Juneteenth, otherwise known as Freedom Day or Jubilee Day, celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. Our best Juneteenth recipes are rich in history, flavor and jubilant color.
1/35
Strawberry Soda
From the Recipe Creator:
Three simple ingredients are all you need to create this fresh and fruity summer beverage. It's bound to become a warm-weather favorite. —Krista E. Collins, Concord, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 215 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 31mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (53g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
This tart, fruity spritzer will be a standout on your Juneteenth table. It’s made with just three ingredients, but each sip bursts with bold strawberry flavor reminiscent of past jubilees.
2/35
Jamaican Beef Patties
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom was born in Jamaica and lived there until she moved to the United States during her university years. I've loved this Jamaican beef patty recipe for most of my life. The savory flavor and spices are just right, and the crust is flaky and delicious. —Natasha Watson, Douglasville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 patty: 336 calories, 19g fat (10g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 373mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
Fragrant, savory beef patties are hard to beat. These handheld delicacies are filled with tender meat and spices that help tell the story of the African diaspora.
3/35
Black-Eyed Peas
From the Recipe Creator:
I find that pork is the secret to a good black-eyed peas recipe. A double dose of ham for flavor and slow, gentle cooking create this perfect side dish. —Emory Doty, Jasper, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 359 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 788mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 14g fiber), 20g protein.
This quintessential soul food recipe uses pork belly and fresh herbs to create a hearty dish. Black-eyed peas are a natural fit for your Juneteenth celebration, as they reflect the regional variations and rich flavors of the American South.
4/35
Watermelon Mint Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
I invented this refreshing fruit salad one sultry afternoon while my friends were gathered around my pool. It was quick to prepare and disappeared from their plates even quicker. The kids loved it too! —Antoinette DuBeck, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 56 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 fruit.
Juicy cubed watermelon joins olive oil, lemon and fresh mint in this vibrant salad. The dish’s beautiful red hue is integral to the history of Juneteenth—it symbolizes both sacrifice and power.
5/35
Cajun Catfish
From the Recipe Creator:
This well-seasoned fish nets me compliments from family and friends whenever I serve it. The fish is moist and flaky, and the coating is crisp, crunchy and flecked with paprika. —Jim Gales, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 242 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 748mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
Crisp cornmeal-dredged fish will make a worthy addition to your recipe rotation. Pair it with other southern classics like grits, turnip greens, or Louisana red beans and rice.
6/35
Suya
From the Recipe Creator:
My Nigerian brother-in-law introduced me to beef suya, a very spicy street food that's popular in western Africa. I was intrigued when I found out the spice rub is made from ground peanuts and a blend of different seasonings. After lots of experimenting, I came up with my own version. —Elena Iorga, Irvine, California
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef with 1 wedge tomato and onion: 329 calories, 21g fat (5g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 405mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
This West African dish gets its exceptional flavor from a spice blend called yaji, made from ground peanuts, ginger and cayenne. For easy eating, serve the marinated beef on skewers with onions and tomatoes.
7/35
Cornbread
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend gave me this homemade cornbread recipe several years ago, and it's my favorite of all I've tried. I love to serve the melt-in-your-mouth side hot from the oven with butter and syrup. It gets rave reviews on holidays and at potluck dinners. —Nicole Callen, Auburn, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 262 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 395mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
A soul food celebration isn’t complete without a piece of buttery cornbread! Bake up unforgettable memories with this five-star selection.
8/35
Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone gets a kick out of this fun take on the popular red velvet cake. Take a shortcut and use packaged cream cheese frosting for the filling. —Judi Dexheimer, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 whoopie pie: 272 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 199mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
The bold color and delicate crumb of a red velvet cake make it a perfect match for Juneteenth. This snack-sized spin on the classic dessert is sure to be winner.
9/35
Chicken and Andouille Gumbo
From the Recipe Creator:
Gumbo goes back to 1700s Louisiana. Today's version is just as hearty using andouille sausage. Serve it with cornbread or crusty French bread. —Billy Hensley, Mount Carmel, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups (calculated without rice): 544 calories, 39g fat (9g saturated fat), 175mg cholesterol, 1514mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 39g protein.
