For 75 years, the kitchen at the Loveless Cafe has been a place where Southern traditions are honored, stories are shared, and recipes are passed down for generations. From early mornings filled with the smell of scratch-made biscuits to family dinners rooted in comfort and hospitality, our recipes have always been at the heart of what makes Loveless so special.
To celebrate our 75th anniversary, we’re opening the doors to our kitchen like never before. 75 Recipes, One Kitchen is a curated collection of our most beloved Southern recipes, the classics we’ve proudly served every day in the cafe for decades, alongside fresh, modern dishes created by our talented Loveless Events chefs. Together, these recipes tell the story of our past, present, and future, all through the lens of traditional, Southern cooking.
Inside this collection, you’ll find timeless Southern staples like our red eye gravy, full breakfasts, sides, and desserts. You’ll also discover new Southern-inspired creations designed for today’s home cooks that stay true to the warmth and simplicity of true Southern comfort food.
Whether you’re searching for authentic Southern recipes, looking to recreate a Loveless Cafe favorite at home, or simply wanting to cook dishes that bring people together, this collection was made for you. Each recipe is a reflection of the love and hospitality that have defined the Loveless Cafe for 75 years, all coming together in one kitchen.
1. FAMOUS FRIED CHICKEN
Ever since 1951, we’ve been serving Annie Loveless’ original Fried Chicken recipe every day at the Loveless Cafe. And yes, we will be keeping it under lock and key right alongside our biscuit recipe, however, with our Loveless Cafe Fried Chicken Breading and Annie’s step-by-step instructions, you can replicate our crispy Fried Chicken we’ve been serving for decades right at home!
2. PIMENTO CHEESE
Around our neck of the woods, Pimento Cheese is so beloved that it’s often referred to as the “pâté of the South.” This recipe reflects the heart of Southern cooking: approachable ingredients, time-honored techniques, and flavors meant to be shared.
3. RED EYE GRAVY
Red Eye Gravy, also known as poor man’s gravy or red ham gravy, is an instantly recognizable Southern staple. Some folks even throw in a little red pepper to make it redder. But with this recipe, you just mix everything in the skillet and generously pour over your ham and biscuits—or wherever you like it best!
4. PICKLED OKRA SALAD
Bright, crisp, and full of Southern flavor, this Pickled Okra Salad is a fresh take on a classic Southern ingredient. Add garden vegetables and dress up lightly for the most delicious seasonal salad.
5. HASHBROWN CASSEROLE
One of our most in-demand dishes at the Cafe! A true Southern staple, you can make this dish right at home! Not feelin’ like cooking? Don’t worry! You can order our Heat n’ Eat Hashbrown Casserole online.
6. CHOW CHOW DEVILED EGGS
Chow Chow is a true Tennessee treat, and one of our all-time favorite ways to use the Southern sweet and sour relish is in deviled eggs. The Chow Chow gives them a little more zest than traditional deviled eggs, making them the perfect addition to your Easter or holiday table.
7. MAPLE BACON STICKY BISCUITS
This recipe stars three Loveless Cafe signature products— Maplewood Bacon, Maple Syrup, and of course, our world-famous biscuits—all rolled up into one tasty treat!
8. WATERMELON RIBS
Our pit master arrives at the Loveless Cafe around 4 a.m. most mornings to begin prepping the fire and smoking meats. His hard work never goes unnoticed no matter what he cooks, but it’s an extra special treat when he makes Watermelon Ribs. Whenever we run them as a weekly special, guests always remark how it’s the first time they’ve ever tried them. Try making these Southern-style sticky ribs for your next summer cookout. They are sure to be a hit!
9. CHEESECAKE WITH CAJUN BACON CARAMEL SAUCE
A true Southern delicacy, this spicy and sweet cheesecake is topped with a Cajun bacon and dreamed up by our talented Loveless Events chefs.
