🍗 Southern Recipes for Memorial Day: A Taste of Tradition

Memorial Day is a time to remember the sacrifices made by our brave service members, but it’s also an occasion to gather with family and friends. And, of course, no Memorial Day celebration in Mississippi or the South would be complete without delicious Southern comfort food! From barbecue to refreshing salads, these recipes are perfect for making your Memorial Day gathering unforgettable.

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🍖 1. Smoked Ribs

No Southern Memorial Day barbecue is complete without smoked ribs. The smoky flavor, tender meat, and mouthwatering glaze make this a crowd favorite.
Ingredients:

• 2 racks of baby back ribs
• Your favorite dry rub (paprika, brown sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder)
• BBQ sauce (optional)
  Instructions:

1. Preheat your smoker or grill to 225°F.
2. Rub the ribs generously with the dry rub and let them sit for at least 30 minutes.
3. Place the ribs in the smoker for 4-5 hours, or until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone.
4. Optional: Brush with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of smoking.
5. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

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🍤 2. Shrimp and Grits

A Southern classic that combines fresh shrimp with creamy grits. It’s comfort food at its finest.
Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup grits (stone-ground preferred)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
• Garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika for seasoning
  Instructions:

1. Cook the grits: Bring chicken broth to a boil, then stir in grits. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened. Stir in cream, butter, and cheese.
2. Cook the shrimp: In a skillet, sauté shrimp in butter and garlic until pink. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Serve the shrimp over the grits and garnish with fresh herbs, like parsley or green onions.

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🥗 3. Southern Potato Salad

This creamy, tangy potato salad is a Memorial Day staple. It’s the perfect side dish to accompany your main course.
Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup chopped pickles or relish
• 1/4 cup chopped celery and onion
• Salt and pepper to taste
  Instructions:

1. Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 10-15 minutes.
2. While the potatoes are cooling, mix the mayo, mustard, vinegar, relish, and veggies in a large bowl.
3. Once potatoes are cool enough to handle, chop and fold into the dressing.
4. Season with salt and pepper, chill in the fridge, and serve!

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🌽 4. Cornbread

A Southern meal isn’t complete without a hot, buttery slice of cornbread.
Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup melted butter
  Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a baking pan.
2. In a bowl, mix all dry ingredients. Add milk, eggs, and melted butter, stirring until smooth.
3. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. Serve warm with a dollop of butter.

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🍉 5. Watermelon & Feta Salad

For a refreshing contrast to the savory dishes, this sweet and savory salad is a hit.
Ingredients:

• 4 cups cubed watermelon
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
  Instructions:

1. Combine the watermelon, feta, and mint in a large bowl.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and toss gently.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Chill for about 30 minutes before serving.

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🍹 6. Southern Sweet Tea

No Southern meal is complete without a glass of sweet tea to wash it down.
Ingredients:

• 8 cups water
• 4-6 black tea bags
• 1 cup sugar
  Instructions:

1. Boil the water and steep the tea bags for 5 minutes.
2. Remove the tea bags, add the sugar, and stir until dissolved.
3. Pour the tea into a pitcher and chill in the fridge.
4. Serve over ice with lemon slices for a perfect refreshing drink.

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🍰 7. Peach Cobbler

End your Memorial Day feast with a classic Southern dessert. Sweet, juicy peaches baked with a buttery biscuit topping—what could be better?
Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh peaches, sliced
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup melted butter
  Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a bowl, mix peaches with sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Pour into a baking dish.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, milk, and melted butter. Pour over the peaches.
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
5. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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🏖️ Final Thoughts

Memorial Day in Mississippi is about more than just enjoying the long weekend—it’s a time to come together with family, reflect on the sacrifices of our heroes, and savor the flavors of the South. Whether you’re grilling ribs, whipping up a batch of cornbread, or enjoying a sweet tea with a slice of peach cobbler, these recipes will bring a taste of Southern tradition to your Memorial Day celebration.