Cook Like the King: Elvis Presley's Favorite Southern Dishes and Cookbooks

Elvis Presley wasn’t just the King of Rock and Roll—he was also a true connoisseur of Southern comfort food. From crispy fried chicken to warm, buttery biscuits and gravy, his taste for hearty, soulful dishes was as legendary as his music. In this installment of our Elvis Presley series, Cook Like The King Elvis Presley, we dive fork-first into his favorite recipes and explore the cookbooks that celebrate his culinary cravings. Whether you’re a lifelong Elvis fan or simply hungry for some Southern goodness, these mouthwatering meals offer a delicious glimpse into the King’s world. So tie on that apron, turn up the tunes, and let’s get cookin’—Elvis style.

Elvis' favorite Sweet Potato Pie

Sourced from “Fit For A King: The Elvis Presley Cookbook“

Ingredients

2 medium sweet potatoes
1 1/2 butter
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup evaporated milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dash lemon flavoring
2 deep dish pie shells

Do like this

Boil the sweet potatoes until tender.

In a mixing bowl, mash them with butter and blend well.

Add the sugar and beat until smooth.

Blend in with the rest of the ingredients while beating well.

Pour the filling into the pie shells.

Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) for 60 minutes, or until done.

Elvis' Peanut Butter Treat

Ingredients

1 medium ripe banana
2 slices white bread
2 scant tablespoons smooth peanut butter (don’t use extra smooth)
2 tablespoons butter

Do like this

Peel and mash or slice the banana.

Lightly toast the bread, and then spread the peanut butter on one piece and the banana on the other.

Sandwich together. then fry in the butter, turning once, until each side is golden-brown.

Remove to a plate, cut the sandwich carefully in half on the diagonal, and eat.

Elvis' Special Barbecue Sauce

Ingredients

4 medium size cans of tomato sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon dried mustard
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 cup vinegar
2 slices lemon
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon red pepper
1 tablespoon pickling spice

Do like this

Mix all ingredients together, and cook over low heat for 30 minutes.

Store in the refrigerator.

Elvis' Crispy Fried Chicken

Sourced from “Fit For A King: The Elvis Presley Cookbook“

Ingredients

1 cup pancake mix
salt to taste
3/4 cup water
1 kg cooked chicken pieces
oil

Do like this

In a mixing bowl combine the pancake mix with the salt and water.

Beat 3 minutes to blend. Dip the chicken in the batter and drain off the excess batter.

Deep fry the chicken in hot oil for 10 minutes or until golden brown.

Drain on paper towels.

And there you have it—my top 4 favorite recipes that truly capture the flavor of the King. I couldn’t resist featuring them in Cook Like The King Elvis Presley, part of our Elvis Presley lifestyle series.

I hope you’ve had as much fun exploring these iconic dishes and cookbooks as I did. Elvis’s deep love for Southern comfort food was more than a craving—it was a reflection of his roots and personality. Recreating these meals is like stepping into his world, one bite at a time. So when you’re craving something soulful and satisfying, channel your inner rock legend and give these recipes a whirl.

Tried one of them? Got a favorite Elvis dish of your own? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear how your kitchen rocked and rolled! Until then, keep the music loud and the kitchen lively—because that’s how the King would’ve liked it.

Posted by Michelle Tredoux

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Travel and Home with Elvis Presley

Ready to take your Elvis obsession to the next level?

There’s so much more to the famous Elvis Presley lifestyle. Let’s dive into the rest of our Elvis Presley series for that ultimate Elvis experience!

1. Graceland Getaway

Part 1 of our Elvis Presley Series

Remember when Elvis said, “The first time that I appeared on stage, it scared me to death”? Well, Graceland was his kingdom, the stage he called home. Check out our travel guide to Graceland on travelandhome.com and step into the legendary world where the King lived his life. From the Jungle Room to the iconic Meditation Garden, it’s a pilgrimage for any Elvis enthusiast.

2. Shake, Rattle, and Roll at an Elvis Costume Theme Party

Part 2 of our Elvis Presley Series

Elvis once noted, “I’m not trying to be sexy. It’s just my way of expressing myself when I move around.” Well, why not express yourself Elvis-style at a themed costume party? Our latest post guides you on throwing the ultimate Elvis costume bash. Imagine your friends donning those iconic jumpsuits, and you belting out your favorite Elvis tunes. It’s a night of rock and roll revelry that even the King himself would applaud.

3. Eat like a king!

Part 3 of our Elvis Presley Series- featured above

Indulging in Elvis’s favorite dishes, each bite takes you closer to the culinary essence of the King. From peanut butter and banana sandwiches to Southern-style BBQ, our post on Elvis’s favorite food, complete with mouthwatering recipes, adds a delicious twist to your Elvis-inspired journey. So, tighten your blue suede shoes, dance through the rhythm of Elvis’s timeless quotes, and let the aroma of his beloved dishes transport you to a feast fit for a rock and roll legend.

4. Elvis Presley Inspiration

Part 4 of our Elvis Presley Series

Elvis had the ability to speak, and people listened. Fans hung on to each and every word coming from his lips. And here, in another part of our Elvis Presley series, we feature some of those famous quotes uttered by the King of Rock ‘n Roll to inspire and motivate.

Travel and Home’s Elvis Presley Cookbook Collection

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