10. RED VELVET WAFFLES
We’re big fans of all things red velvet over here! So much so that we have declared that February is Red Velvet Month here at the Cafe. From our famous Red Velvet Chess pie to these delicious Red Velvet Waffles, if you have a sweet tooth, the Cafe is the place to be all Love Month long. Don’t feel like cookin’? We’ve got you covered with our Red Velvet Waffles & Pancake Mix.
11. SOUTHERN MACARONI & CHEESE
Everyone’s favorite side, our Southern Macaroni and Cheese is decadent enough to double as a standalone supper. Now you can recreate the same recipe that we’ve been serving for decades at the Loveless Cafe. Don’t worry, if you want to tell your friends that you came up with the recipe on your own, we’re fine with that too.
12. CHEDDAR GARLIC BISCUITS
There’s not much that makes our Southern hearts happy but biscuits, garlic, butter, and cheese! These Cheddar Garlic Biscuits are the perfect addition to any entree, or heck, make them the entree itself. We won’t tell.
13. ZESTY PEACH DIP
The Hostess with the Mostest called, she said you could borrow her recipe! Serve up this sweet, spicy, and seasonal dip that will impress the socks off of all of your guests at your next soiree.
14. BISCUIT BEIGNETS
It’s like having a little bit of New Orleans right here in Nashville whenever we make these beignets at home. These beignets are made using our signature Loveless Cafe Biscuit Mix, which gives an unmistakable Southern twist to the world-famous French Quarter fritter.
15. FRIED GREEN TOMATOES
Crispy, golden, and perfectly Southern, these Fried Green Tomatoes are made with Loveless Cafe Cornmeal Breading, the same mix we use and serve in our Nashville kitchen. Inspired by Annie Loveless’s original recipe, this classic dish delivers that signature crunch and homemade flavor that’s been a Loveless favorite for generations.
16. BREAKFAST PIZZA
This rise-and-shine dish stars our famous Loveless Cafe Biscuit Mix as the pizza dough. Make sure to set your alarm early for this one because when you start the day with pizza for breakfast, you know a great day lies ahead.
17. BBQ STUFFED CORN MUFFINS
Packed with pulled pork and cheddar cheese, these meal-worthy muffins make great sides and starters.
18. MAPLE BACON PANCAKE MUFFINS
These magnificent muffins are a signature creation of the Loveless Events team—and one of their most popular recipes. With just the right amounts of Maple Syrup and Maplewood Bacon, they’re the perfect balance of sweet and salty and guaranteed to go fast on any breakfast spread. So make a big batch because there will be a house full of early risers when these muffins are in the oven.
19. BANANA PUDDING
When we say homemade, we mean homemade. And this old-fashioned Banana Pudding recipe is no exception! You can lovingly prepare it in your kitchen the same way we’ve been making it at the Loveless Cafe for years.
20. APPLE BUTTER PUMPKIN BUNDT CAKE
This homemade bundt cake is a delicious fall treat! Loveless Cafe Apple Butter, pumpkin, and fresh apples make this unique cake incredibly enjoyable, especially with a fresh cup of coffee.
21. PEPPER RELISH DIP
Our old-fashioned Hot Pepper Relish is excellent on anything from hot dogs to pizza, but it’s much more than a mere condiment. When mixed with cream cheese, it creates an appetizer that’s sure to spice up any party. If you’re not a fan of spicy food, try making this dip with Loveless Cafe Sweet Pepper Relish.
22. BLACKBERRY BRUSCHETTA
One of the most popular passed appetizers from Loveless Events Catering, this exquisite Blackberry Bruschetta recipe uses classic Loveless Cafe Blackberry Preserves with an elegant and tasty twist!
23. SAUSAGE GRAVY
This savory Sausage Gravy is a natural companion for our biscuits. And it’s just as tasty spooned over grits, mashed potatoes, or, well, just about anything. So you might want to make enough to serve with supper, too!
24. CREAMY STRAWBERRY PRESERVES DIP
This strawberry dip is easy to make, and always goes fast! Switch it out with our Peach Preserves, Blackberry Preserves, Fig, or even an Apple Butter!
