Celebrate Juneteenth With These 19 Amazing Recipes

Juneteenth celebrates freedom, heritage, and the rich culinary traditions of Black American culture. The holiday commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Texas finally learned they were free, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

Food has always been central to Juneteenth celebrations, with symbolic red foods representing the bloodshed of slavery and traditional soul food dishes honoring cultural resilience.

1. Smoky Barbecue Ribs

Smoky Barbecue Ribs
© Allrecipes

Slow-cooked ribs embody the heart and soul of Juneteenth gatherings. The secret? A dry rub featuring paprika, brown sugar, and a pinch of cayenne for kick.

After smoking for hours until the meat nearly falls off the bone, brush them with a molasses-based sauce for that perfect sticky-sweet finish.

The communal aspect of barbecuing brings families together, making these ribs more than just food—they’re tradition.

2. Red Velvet Freedom Cake

Red Velvet Freedom Cake
© Atlas Obscura

Nothing says celebration like a towering red velvet cake! The vibrant crimson layers represent the bloodshed and resilience of enslaved people.

My grandmother’s recipe calls for buttermilk and a touch of vinegar for that signature tang. The contrast between the ruby-red cake and cream cheese frosting makes for a stunning centerpiece that honors Juneteenth’s symbolic red foods tradition.

3. Spicy Collard Greens

Spicy Collard Greens
© Soul Food Cooking

These aren’t your average collards! Simmered low and slow with smoked turkey necks (a healthier alternative to ham hocks), onions, garlic, and a splash of apple cider vinegar.

The resulting pot liquor—that flavorful broth—is liquid gold, perfect for sopping up with cornbread. My secret ingredient? A dash of red pepper flakes that builds heat without overwhelming.

These nutrient-packed greens represent prosperity and good fortune.

4. Watermelon Salad with Feta

Watermelon Salad with Feta
© Allrecipes

This modern twist on a Juneteenth classic pairs sweet watermelon with salty feta and fresh mint. The juicy red cubes symbolize Juneteenth’s traditional red foods while offering a refreshing counterpoint to heavier barbecue dishes.

A light dressing of lime juice and honey ties everything together. For extra zing, add a sprinkle of Tajín or chili powder—the sweet-spicy-salty combination will have everyone coming back for seconds!

5. Black-Eyed Pea Fritters

Black-Eyed Pea Fritters
© Holy Cow! Vegan Recipes

Called akara in West African traditions, these crispy fritters transform humble black-eyed peas into celebration food. Soaked peas are blended with onions, peppers, and spices, then fried until golden.

I learned this recipe from my Nigerian friend, who explained how black-eyed peas traveled with enslaved Africans to America. The resulting hush puppy-like bites are perfect with hot sauce or remoulade.

They’re protein-packed crowd-pleasers that connect directly to African culinary heritage.

6. Strawberry Lemonade

Strawberry Lemonade
© EatingWell

Another ruby-hued refresher perfect for hot June celebrations! Fresh strawberries muddled with sugar create a vibrant base, while freshly squeezed lemon juice adds the perfect pucker factor.

The key is balancing sweetness with tartness—taste as you go. Serve in mason jars with strawberry slices and lemon wheels for that picture-perfect presentation.

This drink’s red color honors Juneteenth tradition while keeping everyone cool during outdoor festivities.

7. Candied Yams

Candied Yams
© Stay Snatched

These sticky-sweet orange beauties are pure comfort in a casserole dish. Thick-cut sweet potatoes bathed in a buttery syrup of brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract.

Some folks add marshmallows on top, but I prefer a sprinkle of pecans for crunch. Last Juneteenth, my uncle declared these “so good they’ll make you wanna slap somebody!”

The caramelized edges are particularly prized, so make sure to scrape the dish clean.

8. Red Beans and Rice

Red Beans and Rice
© The Seasoned Mom

This one-pot wonder stretches humble ingredients into a feast fit for freedom celebrations. Kidney beans—another symbolic red food—simmer with the “holy trinity” of Creole cooking: bell pepper, onion, and celery.

Add a ham bone or smoked turkey wing for depth, plus bay leaves and cayenne for complexity. The beans slowly break down, creating a creamy sauce that coats each grain of rice.

It’s economical, filling, and deeply connected to African American culinary ingenuity.

9. Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Buttermilk Fried Chicken
© Allrecipes

The secret to transcendent fried chicken? A 24-hour buttermilk brine that tenderizes the meat while adding tanginess. My grandmother’s recipe includes hot sauce in the marinade—just enough to enhance flavor without bringing heat.

Double-dredging in seasoned flour creates those craggy, crispy bits everyone fights over. I’ll never forget watching her test the oil with a wooden spoon handle—when bubbles formed around it, the oil was ready for frying, magic to begin.

