Elvis' 9 Favorite Southern Comfort Foods

1. Fried peanut butter and banana sandwich

If it's not the memorable hits, magnetic charm, or rhythmic dance moves that keep Elvis in our hearts, it's his fascination with a unique sandwich that requires an entire loaf of bread. Once featured on the menu of the now-closed Colorado Mine Company, the Fool's Gold Loaf was a hollowed-out sourdough loaf stuffed with creamy peanut butter, strawberry jam, and crispy bacon. Presley adored this substantial sandwich so much that he once boarded his private jet and flew from Tennessee to the Denver restaurant just to indulge his craving, returning home the same night.

Of course, Presley had his own take on the sandwich, allowing him to enjoy a similar flavor whenever he pleased. Known by the nickname he gave it, his peanut butter and banana sandwich included nearly the same ingredients as the Fool's Gold Loaf: peanut butter and banana sandwiched between two slices of bread. There's some debate about whether the King's favorite version included bacon, but many recipes online have opted to include it. Regardless of the bacon, the entire creation is then fried in a skillet, resulting in a warm, gooey, yet crispy delight.

2. Deviled eggs

Few ingredients are as adaptable as eggs. Whether scrambled, sunny side up, boiled, or poached, there are countless ways to savor this poultry staple. In various parts of the world, particularly in the South, one popular preparation is deviled eggs. These egg whites, filled and garnished with an array of ingredients like mayonnaise, mustard, and various seasonings, are often served at events such as church gatherings and holiday celebrations. Legend has it that they even made an appearance at the feasts of iconic figures like Elvis Presley and the Beatles.

It is said that Presley met the Beatles only once, during a late-night visit to his Los Angeles home. This encounter, marked by reportedly awkward exchanges between the British musicians and the Southern star, included a spontaneous jam session and, undoubtedly, a break for a late-night snack. The musical legends shared several dishes together, including bacon-wrapped chicken livers, crab, and meatballs, with deviled eggs being a staple on the menu. One can only imagine that if Elvis were alive today, he would have been a fan of the deviled egg flight trend taking over TikTok.

3. Meatloaf and mashed potatoes

We've all experienced our share of fleeting food obsessions, whether it's the DIY version of TikTok's peelable mango gummies or the viral buttery onion boil trend. However, Elvis Presley's passion was focused on a dish that has stood the test of time. The King of Rock wasn't captivated by an unusual ice cream flavor or a trendy candy; instead, it was the classic combination of meatloaf and mashed potatoes that he simply couldn't resist.

According to Priscilla Presley, Elvis's former wife, the musician enjoyed this pairing so much that he had it for dinner every single day for six months. In a recent Instagram video featuring Angie Marchese, Graceland's Vice President of Archives and Exhibits, alongside Chef Daniel Clark, they showcased the preparation of Sunday Meatloaf. A notable ingredient highlighted in the meatloaf is half a cup of wheat germ. While Clark refers to it as a "filler" ingredient, he also emphasized that wheat germ is not only a natural source of fiber and protein but also adds a sweet, toasty flavor.

4. Coconut cake

From pre-packaged carrot cakes to freshly baked chocolate delights, a stroll through a bakery or the grocery store aisles usually showcases all the traditional cake flavors. You’re unlikely to miss out on popular choices like red velvet or vanilla. If you happen to be in the South, don’t forget to include coconut cake on your list. This dessert is a beloved staple in the southern United States, cherished for its fluffy layer of white frosting and generous sprinkle of coconut flakes.

Elvis Presley was among those who adored coconut cake. For the most part, that is. While he cherished his mother’s coconut cake, he preferred it without any icing or glaze, opting instead for grated coconut layered between the cake. However, those who recreate the recipe today can enhance the sweetness and achieve a creamier texture by incorporating that missing frosting.

5. Banana pudding

In a perfect world, individuals would have the opportunity to spend their final days doing exactly what they desire, whether that means being with loved ones or adventuring in the great outdoors. Sometimes, it also involves relishing in beloved pastimes one last time. Elvis Presley experienced this before his untimely death from a heart attack in 1977, enjoying a serving of his cherished banana pudding just days before the tragic event.

