If you’re looking to turn any meal into a feast, these 13 Southern dishes have got your back. They’re the kind of food that fills the table and leaves everyone feeling full, happy, and a little bit proud. Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or just feeding your family, these dishes will make it feel like a celebration. Forget about plain meals—these dishes are packed with everything you need to make your meal feel extra special.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
When you’re craving something crispy on the outside but soft and juicy within, there’s one classic that always hits the spot. It’s a staple in Southern kitchens where it’s not just food; it’s a piece of heritage served on a plate. That’s Buttermilk Fried Chicken for you. Surprisingly simple yet packed with flavor, it brings the family together like few other dishes can. Forget what you think you know about fried chicken until you’ve tried this – it’s a game changer.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Southern Sausage Cheese Balls
Imagine little bites of heaven that pack a punch of flavor with every bite. Perfect for gatherings, these little guys are the talk of any party. Southern Sausage Cheese Balls mix spiciness from the sausage with the smoothness of cheese creating a perfect balance. Unlike anything else, they make you wonder why you don’t make them more often. Easy to pop in your mouth, they disappear before you know it, leaving everyone wanting more.
Get the Recipe: Southern Sausage Cheese Balls
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
Sometimes, all you need is a dish that feels like a warm hug. That’s where Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy come into play. This dish combines succulent chicken with a gravy that’s rich in flavor and perfect for pouring over rice or potatoes. It’s the kind of meal that demands seconds and maybe even thirds. It’s comfort food that soothes the soul, making any meal feel like a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
Pineapple Casserole
Ever thought sweet and tasty didn’t mix? Think again. Pineapple Casserole turns this notion on its head, blending tropical sweetness with cheesy goodness. This unique blend creates a dish that’s intriguing and a must-try for any culinary adventurer. It’s a conversation starter, a centerpiece, and, most importantly, a deliciously unexpected twist on traditional casseroles.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Casserole
Crockpot Slowcooker Rump Roast
Need something that cooks itself while you’re busy? Look no further. Crockpot Slowcooker Rump Roast becomes tender and flavorful after hours of slow cooking, doing all the heavy lifting for you. It’s all about the ease with which this dish comes together, filling your home with a mouth-watering aroma that’s hard to resist. By the time it’s ready, you’ve got a main dish that falls apart at the slightest touch, ready to melt in your mouth.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Slowcooker Rump Roast
Funeral Potatoes
Let’s talk about a dish that’s a bit of a legend in its own right. Despite its somber name, Funeral Potatoes are all about comfort and gathering. It’s a cheesy, creamy, crispy-topped wonder that makes its way to every potluck, holiday, and yes, after-funeral gathering, with a consistency that’s both heartwarming and delicious. It screams tradition and has a way of making any meal feel like you’re part of something bigger.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes
Southern Ham Salad
Here’s to a dish that turns leftovers into the star of the show. Southern Ham Salad uses up that extra ham, transforming it into a spread that’s perfect on crackers, sandwiches, or even by itself. It’s a genius way to repurpose and enjoy, making it a favorite for quick lunches or as part of a larger feast. This salad brings a hint of sweetness, a touch of tartness, and a whole lot of flavor, making it a refreshing change from the everyday.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad
Chicken Roll-Ups
Imagine something that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Chicken Roll-Ups fit the bill, with each roll hiding a delicious secret inside. It’s part crafting, part cooking, and entirely delicious. This dish invites creativity, making it a hit among kids and adults alike. The result is a juicy, flavorful bite every time, proving that great things often come in small, neatly-packaged bundles.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Roll-Ups
Oven Baked Ribs
Who says you need a grill to enjoy ribs? Oven Baked Ribs break all the rules, delivering that fall-off-the-bone tenderness and rich flavor all year round. This dish has a way of making any dinner feel like a barbecue feast without the hassle of firing up the grill. It’s about bringing the outside in, turning your kitchen into the best BBQ joint in town. And when the meat literally slips off the bone, you know you’ve done something right.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs
Country Sausage Gravy
Morning meals just got a whole lot heartier. Country Sausage Gravy is the hero your breakfast table deserves. Poured over fresh, hot biscuits, it’s a Southern breakfast staple that fills you up and keeps you going. It turns a simple meal into a feast, proving that sometimes the best flavors come from the simplest of dishes. It’s the ultimate comfort food that starts your day off with a smile.
Get the Recipe: Country Sausage Gravy
Southern Crack Chicken Casserole
When you mix creamy, cheesy, and crunchy, you get something irresistibly addictive. Southern Crack Chicken Casserole is the dish everyone will be talking about, wondering how they ever lived without it. It’s got a name that hints at its addictive quality, and it delivers in every bite. Perfect for potlucks or family dinners, it’s the kind of dish that makes you want to lick the spoon (and maybe even the dish).
Get the Recipe: Southern Crack Chicken Casserole
Creamed Corn
Forget everything you thought you knew about this classic side dish. Creamed Corn is sweet, buttery, and absolutely divine, turning a simple vegetable into a must-have at any Southern table. It’s a side that often steals the show, becoming a favorite among both kids and adults. It compliments any meal, adding a burst of sweetness that’s both unexpected and entirely welcome. It’s a testament to how transforming simple ingredients can result.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn
Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Seafood meets comfort in a dish that’s as Southern as it gets. Shrimp and Grits Casserole upgrades a classic pairing to new heights, blending the best of both worlds in a way that’s both innovative and delicious. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, making any meal feel like a celebration. It combines the richness of the sea with the heartiness of the South, creating a balance that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits Casserole