A bowl of flavorful, protein-packed gumbo is as good as it gets. This recipe works well for serving a large crowd while staying on budget.
10/35
Succotash
From the Recipe Creator:
You can't get more southern than this succotash recipe. It comes from my mother, who was a fantastic cook. This dish made her famous—at least with everyone who ever tasted it. —Rosa Boone, Mobile, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 79 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 442mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
Succotash is a one-pot meal that’s great for making ahead. Smoked ham, a vegetable medley and simmered spices come together for an unforgettable skillet dish.
11/35
Buttermilk Biscuits
From the Recipe Creator:
The recipe for these four-ingredient homemade buttermilk biscuits has been handed down for many generations. —Fran Thompson, Tarboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 biscuit: 222 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 508mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
Buttermilk biscuits are a staple of southern cuisine, and they’re likely to be found piled high on a Juneteenth serving platter. Serve these pillowy delights with red accompaniments like hibiscus or strawberry jam for a celebratory twist.
12/35
Fried Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
Always a picnic favorite, this deep-fried chicken recipe is delicious either hot or cold. Kids call it my Kentucky Fried Chicken! —Jeanne Schnitzler, Lima, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken: 543 calories, 33g fat (7g saturated fat), 137mg cholesterol, 798mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 41g protein.
Fried chicken is the ultimate symbol of soul food celebrations. Lean into this mouthwatering dish and fry your own at home. It is a certified crowd-pleaser.
13/35
Collard Greens with Bacon
From the Recipe Creator:
Collard greens are a staple vegetable of southern cuisine. This side dish is often made with smoked or salt-cured meats, such as ham hocks, pork or fatback. —Marsha Ankeney, Niceville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 157 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 651mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein.
Cooking collard greens with pork is a long-held tradition in the African American community. Enjoy velvety greens, chopped bacon and sweet onion in one soothing bowl.
14/35
Hibiscus Iced Tea
From the Recipe Creator:
This calorie- and caffeine-free tea has a delightful rosy color. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
“Red drink” is hailed as the official beverage of Juneteenth, and this vibrant iced tea fits the bill. Add sugar to taste and serve it as a refreshing sip for guests.
15/35
Okra Stew
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I worked on this recipe together. We make a big pot and freeze it to enjoy all winter long. We sometimes stir in sauteed shrimp for a delicious addition to this stew. —Lisa Nelson, Bluffton, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without rice): 274 calories, 20g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 1011mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 10g protein.
Okra came to this country during the transatlantic slave trade and serves as a cultural connector to the past. This smoky stew comes equipped with rice, sausage and a host of other garden vegetables.
16/35
Smoked Brisket
From the Recipe Creator:
This smoked brisket recipe is always a crowd favorite—it really melts in your mouth! —Jodi Abel, La Jolla, California
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked beef: 252 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 472mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 4 lean meat.
A melt-in-your-mouth brisket will make any meal feel special. A zesty spice blend and broth-rich mop sauce take this meaty classic up a notch.
17/35
Shrimp and Grits
From the Recipe Creator:
A southern specialty sometimes called breakfast shrimp, this shrimp and grits recipe tastes fantastic for brunch or dinner, or any time company’s coming. It’s down-home comfort food at its finest. —Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup grits with 1/2 cup shrimp mixture: 699 calories, 44g fat (22g saturated fat), 240mg cholesterol, 1835mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 41g protein.
In need of an easily customizable recipe that always tastes great? Start with our basic southern shrimp and grits recipe, and amp it up with extra cheese, crumbled bacon, green onions or a bold Cajun seasoning.
18/35
Black-Eyed Peas and Collard Greens
From the Recipe Creator:
Time to gather round the table, y'all! This dish has special meaning on New Year's Day, when Southerners eat greens for future wealth and black-eyed peas for prosperity. —Athena Russell, Greenville, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 177 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 412mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 9g protein.
Two soul food recipes collide in this uniquely delicious dish. You’ll have a hearty meal on the table in less than 30 minutes.
