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With its rich history, miles of rivers and coastline, vast farmland, and beautiful mountain terrain, Virginia is known for its Southern-style fare that incorporates a wide variety of local ingredients and influences — from oysters to apples, country ham to blue crabs, and trout to peanuts. Whether you’re looking for the best crab imperial, crispy fried oysters, a hearty pot of Brunswick stew, or a tray of Williamsburg ginger cakes, this collection of traditional Virginia recipes offers a taste of The Old Dominion in every bite!
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As life-long Virginians, we take so much pride in our local dishes, value the history that’s intertwined with our food, and celebrate the culture and ingredients that make this state so special. Whether enjoying the fish from our rivers, crabs from the Chesapeake Bay, ham from Smithfield, or beans and greens from Appalachia, Virginia has so much to offer when it comes to culinary adventures.
We’ve pulled together some of the best Virginia recipes in this collection, but I’d also love to hear from you. If you’ve spent time in this state, or if your family is rooted in this region, I would so appreciate your input as well. Which Virginia recipes instantly bring you “home”?
Virginia Oyster Stew
Fresh oysters are a big deal on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, so a classic oyster stew has become a Christmas Eve tradition in this part of the country. Whether you serve it for Thanksgiving in New England, or enjoy a warm bowl for a cozy weeknight supper in other parts of the world, this rich and creamy soup will soon become a favorite in your home as well!
Virginia Peanut Soup
Take a step back in time with a classic Southern dish! Rich, creamy and smooth, this Virginia Peanut Soup is the old-fashioned recipe made famous at the taverns in Colonial Williamsburg. With one bite, you’ll quickly realize why it has been loved for generations!
Virginia Brunswick Stew
A pride and joy of Virginia culture, Brunswick stew is a Southern classic that has been enjoyed for hundreds of years! The chicken and tomato-based dish is full of corn, potatoes, and beans for a hearty, satisfying, and delicious meal.
Ham and Bean Soup {Quick and Easy!}
A classic from my childhood, this easy ham and bean soup recipe with canned beans is a nourishing and satisfying supper that’s full of flavor! Smoky and rich, the homemade soup comes together quickly on the stovetop (no soaking the beans!), but can also be prepared in the slow cooker.
Ham and Potato Soup
There’s nothing cozier than a warm bowl of this creamy ham and potato soup on a chilly day. Use leftover ham from a holiday meal, or pick up a package of diced ham or ham steaks at the grocery store. The comfort food classic is delicious alongside cornbread muffins, buttermilk biscuits, or a loaf of crusty bread!
Aunt Bee’s Crab Bisque
Cozy up with a bowl of Aunt Bee’s Crab Bisque — a rich, creamy, and flavorful soup that’s perfect for an easy lunch or a special holiday dinner. Serve the homemade shrimp and crab bisque with a loaf of crusty bread, some oyster crackers, or a simple green salad for a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen!
Crock Pot Brunswick Stew Recipe
One of the pride and joys of Virginia culture, this Brunswick Stew recipe is a Southern classic that has been enjoyed for hundreds of years! My Crock Pot version that includes chicken and pork is an easier and equally delicious take on the original dish. Serve each hearty, flavorful bowl with cornbread, buttermilk biscuits, or a loaf of pumpkin bread.
Virginia Chicken Gumbo with Ham
Putting a Virginia spin on classic chicken gumbo with the addition of ham and oysters! Top each bowl of stew with a scoop of rice for a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying Southern meal.
Appalachian Soup Beans {Pinto Bean Soup}
Simple, hearty, and flavorful, soup beans is a traditional Appalachian meal that’s been enjoyed for generations. The cozy pinto bean soup is delicious topped with bacon, chow chow, onions or ramps, and served alongside cornbread, potatoes, and greens. Prepare the classic dish in a Dutch oven or in a Crock Pot, and savor a taste of the mountain South!
