For those of us that have settled down in the suburbs, the sentiment of “knowing your neighbor” means a lot. Living in a tight-knit neighborhood often creates close family friends, the ones you play outdoor games with and invite to backyard barbecues. In the neighborhood I grew up in, doors were rarely shut and locked during the day—and even if they were, neighbor kids were welcome to ring the doorbell and see who was home.
Times have changed, though. In a lot of neighborhoods, the front doors stay locked. But in the South, you’ll likely still see some open front doors, though, especially if they lead to the porch.
If you see a green porch light, this is what it means.
What Are Hospitality Doors?
You’ve probably come across the phrase “Southern hospitality,” which describes the welcoming nature of people in Southern states—doors and arms wide open. But unless you’re from the South, or have experienced Southern hospitality for yourself, you might not fully understand how big of an influence it has on Southern communities.
In Charleston, South Carolina, historic homes were built with an airy front porch that included a door separate from the one to the house. That porch door is a hospitality door, according to Glimpses of Charleston and It’s A Southern Thing.
Speaking of door-related trivia, you might’ve seen some old houses with two front doors—this is why.
What Are the Porch Doors For?
The hospitality doors were helpful social cues for neighbors and friends. If the porch door was propped open, it meant that the family inside was ready for visitors, and people were welcome to come in. If the door was shut—you guessed it—do not disturb. Though this old home feature has gone out of style, hospitality doors are still preserved in many houses in the South. Maybe one day they’ll even make a comeback.
See more features that only Southern homes have.
Classic Southern Recipes to Share
Green Tomato BLTI absolutely love tomatoes, any kind, any size. Being from the South, that includes fried green tomatoes. I created a special summer sandwich to show them off. —Hillian Holmgren, Del Rio, Texas
Sausage and Mushroom Cornbread DressingI learned about corn bread dressing while living in the south for a few years. I decided to combine it with a few of my favorite stuffing ingredients to give it my own spin. —James Schend, Food Editor, Taste of Home
Carolina Shrimp SoupFresh shrimp from the Carolina coast is one of our favorite foods. We add kale, garlic, red peppers and black-eyed peas to complete this wholesome, filling soup. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina
Bourbon Sweet Potato PieThere is nothing I don't love about this pie! I adore the flavors, and I like that I can sneak some whole grains into the crust. It belongs on every holiday dessert buffet. —Mary Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina
Southern Cornbread SaladTo feed a crowd, especially when I want to make a good impression, I make this eye-popping cornbread salad. It’s beautiful in a trifle bowl. I love it in summer, when we can make it with our own garden produce. —Debbie Johnson, Centertown, Missouri
Southern Peach Upside-Down CakeA dear friend from the South gave me the idea for this peachy cake. I add bourbon and top each slice with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. —Trista Jefferson, Batavia, Ohio
Strawberry-Chicken Salad with Buttered PecansHaving lived in several states in the South, I love tossing pecans into recipes for a little added flavor and crunch. Fresh berries and other nuts round out this hearty salad. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas
Southern Fried Chicken with GravyFried chicken may have been perfected in the South, but it is loved everywhere! Seasonings add a little something extra to this recipe, as does a rich gravy. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Mom's Sweet Potato BakeMom loved sweet potatoes and fixed them often in this creamy, comforting baked sweet potato casserole. With its nutty topping, this side dish could almost be served as a dessert. It's a yummy treat! —Sandi Pichon, Memphis, Tennessee
Southern Shrimp and GritsA southern specialty, sometimes called breakfast shrimp, this shrimp and grits recipe tastes fantastic for brunch or dinner, or anytime company’s coming. It’s down-home comfort food at its finest. —Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina
Sour Cream Peach Pecan PieFresh peaches, good southern pecans and real vanilla make this pie a special summertime treat. —Sherrell Dikes, Holiday Island, Arkansas
Country-Fried SteaksThis down-home recipe reminds me of my mother, who was raised in the South. It calls for cube steak instead of round steak, so there's no need to pound the meat. I just dip and coat the beef, then cook it in my cast-iron skillet.
