If You're From Mississippi, You've Likely Enjoyed These 15 Iconic Foods
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Daniella DiRienzo
Author
Fried chicken, fried catfish, red beans and rice… these are a few dishes that come to mind when thinking about Mississippi cuisine. However, there are plenty of other dishes synonymous with the Magnolia State. Take a look:
No one knows exactly how this deliciously addictive snack came to be; however, it’s speculated that boiled peanuts have been a southern staple since before the Civil War.
In the past, southern cooks had a "use everything you’ve got" mentality – and that’s exactly how this quintessential southern dish, which is pig intestines, came about. Probably one of the most polarizing foods on this side of the Mason-Dixon line, chitlins are something most either love or hate.
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Whether slathered in gravy or overstuffed with seafood, the po’boy makes a regular sandwich look like child’s play.
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A mix between a jam and a relish, pepper jelly can be added to just about anything and everything. But the best way to enjoy it is over cream cheese with some crackers for dipping.
Creamy and dreamy, grits are a southern breakfast staple. They’re much more than a side, though. Grits are one of the main components of another southern favorite – shrimp and grits.
No list of iconic Mississippi foods would be complete without biscuits, especially since Natchez is touted as the biscuit capital of the world. And naturally, we couldn’t mention biscuits without their perfect partner - gravy.
This delicious side dish is likely the South’s favorite veggie. Seriously, who doesn’t love fried okra?!
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Everything is better fried, and pickles are no exception! Add some Ranch for dipping, and you have the perfect snack.
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Whether served with greens or in a glass with milk, Mississippians can’t get enough of this southern staple. And while we can all agree that it’s delicious, the jury is still out on one aspect of cornbread – should it be sweet?
Seasoned, battered, and cooked to crispy perfection, fried green tomatoes couldn’t get any better. Oh, wait, yes they could. You could top them with lump crabmeat and béarnaise sauce, which is how many Mississippians devour the classic app.
Another Mississippi favorite born of frugality, cheese straws came about when a thrifty cook mixed leftover biscuit dough with cheese. And I think it’s safe to say we’re all thankful for said cook.
As far as side dishes are concerned, it doesn’t get much more southern than hushpuppies. Commonly served with fried catfish and seafood, the little balls of deep-fried goodness can be found in restaurants throughout the state.
Once a butcher shop-staple, hog head cheese is far less common than it once was but is still a favorite of many. Not actually cheese, it’s made of boiled pig scraps, which, when cooked, form a gelatinous binding.
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Past generations considered pickled pig’s feet a delicacy. Today, while not quite as revered, they can still be found on grocery store shelves throughout the Magnolia State.
Sometimes referred to as the caviar of the South, pimento cheese is a tasty concoction that typically includes pimentos, grated cheese, mayo, salt, and pepper. The cheesy creation is often served at holiday parties with Ritz crackers.
So, have you tried all these iconic dishes? Have one to add? Tell us in the comments section.
Food isn’t the only thing that ties Mississippians together. Read about others here.
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