Southern Ham Bone Soup
An old-fashioned classic, this easy ham bone soup recipe is a nourishing and satisfying supper that’s full of flavor! Smoky and rich, the homemade soup comes together quickly on the stovetop or in the Crock Pot (no soaking the beans). Delicious with a side of cast iron skillet cornbread!
Virginia Spoon Bread
This born-and-raised Virginia gal couldn’t resist sharing a classic, easy side dish recipe for old-fashioned Virginia spoon bread! If you’ve visited Williamsburg (or many other parts of the South), then you’ve likely enjoyed the moist, custard-like cornbread that you can scoop with a spoon.
Grandma’s Sweet Potato Biscuits
These old-fashioned Southern-style Sweet Potato Biscuits are flaky, fluffy, and just like Grandma made them! Stir together the easy recipe from scratch for a perfect side dish with a holiday turkey, a tasty vehicle for a country ham sandwich, or a quick make-ahead breakfast. These simple tips will teach you how to make sweet potato biscuits that rise a mile high!
Cathead Biscuits
A staple in Appalachian cuisine and now popular throughout the South, cathead biscuits are an easier, larger, more rustic version of the traditional buttermilk biscuit. There’s no need to roll or cut the dough — just pinch off portions, drop them in a skillet, and pop them in the oven!
Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Love sinking your teeth into a warm, soft, fresh-from-the-orchard apple cider donut each fall? Now you can easily make a batch of cozy baked apple cider donuts in the comfort of your own kitchen — whenever the craving strikes! Laced with the sweet taste of apple cider, seasoned with autumn spices, and coated in cinnamon-sugar, they’re the perfect morning treat. Serve them with a mug of hot coffee, tea, or wassail on a chilly day.
Virginia Country Ham Biscuits
A pride of Virginia culture, country ham is a Southern tradition that has been loved for centuries. Country Ham Biscuits combine the salty, cured smoked meat with fluffy buttermilk biscuits. They’re perfect for breakfast with eggs and grits, served as cocktail hors d’oeuvres or tailgating snacks, or prepared for grab-and-go munchies between meals. Enjoy a delicious Southern bite at any time of day!
Southern Cornbread Recipe
A classic old-fashioned Southern cornbread recipe — just like Grandma made it! With crisp edges from a cast iron skillet, and a tangy, buttery flavor (no sugar!), this easy side dish works well for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Add a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, or a dollop of apple butter, and pair it with chili, fried chicken, fried fish, pork chops, or beans and greens. It’s a 5-ingredient Southern staple!
Cast Iron Cornbread
A classic, old-fashioned, Southern cast iron cornbread — just like Grandma made it! With crisp, buttery edges from the cast iron skillet, and a moist, tangy flavor and texture, this easy side dish works well for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
One-Bowl Apple Bread
This easy one-bowl apple bread is made from scratch with yogurt, warm spices, and plenty of fresh apples. The moist and tender quick bread is topped with cinnamon and sugar for a delicious breakfast or snack that’s ready for the oven in just 15 minutes! No electric mixer required!
10-Minute Crab Dip Recipe
Mom’s best crab dip recipe is an easy 10-minute appetizer that can be served hot or cold. With cream cheese and mayonnaise, the decadent, perfectly seasoned snack is loaded with big chunks of tender, buttery crabmeat for a crowd-pleasing treat!
Fried Oysters
Virginia is known for its fresh Chesapeake Bay oysters, and these crispy deep fried oysters are the best way to prepare them! A simple cornmeal coating gives the shellfish a beautiful golden brown exterior and just the right amount of crunch. Serve them with a creamy dipping sauce, stuff them into a po’ boy sandwich, or just garnish with lemon wedges. They’re the ultimate Southern treat!
Virginia Crab Imperial
Any native Virginian has probably enjoyed the sweet, savory and rich taste of Crab Imperial. This traditional dish is made with lump crabmeat, topped with Parmesan cheese, and baked in the oven until golden brown. It tastes fancy, but the easy recipe is ready with just 10 minutes of prep!
