Whether it’s a laid-back backyard BBQ or a cozy Sunday dinner, these 15 Southern recipes are the perfect fit. They bring all the classic comfort and bold flavors you need to make any gathering feel like a celebration. You don’t have to worry about complicated dishes—these recipes are all about keeping it simple and delicious. They’re big on taste and easy to share. With these Southern dishes, you’ll always be ready to host a meal that everyone will remember.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
If you’ve got a craving for something flavorful but want to keep things simple, consider this recipe that lets your air fryer do the heavy lifting. With Air Fryer BBQ Chicken, you get that smoky barbecue flavor without the need to fire up the grill. It’s perfect for when you want to enjoy some good old BBQ vibes with minimal cleanup. You’ll find these chicken pieces are just the right combination of juicy inside and crispy outside.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Sometimes it’s the sides that steal the show. Now imagine a side dish that sits patiently, absorbing all the rich, tasty flavors over several hours – that’s Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans for you. This dish lets you focus on your main meal prep while it simmers to perfection without any fuss. It’s the kind of side that reminds you of long, lazy Sundays with family. When dinner rolls around, these green beans come out tasting like they are tended to all day.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
For those special dinners that ask for a standout main course, turn to an option that balances sweet with tasty in a way that’s sure to get noticed. Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham takes center stage on the table, combining rich meatiness with a caramelized glaze that hints at tropical sweetness. It’s a festive choice that looks as impressive as it tastes. Gatherings big or small will appreciate how this dish manages to feel both special and like a warm hug.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
Crockpot Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Who doesn’t love the simplicity of a meal that basically cooks itself? Crockpot Slow Cooker Taco Soup is a one-pot wonder, brimming with flavors that remind you of your favorite taco but in a comforting bowl of soup. It’s a hit when you need something warm and inviting, especially when the crowd is a mix of palates and preferences. Pull out the bowls and ladles and watch everyone scoop up seconds. This is community-style cooking at its finest.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Bringing a touch of Southern comfort to your table is easy when you’ve got a recipe that’s all about homestyle indulgence. This Shrimp and Grits Casserole layers textures and flavors in a hearty, gratifying way that fills you up and warms your heart. It’s a little bit country, a little bit sophisticated, and completely delicious. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a cozy dinner, it brings smiles all around.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Air Fryer Steak Bites
Hosting last-minute guests or looking for a quick protein fix? Time to fire up the air fryer again for some Air Fryer Steak Bites. They cook up so quickly, you’ll barely have time to set the table. Once done, you’ve got pieces of steak that are all about that charred edge and tender center. It’s casual dining with a touch of elegance, and absolutely no grill is necessary.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Steak Bites
Southern-Style Broccoli Salad
When you’re after a side dish that brings its A-game in the crunch and flavor department, look no further. Southern-Style Broccoli Salad is a welcome addition to any feast, introducing a fresh element with its crisp textures. It shines alongside heavier dishes, bringing balance to your plate. Plus, it’s a cinch to put together, leaving you more time to mingle and enjoy the occasion. Even the pickiest eaters might be going back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Southern-Style Broccoli Salad
Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Sourdough Bowl
There’s something about serving up a warm soup in an edible bowl that feels downright luxurious. Tuck into Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Sourdough Bowl and experience that meld of creamy, cheesy goodness with a slight sour tang from the bread. It’s comfort in a bowl — or rather, comfort that is the bowl. Ideal for those chillier evenings or when you want dinner to be a hug in food form. No dishes to wash afterward since you get to eat the bowl!
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Sourdough Bowl
Southern Ham Salad
If you’re in the camp that believes leftovers are a treasure trove of potential, you’ll appreciate a spread that transforms yesterday’s meal into today’s star. Southern Ham Salad is your go-to here, perfect for slathering on crackers or stuffing into sandwiches. It’s a resourceful way to revisit a classic favorite, and it encourages a bit of creativity in the kitchen with add-ins and tweaks. This dish champions the no-waste philosophy.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad
Sweet Potato Casserole
Imagine a side dish that doubles as the talk of the table and an indulgent treat. That’s where Sweet Potato Casserole comes into play, with its smooth interior and crunchy top. It’s a culinary hug full of warmth and sweetness, embraced by families especially during celebratory meals. This dish does double duty: it appeases both side dish lovers and those with a sweet tooth. It’s tailor-made for sharing and sure to disappear fast from the serving dish.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole
Crockpot Slowcooker Rump Roast
Pulling off a melt-in-your-mouth roast without spending the entire day in the kitchen is no small feat. Luckily, Crockpot Slowcooker Rump Roast has got you covered. This dish allows you to ‘set it and forget it,’ freeing you up to tackle the rest of your to-do list. When mealtime rolls around, you’re presented with a main course that’s been tenderized and infused with deep flavor over several hours.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Slowcooker Rump Roast
Southern Crack Chicken Casserole
When you need a dish that’s sure to please a variety of tastes, there’s a casserole that’s equal parts creamy, hearty, and downright irresistible. Enter Southern Crack Chicken Casserole. It’s known for causing guests to linger around the dinner table, tasting every bite and perhaps negotiating for the last scoop. It’s a hearty all-in-one meal that shines at potlucks, family dinners, or any gathering calling for stick-to-your-ribs deliciousness.
Get the Recipe: Southern Crack Chicken Casserole
Creamy Mashed Cauliflower
For those looking to lighten up their sides without sacrificing creaminess or flavor, this is your answer. Creamy Mashed Cauliflower stands in as a fantastic alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. It’s a versatile accompaniment that marries well with a variety of main dishes, offering a lighter touch. You may be surprised at how gratifying it can be, and even skeptics will be won over by its comforting texture and taste.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Cauliflower
Pineapple Casserole
Unlikely pairings can yield the most delicious surprises, especially in the world of casseroles. When sweet meets tasty in a dish like Pineapple Casserole, your palate is in for a treat. It’s a side that’s a conversational piece, blending fruitiness with a comforting, hearty base. It defies expectations and often leaves guests asking for the recipe. Bring it to the table, and watch as curiosity turns into a whole new fanbase for this unique dish.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Casserole
Southern Sausage Cheese Balls
Perfect for snacking or as an appetizer at your next gathering, these bite-sized morsels pack a punch. Southern Sausage Cheese Balls are a blend of spiced, tasty flavors that come together for an irresistible snack. They’re great for keeping guests happy while the main meal is prepped, or just as a treat to accompany your favorite cold beverage. They’re easy to pop in your mouth, but be warned – they disappear just as easily!
Get the Recipe: Southern Sausage Cheese Balls
