10+ Texan Recipes to Spice Up Your Southern Cooking

Texan recipes bring a taste of the Lone Star State right to your kitchen. With a rich history influenced by various cultures, Texas cuisine offers delicious options for every palate. Exploring Texan recipes lets you celebrate bold flavors and hearty meals that reflect the diverse spirit of Texas.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, preparing these dishes will connect you to tradition. From classic barbecue to comforting casseroles, you’ll find that each recipe tells a story. Get ready to dive into some mouthwatering Texan favorites that are sure to impress your family and friends.

Chicken Fried Steak

Chicken fried steak is a classic dish loved in Texas. It features tenderized beef coated in a seasoned batter and fried until golden brown. You’ll often find it served with creamy gravy, making it a hearty meal.

To make this dish, start with cube steaks. Pound them to make them tender. A mix of flour, seasoning, and eggs creates a crispy coating.

Frying the steak in hot oil gives it that perfect crunch. You can also prepare the cream gravy using the leftover drippings from the pan.

Gather your ingredients to get started!

Ingredients

• 4 cube steaks
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Pound the cube steaks to about 1/4 inch thick.
2. In one bowl, mix flour, salt, and pepper.
3. In another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
4. Dredge each steak in flour, then dip in the egg mixture, and coat again in flour.
5. Heat oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C).
6. Fry the steaks until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
7. Make gravy in the same pan with the drippings and serve with the steak.

2) Texas Chili

Texas chili is a hearty dish that packs bold flavors. This classic recipe focuses on beef, spices, and no beans. You’ll find that it’s both simple and satisfying.

Start with well-marbled beef like chuck roast. Cut it into small pieces for easier cooking. For spices, use ancho and guajillo chiles for a rich taste. Toast them slightly to enhance their flavor.

Cook the beef until browned, then add onions and garlic. These add sweetness and depth to your chili. Mixing in spices such as cumin and cayenne gives it that Texas kick.

Let it simmer slowly. This helps meld the flavors together beautifully. You can even add a splash of beer or coffee for extra richness.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chuck roast
• 3 dried ancho chiles
• 2 dried guajillo chiles
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 cup beef broth (or water)
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Toast the chiles in a dry pan until fragrant.
2. Brown the beef in a pot over medium heat.
3. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cook until soft.
4. Stir in the toasted chiles and spices.
5. Pour in the beef broth and simmer for 2 hours at 300°F (150°C).

3) Kolaches

Kolaches are a beloved treat in Texas. These pastries have roots in Czech traditions and come in both sweet and savory varieties. You can fill them with fruit, cheese, or meats like sausage.

For savory kolaches, use dough filled with cooked sausage or ham. The dough is soft and slightly sweet, making a perfect pairing with savory fillings. You can also try adding cheese for extra flavor.

Preparing kolaches is easy. Start with a basic dough and let it rise. Once it’s fluffy, roll it out and cut it into pieces. Add your filling, pinch them closed, and let them rise again before baking.

Enjoy your warm kolaches fresh from the oven with a cup of coffee or tea. They’re perfect for breakfast or a snack any time of day.

Ingredients

• 3 ¾ cups flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup sugar
• ⅔ cup warm milk (110-115°F or 43-46°C)
• 2 large eggs
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix flour, yeast, salt, and sugar.
2. Add warm milk and eggs; stir until combined.
3. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes.
4. Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
5. Roll out the dough and cut into pieces.
6. Add your chosen filling and pinch the dough closed.
7. Let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.

4) Chili con Carne

Chili con Carne is a classic Texan dish that warms you up on a cool day. It features rich flavors and tender beef, making it comforting and filling. You can enjoy it on its own or with toppings like cheese or onions.

To make Chili con Carne, you’ll need a mix of spices, beef, and, often, beans. The spices include cumin and chili powder, which give it a great kick. You can use beef chuck roast or ground beef, depending on your preference.

This dish takes time to cook but is worth the wait. Searing the beef adds flavor, and slow cooking allows the spices to blend beautifully.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck roast or ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can kidney beans (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
4. Add chili powder, cumin, tomatoes, beans, salt, and pepper.
5. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours at 300°F (150°C) until tender.

5) Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is a classic Texas dessert loved by many. Its sweet, sticky filling and crunchy pecans create a perfect balance. This pie has become a symbol of Southern hospitality and is often served at gatherings.

To make your pecan pie, start with a flaky crust. You can buy one or make your own from scratch. Then, you’ll mix together sugar, corn syrup, eggs, and melted butter for that rich filling.

