10 of the Best Recipes to Make at Home from the Smoky Mountains (2024)

Posted

March 19, 2021

Since more people have been home recently, they probably have been cooking more often. We know some people haven’t been able to get to the Smoky Mountains and enjoy some of their favorite recipes, so we thought we would bring them to you! Here are 10 of the best recipes to make at home from the Smoky Mountains:

The Old Mill Restaurant

The Old Mill Restaurant is one of the most popular places to eat in the Smoky Mountains. There is a grist mill on site that grinds flour, cornmeal, and other products they use in the restaurant every day. They specialize in southern food, so you’ll find all kinds of delicious foods, including fried chicken, dumplings, and meatloaf. If you can’t make it for the real meals, then you can try some of these recipes at home to make it feel like you’ve just stepped into the restaurant.

1. Old Mill Corn Chowder

One of the most popular items at the Old Mill Restaurant is their corn chowder. This is a delicious meal that will keep you cozy any time of the year.

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2. Old Mill Corn Fritter

Another item that comes with every meal at the Old Mill Restaurant is the corn fritters. You can make these delicious appetizers at home with our recipe!

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3. Old Mill Pecan Pie

Want to make something sweet? You can’t go wrong with the Old Mill pecan pie! It’s great any time of the year, but especially during the holidays.

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4. Blueberry and Lemon Cornmeal Cake

Another dessert you can make at home is the Old Mill blueberry and lemon cornmeal cake. Your friends and family will definitely be impressed if you make this for them!

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Old Mill Pottery House Cafe and Grill

Right across the street from the Old Mill Restaurant is the Old Mill Pottery House Cafe and Grill. They also use flour and cornmeal that has been ground by the grist mill, as well as freshly baked bread from their on-site bakery. Here are some of the most popular dishes you can make at home:

5. Fried Chicken Breading

Have you always wanted to know how to make amazing fried chicken at home? Learn what the chefs do to make it flavorful and crispy so you can do it at home too!

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6. Shrimp and Grits

Another popular dish at the Pottery House is shrimp and grits. It’s fairly easy to make, and this dish is super flavorful!

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Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen

Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen is a popular place to eat in the Smoky Mountains too. Food is served family style, so everyone chooses one or two meats and three to four sides to share with the whole table. Some of the food you’ll find there includes short ribs, fried chicken, and meatloaf. Sides include poppy seed salad, baked mac and cheese, and broccoli casserole.

7. Paula Deen’s Classic Biscuits

If you’ve always wanted to learn how to make homemade biscuits, this is a great recipe to try. These fluffy biscuits are great by themselves, served with jelly and butter, or covered in homemade gravy.

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Ole Red Restaurant

Ole Red Restaurant in Gatlinburg has a ton of comfort food you’ll miss when you’re at home. They have burgers, sandwiches, and, of course, fried chicken! Plus, you’ll find live music and other entertainment while you’re at this restaurant.

8. Champagne of Chicken

Champagne of chicken from the Old Red Restaurant isn’t just any fried chicken. You’ll add all kinds of flavorful seasonings to get an amazing bite, as well as a few beers!

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Dollywood

Dollywood is known not only for its rides but also for its incredible food. There are restaurants with southern food, tangy barbecue, and great sandwiches. The meals aren’t the only amazing food you’ll find. You’ll find all kinds of great snacks and sweets too! The most popular sweet treat is the cinnamon bread from the Grist Mill.

9. Cinnamon Bread

We know you hate to miss out on Dollywood’s cinnamon bread, so why not give in to your craving by making this amazing dessert at home! You’ll feel like you just walked out of the Grist Mill when you have a bite!

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Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant

The Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant is located in the Apple Barn Village in Sevierville. They also serve all kinds of southern food, from fried pork chops to homemade meatloaf. This restaurant was so popular, they had to open a second location called the Applewood Farmhouse Grille.

10. Apple Barn Julep

There is an apple orchard on site at the Apple Barn, so anything with apples in it from the restaurant is fresh and delicious. With every meal, you get apple fritters, apple butter, apple cinnamon muffins, and apple julep. Find out how to make their signature drink at home!

10 of the Best Recipes to Make at Home from the Smoky Mountains (10)You don’t want to miss out trying these recipes from the Smoky Mountains at home. They will hold you over until the next time you’re in the Smokies! Look through these other Smoky Mountain restaurants so you have an idea of where you want to go on your trip!

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10 of the Best Recipes to Make at Home from the Smoky Mountains (2024)

FAQs

What is Gatlinburg known for food? ›

Famous Foods of Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge & Where to Get Them
  • fresh rainbow trout.
  • stone ground cornmeal and grits.
  • local wildflower and sourwood honey.
  • homemade candies like taffy and fudge.
  • homemade maple syrup.
  • locally grown preserves and jellies.
  • homemade biscuits and sawmill gravy.
  • apple butter and apple dumplins.

What is the most visited place in the Smoky Mountains? ›

Cades Cove is the most visited area of the national park. With wildlife and 19th Century home sites, this idyllic setting is a sample of everything the park has to offer.

What are the benefits of the Smoky Mountains? ›

You can engage in hiking, camping, fishing, bird watching, and even whitewater rafting in the region's rivers. The mild climate allows for year-round outdoor enjoyment, with distinct seasons offering different recreational opportunities.

What is the nickname for the Great Smoky Mountains? ›

The “Place of Blue Smoke

The Smoky Mountains name originates from the native Cherokee people who called it “Shaconage”. Pronounced Sha-Kon-O-Hey, Shaconage translates to “place of blue smoke” in English. The Cherokee considered these Smoky Mountains to be a sacred place.

What is the big thing that brings visitors to Great Smoky Mountains? ›

The Great Smoky Mountains are part of the Appalachian Mountains, which are among the oldest in the world. The park boasts over 800 miles of hiking trails, including the famous Appalachian Trail running through the park.

What is the most eaten food in Tennessee? ›

Country Ham

Other than chicken, it's probably the most popular meat in Tennessee. From classic seasoning to maple flavored, country ham is a delicacy, and thanks to places like Rice's Country Hams, Tennesseans are able to enjoy some of the highest quality meats in the Southern United States.

What celebrities have restaurants in Gatlinburg, Tennessee? ›

Here are the top 3 celebrity restaurants in the Smoky Mountains:
  • Blake Shelton's Ole Red. If you're in the mood for live music and a laid-back atmosphere, Ole Red is the place for you! ...
  • Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville. Jimmy Buffet has brought the beach to the mountains with Margaritaville! ...
  • Paula Deen's Family Kitchen.
Mar 26, 2021

What is Gatlinburg sister city? ›

But Pigeon Forge has another perk: the sister city of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, just down the road. Easy access to Gatlinburg means double the fun – more attractions, more restaurants, more shops, and more events.

What not to miss in Smoky Mountains national park? ›

10 Best Things to Do on a Great Smoky Mountains Vacation
  • Climb Clingmans Dome. Clingmans Dome at SunsetDeposit Photos. ...
  • Go Autumn Leaf-Peeping. ...
  • Stop to Smell the Wildflowers. ...
  • Paddle Fontana Lake. ...
  • Touch Pioneer History. ...
  • Go Auto Touring on Historic Park Roads. ...
  • Get Sprayed by a Waterfall. ...
  • Walk the Appalachian Trail.
Mar 18, 2024

What is the most scenic drive through the Smoky Mountains? ›

Scenic Drive #1: Cades Cove Loop Road

One of the most popular scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains is Cades Cove Loop Road, and for good reason. This scenic drive consists of an 11-mile loop that meanders through a valley surrounded by mountains. You'll see majestic mountain views and grass-covered rolling hills.

What animal is the Smoky Mountains known for? ›

Protected in the park are some 65 species of mammals, over 200 varieties of birds, 67 native fish species, and more than 80 types of reptiles and amphibians. The symbol of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the most famous resident of the park.

How many days should you spend in the Smoky Mountains? ›

In short, a solid Smoky Mountains itinerary might include three days camping and exploring the park and three days of tourist attractions in nearby towns.

What is the best time to visit Smoky Mountains? ›

Backpacking in Great Smoky Mountains is best in spring, summer and fall. Since you will likely be spending most of your time in the high country, which give you the best and most panoramic views, you will want to plan a backpacking trip for when there is less snow on the ground.

What is the Great Smoky Mountains best known for? ›

World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America's most visited national park.

Why are the Smoky Mountains so famous? ›

Called the Smokies due to the ever-present morning fog, this mountain range is world renowned for the diversity of its plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and its history of southern Appalachian mountain culture.

What plants can be eaten in the Great Smoky Mountains? ›

Taste Nature's Bounty with these Delicious Edible Plants in the Smoky Mountains
  • Pine Trees. Everywhere you look in the Smokies, you'll see a pine tree, which makes this edible plant both abundant and delicious. ...
  • Edible Wild Dandelions. ...
  • Redbud. ...
  • Elder. ...
  • Deerberry. ...
  • Wood Sorrel. ...
  • Chicory. ...
  • Wild Garlic.
Sep 29, 2021

What do bobcats eat in the Smoky Mountains? ›

Their preferred prey is rabbits, but bobcats also hunt rodents and birds. Individual cats establish their own home territories, which can be as large as 30 square miles, and use scents to mark them against intruders.

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