5 Must-Try Charlotte Recipes for Foodies

Charlotte, with its vibrant food scene, has a rich culinary tradition that's both comforting and innovative. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to impress, there are several iconic Charlotte recipes that are not only a treat to your taste buds but also a nod to the city's cultural diversity. Here, we dive into five must-try Charlotte recipes that embody the spirit of this charming Southern city.

1. The Classic Southern Fried Chicken

Nothing says comfort food like Southern Fried Chicken, and Charlotte has put its own unique twist on this traditional dish.

Ingredients:

• 8 pieces of chicken (thighs and drumsticks)
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

Steps:

1. Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
2. Combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, let excess drip off, and dredge in the flour mixture.
4. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or skillet, ensuring there’s enough oil to submerge the chicken.
5. Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through (about 10-15 minutes), turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

🍗 Note: For extra crispy skin, let the chicken sit on a wire rack after dredging to let the flour mixture set before frying.

2. Pimento Cheese Dip with a Twist

Pimento cheese is a staple in Southern cuisine, and Charlotte’s chefs have given it their own creative spin.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
• ¹⁄₂ cup mayonnaise
• ¹⁄₄ cup chopped pimentos, drained
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (for the twist)

Steps:

1. In a bowl, mix the shredded cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper until well combined.
2. Fold in the chopped jalapeño for an added kick.
3. Serve chilled with crackers, vegetables, or spread on sandwiches.

🌶️ Note: Adjust the jalapeño quantity to your desired level of spiciness.

3. Charlotte’s Soul Food Collard Greens

Collard greens are a beloved side dish in Charlotte, often accompanied by cornbread to soak up the flavorful pot liquor.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch fresh collard greens, washed and trimmed
• 1 smoked ham hock
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to taste

Steps:

1. Cut the collard greens into 1-inch strips.
2. In a large pot, heat a bit of oil and sauté the onion until translucent. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add the ham hock, greens, broth, and vinegar. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer, covering the pot partially. Cook for 1 to 2 hours or until the greens are tender.
5. Remove the ham hock, shred any meat off it, and return to the greens. Adjust seasoning as necessary.

🥬 Note: You can substitute collards with other greens like kale or mustard greens for variety.

4. Buttermilk Biscuits with Honey Butter

No Southern meal is complete without a batch of fluffy buttermilk biscuits, especially when paired with Charlotte’s signature honey butter.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¹⁄₂ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ³⁄₄ cup buttermilk, plus extra for brushing

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in buttermilk just until the dough comes together. Do not overwork the dough.
4. Turn out onto a floured surface, pat into a 1-inch thick rectangle, fold in half, then flatten again. Repeat this process a couple of times.
5. Cut out biscuits using a biscuit cutter. Place biscuits on a baking sheet, brush with buttermilk, and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

For the Honey Butter:

• ¹⁄₂ cup softened unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons honey

Steps:

1. Mix butter and honey until smooth and spread on warm biscuits.

🍯 Note: Let biscuits cool slightly before breaking them open to achieve that perfect, flaky texture.

5. Dessert: Pecan Pie Bars

To wrap up your culinary journey through Charlotte, indulge in a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie with these easy-to-make bars.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup butter, softened
• ¹⁄₂ cup sugar

For the Filling:

• ³⁄₄ cup butter, melted
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 large eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¹⁄₂ cups pecans, coarsely chopped

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine flour, butter, and sugar until crumbly; press into the bottom of an ungreased 13x9-inch baking pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until light brown.
3. For the filling, mix melted butter, corn syrup, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir in the pecans.
4. Pour the filling over the baked crust and bake for 25-30 minutes more or until set. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.

🌰 Note: Pecans are a Southern staple; consider using local Charlotte pecans for authenticity.

To finish, these Charlotte recipes provide not only a taste of the city's culinary delights but also a connection to its heritage. From the savory fried chicken to the sweet indulgence of pecan pie bars, each dish reflects the warmth and hospitality of Charlotte. Whether you're exploring these flavors for the first time or revisiting them with a twist, they're sure to leave you feeling connected to this vibrant Southern city.

Can I use boneless chicken for Southern Fried Chicken?

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Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but bone-in chicken will give you more flavor and will be less likely to dry out during cooking. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure it’s cooked through.

What can I substitute for pimentos in the cheese dip?

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Roasted red bell peppers make a great substitute for pimentos in the cheese dip. They offer a similar texture and a mild, sweet flavor.

Are there any vegetarian collard green recipes?

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Absolutely. Instead of ham hock, you can use vegetable broth, smoked paprika, or liquid smoke for flavor. Sauteé onions and garlic, then add the greens with a splash of vinegar for tanginess.