Juneteenth is far more than just a calendar date; it’s a profound and vibrant celebration of freedom, resilience, culture, and community. For countless families, including my own, the heart of this enduring legacy beats strongest in the kitchen. I vividly recall my childhood spent alongside my great-grandmother, where I learned not only how to season dishes with true intention but also to cook with profound heart and soul. The recipes we bring to our tables on Juneteenth are steeped in generations of Southern tradition, bursting with rich flavors, deeply rooted in history, and meticulously crafted to unite people.
From the deeply satisfying warmth of soulful classics like tender collard greens and creamy baked macaroni and cheese to the sweet, vibrant hues of red drinks and delectable desserts that symbolize joy and unwavering resilience, each dish tells a powerful story. These culinary creations act as a bridge, connecting us to the generations who came before us and serving as a poignant reminder that freedom is a precious gift, worth honoring with both bountiful plates and overflowing hearts.
If you’re seeking inspiration to craft a memorable Juneteenth feast this year, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve carefully curated a collection that blends timeless traditional staples with exciting, flavorful twists, inviting you to make these recipes truly your own. Let’s embark on a culinary journey that brings everyone together around a table laden with history, love, and incredible taste.
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Juneteenth Food and Recipes: Celebrating Freedom Through Flavor
Juneteenth, a federal holiday, marks the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally received news of their freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This pivotal moment in American history is commemorated with gatherings that are rich in culinary traditions, where every dish served carries deep historical and cultural significance. These recipes are not just about delicious food; they are about honoring ancestry, sharing stories, and embracing the vibrant spirit of Black culture and liberation. Whether you’re planning a family reunion, a backyard barbecue, or a reflective meal, these flavorful Southern and soul food recipes are designed to bring joy and meaning to your Juneteenth celebration.
Southern-Style Soul Food Baked Macaroni and Cheese
A cornerstone of soul food, this Southern-style baked macaroni and cheese is pure comfort. With a creamy, rich interior and a perfectly crispy, golden-brown top crust, it’s a dish that brings smiles to every face and is a must-have at any Juneteenth gathering.
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Southern Collard Greens
These Easy Southern Collard Greens are an authentic soul food recipe, slow-cooked to perfection with smoked turkey, ham hocks, or bacon. This iconic dish, often served with cornbread, symbolizes prosperity and is a savory tradition for Juneteenth and other holiday feasts.
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Southern Style Green Beans
A quintessential old-fashioned side dish, these Easy Southern Style Green Beans are simmered with string beans and savory bacon, creating a flavorful country meal. They are a comforting addition to any soul food spread, embodying the warmth of home cooking.
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Homemade Classic Southern Cornbread
No Southern meal is complete without a slice of Easy Homemade Classic Southern Cornbread. This traditional recipe, often baked in a cast iron skillet, is made from scratch and offers the perfect balance of crisp edges and a tender interior, ideal for soaking up pot liquor.
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Southern Black Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey
This Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe is considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity, making it a fitting dish for Juneteenth. Made with a rich, savory broth and smoked turkey, ham hocks, bacon, or salt pork, it bursts with amazing flavor for any celebration.
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Southern Cornbread Dressing With Chicken
This Easy Southern Cornbread Dressing with chicken is an old-fashioned, homemade delight. Drizzled in gravy, it’s a versatile and comforting dish perfect for Sunday dinners, holiday gatherings, and certainly a centerpiece for your Juneteenth meal.
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Southern Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
Experience the ultimate in comfort with this Southern-style Creamy Mashed Potatoes recipe, made with tangy buttermilk for an extra layer of flavor. This classic, old-fashioned dish pairs beautifully with any soul food meal, especially when generously drizzled with homemade gravy.
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Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
This Easy Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe is a homemade delight, baked in the oven until tender and then generously drizzled in a thick, caramelized syrup. A sweet and satisfying dish, it elevates Sunday dinners and soul food holiday events, including Juneteenth celebrations.
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Southern Cooked Cabbage Recipe
This Southern Cooked Cabbage Recipe, prepared on the stove, infuses cabbage with immense flavor using butter, savory bacon or sausage, and aromatic garlic. It’s a comforting and robust soul food dish, perfect for weeknight meals, holidays, or any Juneteenth gathering.
