Tennessee is a state rich in cultural heritage, which is also evident in its food. Southern food is a staple in the state, and you can find comfort foods like fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, and macaroni and cheese in almost every local restaurant in most cities. Some mouth-watering barbecue joints are serving up Memphis-style ribs and pulled pork. And for those with a sweet tooth, the state’s famous desserts like peach cobbler and banana pudding are perfect for satisfying the cravings.
Of course, no meal is complete without a drink, and Tennessee has unique options to wash down your meal. The state is home to several microbreweries, so you can find a great beer to pair with your meal. And for something a little sweeter, you can try some of the state’s famous moonshine. So, if you’re in Tennessee, here are some foods and beverages you’d want to try before your trip ends.
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BBQ
No trip to Tennessee can be complete without trying some BBQ. The state is known for its smoked meats and the many ways to enjoy them. Whether you prefer your BBQ pulled, chopped, or sliced, you’ll be able to find it in all the ways in Tennessee.
As far as drinks are concerned to pair with the BBQ, iced tea is always a good option. But if you’re in the state, you wouldn’t want to miss out on the local beers with your BBQ meal. Luckily there are many distilleries in the state that offer tastings. Also, if you’re taking a vacation to The Great Smoky Mountains and staying in the mountain resort town of Pigeon Forge, you can visit a distillery on your trip. Look up distillery pigeon forge online and schedule a tour in one of the options you find. It will not only give you a behind-the-scenes look but also let you try some unique drinks. How lovely is that!
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Cornbread
Cornbread is a staple in Southern food, and Tennessee is no exception. This simple bread is made with cornmeal, flour, salt, baking powder, milk, or buttermilk, baked in a skillet, and served with butter. You will also find different variations of cornbread in Tennessee. So, if you’re looking for something different, try it. When it comes to the drink to pair with it, lemonade is always a good option. If you want something stronger (given you’re on vacation!), Tennessee whiskey is the way to go. But be cautious, as it can be pretty strong.
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Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is another staple in Southern food, and of course, it’s also popular in Tennessee. There are so many ways to enjoy it, whether you have it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. But the most common one you will find in Tennessee is with mashed potatoes and gravy. If you want something a little different, you can also try it with mac and cheese or green beans.
As for the drink, sweet tea is always a good option to pair with your fried chicken. Tea also helps cleanse the palate in between bites of fried chicken. So make sure to have some with your meal. But if you really want to enjoy some fried chicken on a night out in Tennessee, the best way to go about it is to have it with some beer.
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Pies
Pies are always a good option, no matter what time of year. And in Tennessee, you will find many different kinds to try. Whether you like fruit or cream pies, there’s something for everyone. But, if you want something truly unique, try the Tennessee Whiskey Pie. It’s a pecan pie with whiskey, and it’s delicious.
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Biscuits and Gravy
Biscuits served with gravy is popular comfort food in the South. Of course, who wouldn’t enjoy buttery biscuits with savory gravy? It’s equivalent to a bear hug from your grandma.
This dish is usually made with flaky buttermilk biscuits and sausage gravy. But you will find different variations of it in Tennessee. The more you make it, the better you’ll get at it. So, if you’re feeling adventurous, try making it at home. Or just find a restaurant near you in Tennessee for a truly authentic experience.
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Grits
Grits are warm comfort food in the South, a porridge made with cornmeal. There are several variations of grits, but the most popular one in Tennessee is the cheesy grits. It’s made with butter, milk, salt, and cheddar cheese and is usually served with eggs. But if you want something a bit different, you can also try it with shrimp. It also makes the perfect side dish for fried chicken. You can also have it for breakfast with biscuits and gravy.
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Collard Greens
There are not many vegetables famous in southern cuisine, but one that needs to be on this list is collard greens. These big, leafy greens are usually cooked with smoked ham hocks or bacon and served with cornbread. You can also try them with rice or black-eyed peas. If you’ve got some time on your hand, try to make Hoppin’ John with it. It’s a delicious dish made with a combination of black-eyed peas, rice, and collard greens. And it’s usually served with cornbread.
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Hushpuppies
Hushpuppies are a delicious Southern food staple, and they’re also popular in Tennessee. They’re made with cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper and are deep-fried in hot oil. Of course, the best way to enjoy them is with a dipping sauce. You can find many joints serving these hot and fresh, and they’re pretty easy to make at home too. There are many recipes for hushpuppies, so you can always find one you like. For instance, you can make them with onions, jalapenos, or cheese. And a cold beer is the perfect drink to enjoy with hushpuppies.
Conclusion
Tennessee is a popular vacation state with gorgeous mountain towns and delicious food offerings. There are so many things to enjoy in the state, and if you are a foodie, you wouldn’t want to miss out on any of the delicacies it offers before you leave.
So now that you know some of the best foods and drinks to try when in Tennessee, it’s time to start planning your trip. The list includes many different options, and don’t forget to enjoy a cold beer or sweet tea with your meal!
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