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

Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, was known not only for his music but also for his love of Southern food. From fried chicken to biscuits and gravy, Elvis had a passion for the classic dishes of the American South. In this post, we will explore some of Elvis’s favorite recipes and cookbooks, delving into the culinary world that the King from Memphis loved so much. Whether you’re a fan of Elvis or just looking for some tasty Southern dishes to try, you won’t want to miss out on these mouthwatering recipes and insights into the culinary tastes of one of the most iconic figures in music history. So grab your apron and get ready to cook like the King!

Travel and Home’s Favorite Elvis Presley Books

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.

I hope you’ve enjoyed discovering Elvis Presley’s favorite recipes and cookbooks as much as I did! It’s fascinating to see how his love for Southern cuisine was such a big part of his life, even beyond his music career. Trying out these recipes is a great way to experience a taste of Elvis’s world and keep his legacy alive. So next time you’re in the mood for some down-home cooking, give these dishes a try and let me know how they turn out! Until next time, keep rockin’ and rollin’ in the kitchen.

Travel and Home’s Elvis Presley Cookbook Collection