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Homemade Southern Creamed Corn
This Homemade Easy Southern Creamed Corn is a versatile dish made from scratch using fresh or frozen corn. Its creamy texture and adaptability to be served sweet or savory, or even a combination of both, makes it a delightful side for any Juneteenth feast.
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Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar
These Easy Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar are perfectly cooked and whipped with cinnamon, butter, and nutmeg. For an extra touch of sweetness, feel free to drizzle them with honey or maple syrup, making them a comforting accompaniment to any Juneteenth meal.
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Southern Creamed Spinach
This is the best Southern Creamed Spinach recipe, a classic dish made with fresh or frozen spinach and rich Parmesan cheese. Serve this creamy, cheesy side alongside any of your favorite main dishes for a touch of elegance and comforting flavor.
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Ham Hocks and Beans
This Ham Hocks and Beans recipe can be made with various white beans, such as pinto or navy. Seasoned to perfection with savory smoked ham hocks, this hearty and flavorful meal is traditionally paired with classic cornbread, making it a fulfilling Juneteenth offering.
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Candied Sweet Potatoes (Yams) With Marshmallows
This Southern-style Candied Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows recipe harmonizes the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes with a luxurious layer of melted marshmallows. Infused with cinnamon and nutmeg, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for holiday gatherings and special occasions like Juneteenth.
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Southern Red Beans and Rice
Savor the authentic taste of New Orleans with this mouthwatering Southern Red Beans and Rice recipe. This hearty dish is richly loaded with savory Andouille sausage, tender smoked turkey, and a masterful blend of Creole seasoning, bringing the vibrant flavors of the Bayou directly to your Juneteenth table.
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Seafood Jambalaya with Shrimp
This Seafood Jambalaya with Shrimp, featuring succulent lump crab meat, can be prepared in either Cajun or Creole style. It’s a flavorful explosion combining fresh seafood with aromatic spices and the “Holy Trinity” of vegetables, capturing the true essence of Louisiana cuisine for your celebration.
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Shrimp Etouffee Recipe
This authentic Shrimp Etouffee recipe is a traditional Cajun or Creole staple meal, boasting a rich, deep brown roux-based sauce, savory onions, peppers, and celery. It pairs perfectly with rice and other Southern side dishes, offering a taste of Louisiana’s culinary heritage.
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Cajun Seafood Gumbo with Shrimp and Crab
This Cajun Seafood Gumbo with Shrimp and Crab recipe is an explosion of bold, irresistible Bayou flavors. This classic Louisiana-style stew features succulent shrimp, tender crab meat, and a harmonious blend of flavorful herbs, all infused into a velvety roux-based broth with the “Holy Trinity” and Cajun spices.
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Cajun Dirty Rice
This Cajun Dirty Rice, also known as rice dressing, is a homemade-from-scratch recipe featuring classic Louisiana Creole and Cajun “Holy Trinity” ingredients. Prepared with only the best spices, it delivers optimal flavor, making it a delicious and hearty side dish for any meal.
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Cajun New Orleans Shrimp and Grits
This Cajun New Orleans Shrimp and Grits recipe combines creamy grits with savory bacon or sausage and a well-seasoned, spicy gravy. It’s a classic Southern Louisiana dish that’s equally perfect for a hearty breakfast, an elegant brunch, or a satisfying dinner, especially during Juneteenth.
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Southern Fried Cabbage
Easy Southern Fried Cabbage is a quick and delicious recipe for shredded, pan-fried green cabbage. This dish is flavored with crispy bacon and sweet onions, offering a simple yet incredibly satisfying side that’s perfect for weeknight dinners and complements any soul food spread.
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Savory Cheddar Jalapeno Cornbread
This Savory Cheddar Cheese Jalapeno Cornbread is homemade from scratch, offering a delightful hint of spice. It bakes with crispy edges and a soft, moist center, making it the best cheesy cornbread with a unique and exciting twist, perfect for those who enjoy a little kick.
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Butter Beans Recipe
This Creamy Butter Beans Recipe, utilizing dried lima beans, is prepared Southern-style and cooked with smoked turkey, ham, or salt pork for deep flavor. This old-fashioned dish is a beloved comfort food, ideally paired with classic buttermilk cornbread for a complete meal.
