When it comes to Southern cooking, big flavors and big portions are the name of the game. These 15 classics deliver exactly that, with meals that are as satisfying as they are hearty. Whether you’re cooking for a group or just really hungry, these dishes are the perfect fit. You won’t have to worry about leftovers with meals this good. Get ready to fill your plate with Southern favorites that bring all the flavor and all the portions.
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
You won’t believe how the rich onion gravy hugs each tender bite of chicken, creating a cozy blanket of flavor that can turn a rough day upside down. In the heart of the meal, Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy become a weekday warrior, offering comfort akin to a warm southern hug. There’s no need to wait for Sunday dinner to have something this special; it’s perfect for gathering around the table any night.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
Southern Ham Salad
Ever had a hankering for something that balances salty, tasty, and just a touch of sweetness? The answer might be found in a hearty Southern Ham Salad, a blend that turns simple ingredients into a something special. It’s the kind of spread that’s tailor-made for piling high on your favorite crackers or bread, making it an instant hit for picnic tables and potlucks. No fancy tricks here, just robust servings filled with down-home goodness.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad
Creamy Mashed Cauliflower
What if you could indulge in a side dish that’s as creamy and comforting as traditional mashed potatoes, but with a twist? Right in the middle of the dinner table, look no further than Creamy Mashed Cauliflower. It’s the underestimated cousin that comes out on top, delivering that same starchy satisfaction with a unique edge. When you’re craving big flavor without going down the beaten path, this is your go-to.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Cauliflower
Funeral Potatoes
When the occasion calls for comfort food that feels like a warm embrace, a casserole steps in that blends creamy, cheesy, and crunchy in one spoonful. While its name might sound somber, Funeral Potatoes are actually a celebration of flavors that bring people together during any gathering. One scoop is all it takes to realize why it’s a staple at communal tables. Built for feeding a crowd, this dish passes around generosity in heaping servings.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes
Southern Sausage Cheese Balls
Throw a party for your mouth where tasty sausage meets sharp cheese in bite-sized morsels that pack a punch. Southern Sausage Cheese Balls are the guest of honor that always shows up and never disappoints. They’re the ideal mix of casual and impressive, making them a fit for any event or just a snack. Big in flavor and in quantity, they’re made to be shared – though you might want them all to yourself.
Get the Recipe: Southern Sausage Cheese Balls
Sloppy Joe Casserole
Picture a dish that takes all the nostalgia of childhood and bakes it into something you can slice into. Sloppy Joe Casserole is all about messy fun in a more grown-up package, where each piece holds a world of flavor you remember and love. It’s hard not to smile when you’re served a portion that’s just as generous as its taste. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a dish that can double up for lunch the next day, this is your go-to.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole
Country Sausage Gravy
Imagine ladling a generous helping of silky, meaty goodness onto a pile of fresh, fluffy biscuits. Right there in the middle of the breakfast spread is Country Sausage Gravy, a fixture in Southern cuisine that turns a simple meal into something worth sitting down for. It’s hearty, filling, and unapologetically indulgent; the kind of crowd-pleaser that keeps folks coming back for more. Its large serving size ensures every biscuit gets its fair share of the love.
Get the Recipe: Country Sausage Gravy
Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Now, here’s a dish that takes two Southern favorites and marries them in a one-dish wonder. Full of bold seafood and rich, creamy flavors, Shrimp and Grits Casserole turns any dinner into an occasion. It’s hearty enough to serve as the main event, with portions that guarantee nobody’s left wanting. This is the plate that will have friends and family asking for the recipe, or better yet, requesting it for the next get-together.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Southern Mash
Who says sides can’t steal the show? Southern Mash does just that, scooping comfort onto your plate with each hearty serving. This isn’t just a game of mixing things together; it’s an art of flavors that feels familiar yet exciting. It’s the perfect partner to your protein of choice, ready to soak up gravy or stand proud on its own. And when you’ve got a hungry crowd, worry not – this dish doles out satisfaction with room for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash
Sweet Potato Casserole
Get ready to serve up a dish that’s a little sweet, a little spiced, and everything nice. Sweet Potato Casserole is like a warm welcome from the South, with a texture and richness that sings comfort food. It’s a staple that not only rounds off any big meal but could quite easily take center stage. Generous in size, this casserole is meant for sharing, making sure everyone at the table gets their fill. There’s no holding back with this dish; it promises to fill plates and smiles.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole
Creamed Corn
Imagine a bowl of corn that hasn’t just been prepared, it’s been transformed. That’s what you get with Creamed Corn, a humble veggie turned into a lush and creamy staple. Gone are the days of plain kernels; this dish brings home the heartiness with each spoonful. Large enough to pass around but so irresistible you might want second helpings for yourself. Whether it’s part of a feast or just to perk up a weeknight dinner, this side is a solid choice.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn
Hoppin John
Here’s some good fortune on a plate – an offering of smoky, tasty flavors that’s known to bring luck. With Hoppin John, you aren’t just enjoying a robust meal, but partaking in a Southern tradition. This dish isn’t just about feeding the stomach; it’s about feeding the soul with heaping helpings all around. It brings together a blend of textures that keep the fork going back for one more bite. Plus, it’s hearty enough to stand as a meal on its own.
Get the Recipe: Hoppin John
Southern-Style Broccoli Salad
On the lookout for a salad that brings crunch, tang, and all the favorites together? Say hello to Southern-Style Broccoli Salad, a true party in a bowl. It’s got a knack for mixing fresh with indulgent, creating a side dish that can give any main course a run for its money. Plus, with servings large enough for seconds, it’s a hit for big family gatherings or potluck dinners. It’s a full-on flavor fest that’ll have you reconsidering what a salad can be.
Get the Recipe: Southern-Style Broccoli Salad
Crockpot Slowcooker Rump Roast
Imagine walking into a kitchen and being greeted by the warm, comforting aroma of a meal that’s been cooking low and slow. Crockpot Slowcooker Rump Roast is the hero on days when you want a big-flavored dinner without the big-time effort. It gives off the kind of hearty portions that mean business, promising a ‘stick to your ribs’ kind of meal. Perfect for busy days, this hands-off dish allows you to go about your business while it works its magic.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Slowcooker Rump Roast
3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole
When you need a side that’s as easy as it is indulgent, look no further. 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole pairs the earthiness of broccoli with the meltiness of cheese, all with minimal effort. It’s a dish that says “home-cooked” doesn’t mean “hard work.” Just right for those times you need something filling and delicious, it’s a go-to for gatherings big and small. With a size that keeps everyone happy, you might find yourself making it more.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole
