When it comes to Southern cooking, there are two choices: go all in or wonder why dinner was disappointing. These 21 recipes make sure there’s no second-guessing, just plates loaded with rich, time-tested favorites. Every dish comes with a little extra—extra flavor, extra comfort, and maybe an extra helping or two. If food could give a warm welcome, this would be it.
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
When you’re feeling a bit adventurous for dinner, cooking up some Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy stands out as a rich choice. This dish provides a comforting touch to your dining table, bringing a blend of slow-cooked flavors that enrich every bite. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something hearty yet simple. Gather around the table, and let this meal spark conversations and create lasting memories.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
Southern Ham Salad
For a twist on your usual lunch fare, consider the Southern Ham Salad. This recipe brings a Southern charm to your plate with its unique mix of flavors. It’s ideal for gatherings or a simple, light lunch that doesn’t skimp on character. Pair it with some crackers or on a sandwich, and experience a true Southern delight that’s both filling and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad
Creamy Mashed Cauliflower
A healthier alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste is Creamy Mashed Cauliflower. This dish is perfect for those who watch their diet but still seek the comfort of a creamy side. Its subtle flavors complement any main course, offering a fulfilling texture and taste that’ll make you forget it’s not traditional mashed potatoes. Great for family dinners where you want to sneak in some extra veggies!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Cauliflower
Southern Sausage Cheese Balls
Jumpstart your party with some Southern Sausage Cheese Balls, a wonderful bite-sized treat that’s hard to resist. This snack packs a flavorful punch and is an absolute hit at any social gathering. Serve these warm, and watch them disappear from the plate! They’re a fun, easy way to enliven your appetizer spread and get everyone talking.
Get the Recipe: Southern Sausage Cheese Balls
Funeral Potatoes
Funeral Potatoes might have a somber name, but the dish is a heartwarming side that brightens any meal. Perfect for large gatherings, this creamy, cheesy potato bake captures the essence of comfort food. Serve it during your next family dinner; its deeply fulfilling taste ensures there won’t be leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes
Country Sausage Gravy
Nothing says comfort food quite like Country Sausage Gravy. This rich, hearty gravy makes an ideal topping for biscuits at breakfast or brunch. It’s a fundamental Southern dish known for its simplicity and fulfilling nature. Next time you have guests over in the morning, serve this, and they’ll feel right at home.
Get the Recipe: Country Sausage Gravy
Pecan Pie Brownies
Combine two beloved desserts in one with Pecan Pie Brownies. These treats are a wonderful concoction that dessert lovers will applaud. Enjoy the gooey texture of brownies coupled with the nutty, caramel-like topping of pecan pie. It’s a double-duty dessert that pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Brownies
Loaded Tater Tots
Spice up your snack game with Loaded Tater Tots. This dish is a crowd-pleaser with its crispy exterior and soft, gooey inside topped with a variety of savory toppings. It’s perfect for when you want to kick back and relax on movie night or serve something easy and exciting at a casual get-together.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Tater Tots
Southern Mash
Southern Mash is a robust blend of flavors that brings a new level of taste to your side dish game. It meshes well with various main courses, adding a hearty element to your plate. It’s something different that will definitely spice up your mealtime routine and impress your dinner guests.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash
Fluffy Sour Cream Biscuits
Upgrade your bread offerings with Fluffy Sour Cream Biscuits. These biscuits are wonderfully light and fluffy, making them the perfect companion to any meal. They go great with gravy, butter, or as the base for a savory sandwich. Introduce these at your next family gathering, and watch them become a new favorite.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Sour Cream Biscuits
Sweet Potato Pie
Plan your dessert with a Southern classic, Sweet Potato Pie. This pie strikes an ideal balance between sweet and spicy, warming up your dessert course like no other. It’s a festive favorite, often brought out during special occasions and loved for its smooth, creamy filling and buttery crust. Enjoy a slice and get transported to comfort dessert heaven.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Pie
Southern Crack Chicken Casserole
If you’re looking to please a crowd with minimal effort, whip up some Southern Crack Chicken Casserole. This one-dish wonder combines succulent chicken with rich, creamy textures and a crunch topping, offering a complete flavor experience. It’s an easy choice for busy weeknights or when you need a filling meal that comforts everyone.
Get the Recipe: Southern Crack Chicken Casserole
Cheese Ball
Kick off any event with a classic Cheese Ball, rolling into the spotlight with its creamy texture and rich taste. It’s a versatile appetizer that pairs well with a variety of crackers and fruits. Whether spread on a crunchy slice or eaten with a fork, it’s a mandatory treat at gatherings that promises to make a lasting impression.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ball
Southern Spiced Brownies
Southern Spiced Brownies give a wonderful kick to your regular brownie with a hint of Southern spice. These are not your ordinary brownies; they are a festive treat that lights up the table at any event. Pack these for a potluck or serve them at home for a special treat that wows guests every time.
Get the Recipe: Southern Spiced Brownies
Sloppy Joe Casserole
Bring the essence of comforting home cooking with Sloppy Joe Casserole. This dish is a hearty and fulfilling main course that combines simple ingredients in an oven-baked delight. Perfect for feeding a large crowd or just having leftovers for the week, it’s a staple recipe that evokes nostalgia and satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole
Creamed Corn
Creamed Corn brings a silky texture and sweet flavor to your table, serving as an excellent accompaniment to any Southern meal. It shines alongside spicier dishes, providing a soothing balance. Include this in your next holiday spread, and it’s sure to be a comforting, popular dish among guests of all ages.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Trip back to old Southern cooking with Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans. Let your slow cooker do the work and serve these flavor-packed beans as a side. They simmer all day in rich seasonings, resulting in deep flavors that complement any meaty main course. It’s a fuss-free way to add greens to your meals.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Update your meal routine with Shrimp and Grits Casserole, a wonderful twist on a Southern favorite. This casserole merges the savory taste of shrimp with creamy, cheesy grits, creating a one-dish meal that’s both fulfilling and easy to prepare. It’s a perfect dish for brunch or a comforting weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Oven Baked Ribs
Treat yourself with Oven Baked Ribs, where the meat falls right off the bone. These ribs are slow-baked, locking in a depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate. Whether it’s a weekend cookout or a special dinner, these ribs guarantee a finger-licking good time. Don’t forget the napkins!
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs
Southern-Style Broccoli Salad
Refresh your palate with Southern-Style Broccoli Salad, a crisp and nutritious side dish. This salad mixes fresh tastes with a slightly sweet, slightly tangy dressing that ties it all together. It’s not only good for your health but also adds a vibrant touch to your plate. Perfect for cooling down alongside spicier dishes.
Get the Recipe: Southern-Style Broccoli Salad
Mississippi Mud Pie
End your meal with Mississippi Mud Pie, a luxurious dessert that’s rich in chocolate and irresistible texture. This pie layers dense chocolate cake, gooey chocolate sauce, and fluffy whipped cream, culminating in a dessert that’s both visually impressive and deliciously fulfilling. It’s a showstopper at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Pie