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Southern Turnip Greens Recipe
This Southern Turnip Greens Recipe provides clear instructions on how to properly wash and cook turnip greens with smoked turkey, bacon, or ham hocks. This soul food dish is meticulously seasoned with fresh spices to ensure a rich flavor profile and no bitter greens, making it a delicious side for any occasion.
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Easy Southern Mustard Greens Recipe
This Easy Southern Mustard Greens Recipe is an ideal side dish for your soul food holidays and Sunday dinners, including Juneteenth. Prepared with tender mustard greens and flavorful smoked turkey, this dish is loaded with a savory taste that is both comforting and deeply satisfying.
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Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
This Traditional Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows is baked to perfection, featuring a pillowy soft and gooey topping. It serves as a perfect dessert or a sweet side dish for Sunday dinners, Thanksgiving, or any holiday gathering like Juneteenth. Feel free to incorporate pecans or other nuts for added texture.
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Slow Cooker Crockpot Gumbo
This Easy Slow Cooker Crockpot Gumbo is an authentic Creole Cajun recipe, featuring chicken, Andouille sausage, various seafood (shrimp and/or crab), and okra. This flavorful dish is loaded with spices and can be customized to be served mild or wonderfully spicy, making it ideal for fuss-free Juneteenth cooking.
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Slow Cooker Crockpot Pinto Beans with Smoked Turkey
This Slow Cooker Crockpot Pinto Beans recipe utilizes dried brown beans, seasoned to perfection with savory smoked turkey, ham hocks, or even bacon. This hearty and comforting meal is perfectly paired with homemade cornbread, offering a low-effort, high-flavor option for your Juneteenth spread.
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Sweet Potato Casserole without Marshmallows
This Sweet Potato Casserole without Marshmallows features a delightful crunchy pecan streusel topping, complementing a smooth, velvety blend of sweet potatoes. With a perfect balance of richness and sweetness, this decadent side dish can also double as a dessert, making it ideal for holidays and Thanksgiving, or as a sophisticated Juneteenth offering.
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Slow-Cooker Crockpot Black Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey (No Soak)
These Southern Black Eyed Peas are effortlessly made in your slow cooker or Crockpot using dried beans and smoked turkey for exceptional flavor, requiring no pre-soaking. This soul food dish is perfect for Sunday dinners and New Year’s celebrations, symbolizing luck and prosperity, making it a meaningful addition to your Juneteenth menu.
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Slow Cooker Crockpot Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey
This Slow Cooker Crockpot Collard Greens recipe is incredibly easy to prepare—simply combine the ingredients in the pot and let it cook. This Southern-style soul food dish is made with savory smoked turkey or ham hocks, ensuring a rich and delicious flavor with minimal effort, perfect for Juneteenth.
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Green Bean Casserole with Bacon
This Green Bean Casserole with Bacon offers an irresistible blend of tender green beans, a rich, creamy sauce, and crispy bacon. This classic dish elevates comforting flavors with smoky, salty notes from the bacon, making it a beloved addition to any celebratory meal, including Juneteenth gatherings.
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Creamy Lobster Mac and Cheese
This Easy Lobster Macaroni and Cheese recipe is a gourmet homemade side dish perfect for any special occasion spread. Featuring a delectable cheese sauce and succulent tender lobster, it’s baked to crispy perfection for an ultimate topping, offering a luxurious twist on a soul food favorite.
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Creamy Seafood Mac and Cheese
This Creamy Baked Seafood Mac and Cheese recipe combines crab, shrimp, and macaroni pasta into a delightful casserole. It’s a perfect, simple cheesy dish to enhance any spread, with the option to add Old Bay Seasoning and Cajun spices for an extra kick of flavor that will impress your Juneteenth guests.
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Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce
This Easy Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce is a sophisticated homemade creation, sweetened with liquor (liqueur) and finished with a sprinkle of vibrant orange zest. Elevate your traditional cranberry sauce with this gourmet version, offering a delightful tangy-sweet counterpoint to savory Juneteenth dishes.
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Easy Turkey Gravy From Drippings
This Easy Turkey Gravy From Drippings recipe offers the best classic method for creating rich brown gravy from scratch. By utilizing the flavorful juices from your cooked turkey, you can achieve a superior taste that far surpasses store-bought packets and jars, perfect for enhancing any holiday or Juneteenth roast.
