72 Juneteenth Recipes Worth Celebrating

Crispy Fried Chicken

If you’ve wanted to learn how to make crispy fried chicken, this is the recipe for you. Always a picnic favorite, this deep fried chicken recipe is delicious either hot or cold. Kids call it my Kentucky Fried Chicken! —Jeanne Schnitzler, Lima, Montana

Go to Recipe

Smoked Brisket

This smoked brisket recipe is always a favorite—it really melts in your mouth! —Jodi Abel, La Jolla, California

Strawberry Soda

Cheers to the holiday with this refreshing strawberry soda in hand. Red foods and drinks, like this red sipper, are traditional to serve at Juneteenth feasts across the nation.

Go to Recipe

Red Velvet Cheesecake

Festive and oh, so good, this cheesecake will become a fixture on your dessert menu. The red velvet filling is spiked with cocoa, topped with cream cheese frosting and baked in a chocolate cookie crumb crust. —Karen Dively, Chapin, South Carolina

Black-Eyed Peas with Collard Greens

Time to gather round the table, y’all! This dish has special meaning to Southerners. —Athena Russell, Greenville, South Carolina

Southern Peach Upside-Down Cake

A 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

Chipotle Sweet Potato Salad

I love the velvety taste and texture of sweet potatoes. A friend served sweet potatoes cooked with peppers and they tasted delicious together. I took those flavors and developed them into this creamy, smoky potato salad. —Carolyn Eskew, Dayton, Ohio

The Best Baby Back Ribs

I first marinate each rack of ribs, then add a zesty rub before grilling them. They always turn out moist and flavorful. —Iola Egle, Bella Vista, Arkansas

Chicken and Waffles

Serve this Southern specialty for a Juneteenth brunch! Butter Be Ready’s chicken and waffle recipe is melt-in-your-mouth delicious with her crispy, savory friend chicken paired with fluffy waffles and drizzled with pure maple syrup.

Go to Recipe

Lisa's All-Day Sugar & Salt Pork Roast

My family loves this tender and juicy roast, so we eat it a lot. The sweet and salty crust is so delicious mixed into the pulled pork. —Lisa Allen, Joppa, Alabama

Strawberry Jam Cake

Every year I make this special strawberry jam cake for the Relay for Life cake raffle. It has raised lots of money for a good cause. —Tammy Urbina, Warner Robins, Georgia

Watermelon Salad

Food Fidelity’s watermelon salad isn’t like traditional fruit salads. This handheld version is seasoned with a fresh and zesty chimichurri sauce that’s perfect for a Juneteenth picnic.

Go to Recipe

Buttermilk Biscuits

These biscuits are made from a recipe that’s been in our family for years. They’re simple to make and smell so good when baking! The wonderful aroma takes me back to those days when Mom made this meal—it’s like I’m there in our family’s kitchen again, with her busy at the stove. —Jean Parsons, Sarver, Pennsylvania

Strawberry-Lavender Infused Water

A little bit of lavender goes a long way, so be sure not to overdo it! This pretty combo screams summer, but you can also dry out the lavender and enjoy this anytime. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Tangier Island Virginia Crab Cakes

I grew up eating these crab cakes, which are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. They're absolutely delicious every time I make them. —Ann Girucky, Norfolk, Virginia

Succotash

You can't get more southern than succotash. This recipe comes from my mother, who was a fantastic cook. This dish made her famous—at least with everyone who ever tasted it. —Rosa Boone, Mobile, Alabama

Red Velvet Pound Cake

This delicious red velvet pound cake is the perfect combination of flavors. Make sure the cake has cooled before icing it; for extra crunch sprinkle some roasted pecans on top. —Robin Smith, Old Fort, North Carolina

Maple Pulled Pork Buns

Maple syrup is my sweet secret to these irresistible buns. Slow-cooking the flavor-packed pork couldn’t be easier, and the buns are quick to roll up. We love them for parties. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Marinated Sweet Potato Salad

