

All soul food deserves to pair with the “house wine of the South,” a.k.a. sweet iced tea if you ask me. There’s just something about sweet, homemade tea from a pitcher that will make you feel both refreshed and loved. Serve it at mealtime or with Southern snacks liketea cakesorfluffy cathead biscuits.

27. Sorrel Drink

Coming in from West Africa and the Caribbean, I couldn’t leave sorrel drink off this list. This refreshing hibiscus drink is prolific in Jamaica, the rest of the Caribbean, and Africa. It’s surprisingly refreshing and gorgeous with its deep red hue. Serve it on a hot day with somejerk shrimp,coconut shrimp, or another meal with a tropical vibe.

28. Pineapple Ginger Juice

Sweet, spicy, and sour, this West African drink is like nothing you’ve ever had. This ultra-refreshing drink makes a good co*cktail base and goes excellent with African or tropical cuisine. I love a tall glass of it withAfrican meat piesorsamosas.

Black History Month Desserts

29. Peach Cobbler

A hearty serving of sweet peach cobbler is so comforting, am I right? This recipe is always on my menu when peaches are in season. Juicy peaches topped with a buttery topping reminiscent of biscuits are so darn good. Serve it with a hearty dollop ofwhipped creamand a warm cup ofginger tea, and you’ll be on cloud nine in no time.

30. Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie has been gracing our tables for so long it’s practically synonymous with Black culture. The creamy, decadent dessert is the perfect way to finish a meal. Serve it after luxurious holiday meals liketurkey tenderloinandcornbread stuffing.

31. Soft Mini Mandaze

Essentially the beignets of Africa, this sweet fried bread features grated coconut, cardamom, and nutmeg. It delivers that beautiful fried crispiness with a soft interior that’s way more flavorful than a regular beignet. Try it with achai tea latteor a warm cup ofhomemade lemongrass teafor a real treat. 💫

32. Cornmeal Pone

This indulgent Caribbean treat is made with cornmeal, topped with coconut sauce, and baked until its sweet surface is bubbly and delicious. One bite and the tropical flavors of allspice, cinnamon, rum, and nutmeg will whisk you away to the islands. Take dessert to a whole new level by serving this treat with apumpkin spice latteor ablended Thai iced coffee.

Conclusion

Take time to celebrate Black History Month in the kitchen this year. Try a few dishes from Africa, the Caribbean, and the Southern U.S., and slow down to enjoy them with your family. That’s the beauty of Black cuisine – it’s just as varied as the Black experience, but it can always bring us together. 🫶🏿