25. CALICO CORN RELISH DIP
No trip to the Cafe is complete without stopping by Hams & Jams Country Market for a jar of our Loveless Cafe Corn Relish. We recommend combining it with some of our Loveless Cafe Chicken Shake and Loveless Cafe Plain Ol’ Hot Sauce to create a highly addictive appetizer that is ideal for entertaining.
26. SOUTHERN TURNIP GREENS
While we use this technique for Turnip Greens at the Cafe, this recipe will work beautifully for collards, mustards, kale, or any other greens you might have on hand. Because greens can vary in bitterness with the season, this is a dish you’ll want to taste occasionally as you cook and adjust seasonings accordingly.
27. BACON APPLE PIE
Nope, that’s not a typo. We really do have a delicious Bacon Apple Pie recipe for you to try at home. It features a crispy bacon lattice top rather than a traditional pie dough lattice. The result—a sweet and salty miracle!
28. BLUEBERRY BISCUITS WITH LEMON GLAZE
A cross between a blueberry muffin and a biscuit topped with a smooth lemon glaze, these incredible breakfast pastries can also be served as dessert! Made with Loveless Cafe Biscuit Mix
29. PUMPKIN SPICE BISCUITS
This recipe adds festive fall flavor to our famous biscuits, making it the perfect reliever for pumpkin spice fever!
30. BBQ BACON DEVILED EGGS
This Southern-inspired twist on a classic appetizer celebrates the love affair of bacon and eggs, with a dash of Loveless Cafe Sweet with a Bite BBQ Sauce mixed in for good measure.
31. CREAMED CORN
This dish always earns rave reviews from our guests! Make it from scratch at home or let us handle the challenging part and just Heat n’ Eat with our frozen Creamed Corn!
32. PEACH GLAZED COUNTRY HAM
As delicious as it is decadent, this ham is a stunning centerpiece for any family gathering and can be made on the stovetop or in the oven. Using our Whole Country Ham and Peach Preserves, the ham can be prepared a day ahead, if desired.
33. CHOW CHOW POTATO SALAD
Made with our signature Chow Chow, there is nothing bland or boring about this potato salad. A quick and easy side, it has just the right amount of tang and is perfect for picnics.
34. CARAMEL SWEET POTATOES
A Thanksgiving staple, these sweet potatoes are too good to only eat one day a year. That’s why we serve them year-round at the Loveless Cafe. And now you can too!
35. CHOCOLATE CHIP BISCUITS
When you can’t decide between savory or sweet, these Chocolate Chip Biscuits are the perfect treat. And while it might be frowned upon to eat chocolate chip cookies for breakfast, no one bats an eye if they are served in biscuit form. At least here at the Loveless Cafe we don’t.
36. BACON-INFUSED BLOODY MARY
The sky is the limit when it comes to creative twists on the classic Bloody Mary, but we’re especially fond of making ours with bacon-infused vodka. And no Bloody Mary is complete without a delectable garnish, like our Applewood Smoked Country Bacon or Pickled Okra.
37. NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN
This just might be the most Music City meal ever! Start with Loveless Cafe’s Famous Fried Chicken, then toss it in our signature spicy sauce to make a truly authentic version of the iconic Nashville Hot Chicken.
38. BROWN SUGAR GLAZED CARROTS
These sliced carrots are simple enough to whip together for a quick weeknight side, but delicious enough to earn a coveted spot at the holiday dinner table. Created by our talented Loveless Events culinary team, they’ve become a fixture at shindigs of all styles in the Loveless Barn.
39. CRANBERRY BOURBON RELISH
A tad tipsier than your typical Cranberry Relish (thanks to the orange zest and bourbon), this tangy rendition of the holiday classic will take a prominent seat at your Thanksgiving table.
40. BLACK-EYED PEAS
These Southern-style Black-Eyed Peas, also known as Hoppin’ John, are believed to bring good luck and prosperity to those who eat them on New Year’s Day. We like to serve them with our Loveless Cafe Chow Chow and frankly, would be very happy eating them all year long.