Just hours before the singer's passing, he had a late-night (or rather, early morning) craving. At 3 a.m., he reached out to Marian Cocke, a friend and nurse he had met during a hospital stay, asking her to bring over the banana pudding she had made, which he adored. Even Elvis' daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, inherited her father's passion for the dessert.

Graceland's Chef Daniel Clark revealed in a video tutorial, alongside Angie Marchese, how to make Presley-style banana pudding, which he likes to prepare in abundance when Lisa Marie visits. The recipe features multiple layers of vanilla wafers, banana slices, and pudding, all topped with a generous layer of light and fluffy meringue before being baked in the oven.

6. Biscuits

Among the many dishes that define Southern cuisine, biscuits hold a special place. Their rich, buttery taste paired with a soft yet flaky texture makes them ideal for a variety of recipes. Imagine classic buttermilk biscuits served with sausage cream gravy, or using biscuit halves as a crust for chicken pot pie. As many know, they also serve as a delightful side, perfectly complementing fried chicken. Elvis Presley himself had a fondness for them in various forms.

Mary Jenkins Langston, Presley's cook for 14 years, recounted that he would enjoy biscuits fried in butter alongside four scrambled eggs and sausage patties for breakfast, with bacon making an occasional appearance. To mix things up, she would sometimes fill the butter-fried biscuits with sausage. A staple of the King's morning meal, it’s no surprise that the Graceland kitchen was always stocked with at least six cans of biscuits.

7. Krystal burgers

Even those fortunate enough to have a personal chef can't resist the allure and convenience of fast food. Elvis Presley was no different. After all, when you're living the hectic life of a rock star, there's nothing wrong with grabbing a quick and satisfying meal that’s ready in minutes. Presley experienced this firsthand at Krystal, a Southern chain primarily found in Georgia and Tennessee.

In fact, the Krystal location he often visited is located on none other than Elvis Presley Boulevard, just a stone's throw from Graceland. Much like White Castle, this establishment is famous for its small, square sliders, which the "Jailhouse Rock" singer undoubtedly relished during his time. His love for the restaurant dates back to 1954, when he was interviewed by radio host DJ "Daddy-O" Dewey Phillips. After their broadcast, the two ordered 100 sliders and distributed them to the large crowd of fans eager to catch a glimpse of the then-unknown singer.

8. Barbecue pork pizza

Krystal wasn't the only restaurant that Elvis frequented. He also had a fondness for Coletta's Italian Restaurant, a family-friendly spot located in Memphis, Tennessee. While the menu boasts a variety of Italian classics like tortellini soup, chicken parmesan, and cannolis, it wasn't any of these dishes that captured Presley's heart and brought him back every week. Instead, it was a Southern-inspired creation: the original barbecue pizza.

This pizza features barbecue sauce, cheese, and pulled pork as its toppings. It quickly became a best-seller after its introduction, and more importantly, it received the King's seal of approval. This was particularly noteworthy since the pizza wasn't Elvis's first choice; his preferred options were unavailable at the time. However, this turned out to be a stroke of luck for Coletta's, as he quickly developed a love for the barbecue pizza. The very room where Presley and his entourage enjoyed their meals is now known as "The Elvis Room" in his honor. Its walls are proudly decorated with a collection of memorabilia, including photos, posters, newspaper clippings, and an autographed receipt from the legendary entertainer himself.

9. Cornbread

Despite his fame as a celebrity, Elvis Presley had a surprisingly simple taste in food. While he was known to occasionally indulge in entire cakes or devour several sandwiches at once, he didn't crave extravagant dishes like caviar or tomahawk steaks. Instead, he preferred straightforward options like cornbread.

Cornbread became a favorite late-night snack for Presley. He would often sneak into the kitchen during the wee hours to enjoy some of the sweet bread, which he liked to dip into buttermilk. Chef Mary Jenkins Langston's recipe for the cornbread she prepared for him called for baking it until it reached a golden brown hue, creating a delightful contrast between the crispy exterior and the creamy buttermilk that surely satisfied his late-night cravings.