19/35
Red Velvet Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
Festive and oh, so good, this cheesecake will become a fixture on your Christmas dessert menu. The red velvet filling is spiked with cocoa, topped with cream cheese frosting and baked in a chocolate cookie crumb crust. —Karen Dively, Chapin, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 463 calories, 29g fat (17g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 276mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
Bold desserts are a must for Juneteenth, and this beautifully creamy treat is sure to please. Top the cheesecake with a swirled cream cheese frosting for fun flair.
20/35
Spicy Cajun Potato Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Here in the South, we have a lot of get-togethers. If you want your dish to be chosen over all the rest, it has to have a kick! This is a winner. —Amanda West, Sibley, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 229 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 400mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
Everyone wants to be the one who brings the best potato salad to the potluck. Fresh parsley, pickled relish and Cajun seasoning create deep flavors that’ll help this one stand out in a crowd.
21/35
Plantain Fritters
From the Recipe Creator:
These golden brown plantain fritters are a favorite in West Africa, where my aunt served as a missionary for 45 years. Make sure the plantains are very ripe. You can substitute bananas if you’d like. —Heather Ewald, Bothell, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 fritter: 77 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 87mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
Plantains are revered in African and Caribbean cultures for their versatility. Serve these soft, crispy bites alongside dishes like spicy baked chicken, or whip up a sweet version for a last-minute dessert.
22/35
West African Peanut Stew
From the Recipe Creator:
I really love African flavors, but you don't really encounter them much in the U.S. Here the combination of native African ingredients, all of which can be found in the States, transports you to a new culinary place. —Michael Cohen, Los Angeles, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 275 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 636mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 starch, 1 fat.
Commemorate the journey made by the ancestors with this perfectly spiced stew. Crushed tomato, chicken broth, garlic and ginger create explosive flavor.
23/35
Easy Fried Green Tomatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother came up with her own version of easy fried green tomatoes years ago. Our family loves it. It's a traditional taste of the South that anyone anywhere can enjoy! —Melanie Chism, Coker, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 166 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 317mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
Fried green tomatoes are the deliciously crisp appetizer that’ll get everyone talking. With a quick prep time and just four ingredients, this top-rated recipe earns its stars for a good reason.
24/35
Blackberry Peach Cobbler
From the Recipe Creator:
Sweet peaches love the tart boost from blackberries in this homey cobbler. Create rows of “cobblestones” by dropping spoonfuls of the topping over the filling and baking until fluffy and golden brown. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 278 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 237mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (37g sugars, 5g fiber), 5g protein.
Bring an orchard-inspired dessert to the party and get ready for applause. Juicy blackberries, fresh peaches and a biscuit-like crust shine in this recipe.
25/35
Carolina Pulled Pork
From the Recipe Creator:
I am originally from North Carolina and this recipe is a favorite. My husband swears my authentic Carolina ’cue is the best barbecue he’s ever eaten! —Kathryn Ransom Williams, Sparks, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 453 calories, 22g fat (6g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 889mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
Nothing says summer quite like barbecue. This slow-cooked pork shoulder is sure to get attention at your Juneteenth celebration.
26/35
Sweet Potato Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Tender sweet potatoes are tossed with crunchy nuts and chewy dried cherries for a burst of flavors and textures. —Fran Fehling, Staten Island, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 211 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 189mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
Dried cherries, walnuts and honey add depth to this sweet potato dish. Each bite comes with a range of flavors and textures.
27/35
Southern Mac and Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
No down-home meal is complete without southern mac and cheese. Three types of cheese and a squirt of mustard make this comforting dish sing! —Katie Sloan, Charlotte, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 830 calories, 45g fat (30g saturated fat), 213mg cholesterol, 1368mg sodium, 67g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 39g protein.
Baked mac and cheese is a non-negotiable for a summer potluck. Mustard, sharp cheddar cheese and a generous amount of butter make this version the one to beat.
28/35
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Need to bring a dish to pass this weekend? This make-ahead strawberry pretzel salad will disappear quickly at any potluck. —Aldene Belch, Flint, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 295 calories, 15g fat (10g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 305mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
Celebrate Emancipation Day with a no-bake sweet-and-salty dessert. The bright red layer is made with strawberries and jello, creating the perfect complement to the creamy whipped topping.