41. PULLED PORK BBQ OMELET
A Cafe staple, our Pulled Pork BBQ Omelet is served every mornin’ for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Featuring our famous pulled pork, Sweet with a Bite BBQ Sauce, and plenty of cheese.
42. BACON BALSAMIC GLAZED BRUSSELS SPROUTS
Everything tastes better with bacon, right? Especially when it’s made with our signature Loveless Cafe Applewood Smoked Country Bacon. Created by our Loveless Events team, these sautéed Brussels Sprouts make a quick and easy side dish that is packed with flavor.
43. PEACH GLAZED PORK CHOP
The secret to making perfectly moist pork chops is in the brine. Our signature version features juniper berries and Loveless Cafe Peach-B-Q Rub, which gives the pork a pleasantly tart and slightly fruity flavor profile. Make sure you plan ahead though, because you’ll want to brine it for at least two days before cooking!
44. CHICKEN N’ DUMPLINGS
Just as we serve in the Loveless Cafe every Wednesday! Made with our famous biscuits, this classic dish inspires warmth, comfort, and maybe a nap or two after.
45. BLUE RIBBON SALAD
Worthy of a first-place finish, this salad can easily double as a starter or main dish. The veggie chips give it a great crunch that pairs to perfection with the peach vinaigrette dressing. To make it a meal, just add chicken or fish!
46. TOMATO CUCUMBER SALAD
The perfect summer side dish to enjoy during tomato season. Make it at home or enjoy at Loveless Cafe every single day!
47. BLACKBERRY BBQ CHICKEN HALVES
Blackberry Preserves aren’t just for biscuits. They make a great BBQ sauce that helps yield one of the juiciest chickens we’ve ever tasted. This berry-glazed bird pairs perfectly with creamed corn and hashbrown casserole. Plan well ahead though, this recipe requires brining the chicken for one to two days before cooking.
48. STRAWBERRY LEMONADE
If you could bottle up summer and serve it over ice, it would taste just like our Strawberry Lemonade. Made with Loveless Cafe Strawberry Preserves and fresh squeezed lemon juice, this refreshing beverage is best enjoyed in a rocking chair on a front porch on a sunny afternoon.
49. FRUIT TEA PUNCH
This refreshing Southern-style punch is a Nashville original that features a flavorful combination of lemon, orange, and cinnamon. Serve it as-is at any luncheon—or get creative and add some pineapple juice and dark rum to liven up the occasion. Cheers!
50. HOE CAKES
Make golden, crispy Loveless Cafe Hoe Cakes at home using the same Cornmeal Breading we use in our Nashville kitchen. This easy Southern recipe delivers that made-from-scratch flavor and perfect crunch that’s been a Loveless Cafe favorite for generations.
51. STEEPLECHASE PIE
Add Tennessee sipping whiskey and chocolate chips to a classic pecan pie and you have a Loveless Cafe creation like no other. It’s a must-eat during the Iroquois Steeplechase, a horse race held in Nashville annually since 1941 that attracts some of the world’s best horses and jockeys.
52. BUFFALO CHICKEN STUFFED BISCUITS
Buffalo chicken lovers, this one is for you! Perfect for game days, game nights, and anything in between.
53. MILLIONAIRE BACON
This “rich” bacon recipe will make you feel like a million bucks! Serve with your favorite breakfast items or elevate your BLT!
54. WHITE CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY BREAD PUDDING
An original recipe from the Loveless Events team, this baked pudding marries raspberries, bread, and white chocolate chips to create the holy trinity of decadent desserts.
55. OLD-FASHIONED SORGHUM COOKIES
These soft, old-fashioned sorghum cookies are the perfect afternoon snack with a cup of hot tea. Enjoy!
56. PEACH PRESERVES DUMP CAKE
If you’re looking for an incredible dessert that’s effortless to prepare, here it is! This rich and delectable dump cake made with Loveless Cafe Peach Preserves will be the talk of the party.