10. Hoppin’ John

Hoppin' John
© NYT Cooking – The New York Times

Black-eyed peas and rice come together in this dish that symbolizes good luck and prosperity. Traditionally eaten on New Year’s Day, it’s equally appropriate for Juneteenth celebrations of new beginnings.

The smoky flavor from bacon or ham hock infuses every bite. My father always said the black-eyed peas represent coins, and the greens we serve alongside represent dollar bills—eating them ensures wealth in the coming year!

11. Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and Cheese
© NYT Cooking – The New York Times

Not from a box! This baked version features at least three cheeses (sharp cheddar, colby jack, and smoked gouda are my go-to combination) and a silky béchamel sauce spiked with mustard powder.

The crispy breadcrumb topping provides textural contrast to the creamy interior. At every family Juneteenth celebration, arguments break out over who gets the corner pieces with extra crunchy edges. Last year, I had to make two pans to keep the peace!

12. Hot Water Cornbread

Hot Water Cornbread
© Allrecipes

Unlike traditional cornbread, these crispy cornmeal patties are a quick-fix side that pairs perfectly with greens or beans. The technique is fascinatingly simple: cornmeal mixed with boiling water, shaped into patties, and fried until golden.

My grandmother could whip these up in minutes when unexpected guests arrived. The outside gets wonderfully crisp while the inside stays soft.

They’re perfect vehicles for sopping up pot likker from greens or the last bits of sauce from your plate.

13. Deviled Eggs with Paprika

Deviled Eggs with Paprika
© Allrecipes

These two-bite wonders disappear faster than anything else at the Juneteenth table! The filling combines egg yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, and a touch of pickle relish for complexity.

The sprinkle of paprika on top isn’t just for color—it adds a subtle smokiness that elevates the whole bite. The red paprika also nods to Juneteenth’s red food tradition.

I’ve started garnishing mine with tiny pieces of candied bacon, and now I’m required to bring double batches to every gathering!

14. Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet Potato Pie
© NYT Cooking – The New York Times

Move over, pumpkin—sweet potato pie is the true star of Black culinary tradition! The filling’s velvety texture comes from roasting sweet potatoes until caramelized, then blending them with evaporated milk, warm spices, and just enough sugar.

The flaky crust should shatter slightly when cut. My aunt guards her recipe fiercely, but I finally cracked the code to her secret ingredient: a splash of orange juice concentrate that brightens the whole flavor profile.

15. Strawberry Soda Punch

Strawberry Soda Punch
© Food Republic

Bright red and fizzy, this punch harkens back to the strawberry sodas traditionally enjoyed at Juneteenth celebrations. The modern version combines strawberry syrup, lemon-lime soda, and fresh fruit for a refreshing crowd-pleaser.

Freeze strawberries to use as ice cubes that won’t dilute the flavor. When I served this at last year’s community Juneteenth event, kids and adults alike came back for seconds and thirds! The vibrant red color beautifully honors the holiday’s traditional palette.

16. Banana Pudding

Banana Pudding
© Allrecipes

No Southern celebration is complete without layers of vanilla pudding, sliced bananas, and vanilla wafers that soften into cake-like perfection. The debate between meringue or whipped cream topping divides families!

I’m firmly in the whipped cream camp, but I won’t turn down either version. The magic happens when you let it sit overnight—the flavors meld and textures transform.

I’ve watched grown adults nearly come to blows over the last serving at our family Juneteenth gatherings.

17. Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and Grits
© Black People’s Recipes

This Lowcountry classic bridges breakfast and dinner with creamy stone-ground grits topped with saucy shrimp. The grits should be cooked low and slow with plenty of butter and a touch of cream.

The shrimp are quickly sautéed with bacon, garlic, and a splash of lemon. Some folks add mushrooms or bell peppers, but I keep it simple to let the seafood shine.

This dish honors the culinary innovations of enslaved cooks along the Carolina coast who transformed humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

18. Okra and Tomatoes

Okra and Tomatoes
© Food Fidelity

This simple side dish showcases two vegetables with deep African roots. Fresh okra pods are sliced and simmered with tomatoes, onions, and a hint of garlic until tender-crisp.

The trick to avoiding slimy okra? Don’t overcook it, and a splash of vinegar helps too. My grandfather grew both vegetables in his backyard garden, and this dish always reminds me of summer evenings on his porch.

The sweet-tart tomatoes perfectly balance okra’s earthy flavor.

19. Bourbon Pecan Pie

Bourbon Pecan Pie
© Allrecipes

This indulgent dessert features toasted pecans suspended in a gooey filling with notes of caramel, vanilla, and just enough bourbon to make things interesting. The alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a complex flavor.

A properly made pecan pie should have a slightly crisp top layer of nuts with a filling that’s set but not rubbery. I’ve experimented with different syrups, but nothing beats the traditional combination of corn syrup and brown sugar for that perfect consistency.