Stir in chopped pecans for added texture and flavor. Pour the mixture into your crust and bake until set. This usually takes about 60 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

Serve the pie warm or chilled. A scoop of ice cream on the side makes it even better!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
• 1 pie crust

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix corn syrup, sugar, and eggs in a bowl.
3. Stir in melted butter and chopped pecans.
4. Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
5. Bake for about 60 minutes, or until set.

6) Tex-Mex Enchiladas

Tex-Mex enchiladas are a comforting dish you can easily enjoy at home. These enchiladas typically consist of corn tortillas filled with cheese and onion, then topped with chili gravy. You can use cheddar or American cheese, depending on your taste.

To prepare Tex-Mex enchiladas, you first warm tortillas to make them pliable. Fill each tortilla with your cheese mixture, roll them up, and place them in a baking dish. Pour warm chili sauce over the enchiladas and sprinkle more cheese on top.

Bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden.

Ingredients

• Corn tortillas
• Cheddar or American cheese
• White onion
• Chili gravy

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly warm the corn tortillas.
3. Fill each tortilla with cheese and onion.
4. Roll up the tortillas and place them in a baking dish.
5. Pour chili gravy over the enchiladas.
6. Sprinkle extra cheese on top.
7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

7) Barbecue Brisket

Barbecue brisket is a classic Texan dish that many people love. To make tender, flavorful brisket, start with a good cut of meat, like a packer brisket. This typically weighs around 12 pounds but will lose weight during cooking.

You will need basic seasonings like salt and black pepper. Some people add garlic powder or a dry rub for extra flavor. Don’t forget to let it rest after cooking for the best results.

Cook the brisket low and slow. You can do this in a smoker at about 225°F (107°C) for 10 to 12 hours. Keep an eye on it to maintain moisture. Using wood like oak or hickory gives it an authentic smoky flavor.

Ingredients

• 12-pound packer brisket
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Optional: garlic powder, dry rub

Cooking Instructions

1. Trim excess fat from the brisket.
2. Season the brisket with salt and pepper (and any additional spices).
3. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
4. Place the brisket in the smoker.
5. Cook for 10 to 12 hours, maintaining temperature.
6. Let it rest before slicing to serve.

8) Frito Pie

Frito Pie is a classic Texan dish that’s simple and delicious. It combines crunchy corn chips with hearty chili and melty cheese. Many Texans enjoy it at football games or family gatherings.

To make this dish, you’ll need just a few ingredients. The best part is that you can customize it to your taste. Some people like to add extra toppings like onions or jalapeños.

This dish has roots in Texas, dating back to the late 1940s. You can find various versions of Frito Pie in recipes today, but the basics remain the same.

Ingredients

• 2 cups Fritos corn chips
• 1 can chili (your choice)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 small onion, diced (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread Fritos in a baking dish.
3. Heat the chili in a saucepan.
4. Pour chili over the Fritos.
5. Top with cheese and onions if desired.
6. Bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted.

9) Buttermilk Biscuits

Buttermilk biscuits are a classic Texan favorite that are fluffy and delicious. They’re perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch that will impress your family and friends.

You’ll need all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cold butter, and buttermilk. The buttermilk adds a rich flavor and helps create a light texture.

When making these biscuits, keep the butter cold. This helps them stay flaky in the oven.

Mix your dry ingredients first, then cut in the butter. Finally, stir in the buttermilk until just combined.

Bake them in a preheated oven at 425°F (218°C) for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they are done when the tops are golden brown.

Enjoy them fresh from the oven with butter or jam!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter
• 3/4 cup buttermilk

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
4. Stir in buttermilk until just combined.
5. Roll out dough and cut into biscuits.
6. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.

10) Cornbread

Cornbread is a beloved dish in Texas. It pairs well with many meals, especially chili and barbecue. The crispy edges and soft center create a perfect blend of textures.

To make authentic Texas cornbread, use yellow cornmeal and keep sugar to a minimum. Baking in a hot, well-seasoned cast iron skillet gives it a nice crunch.

Preheat your oven to 425º F (220º C). Greasing your skillet well is key to getting that perfect crust.

Ingredients

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425º F (220º C).
2. Grease a 10-inch cast iron skillet.
3. In a large bowl, mix cornmeal, baking soda, and salt.
4. In another bowl, blend buttermilk, eggs, and oil.
5. Combine the wet and dry ingredients.
6. Pour the batter into the hot skillet.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.