My dad has been growing sweet potatoes for more than two decades. My brother and I have been partners in the operation for the last several years. This recipe, from the amazing women in our lives, is a terrific way to serve our favorite vegetable. —Tim Jack Edmondson, Vardaman, Mississippi

Pecan Pie Cobbler

I couldn't find a recipe, so I took it upon myself to devise this amazing dessert that combines the ease of a cobbler and the rich flavor of pecan pie. It tastes even better with ice cream or whipped topping. —Willa Kelley, Edmond, Oklahoma

Fried Green Tomatoes

Crispy, smoky fried green tomatoes make for a great Juneteenth starter. This recipe is air-fryer friendly, too!

Go to Recipe

Southern Black-Eyed Peas

I find pork the secret to a good black-eyed pea recipe. A double dose of ham for flavor and slow and gentle cooking creates this perfect side dish. —Emory Doty, Jasper, Georgia

Dutch Oven Pulled Pork Sandwiches

These fabulous Dutch-oven pulled pork sandwiches have a sweet, tangy flavor. If you want a smokier taste, add a little liquid smoke to the pulled pork before returning it to the Dutch oven. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Cast-Iron Cherry-Berry Peach Pie

I had an overabundant supply of cherries one year, so I adapted several recipes to use them up. I knew this one was a keeper when I received phone calls from my mother and grandmother complimenting me on this pie. —Amy Hartke, Elgin, Illinois

Simmered Smoked Links

A tasty sweet-sour sauce glazes bite-size sausages in this recipe. Serve these effortless appetizers with toothpicks at parties or holiday get-togethers. —Maxine Cenker, Weirton, West Virginia

Bacon Collard Greens

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

Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea

Combine classic sweet tea with fresh strawberries and you get this heavenly Southern tea recipe. No simple syrup needed!

Go to Recipe

Frosted Red Velvet Cookies

My student job in college was in the bakery. These dreamy morsels take me back to that special place and time. Red velvet lovers will appreciate this fun take on the cake. —Christina Petri, Alexandria, Minnesota

Maple-Barbecue Pork Sandwiches

If you're serving this pork at a party, keep it warm in a slow cooker. Stir in water, a little at a time, if the mixture gets too thick. —Sharlene Heatwole, McDowell, Virginia

Berry-Apple-Rhubarb Pie

I make this family favorite every year for a gathering at my sister's, where the recipe is known as "Uncle Mike's pie." I use only fresh berries, apples and rhubarb that I grow myself. —Michael Powers, New Baltimore, Virginia

Red Potato and Egg Salad

This flavorful red potato salad recipe with egg is the perfect side for summer cookouts. The red potatoes really dress it up. —Margaret Blomquist, Newfield, New York

Fried Chicken Strips

I recently made this recipe of Mom's for my in-laws and they told me it was the "best fried chicken ever." Slicing the chicken breasts into strips cuts down on cooking time and ensures every piece is crunchy and evenly coated. Serve the homemade chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce. —Genny Monchamp, Redding, California

Sparkling Rhubarb Spritzer

Folks with a rhubarb plant or two will love this recipe. It's a nice change from the usual lemonade—we enjoy it all summer long. —Sue Rebers, Campbellsport, Wisconsin

BBQ Pulled Pork in a Jar

Enjoy the smoky flavors of pulled pork without this mess. This pulled pork parfait piles high cookout favorites like baked beans, pickles and coleslaw.

