Banana Pancakes and 14 Other Recipes From Songs We Love

Posted on December 1, 2020 by Laura Grande

Popular foods have long inspired some of the world's greatest musical artists when it comes to penning award-winning (and sometimes even slightly scandalous) lyrics. And while some could certainly be labelled NSFW, there's no denying they're absolute bops – and when we're cooking in the kitchen, isn't that all we really want? From banana pancakes to rock lobster, here are 15 foods (and recipes!) that made a delicious cameo in the music world.

1 of 15

'Banana Pancakes' – Jack Johnson

 Who doesn't love <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/pancake-recipes-shrove-tuesday/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pancakes</a>? We know we can count Jack Johnson as a fan of the breakfast staple. The singer-songwriter gets us in a "lazy Sunday" mood with his lyrics: "Maybe we could sleep in/Make you banana pancakes/Pretend like its the weekend now." Sounds perfect, doesn't it? For more inspiration from recipes in pop culture, check out these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/fun-with-food/photos/fried-green-tomatoes-other-recipes-from-movies/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">recipes from hit movies</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/3-ingredient-gluten-free-banana-pancakes/19681/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">3-Ingredient Gluten-Free Banana Pancakes</a>
2 of 15

'Biscuits' – Kacey Musgrave

 "Mind your own biscuits and life will be gravy," country singer (and Grammy winner) Kacey Musgrave reminds us in her hit single. We appreciate the message, but it also makes our stomachs growl. So go ahead and dance around the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">kitchen</a> as you prep your own <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/photos/buttery-homemade-biscuit-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">biscuit</a>-inspired recipe – gravy optional. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/biscuit-egg-in-a-hole/22229/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Biscuit Egg-in-a-Hole</a>
3 of 15

'Buttered Popcorn' – The Supremes

 This jam from 1962 might not be one of The Supremes' most iconic hits, but it sure is catchy – and will make you crave a bowl of popcorn in all it's "greasy, sticky, gooey, salty" glory. Check out these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/kitchen-basics/photos/how-to-revive-stale-food/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">magical methods for reviving stale food, from popcorn to bread</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/roman-popcorn/19735/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Roman Popcorn</a>
4 of 15

'Collard Greens and Cornbread' – Fantasia

 The former American Idol star sets our stomachs growling with this R&B slow jam about a love-sick woman hung up on a man who "even got the nerve to say I'm better than my momma/Collard greens and cornbread yeah." First time making cornbread? Try <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/kitchen-basics/blog/how-to-make-butter-buttermilk-cornbread/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this simple version</a>. Find more <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/iconic-southern-comfort-food-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">iconic Southern comfort food, from cornbread to fried chicken</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/delicious-miss-brown/blog/kardea-brown-pan-fried-collard-greens/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kardea Brown’s Pan Fried Garlicky Collard Greens</a>
5 of 15

'Strawberry Fields' – The Beatles

 There's just something about this classic Beatles tune that reminds us of carefree summer days. Add it to your list of cooking songs and break out the apron to concoct a plethora of strawberry-inspired recipes, from <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/strawberry-meringue-tart/11003/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">meringue tarts</a> and <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/crushed-strawberry-pomegranate-and-elderflower-cordial-sorbet/14668/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sorbet</a> to <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/strawberry-granola-pancakes/17673/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pancakes</a> and <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/strawberry-cobbler/20035/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">cobblers</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/strawberry-shortbread-jammy-bars/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Strawberry Shortbread Jammy Bars</a>
6 of 15

'Tangerine' – Led Zeppelin

 The iconic British quartet allegedly penned this song about the sun (the titular "tangerine") and the passage of time. Despite its melancholy backstory, it also makes us crave the juicy citrus fruit. Incorporate it into some of your favourite Thai dishes or desserts for a sweet, citrus take. Not sure where to start? Try these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/photos/tropical-inspired-desserts-for-winter-blues/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">tropical desserts that'll make you forget it's winter</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/crispy-tangerine-chili-chikun-lettuce-wraps/15258/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Crispy Tangerine Chili Chik'un Lettuce Wraps</a>
7 of 15

'Blueberry Hill' – Fats Domino

 Time travel back to the 1950s and add this classic Fats Domino song to your cooking tunes collection. The rock-and-roll pioneer climbed the charts with this gem and, although it has been recorded countless times since, his version remains the absolute best. Hit play and pay tribute to the song with some of <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/in-season/photos/sweet-blueberry-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">our sweetest blueberry recipes</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cheesecake-stuffed-blueberry-muffin/21475/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cheesecake-Stuffed Blueberry Muffin</a>
8 of 15

