Indulge in a soulful and comforting meal that brings together a variety of beloved Southern flavors. This delicious spread features creamy Baked Mac & Cheese, smooth Sweet Potato Mash, tender Collard Greens, classic Potato Salad, and mouth-watering BBQ Ribs. Perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner or any time you crave some soul food goodness.
Ingredients
For the Baked Mac & Cheese:
🧀 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
🧈 3 tablespoons butter
🥛 2 cups milk
🍝 2 cups cooked penne pasta
🥄 1 teaspoon salt
🥄 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sweet Potato Mash:
🍠 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled
🧈 2 tablespoons butter
🥄 1/4 cup brown sugar
🥄 1 teaspoon cinnamon
🥄 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
🥄 Pinch of salt
For the Collard Greens:
🥬 1 pound collard greens, washed and chopped
🥓 4 slices of bacon, chopped
🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
🥄 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
🍵 2 cups chicken broth
🥄 Salt and pepper to taste
For the Potato Salad:
🥔 4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
🥚 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
🥒 1/4 cup pickles, chopped
🥛 1/2 cup mayonnaise
🥄 1 tablespoon mustard
🥄 Salt and pepper to taste
For the BBQ Ribs:
🍖 2 racks of baby back ribs
🧂 2 tablespoons BBQ spice rub
🌶️ 1 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
1- Baked Mac & Cheese Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the milk. Gradually add the cheese, stirring until melted.
Combine the cooked penne with the cheese sauce in a baking dish. Season with salt and pepper.
Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
2- Sweet Potato Mash Preparation:
Boil the sweet potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Drain and mash the potatoes with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
3- Collard Greens Preparation:
In a large pot, cook the bacon pieces until crispy. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add collard greens, chicken broth, and vinegar. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix in the bacon before serving.
4- Potato Salad Preparation:
Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 12-15 minutes. Drain and cool.
In a bowl, combine potatoes, eggs, pickles, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5- BBQ Ribs Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C).
Rub ribs with BBQ spice rub, wrap in foil, and bake for 2.5 hours.
Remove foil, brush with BBQ sauce, and broil for 5-10 minutes for a sticky glaze.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours
Servings: 6
Calories per Serving: 950 (approx.; varies by portion sizes)
Proteins: 40g
Fats: 50g
Carbohydrates: 80g
Equipment:
Baking dish
Saucepan
Large pot
Mixing bowls
Oven broiler
Cooking Tips:
For extra cheesy mac & cheese, add a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
Swap out bacon for turkey bacon in collard greens for a lighter touch.
Add scallions or crispy onions to your potato salad for extra flavor.
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