Eating out doesn’t hold a candle to these 13 Southern recipes that taste better when made at home. You can enjoy all the bold flavors without dealing with the long wait or the restaurant noise. These dishes bring that homey, feel-good vibe that restaurants just can’t replicate. Plus, you get to control the seasoning and the portions—what’s not to love? When it comes to these Southern classics, home cooking wins every time.
Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
Who said simple can’t be special? Imagine a classic grilled cheese sandwich, but turned up a notch. Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese combines tender, slow-cooked meat with melty cheese between crisped bread. No need to go out when you can indulge in this fulfilling sandwich right at home. Everyone can pull together their own twist using whatever is in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
Chicken Roll-Ups
Chicken wrapped snugly around a delicious center reaches new heights at home. Ever want a meal that hits all the right notes without stepping foot outside? Chicken Roll-Ups are just as fun to make as they are to eat. Share the joy by trying it out with friends and family—it’s more than just rolling and eating, it’s creating memories. Home-cooked meals bring laughter and warmth to the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Roll-Ups
Southern Mash
Nothing shouts comfort quite like a hearty mash does. Why settle for dining out when you can whip up Southern Mash in your own kitchen? This dish brings a sense of home with each spoonful, inviting you to relax and relish in its warmth. Next time you think about going out, remember this comforting option waits for you at home. Plus, you get the added joy of scraping the bowl clean!
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash
Country Sausage Gravy
Forget about fancy cafés and their brunch menus. When you make Country Sausage Gravy at home, you control the thickness and the richness. Serve it over biscuits, or pour it over anything needing a rich, meaty boost. Cooking it yourself means every batch can be personalized. And let’s be honest, a homemade gravy always garners more compliments than any store-bought could ever dream of.
Get the Recipe: Country Sausage Gravy
Oven Baked Ribs
The beauty of Oven Baked Ribs is in the slow cooking that locks in flavor. When you prepare these at home, your entire place smells incredible, making it worth the wait. It beats any scents a restaurant can offer. Plus, pulling them from your own oven and seeing the sticky glaze covering each rib is a proud moment. There’s also the bonus of second helpings right in your kitchen!
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs
Cheese Ball
For a fun and engaging way to entertain, nothing beats the hands-on fun of making your own Cheese Ball. Roll up your sleeves and combine flavors that fancy your taste at the moment. It’s a hit for any gathering, and you’ll know exactly what went into it—no hidden extras like when you order out. Share the creation process with kids or friends, and watch how everyone’s creativity shines through.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ball
Sloppy Joe Casserole
Who needs a fast food joint when Sloppy Joe Casserole brings all the comfort to your dining room? This is a twist on everyone’s childhood favorite that layers flavors in a way only homemade can achieve. Pile on the nostalgia and build one in your kitchen where you can tweak the taste just to your liking. Everyone digs in together, making the meal sociable and fun. It’s a casserole that invites stories and laughter, all around your own table.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole
Creamy Mashed Cauliflower
Turning this often overlooked veggie into Creamy Mashed Cauliflower could become your next big home kitchen win. It’s creamy, it’s dreamy, and it doesn’t even make you miss the potatoes. When made at home, you can ensure it’s packed with just the right amount of flavor and creaminess. Invite friends over and watch their surprised faces when they learn what they’re enjoying. Plus, it keeps you all lingering at the table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Cauliflower
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Crunchy, crispy, and absolutely irresistible, Buttermilk Fried Chicken is a dish that’s hard to pass up. Making it at home means you get all the applause without the hefty price tag. It’s perfect for a lively family dinner or when you’re just craving something deeply satisfying. Each piece, golden and inviting, promises to be as delicious as it looks. Why queue at a restaurant when you can be the star chef at home?
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Creamed Corn
Sometimes, the simplest dishes leave the biggest impact. Creamed Corn turns basic into brilliant with just a few stirs. It’s rich, creamy, and has all the makings of a comfort food favorite right from your own stovetop. Instead of looking for it at your next eat out, try making it yourself; it’s rewarding to spoon it fresh out of the pan. Don’t forget to share, as it makes a perfect side or a cozy main all on its own.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
There’s something unique about setting it and forgetting it with a slow cooker. Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans come out perfectly seasoned and tender, every single time. Preparing this at home allows for those long hours of low and slow cooking, which restaurants simply can’t offer. It’s a side that stands up on its own, or pairs perfectly with almost any dinner. And the aroma throughout your house? Unbeatable.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Tuna Noodle Casserole
When comfort food is what you’re after, Tuna Noodle Casserole answers the call without a need to leave the house. There’s a deep satisfaction in mixing it, topping it, and baking it to bubbly perfection. Each forkful reminds you why home cooking is so cherished. Invite the crew over and serve this up for a guaranteed mood lifter. It’s the from-scratch touch that makes all the difference.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Noodle Casserole
Southern-Style Broccoli Salad
Bring a little taste into your dining with a Southern-Style Broccoli Salad that’s easy to whip up and even easier to enjoy. Combining crunch with a creamy dressing, it’s a staple that beats out any store-bought versions. Serve this at your next gathering and watch as it disappears faster than any dish you might order in a restaurant. It’s fresh, it’s flavorful, and best of all, it’s crafted by your hands.
Get the Recipe: Southern-Style Broccoli Salad