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Yellow Gravy Without Drippings
This Homemade Yellow Gravy Without Drippings is made entirely from scratch, offering a delicious alternative when you don’t have turkey or giblets meat juices. This make-ahead gravy is versatile and can be served with turkey, chicken, ham, mashed potatoes, and many more dishes, making it a handy recipe for your Juneteenth meal prep.
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Easy Instant Pot Homemade Cranberry Sauce
This Easy Instant Pot Homemade Cranberry Sauce is a quick, low-calorie pressure cooker recipe, perfect for the holidays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Made with fresh cranberries, zesty orange juice, and no added sugar, it offers a healthier yet equally flavorful condiment option for your Juneteenth spread.
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Scalloped Corn Recipe
This Easy Scalloped Corn Recipe is a classic casserole dish, marrying creamy corn with a satisfying topping of crackers or breadcrumbs. Serve this comforting side dish for Sunday dinners, Thanksgiving, or any of your favorite holidays, including your festive Juneteenth celebration.
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Air Fryer Garlic Roasted Green Beans
Air Fryer Garlic Roasted Green Beans is a quick and easy recipe that serves as a perfect side dish for your weeknight dinner or a light option for Juneteenth. This keto-friendly dish can be served crispy or fried, with the option to toss in crumbled bacon for extra savory flavor.
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Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin
This Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin is a creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious side dish. Flavored with rich garlic butter, it shares similarities with classic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes. This delightful gratin pairs beautifully with any of your favorite main dishes, making it a versatile option for your Juneteenth menu.
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Instant Pot Green Bean Casserole with Cheese
This green bean casserole recipe is not exclusively for the holidays. This dish is so incredibly scrumptious and easy to make in the Instant Pot that you will likely want to enjoy it any time of the year, offering a convenient and cheesy comfort food for your Juneteenth table.
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Juneteenth Watermelon Recipes: Sweet Symbols of Emancipation
When it comes to Juneteenth, watermelon is much more than just a refreshing summer snack—it stands as a powerful symbol of freedom, resilience, and enduring tradition. Its presence on celebratory tables is not merely due to its juicy and cooling qualities (though it is undeniably both), but because it carries a profound historical meaning within the Black community. It represents resourcefulness, community gatherings, and often, the bittersweet taste of newly gained freedom for formerly enslaved people. Enjoy these delightful watermelon recipes, perfect for cooling down and adding symbolic sweetness to your Juneteenth festivities.
Watermelon Water
This refreshing Watermelon Water recipe will elevate your hydration game with its simple yet powerful taste. Easy to make with just two ingredients, it’s packed with natural hydrating goodness. You can infuse it further with zesty citrus, cooling mint, or other fresh fruits for a delightful and energizing drink all day long, especially perfect for a hot Juneteenth celebration.
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Watermelon Lemonade
When life gets busy, quick, easy, and flavorful recipes are essential, and this watermelon lemonade embodies just that. It’s bright, incredibly refreshing, and bursting with genuine flavor—never watered down or bland. Tested for real kitchens and busy schedules, it requires no fancy ingredients, just a consistently delicious drink that hits the spot every time, ideal for your Juneteenth cookout.
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Watermelon Salad with Feta and Balsamic Vinaigrette
This Watermelon Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish that achieves a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Juicy watermelon chunks are complemented by tangy feta crumbles, creamy avocado, crisp cucumbers, and fragrant basil, all brought together with a zesty balsamic lime dressing. It’s a vibrant and light option, perfect for a summer Juneteenth gathering.
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Frozen Watermelon Margarita
Bland drinks are a no-go, and this Frozen Watermelon Margarita is an exhilarating exception. With just a few simple ingredients and a blender, you’ll craft a bold, perfectly balanced margarita that tastes like it came from your favorite bar, but faster and much easier. No artificial mixes, just fresh watermelon, zesty lime, and quality tequila blended into the ultimate summer concoction for your Juneteenth celebration.
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Watermelon Margarita on the Rocks
I understand the desire for something delicious and refreshing even when juggling a busy schedule. That’s why I adore this watermelon margarita—it’s wonderfully simple, incredibly refreshing, and bursting with authentic flavor, devoid of artificial syrups or overly sweet mixes. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a cocktail that perfectly captures the essence of summer in a glass, ideal for unwinding after a day of Juneteenth festivities.
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