57. JAM BARS
Biscuits aren’t the only thing around here that we smother with Loveless Cafe Preserves. These jammin’ dessert bars are easy to prepare and perfect for parties.
58. GOO GOO PIE
For more than a century, Goo Goo Clusters have been a Nashville culinary staple enjoyed by millions of Music City visitors. Consisting of caramel, marshmallow nougat, roasted peanuts, and a chocolate covering, Goo Goo Clusters are famously known as America’s first combination candy bar. In celebration of their 100th anniversary some years ago, we created this pie which became an only-in-Nashville indulgence. That is, until you make it at home, of course!
59. PINEAPPLE UPSIDE-DOWN PANCAKES
Wow your friends and family with this simple twist on the classic pineapple upside-down cake. These pancakes are sure to be devoured at your next brunch gathering!
60. CINNAMON ROLL PANCAKES
If you’re a fan of cinnamon, you’re bound to fall in love with these decadent pancakes. Topped with a smooth cream cheese glaze, these flapjacks make a scrumptious breakfast!
61. STRAWBERRY BAKED SORGHUM
Treat your guests to this indulgent baked Brie dish, topped with Loveless Cafe Strawberry Preserves and Sorghum.
62. RICOTTA BISCUIT BOMBS
Mix biscuit dough with some ricotta cheese, fry into bite-sized balls, and voilà, your guests won’t know what hit them! They’re crunchy on the outside, and soft and fluffy on the inside.
63. PUMPKIN BUTTER BRIE
Move aside, pumpkin spice! Our Pumpkin Butter Brie is the flavor of the season. Spice up your charcuterie board this autumn with one of our holiday staples!
64. COUNTRY HAM QUICHE
This delicious quiche filled with country ham, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and sautéed onions is packed with flavor. Great for entertaining and for breakfast too!
65. CHICKEN N’ WAFFLES
Here’s a Southern staple that tastes just as good for breakfast as it does lunch or dinner. Made with our famous Fried Chicken Breading and Belgian Waffle Mix, this legendary Loveless Cafe pairing will have you licking your lips and going back for more!
66. FIG, ROSEMARY, & GOAT CHEESE TART
Looking for an easy, delicious appetizer for your family and friends… well here it is! We added our delicious Fig Preserves to this simple recipe that will not disappoint.
67. COUNTRY RANGOON WITH PEACH DUCK SAUCE
We filled wonton wrappers with our Sweet Pepper Relish and served them with a Peach Preserves duck sauce for a Southern twist on a delicious Asian appetizer!
68. BLACKBERRY MEATBALLS
Use Loveless Cafe Blackberry Preserves to give this classic party favorite a new spin! Every bite packs a flavorful punch!
69. BACON JAM
Bacon lovers will go crazy for this salty but sweet appetizer made with Applewood Bacon and Maple Syrup. Pair with perfectly toasted baguettes for the most delicious bite!
70. PEACH BBQ FLANK STEAK SALAD
Hearty yet healthy, this Peach BBQ Flank Steak Salad makes a delicious summer meal.
71. MEATLOAF
Always a fan favorite, our meatloaf’s magnificent allure comes from the signature Loveless Cafe Dry Rub and Loveless Cafe Sweet with a Bite BBQ Sauce.
72. BBQ BACON BURGER
This BBQ Bacon Burger recipe will have you stacking that Loveless Cafe Bacon high, and smothering our Sweet with a Bite BBQ Sauce all over!
73. FARMER’S LUNCH OPEN FACE BISCUIT
As part of our National Biscuit Month Celebration, the chefs in the Loveless Barn have created some new recipes using our Loveless Cafe Biscuit Mix. Try this idea for a delicious lunch.
74. SMOKIN’ PEACH WINGS
Our signature Peach BBQ Sauce and Peach-B-Q Rub lend just the right amount of fresh peachy flavor to these to-die-for wings! Caution: May require finger licking.
75. BLACK BEAN CORN SALSA
As pretty as it is delicious, this summertime salsa recipe made with Loveless Cafe Corn Relish is perfect for entertaining and bursting with flavor!