What Delicious Dishes is South Carolina Famous For?

Discover what delicious dishes make up traditional cuisine from South Carolina! From benne wafers to shrimp & grits & more - explore all that this southern state has to offer.

What Delicious Dishes is South Carolina Famous For?

The Benne wafer is a bite-sized sesame cookie that is light, brown, crisp and crisp. In Charleston, South Carolina, markets and gift shops sell bags full of small benne wafers, the size of a 25-cent coin. They were brought to the United States from West Africa by enslaved Africans. Sesame seeds are known as “benne”, a term from the Bantu language, and the Lowcountry region of South Carolina became famous for its benne wafers.

Benne's traditional wafers are made with sesame seeds, brown sugar, butter, flour and salt. Some recipes call for vanilla extract or baking powder. Oyster roasts are a South Carolina tradition with a long history that goes back centuries. Since the first settlers, oysters have been essential to Southern and Lowcountry cuisine.

Usually roasted over an open fire and pre-shelled, oysters are served with crackers, hot sauce, and lemon slices. Frogmore Stew doesn't have an ingredient list like many other stews, with corn and sausage being the only two ingredients found in every pot. Beyond that, the cook decides what else is included, and he doesn't prepare two identical pots of Frogmore stew. When you think of Southern food, what comes to mind? Shrimp and grits are most likely at the top of the list.

The coastal areas of the South, particularly South Carolina, are known for this dish. Tasty but simple, fish consists, as expected, of shrimp and semolina. Pepper cheese is South Carolina's favorite creamy, dreamy, cheesy spread. Nearly every restaurant in Charleston serves it, and it's a favorite among both locals and visitors.

They consist of spicy cheddar cheese, mayonnaise and chopped peppers, some recipes use cream cheese, while others add minced onion or garlic for more flavor. Created to take advantage of scarce resources in difficult times, Pimento cheese has been part of South Carolina's culinary culture for generations. Nowadays, it can be found everywhere, from casual outdoor dining to high-end weddings. There's no doubt that everyone will enjoy this South Carolina dish.

When it comes to Palmetto State cuisine, Gullah red rice is an icon. This dish is traditionally made with rice, sausage, bacon and vegetables. It is named after their descendants, the Gullahs, enslaved Africans who live in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina. Gullah red rice contains several ingredients, depending on who prepares it, and is served with rice cooked in bacon fat or sausage fat, chopped onions, peppers and diced tomatoes.

Some people also like to add peas or okra. This dish, which usually accompanies other dishes, is also eaten as a main course with fried chicken, catfish or other seafood. Crab soup, one of the most famous seafood dishes in Charleston, South Carolina, and often served with crab cake, consists of crab meat, cream and sherry. The dish, found on menus all over the city, is delicious and satisfying.

The first recorded recipe for crab soup dates back to the 19th century when it appeared in the cookbook “The Charleston Receipts”. Nowadays most restaurants serve crab soup with Jonah crabs which are more prominent and have a rich flavor instead of blue crabs. If you're ever in Charleston and looking for a bit of history be sure to order a bowl. When planning your next trip to South Carolina be sure to stop by some restaurants and try some of these well-known and delicious foods.

Famous for everything from cheese with peppers to shrimp and grits you might end up finding your new favorite dish as you explore this southern state. In addition to being a delicious treat South Carolina peaches also offer a variety of health benefits thanks to their high nutritional content. Taste the seafood candies and savoury products that make South Carolina one of the most cutting-edge dining destinations in the country. South Carolina oyster roasts are a fun way to celebrate any special occasion or simply enjoy an afternoon with loved ones.

Benne the plant that produces sesame seeds was brought to South Carolina by enslaved Africans in the 18th century. Made with sharp cheddar cheese creamy mayonnaise and hot peppers this creamy South Carolina food offers a flavor like no other. Traditional South Carolina stew is made with fresh ingredients such as shrimp corn cobs sausage potatoes and other vegetables. There have been many battles between chefs and home cooks in which mayonnaise reigns supreme but the clear winner in South Carolina is the soft creamy slightly acidic and sugar-free spread with the well-known yellow label.

From famous South Carolina restaurants to small-town restaurants you're never too far from incredible South Carolina cuisine. Benne (or sesame) seeds have been a staple in South Carolina's Lowcountry foods for hundreds of years. Carolina's golden sauce is associated with Palmetto State but South Carolinians don't discriminate when it comes to barbecue whether you're new to the state or have lived there your whole life this delicious dish will bring the flavor of South Carolina to the table. For a slightly different version of South Carolina sweet potatoes head to Benford Brewing in Lancaster to try their Southern Tater Sweet Potato Ale The beauty of South Carolina stew is that everyone can make their own version with whatever they have on hand The Carolina Reaper pepper originally grown in Fort Mill South Carolina has been named one of the hottest peppers in the world by Guinness World Records As a result South Carolina peaches are renowned for their sweet taste and juicy texture making them an incredibly popular snack across the country This South Carolina stew is a dish that has been around for generations but has recently gained a lot of attention.