Juneteenth, a day that marks the independence of all enslaved black people in the US, is also known as Jubilee Day or Freedom Day. The day has recently been declared a federal holiday, so it’s a great time to make some delicious treats to commemorate this special occasion. These recipes are a tasty reminder of the contributions African Americans have made to US culture and the African influence that is still present in many of the foods we enjoy today.
Strawberry sodas and other red fruits and beverages are traditionally served at Jubilee Day celebrations. This tasty and refreshing
soda has the pronounced taste of strawberry with a hint of mint. You can serve it at a barbecue or backyard party to make your Juneteenth get-together complete.
Red Velvet Cheesecake
If you love red velvet cake, you’ll love this rich and flavorful cheesecake. The bright red flavor of the dessert is perfect for a Freedom Day party, and the chocolate crust complements the red velvet filling beautifully.
Strawberry Jam Cake
This tasty strawberry cake is the perfect dessert for your Juneteenth celebration. Hints of the red berries are easy to see in the batter and jelly filling, and the soft pink icing makes this cake both beautiful and delicious.
Southern Peach Upside-Down Cake
This decadent cake is a Southern delicacy. Peaches are used instead of pineapples to add sweetness and fruity flavor to this Juneteenth dessert. You can serve the cake with a tall glass of sweet tea or top it with vanilla ice cream.
Black-Eyed Peas with Collard Greens
Collard greens and black-eyed peas are Southern staples and a huge part of Southern culture. These veggies are often seasoned with smoked pork or turkey along with peppers and onion for a tasty vegetable-based entree or side dish that features the flavors of Freedom Day.
Chicken and Waffles
If you’re having a brunch for Jubilee Day, serve your guests chicken and waffles. This Southern brunch favorite features fried chicken, which is a classic soul food element, and you can top the chicken and waffles with honey and a hint of cayenne pepper for a touch of sweet heat.
Baby Back Ribs
If you’re firing up the grill for Juneteenth, try these delicious baby back ribs with a zesty rub and basted in barbecue sauce. You can serve the ribs with pickles to add a tangy flavor to the savory ribs.
Fried Green Tomatoes
This veggie side dish is crispy and slightly tangy, and you can even add a little spice to the tomatoes for a peppery kick. Serve the fried green tomatoes with a remoulade sauce for a crispy touch that pairs nicely with the cornmeal breading on the tomatoes.
Buttermilk Biscuits
Biscuits are the perfect addition to a Freedom Day breakfast. Buttermilk biscuits are fluffy and flaky, and you can add fruit preserves, eggs, bacon, or honey to your biscuits to create a customized morning meal for Juneteenth.
Succotash
This combination of okra, corn, and tomatoes is a healthy and delicious side dish that goes great with chicken or ribs. You can top the succotash with fresh herbs to bring out the flavor of the veggies.
Pecan Pie Cobbler
Try this decadent dessert to enjoy a tasty combination of cobbler and pecan pie. These are two of the desserts that you’ll likely find at a Sunday dinner in an African American household, so it’s ideal for Jubilee Day celebrations. Top the cobbler with vanilla ice cream to enjoy this flavorful sweet treat after your Juneteenth dinner.
Fried Chicken Strips
A Southern get-together isn’t complete without fried chicken. If you’re commemorating Juneteenth, you can serve your friends and family fried chicken strips. Offer a variety of sauces, including barbecue sauce, lemon pepper sauce, and honey with red peppers to make the celebration even more enjoyable.
