by ESMurphy

Created on: August 29, 2007

Generally when you think of southern food appetizers are not the first thing to come to mind. I think fried chicken, potato salad, gravy smothered anything, fresh bread and sweet tea. However there are some very famous southern appetizers that have become favorites everywhere. Here are just a few.

Pigs in Blankets

These little critters are on hor dourves platters everywhere. They are very simple to make just wrap cocktail franks up in canned croissants and bake as directed on the package. For a little flair add cheese or brush the rolls once they are cook with butter and herbs or oils and herbs. You can pair it with different sauces for different tastes as well. Another great way to enjoy pigs in blanket is for breakfast this is usually link sausage wrapped with a pancake.

Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are as southern as those retro deviled eggs plates they lay on. Deviled eggs are made with hard boiled eggs cut in half. All the yolks are placed together in a bowl and mixed with mayonnaise, mustard, salt, pepper, sometimes relish or whatever other idea you have. Once you have your mixture ready to go you just "restuff" the eggs and place on the platter and sprinkle with a little paprika or chopped parsley.

Cheese Straws

These have been a southern favorite for a long time you will now find them in gourmet shops in all sorts of different flavors from cheddar to garlic and herb. You can make them at home and you will get far more for your money than buying a pre-made box. There are lots of online recipes but the basic idea is you mix cheese, butter, flour and some seasonings. Then you blend it all together in a food processor make your shaped straws wrap them and place them in the fridge for an hour to firm up.

Seasoned Pecans

These can be done several different ways to achieve what kind of taste you have. For example if you like sweet you can make them with brown sugar and cinnamon. If you aren't so much into the sweets you can make them with cayenne pepper or garlic and other herbs. Whatever you decide the process is pretty much the same. Mix nuts, butter, seasoning in a bowl then spread out on cookie sheet place in the over for about 15 minutes at 350.

So now you know a few southern appetizers you can add to your next barbeque or party. Don't forget to pair it with some sweet tea for a real southern feel.

Learn more about this author, ESMurphy.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.