Southern food wins, and these 15 recipes are all the proof you need. They’ve got that no-nonsense flavor that fills you up and makes you want to skip the fancy stuff. These dishes are tried, tested, and loved by generations, and they still hold their own today. When you’ve had Southern food, nothing else quite measures up. These recipes show exactly why Southern cooking has earned its place at the top of the food chain.
Oven Baked Ribs
If you’re after something that’ll have everyone gathered around the table in no time, look no further. Prepare your belly for a Southern classic that’s a staple at any proper family feast. Oven Baked Ribs are slow-cooked to fall-off-the-bone perfection and carry a flavor that sends you straight to a porch in the Deep South. They’re simple to make but bring a sense of celebration to your kitchen any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs
Chicken Roll-Ups
Picture your favorite comfort food, now imagine it wrapped up in a delicious hug. These Chicken Roll-Ups take a succulent filling and enfold it within tender, baked to golden perfection. Every bite delivers a home-cooked embrace that reminds you of your grandma’s kitchen. Perfect for those evenings when you need a touch of homey comfort. Don’t wait for a special occasion; these roll-ups call out for an ordinary day to make it extraordinary.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Roll-Ups
Southern Sausage Cheese Balls
Imagine popping over to a friend’s house and finding a snack that immediately becomes the star of the party. Southern Sausage Cheese Balls are that snack – full of flavor, easy to snack on, and impossible to have just one. They’re a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with any gathering and keeps folks reaching back into the plate. This staple promises a burst of warmth with each bite and a lively conversation starter.
Get the Recipe: Southern Sausage Cheese Balls
Funeral Potatoes
Even on days that aren’t clouded with sorrow, a dish born from comfort and shared in togetherness brings solace. Funeral Potatoes carry a rich tradition of healing and offer a buttery, crisp top over a creamy, soft center. They are a lifeline on a plate, made to be served alongside tender memories and kind words. It’s not just a dish; it’s an expression of communal support and care. Gather your loved ones and let the dish work its comforting magic.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes
Southern Crack Chicken Casserole
Have you ever wondered what happens when you marry convenience with downright irresistible flavor? Southern Crack Chicken Casserole is the answer, turning an average dinner into a meal to remember. This dish isn’t just a palate pleaser; it’s a warm welcome home after a long day. It hooks you in with its creamy texture and keeps you coming back for seconds. Settle in, scoop up, and share in the joy that such a simple yet satisfying dish can bring.
Get the Recipe: Southern Crack Chicken Casserole
Creamy Mashed Cauliflower
Creamy Mashed Cauliflower challenges this notion, offering a lighter take on a traditional favorite. It’s rich, it’s smooth, and it’s got everyone asking for the recipe. Serve it up for a hint of sophistication without the fuss. This dish proves that sometimes the best twists come from the most unexpected places. Who says you need potatoes to whip up a creamy side dish?
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Cauliflower
Sloppy Joe Casserole
When you merge a childhood classic with an innovative twist, you get a dish that reawakens nostalgia with every bite. Sloppy Joe Casserole is an ode to the messy sandwiches we adored, now spoonable and topped with a golden crust. It holds the familiar flavors of your youth, but with a grown-up flair that makes it dinner-table ready. No need for a bib with this one—just a hearty appetite and a love for the classics.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
Some nights call for something a bit more indulgent, and that’s where this lovely dish steps in. Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy offer a richness that’ll remind you why you fell in love with Southern comfort food. Each bite is like a cozy blanket, offering warmth and satisfaction. Friends and family will hover in the kitchen, drawn by the irresistible aroma. Take pride in serving up a dish that’s sure to be requested time and again.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
Shrimp and Grits Casserole
If you want to bring the seaside to your dining table in one single dish, you’re in luck. Imagine the Southern charm of a seafood platter, transformed into a hearty, oven-ready Shrimp and Grits Casserole. It’s a new twist on classic flavors, blending ocean freshness with comforting grits. This one’s a conversation starter; perfect for sharing stories over, just like at a beachside cookout. You won’t need a view of the ocean to feel like you’re there.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Creamed Corn
Sometimes the side dishes are the heroes of the table, and that’s certainly the case here. Let Creamed Corn be the soft-spoken yet unforgettable addition to your meal. It’s a simple concoction that balances sweet and creamy, allowing for a versatility that complements any main dish. This is no ordinary side; it’s the one your guests will whisper about, wanting the secret. It’s a dish that brings everyone together, asking, “Have you tried the corn?”
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn
Southern-Style Broccoli Salad
It’s not all about the heavy hitters in Southern cooking; some dishes celebrate the greens with a bold twist. Southern-Style Broccoli Salad is one such dish that breaks the monotony, offering crunch and tang with a side of tradition. It’s refreshing and filled with flavors that may surprise those expecting another ordinary salad. This one goes beyond the leafy norm, making it a favorite at potlucks and picnics alike. Pass it around and watch as it takes the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Southern-Style Broccoli Salad
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Need an excuse to get your fingers greasy and your palate singing? Look no farther than this tried and true Southern staple. Buttermilk Fried Chicken has a golden, crispy exterior hiding tender, juicy meat inside. It’s a recipe passed down through generations for a reason: it delivers on its promise of comfort food at its finest. So, roll up your sleeves and dig in, because this is what Southern food is all about.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
If having homestyle flavor with minimal kitchen time sounds good, then grab your slow cooker. Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans are a testament to the magic of low and slow cooking. They’re packed with a flavor that tastes like you’ve spent all day by the stove. This dish is perfect for busy days when you want to serve something homestyle but don’t have the hours to spare.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Crockpot Slowcooker Rump Roast
There’s a certain magic in coming home to the aroma of a meal that’s been gently cooking all day. Crockpot Slowcooker Rump Roast captures this experience, transforming a humble cut into a tender, pull-apart centerpiece. It’s the sort of dish that demands attention not just for its flavors, but for the memories it creates around the table. Long cook times are no longer a weekend-only luxury – this is weekday doable.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Slowcooker Rump Roast
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Don’t hesitate to turn to this comforting classic when you’re in need of a hearty meal. With its creamy insides and crispy topping, Tuna Noodle Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s ready to fill you up. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm embrace after a long day. Cards on the table, this one’s going to be a repeat request. It brings the cozy right to your dinner table, any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Noodle Casserole
