Growing up in Mississippi shapes many aspects of our lives. One of the most obvious is our taste in food. And when it comes to food, we Mississippians tend to be a bit spoiled. But it’s not our fault. When you’ve eaten incredible Southern cooking, like the following 14 dishes, all your life you’re bound to be a little particular. Read on to see how many of these classic meals you remember dining on growing up.
- Red Beans and Rice
praline3001/Flickr This hearty dish may have originated in Louisiana, but that doesn’t make it any less popular here in the Magnolia State. Usually served on Monday nights, the tasty tradition is sure to make the upcoming week a bit better.
- Corn Bread and Collard Greens
Mike Linksvayer/Flickr Most of us residents have been dining on this Southern staple since being “knee high to a grasshopper.” And between the freshly baked corn bread and perfectly seasoned greens, it’s probably the most incredible pairing since peanut butter and jelly.
- Po’boys
KevinMTate/TripAdvisor When it comes to iconic Mississippi dishes, the po’boy is definitely one of them. The sandwich originated in New Orleans in 1918; although, Mississippian Vincent Rosetti is credited with creating the “pressed po’boy,” which is a typical po’boy that’s been toasted in a heavy grill. But no matter where it originated, the po’boy is just as much a part of Mississippi cuisine as fried catfish and barbecue.
- Biscuits and Sausage Gravy
jeffreyw/Flickr Homemade biscuits. Thick, creamy gravy. It’s a match made in Heaven! It’s also one of the most iconic breakfasts in the state.
- Biscuits and Tomato Gravy
retiredJB/TripAdvisor Another breakfast favorite, this hearty and delicious pairing is sure to make any early morning a bit easier.
- Hamburger Steak
Arnold Gatilao/Flickr To sum it up, this savory dish is basically southern comfort in a skillet. Often served with mashed potatoes, it’s a stick-to-your-ribs type of meal that you’ll find in both restaurants and homes across the South.
- Chicken Fried Steak
Imelda/Flickr A breaded and seasoned cutlet that’s been pan fried to perfection and topped with homemade gravy – what’s not to love? Nothing. And that may explain why this dish is enjoyed anytime of the day – breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Chicken and Dumplings
Emily Carlin/Flickr The ultimate comfort food, chicken and dumplings are without a doubt a state favorite.
- Gumbo
Rebecca Peplinski/Flickr Though most commonly associated with New Orleans, this tasty dish is a Mississippi favorite, especially in the coastal region. And whether it’s made with sausage, chicken, seafood, or a combination of the three, the Cajun inspired dish is sure to hit the spot.
- Grits
Steven DePolo/Flickr It just doesn’t get more Southern than this early morning staple. And when it comes to variety, grits don’t disappoint – served up with butter, cheese, salt, tomato gravy, and shrimp, the options are virtually endless.
- Fried Chicken
Steven L/TripAdvisor A tried and true state classic, it doesn’t get much better than fried chicken. Perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside, the dish may require a bit of work but it’s totally worth it.
- Chicken Salad
Liza Lagman Sperl/Flickr Perfect on a hot summer day, this classic is great alone or sandwiched between two slices of bread.
- Fried Catfish
Jimmy Smith/Flickr Since Mississippi is the nation’s largest producer of farm raised catfish and home of the Catfish Capital of the World, it’s safe to say the fish is a pretty big deal in the state.
- Banana Pudding
m kasahara/Flickr In Mississippi, no work, church, school, or social gathering would be complete without this iconic dessert. The sweet treat may be simple but it doesn’t make it any less tasty.
So, what are some other classic Mississippi dishes you can’t get enough of?
praline3001/Flickr
This hearty dish may have originated in Louisiana, but that doesn’t make it any less popular here in the Magnolia State. Usually served on Monday nights, the tasty tradition is sure to make the upcoming week a bit better.
Mike Linksvayer/Flickr
Most of us residents have been dining on this Southern staple since being “knee high to a grasshopper.” And between the freshly baked corn bread and perfectly seasoned greens, it’s probably the most incredible pairing since peanut butter and jelly.
KevinMTate/TripAdvisor
When it comes to iconic Mississippi dishes, the po’boy is definitely one of them. The sandwich originated in New Orleans in 1918; although, Mississippian Vincent Rosetti is credited with creating the “pressed po’boy,” which is a typical po’boy that’s been toasted in a heavy grill. But no matter where it originated, the po’boy is just as much a part of Mississippi cuisine as fried catfish and barbecue.
jeffreyw/Flickr
Homemade biscuits. Thick, creamy gravy. It’s a match made in Heaven! It’s also one of the most iconic breakfasts in the state.
retiredJB/TripAdvisor
Another breakfast favorite, this hearty and delicious pairing is sure to make any early morning a bit easier.
Arnold Gatilao/Flickr
To sum it up, this savory dish is basically southern comfort in a skillet. Often served with mashed potatoes, it’s a stick-to-your-ribs type of meal that you’ll find in both restaurants and homes across the South.
Imelda/Flickr
A breaded and seasoned cutlet that’s been pan fried to perfection and topped with homemade gravy – what’s not to love? Nothing. And that may explain why this dish is enjoyed anytime of the day – breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Emily Carlin/Flickr
The ultimate comfort food, chicken and dumplings are without a doubt a state favorite.
Rebecca Peplinski/Flickr
Though most commonly associated with New Orleans, this tasty dish is a Mississippi favorite, especially in the coastal region. And whether it’s made with sausage, chicken, seafood, or a combination of the three, the Cajun inspired dish is sure to hit the spot.
Steven DePolo/Flickr
It just doesn’t get more Southern than this early morning staple. And when it comes to variety, grits don’t disappoint – served up with butter, cheese, salt, tomato gravy, and shrimp, the options are virtually endless.
Steven L/TripAdvisor
A tried and true state classic, it doesn’t get much better than fried chicken. Perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside, the dish may require a bit of work but it’s totally worth it.
Liza Lagman Sperl/Flickr
Perfect on a hot summer day, this classic is great alone or sandwiched between two slices of bread.
Jimmy Smith/Flickr
Since Mississippi is the nation’s largest producer of farm raised catfish and home of the Catfish Capital of the World, it’s safe to say the fish is a pretty big deal in the state.
m kasahara/Flickr
In Mississippi, no work, church, school, or social gathering would be complete without this iconic dessert. The sweet treat may be simple but it doesn’t make it any less tasty.
If you enjoyed this, be sure to check out “13 Weird Side Effects Everyone Experiences From Growing Up In Mississippi.“
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