We found the best recipes from Florida—all submitted by local home cooks. This mix of light appetizers, marinated mains and, of course, lots of citrus, will give you the perfect taste of the Sunshine State.
The Best Recipes from Florida
Updated on Feb. 25, 2022
1/24
Kumquat Marmalade
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
7 half-pints
From the Recipe Creator:
I didn't even know what a kumquat was until my husband and I discovered them in southern Florida. Now I love using them for marmalade. I always get carried away making it and am happy to share! —Faye Robinson, Pensacola, Florida
2/24
Key Lime Trifle
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I saw a recipe for banana cream pie trifle I was inspired to invent a version than spun off my favorite pie, Key lime. My family loved it! Some friends got to try it, too, and they enjoyed immensely as well. —Rebecah Lytle, Ocala, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 689 calories, 51g fat (27g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 319mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (43g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
3/24
Grilled Honey-Lime Chicken
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Make-ahead marinade is your best friend when feeding a crowd. This one for grilled chicken is good to know and very easy to memorize. —Marybeth Wright, Maitland, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 1 chicken breast half: 286 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 476mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
4/24
Lemon Orange Cake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to bake this lovely three-layer lemon and orange cake instead of a more traditional pie for Thanksgiving. It has that tangy Florida citrus flavor and isn't any more difficult to make than a two-layer cake. —Norma Poole, Auburndale, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 740 calories, 29g fat (16g saturated fat), 151mg cholesterol, 465mg sodium, 114g carbohydrate (86g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
5/24
Grilled Barbecued Chicken
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It's fun for me to have my family members together so I can prepare their favorite foods, like this saucy barbecued chicken. The juicy, tender recipe always brings enthusiastic compliments from our four grown children and three grandkids. —Barbara Blickens Derfer, Edgewater, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 476 calories, 26g fat (14g saturated fat), 190mg cholesterol, 1147mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 50g protein.
6/24
Citrus Mini Cakes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These moist, bite-size muffins from Linda Terrell of Palatka, Florida are melt-in-your-mouth good. "With their appealing look, they really dress up a party table," she notes. The recipe makes a big batch, so there's plenty to please a crowd.
Nutrition Facts:
2 mini cakes: 131 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
7/24
Grapefruit Meringue Pie
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There's a grapefruit tree in our backyard, so I like to use fresh grapefruit juice when I make this pie. I just love the unique citrus flavor of this dessert. —Barbara Soliday, Winter Haven, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 433 calories, 16g fat (10g saturated fat), 107mg cholesterol, 204mg sodium, 68g carbohydrate (48g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
8/24
Buttery Coconut Bars
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My coconut bars are an American version of a Filipino coconut cake called bibingka. These are a crispier, sweeter take on the Christmas tradition I grew up with. —Denise Nyland, Panama City, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 211 calories, 12g fat (8g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 166mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
9/24
Gulf Coast Jambalaya Rice
Total Time
3 hours 35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As the stew of the South, jambalaya is a definite staple. For ages, home cooks have been making their own tweaks on the traditional recipe. This rendition is my favorite. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 395 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 861mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.
10/24
Macaroon Ice Cream Torte
Total Time
20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves frozen treats. With chocolate four ways, this one is so beautiful, people think it came from an ice cream shop. —Barbara Carlucci, Orange Park, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece (calculated without fudge topping): 341 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 110mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
11/24
Beef Carnitas
Total Time
8 hours 40 min
Servings
16 servings plus 1/4 cup leftover spice mixture
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this beef carnitas recipe while trying to figure out what I could do with a pot roast that had been in the freezer. Now I keep the rub in a plastic bag, ready and waiting in my cupboard, and I can get the roast in the slow cooker in less than 15 minutes. —Ann Piscitelli, Nokomis, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 carnita (calculated without optional toppings): 415 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 830mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein.
12/24
Turkey Burgers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These juicy, tender patties on whole wheat buns make a wholesome, satisfying sandwich. We especially like to make grilled turkey burgers, but you could also pan-fry them. —Sherry Hulsman, Elkton, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 293 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 561mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
13/24
Orange Cookies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I usually make these bite-sized orange cookies at Christmastime, when Florida citrus is plentiful, but they're delicious any time of year. Every time I sniff their wonderful aroma, I remember my grandmother, who shared the recipe. —Lori DiPietro, New Port Richey, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 87 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 47mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
14/24
Lemony Shrimp & Tomatoes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 kabobs (1/2 cup sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe for my family because they love grilled shrimp. I love it because it's quick, delicious and good for us. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob with 2 tablespoons sauce: 147 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 140mg cholesterol, 475mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
15/24
Bananas Foster Oatmeal
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This oatmeal tastes like bananas Foster, my favorite dessert. If you can’t find rum extract, double the vanilla. —Carol Touchton, Seffner, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 561 calories, 28g fat (16g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 529mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 6g fiber), 9g protein.
16/24
Microwave Pickles
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You can enjoy a small batch of these sweet crunchy pickles anytime without the work of traditional canning methods. They're loaded with flavor and so easy to make. —Marie Wladyka, Land O'Lakes, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 115 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 395mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
17/24
Cherry Tomato Bites
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Cherry tomatoes may be small, but these are full of amazing flavor. Plus, they add color to any table. —Rev. David Bostedt, Zephyrhills, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3 each: 72 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 85mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
18/24
Maple-Glazed Apple Pie
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Even though we've lived in Florida for three years, I still feel like a Vermonter. My parents send us a bushel of Vermont apples each fall, and we try to visit in the spring to do some sugaring. —Patricia Putnam, Lakeland, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 525 calories, 25g fat (10g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 325mg sodium, 73g carbohydrate (41g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
19/24
Grilled Pineapple Chimichurri Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Classic chimichurri gets a Hawaiian twist thanks to pineapple and macadamia nuts. For a spicier version, substitute red serrano pepper for the bell pepper. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with about 1/4 cup sauce : 428 calories, 24g fat (3g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 686mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 37g protein.
20/24
Mini Key Lime and Coconut Pies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Savor the flavor of Key Lime Pie with these individual muffin-size treats. They're great when you need to serve a large group.—Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 pie: 231 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 120mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
21/24
One-Pot Spinach Beef Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings (about 2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My idea of a winning weeknight meal is this beefy soup simmering in one big pot. Grate some Parmesan and pass the saltines. —Julie Davis, Jacksonville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 258 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 909mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
22/24
Black Bean Tart
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This colorful dish was a hit at a get-together I had for friends. I served the tart with sour cream on the side, a green salad and crusty bread. —Ellen Papa, Miami, Florida.
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 346 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 752mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.
23/24
Green Onion Rolls
Total Time
50 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Better double the batch! These savory, elegant rolls will disappear fast. —Jane Kroeger, Key Largo, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 142 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 415mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
24/24
Country Chuck Roast with Mushroom Gravy
Total Time
2 hours 35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This tender, savory roast practically melts in your mouth. It looks a bit complex, but the hands-free oven time makes it my go-to company recipe on a cold day. —Mary Kay LaBrie, Clermont, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked beef with 1/3 cup gravy: 326 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 750mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 30g protein.
