Chess pie

Chess pie is a traditional Southern American pie known for its dense, sweet, and slightly tangy custard filling. The filling is typically made with flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and either vinegar, lemon juice, or buttermilk to provide the characteristic tang. Cornmeal is sometimes included, though recipes vary regionally.

While the exact origins of the name "chess pie" are unclear, several theories exist. One common explanation suggests the name stems from cooks being asked what kind of pie they were making, to which they responded "It's jes' pie" (just pie), which was then corrupted to "chess pie." Another theory suggests the pie was stored in a "chest" or pie chest due to its ability to remain relatively stable at room temperature. Yet another explanation derives from the use of "cheese" in older recipes to describe the custard-like texture of the filling.

Chess pie is generally baked in a single pie crust. It is often served plain, but can also be topped with whipped cream or fresh fruit. The pie is considered a simple and comforting dessert. Variations include chocolate chess pie, lemon chess pie, and buttermilk chess pie, achieved by adding relevant flavoring ingredients to the basic recipe.