-Bonnie Malloy, Norwood, Pennsylvania
Black-Eyed Peas with BaconA real Southern favorite, black-eyed peas are traditionally served on New Year's Day to bring good luck. The bacon and thyme in my mom’s recipe make them extra special. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Chicken and Okra GumboWe used to live in New Orleans, but our taste buds don't know we moved yet. I still make many Creole dishes, and gumbo is one of our favorites. —Catherine Bouis, Palm Harbor, Florida
Creole JambalayaJambalaya is a traditional Louisiana dish, coming from our Spanish and French culture. Rice is the main ingredient, with different meats or seafood mixed in. I particularly like this variation with shrimp and ham. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Homemade Buttermilk BiscuitsThe recipe for these four-ingredient homemade buttermilk biscuits has been handed down for many generations. —Fran Thompson, Tarboro, North Carolina
Pulled Pork TatersThis recipe is as hearty as it gets—part barbecued pork, part potatoes, but completely delicious. My family can't get enough of this comforting, warm-you-up baked potato dish. —Shannon Harris, Tyler, Texas
Southern Sweet Potato PieThis Mississippi sweet potato pie is very popular in the South. It's a particular favorite at our house because we always have plenty of sweet potatoes in our garden. Try it with a dollop of whipped cream. —Bonnie Holcomb, Fulton, Mississippi
Peppery Hush PuppiesFor our family, a good fish dinner just isn't complete without these zesty hush puppies. You can also serve them alone as a satisfying snack. —Carolyn Griffin, Macon, Georgia
Creole-Spiced Shrimp Po'BoysMy father is Cajun, and I grew up eating Cajun food. This easy recipe makes me think of happy childhood memories. Sometimes I use oysters or crawfish instead of—or in addition to—the shrimp. —Stacey Johnson, Bonney Lake, Washington
Bacon Collard GreensCollard greens are a staple vegetable of southern cuisine. This side dish is often made with smoked or salt-cured meats, such as ham hocks, pork or fatback. —Marsha Ankeney, Niceville, Florida
Collard greens are a staple vegetable of southern cuisine. This side dish is often eaten alongside smoked or salt-cured meats, such as
ham hocks, pork or fatback. —Marsha Ankeney, Niceville, Florida[/rms_recipe]
Banana PuddingI didn’t see my son, Lance Corporal Eric Harris, for more than two years after he enlisted in the Marines after high school. And when I saw him arrive at the airport, I just grabbed hold of him and burst out crying. When we got home, the first thing he ate was two bowls of my easy banana pudding recipe. He’s a true southern boy! It’s a dessert, but you can have it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. —Stephanie Harris, Montpelier, Virginia
Jalapeno Buttermilk CornbreadIf you’re from the South, you have to have a good cornbread recipe. Here’s a lightened-up version of my mom’s traditional cornbread that tastes just as delicious. —Debi Mitchell, Flower Mound, Texas
White Sausage GravyA Southern specialty, this hearty pork sausage gravy uses sausage drippings, milk and flour to make a thick creamy gravy traditionally served over biscuits. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Lemon Chess Pie with Berry SauceThis is one of those old-fashioned Southern desserts that makes everyone feel good. The easy-as-pie berry sauce gives it color and a tantalizing tang. —April Heaton, Branson, Missouri
Southern Pecan CatfishI coat the catfish in pecans, then top it with a thick, rich cream sauce. It looks like you spent all day on it, but it's actually very speedy to prepare. Garnish it with lemon wedges, parsley or more chopped pecans if you desire. —Mary Ann Griffin, Bowling Green, Kentucky
Aunt Ione's Icebox CookiesWhenever we went to visit my Aunt Ione in south Georgia, her icebox cookies were our favorite treat. My mother later make these cookies, and I remember begging for a slice of the raw dough—I thought the unbaked cookies tasted just as great as the baked! —Jenny Hill, Meridianville, Alabama
Updated: Mar. 10, 2022