Go to Recipe

Molded Strawberry Salad

This refreshing salad has two layers—a pretty pink bottom that includes sour cream, and a ruby red top with strawberries and pineapple. For years, Mom has included this salad in meals she prepares for our family. —Gloria Grant, Sterling, Illinois

Strawberry Pretzel Dessert

Need to bring a dish to pass this weekend? This make-ahead strawberry pretzel salad will disappear quickly. —Aldene Belch, Flint, Michigan

Southern Potato Salad

This potato salad with a southern twist is perfect for an outdoor celebration. The pickles add extra sweetness. —Gene Pitts, Wilsonville, Alabama

Strawberry Cheesecake

The creamy texture and lovely look of this strawberry cheesecake always get compliments. —L.C. Herschap, Luling, Texas

Mom’s Molasses Ham and Beans

This is a recipe my mom made frequently while I was growing up, but I tweaked it to include navy beans instead of lima beans. It’s perfect for a cold day when you don’t want to bother with lots of cooking. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

Baked Jerk Chicken

You don’t need to fire up the grill for this jerk chicken recipe! Cook the oven-baked version of the traditional Jamaican favorite without even stepping outside.

Go to Recipe

2-Ingredient Biscuits

These 2-ingredient biscuits make a satisfying accompaniment to any meal. I never made biscuits until I tried this recipe, now my husband wants them all the time! —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida

Black-Eyed Peas with Ham

Here's a regional favorite I grew to love after moving to the South. You'll never want black-eyed peas from a can again! Serve the dish as a side with grilled chicken...or make it your main course and round out the meal with greens and corn bread. —Tammie Merrill, Wake Forest, NC

Catfish Parmesan

Mississippi is the nation's largest producer of farm-raised catfish. My family loves this dish, and asks for it often. One reason I like it is it's so simple to prepare. —Mrs. W.D. Baker, Starkville, Mississippi

Chocolate-Strawberry Celebration Cake

Although I have some wonderful from-scratch recipes, this one uses a boxed mix with plenty of doctoring. It has become a popular groom’s cake that gets more attention than the wedding cake. —Nora Fitzgerald, Sevierville, Tennessee

Corn Pone

My husband's grandmother gave me this corn pone recipe years ago. She always made it with bacon drippings—which is heavenly—but if you're trying to be a little more health-conscious, you can use canola oil or a combination of the two. I cook it until it's crisp almost all the way through. It's delicious hot, warm or cold. —Tina Quiggle, LaGrange, Georgia

Watermelon Cupcakes

My granddaughter and I bake together each week. She was inspired by her mommy's flavored syrups, so we came up with these watermelon cupcakes. If you are not going to pipe the frosting, you can reduce the amount of frosting by half. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington

Ghost Pepper Popcorn Cornbread

I love popcorn and lots of spice and heat. Recently, I have been dabbling with ghost peppers and came up with this twist on classic cornbread. Try adding corn kernels for more texture. —Allison Antalek, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

Spiced Grilled Peaches

Grilled fruits are the perfect complement to a BBQ meal. Serve these juicy, grilled peaches by themselves or with a dollop of whipped cream for a sweet touch.

Go to Recipe

Smoked Mac and Cheese

I found this smoked mac and cheese recipe, and I kept working with the ingredients until I discovered the perfect combination. You can bake it in the oven, too. —Stacey Dull, Gettysburg, Ohio

Rhubarb Cherry Pie

As a young girl, I dreamed of being able to make pies like my mother. (Her rolling pin, which I inherited, was 2 ft. long and 8 in. wide!) In fact, this is Mom’s rhubarb strawberry pie recipe with cherries instead. I first made this pie for a church gathering 20 years ago—ever since, everyone’s looked for it at every get-together! —Eunice Hurt, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon

Black-eyed peas are a real Southern favorite. The bacon and thyme in my mom’s recipe make them extra special. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana

Mac & Cheese Pork Sliders

I love pork sliders! This sweet and savory recipe was created out of leftover ingredients I had in my fridge. It is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special-occasion potluck. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Roasted Strawberry Sheet Cake

My Grandma Gigi loved summer berry cakes. Almost any time I’d call her during the warmer months, she’d invite me over to taste her latest masterpiece. This cake is a tribute to her. —Kristin Bowers, Rancho Palos Verdes, California

