10 Food Dishes That Are Absolute Symbols of Mississippi

Mississippi is a unique state with natural beauty and southern charm. From its diverse wildlife to its coastal dunes and infamous Mississippi River, this state offers a lot to its locals and visitors. Many people, however, don’t know that Mississippi is also a culinary destination. With delicious pies, biscuits, and deep-fried chicken and seafood, the Magnolia State is a food lover’s dream. Read on to learn about the ten food dishes that are symbols of Mississippi.

Mississippi Mud Pie

A beloved dish in the Magnolia State is Mississippi Mud Pie. While the origin is technically unknown, many believe it was created in the 1970s as a variation of the famous Mississippi Mud Cake. This rich Southern pie is layered with brownie cake, chocolate pudding or custard, a whipped topping, and a cookie crust.

Biscuits

If you’re searching for a Mississippi staple, look no further than the classic biscuit. In fact, Natchez, MS is the “Biscuit Capital of the World.”

Southern-style biscuits originated in the 1800s as a cheap, yet strong type of bread to dip in gravy or eat with butter. It is not uncommon to see biscuits and gravy on a Mississippi breakfast menu. Also, eating them with butter and jelly is a popular way to start the day.

Pressed Po’Boy

While the classic po’boy sandwich originated in Louisiana in the early 1900s, Mississippi natives put a spin on this southern meal. A classic po’boy is a sandwich using French bread and stuffed with fried shrimp. In Mississippi, they take it a step further by pressing it in a sandwich iron, similar to a panini press.

Many Mississippi locals refer to their version as “dressed and pressed.” They dress the sandwich with condiments, lettuce, tomato, and pickles, and press it for a warm, crispy exterior.

Fried Catfish

If you’re visiting Mississippi, add fried catfish to your culinary bucket list. The Mississippi Delta is famous for authentic seafood like catfish, bass, and walleye caught from the Mississippi River. Shellfish such as crab and shrimp are also sourced from the Gulf of Mexico.

Catfish is the most popular fried fish in Mississippi, and catfish fries are common social gatherings throughout the state.

Comeback Sauce

Originating in Jackson, MS at the Mayflower Cafe, Mississippi Comeback Sauce is now a staple throughout the state. Visitors love this local dipping sauce with its unique base of mayonnaise and chili sauce. Many compare it to Louisiana remoulade sauce or Thousand Island dressing.

Fried Chicken

A trip to the southern United States isn’t complete without fried chicken. This dish is a Southern classic that takes time and effort to make, but those living in the Mississippi Delta agree it’s worth the work. While Southerners all have their favorite recipe, this meal consists of pieces of chicken dipped in a homemade batter and deep-fried to a perfect golden exterior.

Mississippi Delta Hot Tamales

Many people don’t know that Mexico isn’t the only place with hot tamales. Also referred to as Delta tamales, this dish is slightly different from the classic tamales South of the border. They consist of ground cornmeal instead of masa harina flour and simmered as opposed to steamed. Some claim they are spicier than the original Mexican staple.

Fried Pickles

The classic fried dill pickle was created in Mississippi and originally dipped and fried in catfish batter. Today, fried pickles are a popular snack across the United States, and many people developed their own variations over time.

Banana Pudding

Eating banana pudding at a Mississippi gathering is a common occurrence. Banana pudding is a sweet, yet simple dessert that is iconic to the South. Traditionally consisting of vanilla wafers, pudding, and bananas, don’t skip this dessert when traveling to Mississippi.

Southern Collard Greens

Often paired with sweet cornbread, perfectly seasoned collard greens are a symbol of the South. Cooks prepare the greens by washing them in water, salt, and vinegar. From there, the greens are placed in a water bath with the stems removed. Once soaked, the greens simmer in broth with various spices until they become the tender greens famous in southern cuisine.

Summary of Food Dishes That Are Absolute Symbols of Mississippi