Southern cooking isn’t shy about bringing big portions and even bigger comfort to the table. These 17 dishes in this lineup prove that counting calories takes a backseat when the goal is pure, unfiltered indulgence. No one ever walked away from a plate of this kind of food feeling anything less than completely full and possibly a little sleepy. If light meals are the plan, looking elsewhere might be a safer bet.
Sloppy Joe Casserole
By melding a childhood favorite with the charm of a one-dish meal, Sloppy Joe Casserole brings hearty flavors to the table. This casserole packs a punch with a meaty base beneath a crispy topping, ideal for family dinners. It’s meant to be a crowd-pleaser, and worrying about calories while diving into this dish might be a challenge. If you’re up for a delicious treat that takes you back in time, this is the pick for you.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole
Sweet Potato Pie
Imagine a dessert that embodies the soul of southern hospitality. Rich, smooth, and instantly comforting, it brings a slice of tradition straight to your table. Every bite of Sweet Potato Pie is a sweet hug for the soul, combining simple elements to create magic on a plate. With its smooth filling and flaky crust, it stands as a testament to classic desserts that have stood the test of time.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Pie
Oven Baked Ribs
For those who live for the moments that involve licking your fingers clean with a satisfied sigh. Let’s talk about slow-cooked magic that ends with meat falling off the bone. Oven Baked Ribs steal the show with their tender, juicy nature, coming together in an oven to offer a phenomenal alternative to outdoor grilling. It’s about bringing the barbecue indoors without skimping on flavor or tenderness.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs
Southern Mash
Southern Mash is not your usual side dish; it incorporates creamy textures and rich flavors that fill you up in just a few bites. This dish is often a staple in comfort meals, bringing a touch of down-home comfort to any plate. It’s a wonderful complement to spicy or savory main dishes, rounding out a hearty meal. Indulging in this dish might make counting calories a bit tricky.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash
Southern Crack Chicken Casserole
If you’re seeking a dinner option that combines indulgence with comfort, look no further than Southern Crack Chicken Casserole. This dish features a creamy, cheesy layer that engulfs tender chunks of chicken, making each forkful a treat. It’s the kind of casserole that makes a statement on the dinner table, especially on chilly nights. Yet, it’s hefty with calories, often ignored for the sake of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Southern Crack Chicken Casserole
Fluffy Sour Cream Biscuits
Ain’t nothing like the fluffiness of homemade biscuits to kickstart your morning or complement your dinner. Incorporating a tangy twist, they come out of the oven ready to melt in your mouth. These Fluffy Sour Cream Biscuits serve as a testament to the wonders of adding an unexpected ingredient to a classic recipe. Perfect for slathering with butter or your choice of jam, they’re versatile and utterly delicious.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Sour Cream Biscuits
Shrimp and Grits Casserole
If you’ve dreamed about a dish that encapsulates the heart of coastal southern cuisine but in a single dish, here it is. Transforming a timeless duo into a casserole, it offers comfort in every bite. Shrimp and Grits Casserole is an innovative take on the beloved classic, inviting you to experience familiar flavors in an exciting new format. It’s a bold merger of sea and land that works wonders.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Mini Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread
Perfect for parties or as a holiday table centerpiece, Mini Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread merges sweet cranberries with creamy brie packed between layers of warm bread. Each pull reveals a mouthful of melted cheese and tart cranberry, making it a festive and fun dish to share. Given its rich content, it’s a joyful splurge that might sideline your calorie counting plans. This bread is a celebration in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Mini Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread
Southern Ham Salad
Picture a dish that turns leftovers into a star, making you wonder why it wasn’t the main course in the first place. With a mix of textures and a balance of flavors, it’s an ingenious way to repurpose ham. Southern Ham Salad shines as a versatile option for sandwiches or crackers, proving that sometimes, the best meals come from the most unexpected combinations. It’s a dish that celebrates resourcefulness.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad
Pecan Pie Brownies
Ever thought about what happens when your favorite dessert decides to have a mash-up? The result is a rich, nutty layer sitting happily atop a chocolaty foundation. Pecan Pie Brownies bring together two beloved desserts in one harmonious bite, blending textures and flavors in a way that feels both elegant and utterly indulgent. It’s a creative twist that delivers the best of both worlds.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Brownies
Country Sausage Gravy
Start your day richly with Country Sausage Gravy, a velvety sauce that pairs perfectly with biscuits or mashed potatoes. This gravy is all about savory, meaty flavors melting into a creamy base. It’s a staple in many southern homes, embodying the heartiness of country cooking. However, if you’re keeping an eye on your calorie intake, this might be a dish to enjoy sparingly.
Get the Recipe: Country Sausage Gravy
Lemon Loaf Cake
Sometimes, all you need is a zing of citrus to brighten your day, and this loaf is here to do just that. Moist, with a perfect crumb, it strikes a delicate balance between sweet and tart. Lemon Loaf Cake is that sunny slice of dessert you reach for, promising freshness in every bite. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest flavors can bring the most joy.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Loaf Cake
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
Juicy chicken thighs meet a velvety gravy, creating a match made in comfort food heaven. This dish doesn’t just promise warmth; it delivers it with every forkful. Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy epitomizes homely cooking with a rich blend of flavors that blanket your palate. It’s a dinner winner that calls everyone to the table with its inviting aroma.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
Loaded Tater Tots
Who can resist the call of crispy tater tots adorned with all your favorite toppings? It’s like your favorite snack decided to dress up and show off. Loaded Tater Tots are the ultimate in customizable comfort food, proving that a little creativity can turn a simple item into a feast. They’re perfect for sharing, chatting, and enjoying any time you’re in need of a fun and filling treat.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Tater Tots
Southern Spiced Brownies
Let’s add a little kick to something that’s already known for bringing pleasure to the palate. These aren’t your ordinary brownies; they come with a surprise. Southern Spiced Brownies introduce a bit of heat to the deep, chocolaty goodness we all love. It’s an adventurous take for those who like their sweets with a side of spice, making every bite an exciting experience.
Get the Recipe: Southern Spiced Brownies
Creamed Corn
It’s all about turning something familiar into a dish that’s utterly comforting and utterly irresistible. Sweet, creamy, and perfectly seasoned, it brings joy in every spoonful. Creamed Corn is a side that often steals the spotlight, showcasing how a few simple touches can transform the humble corn into something spectacular. It’s a versatile dish that complements any meal, making it a reliable favorite.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn
Blueberry Shortcake
This dessert pairs fluffy, sweet biscuits with fresh, juicy blueberries and a dollop of whipped cream. It strikes the perfect balance between fruitiness and indulgence. Blueberry Shortcake is a refreshing end to any meal, offering a burst of flavor with each bite. While it might be a bit indulgent for those keeping an eye on calories, it’s a lovely treat that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Shortcake
