Three Haunted Dishes Inspired by Savannah’s Ghost Stories

Savannah, Georgia, is known for its historic charm, rich Southern cuisine, and, of course, its ghosts. Whether you’re strolling through the city’s historic squares, staying at a haunted inn, or joining one of the Savannah ghost tours, you’ll find that every corner of this city has a story to tell.

For food lovers who enjoy a side of the supernatural with their meals, why not bring Savannah’s haunted history to your table? These three eerie yet delicious dishes are inspired by some of the city’s most famous ghost stories, making them perfect for a haunted dinner night. Whether you’re planning a date night with a spooky twist (one of the most romantic things to do in Savannah) or looking for fun things to do in Savannah, these ghostly recipes will transport you straight to the haunted heart of the South.

1. Gracie’s Ghostly Shrimp & Grits

Inspired by Gracie Watson of Bonaventure Cemetery

One of the most famous spirits in Savannah is Gracie Watson, the young girl whose statue stands watch over her grave in Bonaventure Cemetery. Born in 1883, Gracie was beloved by everyone in the city before her tragic death at just six years old. Many visitors claim to see her spirit near her grave, and some say they hear the sound of a child laughing in the wind.

This Savannah ghost tour staple is the perfect inspiration for a comforting, Southern classic: shrimp and grits. This version adds a ghostly twist—white cheddar grits with smoky shrimp, representing the misty, eerie beauty of Bonaventure at dawn.

Recipe: Gracie’s Ghostly Shrimp & Grits

Serves 4

Ingredients

For the Grits:

• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 4 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup andouille sausage, diced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

1. Prepare the grits: Bring water (or broth) to a boil, then slowly whisk in the grits. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes until creamy. Stir in butter, cheese, and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the shrimp: In a skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add andouille sausage and cook until browned. Add garlic, paprika, and cayenne, cooking for 1 minute.
3. Add the shrimp: Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, then deglaze the pan with chicken broth and lemon juice. Stir well and let simmer for another 2 minutes.
4. Assemble: Spoon the grits onto plates and top with shrimp and sauce. Garnish with green onions and serve immediately.

This dish captures the comforting warmth of Savannah’s cuisine while paying homage to one of its most beloved ghosts.

2. The Lady in Grey’s Midnight Bisque

Inspired by The Ghost of the Marshall House

The Marshall House, one of Savannah’s most haunted hotels, is famous for its Lady in Grey, a spectral figure who roams the halls at night. Guests have reported seeing her standing near their beds or gliding through doorways. Some say she’s the spirit of a Civil War nurse, tending to soldiers who once occupied the building.

For a dish as eerie and elegant as the Lady in Grey herself, we’re making a midnight-colored crab bisque. The secret ingredient? A touch of squid ink to give it a haunting, smoky-black hue—reminiscent of the ghostly figure seen in the hallways of the Marshall House.

Recipe: The Lady in Grey’s Midnight Bisque

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups seafood stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 lb lump crab meat
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp squid ink (optional, for color)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped chives for garnish

Instructions

1. Sauté the aromatics: In a pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until translucent.
2. Make the roux: Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, then slowly add seafood stock while whisking.
3. Add flavor: Stir in white wine, heavy cream, smoked paprika, and squid ink. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add the crab: Gently fold in crab meat, seasoning with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
5. Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with chives.

This ghostly bisque is rich, mysterious, and unforgettable—just like a night at the Marshall House.

3. Anna’s Haunted Honey Cake

Inspired by Anna of 17Hundred90 Inn

The 17Hundred90 Inn is home to Anna, a ghostly woman who is said to have died of heartbreak. Legend has it she fell from the third-floor balcony after her lover left her. Guests staying in Room 204 often report mysterious sensations—like the feeling of someone brushing their hair or gently tucking them in at night.

Anna’s story calls for a dessert both sweet and sorrowful: a dark honey cake with warm spices and a hint of ghostly mystery. This old-fashioned cake is rich, dense, and perfect for a night of telling ghost stories.

Recipe: Anna’s Haunted Honey Cake

Serves 8

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp cloves
• 1 cup honey
• 1 cup strong black tea, cooled
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Set to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix honey, tea, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
4. Combine and bake: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, stirring until smooth. Pour into the pan and bake for 45-50 minutes.
5. Cool and serve: Let cool completely, then dust with powdered sugar.

This cake is sweet, spiced, and just a little dark—just like Anna’s lingering presence at 17Hundred90 Inn.

Bringing Savannah’s Haunted History to Your Table

If you’re looking for romantic things to do in Savannah, a haunted-themed dinner inspired by the city’s ghost stories is the perfect idea. Whether you prepare these dishes before heading on a Savannah ghost tour or enjoy them after a spooky night at one of the city’s haunted inns, they bring Savannah’s supernatural charm straight to your kitchen.

Want to experience these haunted legends firsthand? Book one of the Haunted Savannah Tours and then recreate these eerie recipes for a night you’ll never forget. After all, in Savannah, the ghosts aren’t just in the stories—they might just be joining you for dinner.