Virginia Ham Salad Recipe
A pride of Virginia culture, ham is a Southern tradition that has been loved for centuries. This classic ham salad recipe combines the salty, smoked meat with crisp celery, bright green onions, hard-boiled egg, and a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing. It’s perfect as an appetizer or lunch spread with crackers, or equally delicious in a ham salad sandwich. Buy ham steaks at the store, or use up your leftover ham from a holiday feast!
Ham and Broccoli Quiche
This easy cheddar, ham and broccoli quiche comes together with just a few minutes of prep! It’s a perfect make-ahead option for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner!
Crab Roll Recipe
Putting a little Southern spin on classic New England lobster rolls with this simple and delicious crab roll recipe! Make them ahead if you’re entertaining, or whip up the no-cook meal in about 15 minutes. These easy crab rolls are a delicious lunch or dinner when served alongside coleslaw, potato chips, hush puppies, or pickles!
Stuffed Pork Chops
Easy comfort food that tastes like a decadent, restaurant-quality meal! These baked Stuffed Pork Chops with apples and Stove Top Stuffing are a cozy and easy dinner recipe that the whole family will love. Serve the tender, juicy, and flavorful pork chops with buttermilk biscuits, mashed potatoes, Southern-style green beans, or a crisp wedge salad.
Dutch Oven Pork Chops
Tender and juicy Dutch oven pork chops are smothered in a flavorful mushroom gravy! The easy dinner comes together in about 30 minutes, and is delicious alongside mashed potatoes, a loaf of crusty bread, or a skillet of cornbread.
Ham Steak with Brown Sugar Glaze
Transform a simple and affordable ham steak into a delicious and easy dinner with this sweet and savory maple and brown sugar glaze! The quick weeknight meal or hearty breakfast or brunch entrée is ready for the table in just 15 minutes. Don’t forget the eggs, biscuits and sausage gravy, cornbread, green beans, salad, or fresh fruit, too!
Dutch Oven Pork Tenderloin with Gravy
Tender and juicy, this Dutch oven pork tenderloin bakes alongside potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, and herbs. A quick apple cider pan gravy adds the perfect finishing touch to the one-pot meal!
Southern Cornmeal-Crusted Baked Catfish
Classic Southern fried catfish gets a lighter, healthier, and easier makeover with this cornmeal-crusted baked catfish! It’s crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside, and perfect alongside cornbread, collard greens, coleslaw, and biscuits.
Crispy Southern Fried Catfish
Simple is best, and this Southern Fried Catfish is no exception. The easy dinner recipe only requires a handful of pantry staples, and it’s ready in less than 20 minutes. Pair the crispy pan fried fish with classic sides like cornbread, collard greens, coleslaw, or biscuits for an old-fashioned supper that everyone at the table will love!
How to Make Crab Cakes
Showing you how to make Crab Cakes that are full of jumbo lump crab meat and minimal breading. Serve them with tartar sauce or cocktail sauce, and offer coleslaw, French fries, hush puppies, or flaky buttermilk biscuits on the side. Mom’s simple Maryland crab cake recipe yields the most decadent, buttery, and delicious pan-fried patties — with just minutes of effort!
Old-Fashioned Southern Ham and Beans
Simple, hearty, and flavorful, ham and beans is a traditional meal that’s been enjoyed throughout the south and Appalachia for generations. The smoky Great Northern beans are delicious alongside a skillet of cornbread, a pot of greens, or a crisp salad.
Crock Pot Beans and Cornbread
Simple, hearty, and flavorful, Crock Pot beans and cornbread is a traditional meal that’s been enjoyed throughout the south, southwest, and Appalachia for generations. The cozy pinto beans are delicious alongside a simple skillet of cornbread, and paired with greens or a crisp salad. It’s an affordable, satisfying, and easy dinner!
Appalachian Beans and Greens
Hearty and humble, beans and greens with a side of cornbread has been a staple dish in Appalachia for generations. Use collards, turnip greens, kale, or spinach — whatever you have on hand. Simmered in broth with herbs, garlic, onions, and bacon, these Southern beans and greens make a simple, flavorful, and affordable meal in about 30 minutes!