'Milkshake' – Kelis

 This song was everywhere in the summer of 2003, and we weren't mad about it. Raise your hand if this bop still immediately comes to mind if someone mentions a milkshake? It's pretty much a given that Kelis' chart-topper be added to your cooking playlist, so what are you waiting for? Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/stout-and-caramel-milkshakes/19929/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Valerie Bertinelli's Stout and Caramel Milkshakes</a>
Unsplash

9 of 15

'Rock Lobster' – B-52's

 We love a good food-related song that is actually, you know, about the titular food. Such is the case with this 1978 charmer from The B-52's that has us craving a homemade lobster dish: "We were at the beach/Everybody had matching towels/Somebody went under a dock/And there they saw a rock/It wasn't a rock/It was a rock lobster." Prefer takeout? These <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/food-network-insider/photos/canadian-restaurants-boycotting-lobster-support-mikmaq-fisheries/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Canadian restaurants are boycotting lobster in support of Mi’kmaq fisheries</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/lobster-mac-n-cheese/15104/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lobster Mac 'n' Cheese</a>
10 of 15

'American Pie' – Don McLean

 Is there anything more comforting that an <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/the-pioneer-woman/photos/pioneer-woman-apple-desserts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">apple pie</a>, fresh from the oven? (The answer is no.) Whether you're trying your hand at <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">baking</a> for the first time ever or you're a seasoned pro, listen to this Don McLean classic to help you get in the right headspace. Get inspired by <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/photos/all-time-favourite-pie-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">our all-time favourite pie recipes</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/deep-dish-apple-pie/18859/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ina Garten's Deep-Dish Apple Pie</a>
11 of 15

'Peaches' – The President of the United States of America

 "Millions of peaches, peaches for me," was a familiar refrain in 1995 thanks to this catchy ditty. Whether they're in season or from a can, there's plenty to work with when it comes to recipes. Start with these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/in-season/photos/sweet-savoury-peach-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sweet and savoury desserts</a>. Get the recipe for this <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/peach-plum-cobbler/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Peach Plum Cobbler</a>
12 of 15

'Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme' – Simon and Garfunkel

 This soothing 1966 song from the iconic folk duo sets the perfect vibe for crafting an herbaceous dessert or breakfast muffin using all three key ingredients mentioned in the song. It'll give you all the mellow vibes you need. For more, check out <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/the-ultimate-herb-guide-varieties-and-best-uses/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">our ultimate herb guide</a> or learn about the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/best-herbs-medicinal-plants-grow-home-1936580/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">best herbs and medicinal plants to grow in your home</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/pumpkin-feta-sage-muffins/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Savoury Pumpkin, Feta & Sage Muffins</a>
13 of 15

'Mashed Potato Time' – Dee Dee Sharp

 Although the "mashed potato" was a popular dance craze in the 1960s, it's also everyone's favourite go-to side dish. Up the energy in your kitchen by doing the "mashed potato" while... making mashed potatoes! Find more <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/perfect-potato-side-dishes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">perfect potato side dishes to elevate your spuds</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/garlicky-potato-rutabaga-mash/22966/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Garlicky Potato-Rutabaga Mash</a>
14 of 15

'Pork and Beans' – Weezer

 "I'll eat my candy with the pork and beans/Excuse my manners if I make a scene." This ode to being true to your quirky self also happens to be a delicious <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">comfort food</a> classic. We're drooling just thinking about it. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/campfire-beans/16237/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Campfire Beans</a>
15 of 15

'Okra' – Tyler, the Creator

 Considered a "throwaway song" by the artist himself, this 2018 hip hop single has next to nothing to do with the edible flowering plant – but that doesn't mean it still can't work as a cooking song. Although the lyrics are NSFW, all the scrumptious dishes inspired by the song title certainly are. Bon appetit! Looking for a new kitchen project? Check out these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/kitchen-basics/photos/things-you-didnt-know-you-could-pickle/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">things you didn't know you could pickle, from avocado to okra</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/bbq/blog/charred-okra-tomato-steak-salad/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Charred Okra, Tomato and Steak Salad</a>
Start Over

Next Gallery