10 Best Country Style Cooking Ideas and Recipes
We may earn a commission through all links on this website. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.The warmth and comfort of a home-cooked meal, infused with the rustic charm of the great outdoors – that’s what country style cooking is all about. Imagine a plate piled high with tender pulled pork, crispy fried chicken, and creamy mashed potatoes, served up with a side of warm biscuits and a pat of butter, all infused with the rich flavors of the land. Country cooking is more than just a style of cooking, it’s a way of life – a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients, hearty portions, and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones.
In this article, we’ll take a culinary journey through the rolling hills and green pastures of the countryside, exploring the best country style cooking ideas and recipes to help you bring a taste of the country to your own kitchen.
French Country Cottage Inspired Gatherings
42% OffSouthern Fried Chicken
Southern Fried Chicken is a classic dish known for its crispy, golden-brown exterior and juicy, tender meat inside. This beloved recipe embodies the essence of Southern cooking, bringing warmth and comfort to any meal. With a perfect blend of spices and a buttermilk marinade, this chicken is sure to become a family favorite.
1. Begin by marinating 4-5 pieces of chicken in 2 cups of buttermilk, seasoned with salt, pepper, and your choice of spices for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. 2. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. 3. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let the excess buttermilk drip off, then dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating. 4. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). 5. Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. 6. Cook for 12-15 minutes on each side or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). 7. Remove the chicken and drain on a wire rack or paper towels before serving.
Beef Stew with Root Vegetables
Beef Stew with Root Vegetables is a hearty and comforting dish that brings warmth to any table. This rustic meal features tender chunks of beef slowly simmered with a medley of carrots, potatoes, and parsnips, infused with rich flavors from herbs and spices. Perfect for chilly evenings, this stew is not only satisfying but also a great way to use seasonal produce.
1. In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Season 2 pounds of cubed beef with salt and pepper, then brown it in batches, ensuring it’s golden on all sides. 2. Remove the beef and add chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the pot, sautéing until soft. 3. Stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, cooking for another minute. 4. Return the beef to the pot, add 4 cups of beef broth, and toss in diced potatoes and parsnips. 5. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 2 hours, or until the meat is tender. 6. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot with crusty bread.
Classic Biscuits and Gravy
Classic Biscuits and Gravy is a beloved dish in country-style cooking, offering a hearty and satisfying breakfast option. Fluffy buttermilk biscuits are smothered in a rich and creamy sausage gravy, creating a delicious combination of flavors and textures. This timeless comfort food embodies the essence of Southern cuisine and is perfect for any morning meal.
1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). In a bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cut in 1/2 cup of cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in 3/4 cup of buttermilk until just combined. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to 1-inch thick and cut into rounds. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. 2. For the gravy, cook 1 pound of breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Remove the sausage, leaving the drippings in the pan. Add 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, cooking until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Return the sausage to the skillet and stir until combined. 3. Split the biscuits in half and ladle the sausage gravy over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy your classic Biscuits and Gravy!
Chili with Beans and Cornbread
Chili with Beans and Cornbread is a hearty and comforting dish that embodies the spirit of country-style cooking. The rich, savory flavor of the chili, combined with the sweetness of cornbread, makes for a perfect meal on a chilly evening. This classic recipe not only satisfies the taste buds but also warms the soul, inviting friends and family to gather around the table.
Ingredients for Chili: 1 lb ground beef, 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, 1 can (15 oz) black beans, 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 onion chopped, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, salt and pepper to taste. 1. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the meat is browned. 2. Drain excess fat and add the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine. 3. Add the kidney beans, black beans, and diced tomatoes to the pot. Stir well and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for at least 30 minutes. Ingredients for Cornbread: 1 cup cornmeal, 1 cup milk, 1 egg, 1 cup flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 tsp salt. 1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a baking dish. 2. In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt together. 3. In another bowl, whisk together milk and egg, then combine with dry ingredients until just mixed. 4. Pour the batter into the greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden. 5. Serve the chili hot with cornbread on the side.
Apple Pie with Homemade Crust
Apple Pie with Homemade Crust is a classic dessert that embodies the warmth and charm of country-style cooking. With its flaky, buttery crust and sweet, spiced apple filling, this pie is a perfect addition to any family gathering. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it brings comfort and nostalgia to every bite.