4-Ingredient Pork Loin Roast
That’s right…you only need 4 ingredients and about 5 minutes of prep for this easy, healthy, and juicy Pork Loin Roast! It’s a simple and wholesome dinner that will impress your friends and family — with minimal effort on your part.
Pork Tenderloin with Apples
Juicy, flavorful, baked pork tenderloin with apples and onions is a simple yet delicious autumn dinner. Serve the sweet and savory sliced pork with a loaf of crusty bread, cornbread, or biscuits, plus a salad, sauteed spinach, or roasted root vegetables to round out the meal.
Crock Pot Pulled Pork
Crock Pot Pulled Pork is one of the easiest and most affordable slow cooker dinners you’ll ever make! With just a few minutes of prep, you can have a big batch of tender, juicy meat to use in tacos, sandwiches, wraps, or salads all week long. A flavorful bbq dry rub seasons the pulled pork, which is perfect when tossed with bbq sauce and piled high on buns! Serve it alongside coleslaw, pickles, collard greens, potato wedges, or cornbread!
Pan Fried Pork Chops with Peach Sauce
You only need one skillet and about 30 minutes for these tender and juicy pan fried pork chops with peach sauce. The peach glaze is sweet and savory, thanks to plenty of garlic, fresh herbs, brown sugar, Dijon and cider vinegar, making it the perfect topping for a simple, affordable cut of meat.
Crock Pot Pork Loin, Apples, and Cabbage
Tender and juicy, this Crock Pot pork loin roast transforms an affordable cut of meat into a delicious comfort food dinner. With flavorful cabbage and apples in the same slow cooker, all you need is cornbread or biscuits on the side!
Oven Roasted Pork Loin with Apple Glaze
Tender and juicy oven roasted pork loin includes a simple applesauce glaze for a subtle touch of fresh, sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory meat. It’s an easy, cozy supper for chilly evenings!
Virginia Brown Sugar Baked Ham
This beautiful Virginia Brown Sugar Baked Ham looks like a fancy holiday meal — but it only requires 5 ingredients and about 5 minutes of prep! A rich, sweet, and savory glaze turns a simple smoked ham into a decadent entree that’s perfect for Easter, Christmas or your next Sunday brunch!
Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Ham
This easy brown sugar bourbon-glazed ham is a classic Southern recipe that makes an impressive statement on a holiday table. The rich, sweet, and savory glaze turns a simple smoked ham into a decadent entrée that’s perfect for Easter, Christmas, or your next Sunday supper!
Pineapple Glazed Ham
This old-fashioned Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham is an easy recipe that makes an impressive statement on a holiday table! The Southern baked ham with pineapple and maraschino cherries is the perfect combination of sweet and salty for a delicious dinner that feeds a crowd. There’s a reason this retro classic has been a favorite since the 1950’s!
Fried Cabbage with Apples and Onion
A simple, nourishing, and flavorful side dish is ready in just minutes! This vegetarian fried cabbage with apples and onions is made without bacon, but you can certainly add some for even more smoky, hearty flavor. Serve the cabbage and apples alongside roast chicken, meatloaf, pot roast, pork with cider gravy, or chicken and stuffing casserole for a cozy fall dinner.
How to Make Applesauce
Old-fashioned homemade applesauce is one of the easiest and most delicious ways to enjoy fresh fall produce. With just a few basic ingredients and about 30 minutes on the stovetop, we’ll show you how to make applesauce quickly and easily! The simple, flavorful side dish is perfect with oatmeal in the morning, or tasty alongside roast chicken or oven-fried pork chops for supper.
Crockpot Apple Butter
It wouldn’t be fall without a few batches of this easy Crockpot apple butter! Thanks to the slow cooker, the sweet spread fills your house with the cozy aroma of simmering apples, cinnamon, and cloves. Store the jars in the fridge or freezer, or can them in a hot water bath to make them shelf-stable. The apple butter is delicious on biscuits, spread on cornbread, and slathered on pancakes, waffles, and your morning toast.