29/35
Barbecue Baked Beans
From the Recipe Creator:
We always choose this family recipe for Fourth of July or any picnic. It's a meaty twist on everyday baked beans and it has a nice sweetness. —Wendy Hodorowski, Bellaire, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 323 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 970mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (41g sugars, 4g fiber), 14g protein.
Saucy baked beans are my favorite part of a barbecue meal. Crumbled bacon, molasses and ground beef are swirled together for an unbelievably satisfying bite.
30/35
Jamaican Jerk Pork Chops
From the Recipe Creator:
These sweet, spicy chops can be thrown together in minutes, but they definitely don't taste like it. Serve them with a side of jasmine rice and you'll feel as if you're on a tropical vacation. —Allison Ulrich, Frisco, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 470 calories, 26g fat (14g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 1190mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.
The shortcut jerk seasoning and peach preserve sauce make this Carribean-inspired meal easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Add a sprinkle of cayenne or crushed red pepper if you want to dial up the heat.
31/35
Corn Pone
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband's grandmother gave me this corn pone recipe years ago. She always made it with bacon drippings—which is heavenly—but if you're trying to be a little more health-conscious, you can use canola oil or a combination of the two. I cook it until it's crisp almost all the way through. It's delicious hot, warm or cold. —Tina Quiggle, LaGrange, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 215 calories, 12g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 238mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Corn was the most common ration given to enslaved peoples. This dish reflects the modest but meaningful dining experiences of those affected.
32/35
Grilled Stone Fruit Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Summer is the time we enjoy grilling and adding fresh fruit to our menus, and this smoky-sweet salad is the best of both worlds! I like to marinate the fruits for extra flavor before I grill them. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 268 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 315mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
Add a refreshing element to your Juneteenth spread with this multifaceted fruit salad. Peppery arugula is paired with grilled peaches, apricots and plums for a smoky-sweet finish.
33/35
Barbecue Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
Is there a better place than Texas to find a fantastic barbecue sauce? That’s where this one is from—it’s my father-in-law’s own recipe. We have served it at many family reunions and think it’s the best! —Bobbie Morgan, Woodstock, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked chicken: 370 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 33g protein.
Simple ingredients equal sublime flavor in this barbecue chicken recipe. The contest-winning dish boasts a tangy sauce and tender meat that’ll have you hooked.
34/35
Mamaw Emily’s Strawberry Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband loved his mamaw's strawberry cake recipe. He thought no one could duplicate it. I made it, and it’s just as scrumptious as he remembers. —Jennifer Bruce, Manitou, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 532 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 340mg sodium, 85g carbohydrate (69g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
Upgrade your boxed cake mix with strawberry jello and finely chopped fruit for bakery-style results. Who wouldn’t want a slice of this bright, tender beauty?
35/35
Watermelon Sherbet
From the Recipe Creator:
My family has been growing watermelon for generations. We often serve this treat at the town’s annual watermelon festival. —Lisa McAdoo, Rush Springs, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 120 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 18mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
Enjoy a fresh taste of summer to round out your Juneteenth menu. This appetizing blend of chopped watermelon, sugar and lemon will leave you wanting more.
Juneteenth Recipes FAQ
What is a traditional menu for Juneteenth celebrations?
A typical Juneteenth spread consists of classic soul food dishes like mac and cheese, collard greens, hot sausage links and barbecue ribs. Commonly served beverages include strawberry lemonade and hibiscus tea.
What dessert should I serve at a Juneteenth celebration?
Red velvet cake, berry cobblers and watermelon-centric desserts are popular choices for a Juneteenth feast. Potluck all-stars like banana pudding, Texas sheet cake and strawberry pretzel salad also make the list.
Why is red food eaten on Juneteenth?
West African traditions associate the color red with strength and transformation, and this convention traveled with enslaved peoples to the States. Red also symbolizes resilience, sacrifice and celebration—tenets of the Juneteenth commemoration.
