From Peach Pie To Pimento Cheese: Ranking Georgia’s 10 Best Recipes
Georgia has a way of turning simple ingredients into unforgettable dishes, and its recipe box is full of Southern treasures.
From sweet slices of peach pie that taste like summer afternoons to creamy, tangy pimento cheese that shows up at every gathering, the state knows comfort food like no other.
Each recipe tells a story of tradition, family tables, and regional pride, making Georgia’s best dishes not just meals but celebrations of flavor and heritage.
1. Georgia Peach Pie
Nothing screams summer in Georgia quite like warm peach pie topped with vanilla ice cream melting into the flaky crust.
The secret lies in picking perfectly ripe peaches, slightly soft with that intoxicating sweet aroma. Mix sliced peaches with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of lemon juice.
Pour into a homemade butter crust, add a lattice top, and bake until golden brown and bubbling with peachy goodness.
2. Pimento Cheese
Southerners call this creamy, tangy spread ‘caviar of the South’ for good reason!
Grate sharp cheddar cheese by hand (never pre-shredded) and fold in mayonnaise, diced pimentos, a touch of grated onion, and a dash of hot sauce. Some families add cream cheese for extra smoothness.
Let it chill overnight so flavors meld together. Spread on white bread for a classic sandwich or serve with crackers at your next gathering.
3. Brunswick Stew
Legend has it this hearty stew was created in Brunswick, Georgia, back in 1898. My grandpa swore it tasted better the next day!
Simmer shredded chicken, pulled pork, lima beans, corn, tomatoes, and potatoes in a rich tomato-based broth. The consistency should be thick enough that a spoon stands upright.
A splash of vinegar and hot sauce adds the perfect tangy kick to this one-pot wonder that’s traditionally cooked in cast iron over open flame.
4. Shrimp & Grits
Coastal Georgia’s gift to breakfast tables everywhere started as a simple fisherman’s meal before becoming a restaurant staple.
Start with stone-ground grits cooked slowly with butter and cheese until creamy perfection. Top with plump Georgia shrimp sautéed with bacon, garlic, and green onions.
A splash of lemon brightens everything up. Some fancy versions include mushrooms or a splash of white wine, but purists keep it simple and let those fresh coastal shrimp shine.
5. Vidalia Onion Pie
Sweet as candy and grown only in 20 counties around Vidalia, these famous onions transform into magical pie that’s more like a savory quiche.
Sauté sliced Vidalias until caramelized and golden, then mix with eggs, cheese, and a touch of mayo. Pour into a pre-baked pie crust and bake until puffed and golden.
The natural sweetness of these special onions creates a delicate flavor that even onion-skeptics love. Serve warm with a simple green salad for the perfect lunch.
6. Atlanta Lemon Pepper “Wet” Wings
Made famous by Atlanta’s hip-hop culture and local restaurants, these wings have achieved cult status far beyond Georgia.
Fry chicken wings until supremely crispy, then toss in a sauce that’s equal parts buffalo sauce and lemon pepper seasoning. The magic happens when that tangy, peppery butter sauce soaks into the hot wings.
Serve with celery, carrots, and blue cheese dressing. Unlike traditional dry lemon pepper wings, these “wet” wings deliver an unforgettable flavor explosion that’s distinctly Atlanta.
7. Coca-Cola Sheet Cake
Atlanta’s most famous export isn’t just for drinking! This super-moist chocolate cake gets its unique flavor from Coca-Cola reducing down in the batter.
Mix cocoa, butter, and Coke for the base, then pour a warm Coca-Cola glaze over the hot cake. The result is an incredibly fudgy texture with subtle caramel notes.
Some bakers add mini marshmallows that melt into pockets of gooey sweetness. This humble sheet cake appears at nearly every Georgia potluck and family reunion for good reason!
8. Boiled Peanuts
Gas stations throughout Georgia sell these addictive roadside treats by the styrofoam cupful. Green peanuts (raw, not roasted) simmer for hours in salty water until soft and tender.
The traditional version uses just salt, but Cajun-spiced variations add heat that’ll make your lips tingle. The shells soften enough that you can easily crack them open with your fingers.
Pop the whole soft, salty peanut in your mouth and discard the shell. They’re messy, uniquely Southern, and absolutely worth the sticky fingers!
9. Savannah Red Rice
This vibrant one-pot meal showcases Georgia’s coastal influences and Gullah Geechee heritage. My aunt’s version always disappeared first at family gatherings!
Sauté bacon, bell peppers, onions, and celery, then add tomatoes and broth. Stir in long-grain rice and simmer until the grains absorb that rich, smoky tomato flavor.
Some families add sausage or shrimp for a heartier meal. The rice should be fluffy with distinct grains, not mushy, with a beautiful brick-red color that gives this dish its name.
10. Fried Green Tomatoes
Before that famous movie, Georgians were already turning unripe tomatoes into crispy delights. Firm green tomatoes hold their shape when fried, unlike their mushy red counterparts.
Slice them thick, dredge in cornmeal seasoned with salt and pepper, then fry in bacon grease until golden and crisp. The tangy interior contrasts beautifully with the crunchy coating.
Serve with homemade remoulade sauce or pimento cheese for dipping. They’re perfect as appetizers, in BLTs, or alongside fresh summer vegetables.