Sure, we’ve got great music, even better people, and views that’ll impress even the toughest of critics, but it’s the food that may very well be the best thing about living in Mississippi. From perfectly fried catfish to culinary creations that can’t be found anywhere else, here are 15 state dishes you absolutely must eat before you die.
- Slugburger
slugburgerfestival.com This one may not sound too appetizing at first but don’t let the name fool you! The local creation is simply a mixture of beef and a breading extender which is then deep fried and served on a bun with mustard, pickles, and onion. The slugburger is so popular, in fact, that Corinth holds an annual festival in its honor. Learn more here.
- Barbecued…anything
Roger Smith/Flickr As you can see from this picture, barbecue is “big” here in Mississippi (both figuratively and literally). From mouthwatering pulled pork sandwiches to ribs that are so tender they fall right off the bone, nobody does barbecue like the Hospitality State.
- Fried Catfish
Jimmy Smith/Flickr If there is one dish in Mississippi that you absolutely must try before you die, it’s definitely fried catfish. Nothing compares.
- Fried Chicken
Jimmy Smith/Flickr Another tried-and-true state classic is fried chicken. No matter where you go, you’ll never find fried chicken as good as Mississippi fried chicken. As a matter of fact, Mississippi just so happens to be the home of the Old Country Store Restaurant, which has become known for serving the “best fried chicken you’ll ever eat.”
- Po’boy
Ashley Webb/Flickr Here in Mississippi, we put our own spin on things and that includes sandwiches. Cue the “po’boy” – sliced French bread that is dressed with lettuce, mayonnaise, tomatoes, and pickles and then piled high with either seafood or meat, such as ham or roast beef. How could you go wrong?
- Cornbread, Collard Greens, and Black-Eyed Peas
I Believe I Can Fry/Flickr Cornbread goes with pretty much everything, but it goes especially well with collard greens and black-eyed peas. This hearty dish is commonly prepared on New Year’s Day as it’s meant to bring good luck in the upcoming year.
- And for Dessert, Cornbread and Milk
Betsssssy/Flickr Just like the name suggests, cornbread is crumbled into a glass and topped with either regular milk or buttermilk. This may sound strange to some, but take one bite and you’ll be hooked.
- Red Beans and Rice
Hungry Dudes/Flickr Sure this dish may have originated in Louisiana, but it has been prepared by Mississippians for years now. Commonly served on Monday nights, this is one delicious way to start the week.
- Hot Tamales
lucianvenutian/Flickr Forget travelling south of the border for a good tamale. Turns out, you just have to travel south…to Mississippi, that is. The state’s Delta region has perfected this dish, so much so that a Tamale Trail has been created. Follow the famous trail and partake in the best hot tamales Mississippi has to offer.
- Shrimp and Grits
Robert Young/Flickr Here in Mississippi we love our grits and we love our shrimp, so why not put the two together? Commonly served at brunch, this is one delicious duo.
- Chicken and Dumplings
glenniacampbell.typepad.com Being that Mississippi is known for comfort food, indulging on this ultimate comfort food is a must.
- Biscuits and Gravy
chick_pea_pie/Flickr They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and nobody knows that better than Mississippians. Need proof? Homemade biscuits topped with tomato gravy, white pepper gravy, or chocolate gravy – enough said.
- Mississippi Mud Pie
cyclonebill/Flickr No list of iconic Mississippi foods would be complete without this super rich, chocolate-y creation, which I like to refer to as a “little slice of Heaven.”
- Fried Green Tomatoes
foodista.com Mention “fried green tomatoes” to an out-of-towner, and they’ll instantly think of the movie. Mention “fried green tomatoes” to a Mississippian, and they’ll most likely ask you to share.
- Gumbo
jons2 at pdphoto.org When the weather outside is frightful, a bowl full of gumbo is so delightful! From seafood to chicken to sausage – the gumbo possibilities are virtually endless.
This list could easily go on and on! What other dishes would you add to this list?
slugburgerfestival.com
This one may not sound too appetizing at first but don’t let the name fool you! The local creation is simply a mixture of beef and a breading extender which is then deep fried and served on a bun with mustard, pickles, and onion. The slugburger is so popular, in fact, that Corinth holds an annual festival in its honor. Learn more here.
Roger Smith/Flickr
As you can see from this picture, barbecue is “big” here in Mississippi (both figuratively and literally). From mouthwatering pulled pork sandwiches to ribs that are so tender they fall right off the bone, nobody does barbecue like the Hospitality State.
Jimmy Smith/Flickr
If there is one dish in Mississippi that you absolutely must try before you die, it’s definitely fried catfish. Nothing compares.
Another tried-and-true state classic is fried chicken. No matter where you go, you’ll never find fried chicken as good as Mississippi fried chicken. As a matter of fact, Mississippi just so happens to be the home of the Old Country Store Restaurant, which has become known for serving the “best fried chicken you’ll ever eat.”
Ashley Webb/Flickr
Here in Mississippi, we put our own spin on things and that includes sandwiches. Cue the “po’boy” – sliced French bread that is dressed with lettuce, mayonnaise, tomatoes, and pickles and then piled high with either seafood or meat, such as ham or roast beef. How could you go wrong?
I Believe I Can Fry/Flickr
Cornbread goes with pretty much everything, but it goes especially well with collard greens and black-eyed peas. This hearty dish is commonly prepared on New Year’s Day as it’s meant to bring good luck in the upcoming year.
Betsssssy/Flickr
Just like the name suggests, cornbread is crumbled into a glass and topped with either regular milk or buttermilk. This may sound strange to some, but take one bite and you’ll be hooked.
Hungry Dudes/Flickr
Sure this dish may have originated in Louisiana, but it has been prepared by Mississippians for years now. Commonly served on Monday nights, this is one delicious way to start the week.
lucianvenutian/Flickr
Forget travelling south of the border for a good tamale. Turns out, you just have to travel south…to Mississippi, that is. The state’s Delta region has perfected this dish, so much so that a Tamale Trail has been created. Follow the famous trail and partake in the best hot tamales Mississippi has to offer.
Robert Young/Flickr
Here in Mississippi we love our grits and we love our shrimp, so why not put the two together? Commonly served at brunch, this is one delicious duo.
glenniacampbell.typepad.com
Being that Mississippi is known for comfort food, indulging on this ultimate comfort food is a must.
chick_pea_pie/Flickr
They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and nobody knows that better than Mississippians. Need proof? Homemade biscuits topped with tomato gravy, white pepper gravy, or chocolate gravy – enough said.
cyclonebill/Flickr
No list of iconic Mississippi foods would be complete without this super rich, chocolate-y creation, which I like to refer to as a “little slice of Heaven.”
foodista.com
Mention “fried green tomatoes” to an out-of-towner, and they’ll instantly think of the movie. Mention “fried green tomatoes” to a Mississippian, and they’ll most likely ask you to share.
jons2 at pdphoto.org
When the weather outside is frightful, a bowl full of gumbo is so delightful! From seafood to chicken to sausage – the gumbo possibilities are virtually endless.
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