To make Apple Pie with Homemade Crust, start by preparing the crust: combine 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar in a bowl. Cut in 1 cup of cold, unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then add 6-8 tablespoons of ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Divide the dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour. For the filling, peel, core, and slice 6-8 medium apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties works best), and toss them with 3/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out one disk of dough to fit your pie pan, place it in the pan, and fill with the apple mixture. Roll out the second disk and place it over the filling, sealing the edges and cutting slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Brush the top with an egg wash for a golden finish. Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven, then lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 35-45 minutes, until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches are a classic comfort food that embodies the essence of country-style cooking. Slow-cooked to perfection, the pork is infused with a smoky BBQ flavor and is tender enough to be shredded with a fork. Served on a soft bun with coleslaw and pickles, this dish is sure to delight friends and family at any gathering.
1. Start by seasoning a pork shoulder with salt, pepper, and your favorite BBQ rub. 2. Place the pork in a slow cooker and add a cup of BBQ sauce, then cook on low for 8 hours or until the meat is tender and easily pulled apart. 3. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. 4. Mix the shredded pork with additional BBQ sauce to taste. 5. Serve the pulled pork on soft sandwich buns, topped with coleslaw and pickles if desired.
Pasta Primavera with Fresh Vegetables
Pasta Primavera with Fresh Vegetables is a vibrant and delicious dish that showcases the bounty of seasonal produce. This delightful recipe combines al dente pasta with colorful vegetables, tossed in a light olive oil and garlic sauce. It’s a wholesome meal that is both satisfying and perfect for any time of year.
1. Cook 8 ounces of pasta of your choice according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. 2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and sauté until translucent. 3. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic, and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant. 4. Next, add 1 cup of sliced bell peppers, 1 cup of zucchini, and 1 cup of cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. 5. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. 6. Toss the cooked pasta with the sautéed vegetables and add more olive oil if desired. 7. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
Corn Chowder with Bacon
Corn Chowder with Bacon is a comforting and hearty dish that embodies the essence of country cooking. This creamy chowder, bursting with sweet corn and crispy bacon, is perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. Enjoy it with a slice of crusty bread for a satisfying meal that warms both the body and soul.
1. In a large pot, cook 6 strips of bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot. 2. Add 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 2 diced carrots to the pot, cooking until softened. 3. Stir in 4 cups of corn (fresh, frozen, or canned) and 4 cups of chicken broth. 4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. 5. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or leave some texture if you prefer. 6. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and crumble the cooked bacon on top before serving.
Shepherd’s Pie with Mashed Potatoes
Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort food that combines savory ground meat with vegetables and is topped with a fluffy layer of mashed potatoes. This hearty dish, often associated with country-style cooking, originates from the UK and showcases rustic flavors that warm the soul. Perfect for family dinners, Shepherd’s Pie brings together simple ingredients to create a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 2. In a skillet, cook 1 pound of ground lamb or beef over medium heat until browned. 3. Add 1 chopped onion, 2 chopped carrots, and 1 cup of frozen peas to the skillet, cooking until the vegetables are soft. 4. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and 1 cup of beef broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. 5. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or rosemary. 6. In a separate pot, cook 2 pounds of peeled and chopped potatoes in boiling water until tender, then drain. 7. Mash the potatoes with 1/2 cup of milk and 4 tablespoons of butter until smooth. 8. Spread the meat mixture into a baking dish and layer the mashed potatoes on top. 9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. 10. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Lemonade Sweet Tea Cocktail
The Lemonade Sweet Tea Cocktail is a refreshing fusion of sweet tea and tangy lemonade, perfect for sipping on a warm summer day. This delightful drink combines the classic Southern charm of sweet tea with the zesty flavor of fresh lemons, creating a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness. It’s not just a beverage; it’s a taste of country living in a glass, inviting friends and family to gather and enjoy the sunshine.
1. Brew 4 cups of your favorite black tea and allow it to cool to room temperature. 2. In a pitcher, combine the cooled tea with 2 cups of freshly squeezed lemonade and 1/2 cup of simple syrup for sweetness. 3. Stir well and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. 4. Serve over ice with fresh lemon slices and mint sprigs for garnish.