Old-Fashioned Williamsburg Gingerbread Cookies
Take a step back in time with a classic holiday treat! Soft and chewy, thick, and warmly-spiced, these simple and delicious old-fashioned Williamsburg Gingerbread Cookies, or Ginger Cakes, have been loved for generations. Pack a tin to share with neighbors, serve them for dessert with a cup of cocoa, mulled cider, or hot tea, or let the kids decorate the soft gingerbread cookies with festive icing and sprinkles!
Mom’s Easy Apple Pie
My mom’s easy apple pie recipe is the dessert that I grew up on, and my own children now love it as well! This simple, quick treat takes advantage of a shortcut store-bought crust and a flavorful no-cook filling — and nobody will ever know! With plenty of fresh apples and warm spices, plus a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel, this is the best apple pie recipe you’ll ever taste.
Williamsburg Queen’s Cake
The Raleigh Tavern’s Bake Shop in Colonial Williamsburg is a favorite destination for Virginia tourists. Queen’s Cake, a dense buttery pound cake studded with currants and bursting with bright citrus flavor, is one of the bakery’s most popular items. Now you can enjoy this easy dessert in your own kitchen with just a handful of simple ingredients — no vacation necessary!
Virginia Apple Cobbler
A traditional apple cobbler recipe is one of autumn’s most delicious treats! Serve the fresh fruit filling and the warm buttermilk biscuit crust with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate fall dessert. It’s not too sweet, and you’ll love the cozy notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice throughout. Leftovers are delicious for breakfast as well!
Easy Apple Crisp
This easy apple crisp recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a bounty of fresh fruit! Sweet and tart warmly spiced apples are topped with a buttery, crunchy oat streusel for a classic dessert that everyone loves. Bake the crisp in a skillet or in a dish, and serve warm with vanilla ice cream on top!
Peach Blueberry Cobbler
This Southern Peach Blueberry Cobbler is the best way to enjoy fresh summer fruit! The warm filling is topped with light, buttery biscuits for a special breakfast or an easy dessert. Don’t forget a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of this classic, old-fashioned treat!
Peach Crisp Recipe
This easy peach crisp recipe is a perfect summer dessert! A buttery, crunchy, brown sugar oat streusel tops juicy, fresh peaches. Bake the crisp in a skillet or in a dish, and serve warm with vanilla ice cream on top!
Apple Bundt Cake {Apple Dapple Cake}
This moist apple Bundt cake is an old-fashioned, easy dessert that has been loved for generations! Also known as “Apple Dapple Cake,” the warmly-spiced batter is studded with bits of fresh apples and chopped nuts, and finished with a buttery caramel sauce. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate fall treat!
Sour Cream Pound Cake
This old-fashioned Southern Sour Cream Pound Cake is a simple and easy dessert recipe that comes together with just a handful of basic pantry staples. The end result is a classic buttery cake with a moist crumb and a beautiful golden brown exterior. Add fresh berries and whipped cream for a treat that’s perfect for any occasion!
Peach Blackberry Cobbler
This Southern peach blackberry cobbler is the best way to enjoy fresh summer fruit! The warm filling is topped with a tender, buttery cornmeal biscuit crust for an easy dessert that always wins rave reviews.
Easy Peanut Butter Pie
An old-fashioned peanut butter pie is a classic Southern dessert! With a vanilla wafer cookie crust and a cool, creamy peanut butter filling, it’s the perfect combination of salty-and-sweet flavors with smooth and crunchy textures. Best of all, the easy peanut butter pie comes together with a no-bake filling that requires just minutes of hands-on effort! Finish each slice with a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent addition to your next cookout, Sunday supper, or holiday table.
Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake
The very best cream cheese pound cake is a classic Southern dessert that has been loved for generations! It’s rich, buttery, and dense, with a moist crumb and a beautiful golden brown exterior. Perfect for Christmas, Easter, fresh summer strawberries, or weekly Sunday suppers!
