A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

  No. 13: Squash Casserole RECIPE BY LYNN WELLS | PHOTO BY MATT HULSMAN This classic recipe takes fresh summer squash and a few simple ingredients and turns them into

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

  No. 13: Squash Casserole RECIPE BY LYNN WELLS | PHOTO BY MATT HULSMAN This classic recipe takes fresh summer squash and a few simple ingredients and turns them into

Our State’s 13 Most Popular Recipes of 2023

Shrimp and grits, Atlantic Beach Pie, and Brunswick stew

Squash casserole
 

No. 13: Squash Casserole

RECIPE BY LYNN WELLS | PHOTO BY MATT HULSMAN

This classic recipe takes fresh summer squash and a few simple ingredients and turns them into the ultimate comfort food.

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Buttermilk pound cake topped with frosting
 

No. 12: The Best Buttermilk Pound Cake Ever

RECIPE BY LYNN WELLS | PHOTO BY MATT HULSMAN

Take this dreamy pound cake to the next level with vanilla cream cheese frosting.

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Sausage balls on a sheet pan
 

No. 11: Sausage Balls

RECIPE BY TODD DULANEY | PHOTO BY BILL LUSK STUDIO

Whether for an after-work soiree, a pre-dinner mixer, or a formal holiday fete, the role of sausage balls is the same: provider of happiness.

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Shrimp and pasta
 

No. 10: Shrimp and Pasta Supper

RECIPE BY LYNN WELLS | PHOTO BY MATT HULSMAN

Tender shrimp, vibrant veggies, and penne pasta come together in this super creamy seafood supper.

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Loaded chicken and potato casserole topped with bacon.
 

No. 9: Loaded Potato & Chicken Casserole

RECIPE BY LYNN WELLS | PHOTO BY MATT HULSMAN

This dish will make you the star of the potluck — or your own dining room.

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Shrimp and grits casserole
 

No. 8: Shrimp & Cheese Grits Casserole

RECIPE BY LYNN WELLS | PHOTO BY MATT HULSMAN

A Southern favorite receives a new spin in this baked casserole recipe sure to please your family.

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Carolina dog topped with mustard, chili, and slaw.
 

No. 7: Carolina Dogs

RECIPE BY SHERI CASTLE | PHOTO BY CHARLOTTE & JOHNNY AUTRY

North Carolinians love a Carolina dog “all the way” — topped with chili, slaw, onions, and mustard. Nothing more, and nothing less.

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Brunswick stew
 

No. 6: Brunswick Stew

RECIPE BY LYNN WELLS | PHOTO BY MATT HULSMAN

We’ll take our barbecue in a bowl.

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Slice of chocolate chess pie
 

No. 5: Chocolate Chess Pie

RECIPE BY LYNN WELLS | PHOTO BY MATT HULSMAN

A few on-hand ingredients pack a flavorful punch. Amid newer, flashier desserts, this classic “pantry pie” holds its own.

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Serving spoon of baked spaghetti
 

No. 4: Baked Spaghetti

RECIPE BY LYNN WELLS | PHOTO BY MATT HULSMAN

A different kind of winter warmer: Our baked spaghetti combines pasta, cheese, and tomato sauce into one melty medley.

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Shrimp and Grits in North Carolina
 

No. 3: Crook’s Corner Shrimp & Grits

RECIPE BY SHERI CASTLE | PHOTO BY CHARLOTTE & JOHNNY AUTRY

Perhaps no version of this Southern classic is more renowned than the one that the late Bill Neal created for Crook’s Corner.

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Moravian Chicken Pie
 

No. 2: Moravian Chicken Pie

RECIPE BY COMMUNITY COOKBOOK SERIES

This Moravian-inspired chicken pie recipe makes a delicious and hearty meal, and preparing it is a cinch — the hardest part is waiting for it to cook.

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Slice of Atlantic Beach Pie
 

No. 1: Atlantic Beach Pie

RECIPE BY CROOK’S CORNER | PHOTO BY TIM ROBISON

How a sensational recipe created “almost by accident” launched a movement.

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This story was published on Dec 19, 2023

Our State Staff

Since 1933, Our State has shared stories about North Carolina with readers both in state and around the world. We celebrate the people and places that make this state great. From the mountains to the coast, we feature North Carolina travel, history, food, and beautiful scenic photography.