Tender Barbecued Chicken

After a long day at work, a slow-cooked meal is a great help. One of my family's favorites is this moist slow-simmered chicken. For an appealing look, choose a darker brown barbecue sauce. —Jacqueline Blanton, Gaffney, South Carolina

Spiced Sweet Potato Fries

A spicy homemade seasoning blend shakes up everyone’s favorite finger food in this rendition of sweet potato fries. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Cheesy Cajun Cornbread Biscotti

This savory cookie is the bestseller at our Christmas cookie bazaar. Everyone requests the tasty biscotti every year. They're simple but very delicious. I will also serve them year-round as an appetizer. —Paula Marchesi, Auburn, Pennsylvania

Strawberry Panzanella Salad

This strawberry panzanella salad never disappoints. This version is sweet and offers the opportunity to use seasonal fruits in a creative way. For a fun twist, use margarita glasses when serving and rim the glasses with sugar and a strawberry garnish. —Careema Bell, Trenton, New Jersey

Sweet Potato Cheesecake

End your meal with this creamy sweet potato cheesecake with pecan-praline topping. It’ll be hard to say no to a second slice!

Go to Recipe

Black-Eyed Pea Sausage Stew

I always wanted to try black-eyed peas. I happened to have smoked sausage on hand one night, so I invented this full-flavored stew. It's the perfect way to heat up a cold night without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. I usually double the seasonings because we like our food spicier. —Laura Wimbrow, Bridgeville, Delaware

Mamaw Emily's Strawberry Cake

My husband loved his mamaw's strawberry cake recipe. He thought no one could duplicate it. I made it, and it’s just as scrumptious as he remembers. —Jennifer Bruce, Manitou, Kentucky

Pork Loin with Strawberry-Rhubarb Chutney

I love strawberry-rhubarb pie, so I thought the same flavor combination could work as a chutney—and it does! This makes a delicious and festive accompaniment to a succulent pork roast. The chutney can be made a day ahead and kept in the refrigerator. —Deborah Biggs, Omaha, Nebraska

Watermelon Cups

This lovely appetizer is almost too pretty to eat! Sweet watermelon cubes hold a refreshing topping that showcases cucumber, red onion and fresh herbs. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Cheddar Skillet Cornbread

Here's a tasty spin on traditional cornbread. It may become your new favorite! —Terri Adrian, Lake City, Florida

Strawberry-Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake

I prepare this colorful dessert quite often in the late spring or summer when fresh rhubarb is abundant. I make this rhubarb cake with cake mix and take it to church potlucks. People actually line up for a piece. —Bonnie Krogman, Thompson Falls, Montana

Mint Peach Spritzers

These non-alcoholic mint peach spritzers can be enjoyed by adults and kids, alike. If the adults want a boozy twist, pour in a little champagne.

Go to Recipe

Watermelon Sherbet

My family has been harvesting watermelons for generations. Our church group often serves this refreshing treat at the town's watermelon festival.—Lisa McAdoo, Rush Springs, Oklahoma

Deep-Fried Mac & Cheese Shells

I created this deep fried mac and cheese recipe for my husband. He describes this recipe as unbelievably delicious because of the crispy deep-fried coating on the outside and the creamy richness on the inside. —Shirley Rickis, The Villages, Florida

Peach-Glazed Ribs

For a fruity alternative to the usual barbecue sauce for ribs, try this slightly spicy recipe at your next picnic. The peaches add just the right touch of sweetness and a lovely color to this special sauce. —Sharon Taylor, Columbia, South Carolina

Baked Sweet Potato Pudding

I always have lots of leftover sweet potatoes, but when I make this, they’re gone fast. Any ice cream flavor will do, though vanilla bean seems to be an ideal companion. —Joyce Welling, Swanton, Ohio

Spiced Sweet Potato Pudding

One of my favorite fall desserts, this treat is full of rich flavors that are well-suited to the chillier months. I like to serve it over a slice of pound cake or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho