Southern Soul Food Sunday Plate – A Classic Comfort Feast for the Soul

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If there’s one thing that brings warmth, comfort, and connection to a Sunday afternoon, it’s a hearty plate of Southern soul food. Today, I’m serving up the ultimate Southern Soul Food Sunday Plate—a rich, flavor-packed feast featuring crispy baked chicken, creamy mac and cheese, tender collard greens, tangy deviled eggs, and golden, buttery cornbread. This meal is a tribute to tradition, family, and the timeless flavors of the American South.

This recipe is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you want to treat yourself or your loved ones to a soulful, home-cooked meal. It’s easy to follow, deeply satisfying, and offers plenty of opportunities to customize to your taste. Whether you grew up with these recipes or you’re discovering Southern cuisine for the first time, this Sunday plate brings comfort and flavor in every bite.

Why This Soul Food Sunday Plate is a Must-Try

Soul food isn’t just a type of cuisine—it’s a legacy passed down through generations. Rooted in tradition, resilience, and love, it celebrates bold flavors, slow cooking, and comforting textures. This Sunday plate is:

  • A full meal in one spread
  • Made with affordable pantry staples
  • Family-friendly and deeply nourishing
  • Freezer-friendly and perfect for leftovers
  • Easy to scale up for a crowd

This is the kind of meal that encourages slowing down and savoring the moment. Plus, with just a few common kitchen tools, you can bring the South to your table no matter where you live.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To prepare this soul-satisfying spread, gather the following tools:

  • Mixing bowls (various sizes)
  • Baking dish (for mac & cheese)
  • Roasting pan or baking sheet with rack (for chicken)
  • Medium saucepan (for eggs)
  • Large stockpot or Dutch oven (for collard greens)
  • Cast iron skillet or 8×8 baking dish (for cornbread)
  • Whisk and wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Tongs or slotted spoon

Ingredient Highlights

Let’s break down the essential components that make this soul food plate shine:

Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Juicy drumsticks marinated with a flavorful mix of paprika, garlic, thyme, and lemon, then baked to golden perfection. A broil at the end gives them that irresistible crisp!

Creamy Baked Mac & Cheese

Elbow macaroni coated in a rich cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, butter, and two types of milk—finished off in the oven for that iconic golden crust.

Southern-Style Collard Greens

Slow-simmered with smoked turkey or ham hock, a touch of sugar, vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Tender, savory, and a little tangy—this side is a staple of soul food.

Classic Deviled Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs transformed into creamy bites with mayo, mustard, relish, and a dash of paprika. Easy to prepare and the perfect cold contrast to the hot dishes.

Sweet and Buttery Cornbread

Moist cornbread made with buttermilk, melted butter, and a touch of sugar or honey. Baked until perfectly golden—this one’s a must for soaking up every drop of flavor on your plate.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Baked Chicken Drumsticks

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Mix olive oil (or butter), paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Coat drumsticks thoroughly and marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight for best flavor).
  2. Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange drumsticks on a greased baking rack over a sheet pan. Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 165°F.
  3. Optional Crisp: Broil for the last 2–3 minutes to crisp up the skin.

Tip: Swap drumsticks for thighs or wings for variety!

2. Creamy Baked Mac & Cheese

  1. Cook Pasta: Boil elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and return to pot.
  2. Mix Sauce: Stir in butter, shredded cheeses, both milks, whisked egg, and seasonings.
  3. Bake: Pour into greased baking dish. Top with extra cheese. Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes until bubbling and golden.

Variation: Add a layer of breadcrumbs mixed with butter on top for a crunchy finish.

3. Slow-Cooked Collard Greens

  1. Simmer Meat: Add smoked turkey wing or ham hock to a pot with broth. Simmer for 30 minutes.
  2. Add Greens & Seasonings: Stir in chopped collards, sugar, vinegar, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
  3. Slow Cook: Simmer on low for 1.5 to 2 hours until tender.

Shortcut: Use bagged, pre-cut collard greens to save prep time.

4. Tangy Deviled Eggs

  1. Prep Eggs: Peel hard-boiled eggs, halve them, and remove yolks.
  2. Make Filling: Mash yolks with mayo, mustard, relish, salt, and pepper until creamy.
  3. Assemble: Pipe or spoon the mixture into egg whites. Garnish with paprika.

Pro Tip: Add a dash of hot sauce or bacon bits for a spicy or smoky upgrade.

5. Moist Skillet Cornbread

  1. Mix Dry and Wet: In separate bowls, combine dry ingredients (cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt) and wet (buttermilk, egg, melted butter).
  2. Combine: Mix together until just blended. Do not overmix.
  3. Bake: Pour into greased skillet or baking dish. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until golden.

Swap: Substitute honey for sugar for a richer sweetness.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Storage Tips:

  • Chicken: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Mac & Cheese: Store in a baking dish with foil or transfer to a container. Keeps for 3–4 days.
  • Collard Greens: Store in a lidded container with a bit of broth to keep them moist.
  • Deviled Eggs: Best eaten fresh, but can be refrigerated for 1–2 days.
  • Cornbread: Wrap in foil or plastic and store at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate for 4.

Reheating:

  • Oven is best for chicken and mac & cheese—cover with foil and reheat at 350°F until warmed through.
  • Collard greens reheat well on the stovetop over low heat.
  • Cornbread can be microwaved or reheated in the oven for a slight crisp.

Suggested Food & Drink Pairings

  • Beverages: Sweet tea, lemonade, or peach iced tea all make fantastic drink pairings.
  • Dessert: Follow this feast with banana pudding or peach cobbler for a true Southern finale.
  • Wine Pairing: Try a slightly sweet Riesling or a chilled rosé to balance the spice and richness of the plate.

FAQ – Southern Soul Food Sunday Plate

Q: Can I make this meal ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prep the mac & cheese and deviled eggs a day ahead. Collard greens can also be cooked a day in advance—the flavor gets even better overnight.

Q: Can I use boneless chicken instead of drumsticks?
A: Absolutely. Boneless thighs work great—just reduce cooking time slightly and monitor closely.

Q: What can I substitute for collard greens?
A: Kale or mustard greens are great alternatives, though the flavor and texture will vary slightly.

Q: Can I freeze any of the components?
A: Yes—mac & cheese, collard greens, and chicken all freeze well. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Q: Is this meal spicy?
A: It has a mild kick from cayenne and red pepper flakes, but you can tone it down or omit those ingredients as needed.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

This Southern Soul Food Sunday Plate is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting experience, steeped in heritage and made for sharing. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just treating yourself to something special, this plate brings rich, soulful flavors to the table with love and care.

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