Some recipes just know how to keep a crowd happy, and these 19 Southern favorites have been doing it for years. Whether it’s a lazy afternoon or a packed house, these dishes show up ready to bring people together. There’s a reason these meals never go out of style—they’re simple, they work, and they keep plates full without a single complaint. If there’s one thing Southern cooking gets right, it’s making sure no one leaves hungry.
Southern Sausage Cheese Balls
If you’re looking for a snack that hits the spot at any gathering, you’ve got to try these. Southern Sausage Cheese Balls make perfect finger food for game day or family get-togethers. They’re packed with flavor and can be served both hot or at room temperature, making them versatile for any event. What’s more, they’re easy to pop in your mouth while mingling with friends and family.
Get the Recipe: Southern Sausage Cheese Balls
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
When you want a dish that feels like a warm hug, this one should be at the top of your list. Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy bring comfort food to a whole new level. They’re ideal for a cozy family dinner, and the creamy gravy is like a blanket of flavor over tender chicken. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with a side of mashed potatoes or rice, soaking up all that delicious gravy.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
Southern Ham Salad
Who says salads have to be boring? Certainly not with Southern Ham Salad, which brings a unique twist to your typical salad fare. This dish is a hit at picnics and potlucks, offering a blend of flavors that’s both refreshing and hearty. It’s great for using up leftover ham, turning it into a tasty spread that goes well on crackers or sandwiched between bread slices.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad
Fluffy Sour Cream Biscuits
Imagine pulling apart a warm, fluffy biscuit at breakfast. Fluffy Sour Cream Biscuits are what mornings are made for. They rise beautifully, offering a soft, tender crumb that pairs excellently with your morning coffee or tea. Whether you’re spreading them with jam or using them to sop up gravy, they’re a delight in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Sour Cream Biscuits
Country Sausage Gravy
Now, if you’ve got those biscuits, you’re halfway to heaven. Pour some Country Sausage Gravy on top, and you’ve arrived. This gravy is rich, thick, and full of savory sausage pieces, making it the perfect companion to breakfast dishes. Spoon it over a hot biscuit or a bed of hash browns for a meal that fills you up and keeps you going.
Get the Recipe: Country Sausage Gravy
Funeral Potatoes
Don’t let the name fool you; Funeral Potatoes are for living it up. This cheesy, creamy potato casserole is a staple at gatherings for a reason. It’s comforting, it’s hearty, and it goes with just about everything. Whether it’s a side dish at a barbecue or the main event at a family dinner, it always gets rave reviews.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes
Lemon Loaf Cake
For a sweet note that brightens up the table, Lemon Loaf Cake is a surefire hit. This cake is moist, tangy, and draped in a light glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness. It’s perfect for a brunch spread or as a light dessert after a heavy meal. Plus, it makes your kitchen smell amazing while it bakes.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Loaf Cake
Southern Mash
Sometimes, simplicity is key, and Southern Mash proves just that. This take on mashed potatoes brings a creamy, buttery texture that’s hard to beat. It’s the kind of side dish that makes you feel at home, no matter where you are. Serve it with any main, and watch it disappear from the plate.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash
Cheese Ball
When you need a party starter, look no further than a classic Cheese Ball. This appetizer packs in loads of flavor and is ridiculously easy to whip up. It’s the centerpiece of any snack table, surrounded by crackers, veggies, or whatever else you like to dip. Best of all, it’s customizable to your taste preferences, so get creative!
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ball
Mississippi Mud Pie
Dig into a dessert that’s rich, chocolaty, and utterly indulgent with Mississippi Mud Pie. This pie is a slice of heaven for chocolate lovers, layering flavor upon decadent flavor. It’s the perfect finale to any Southern meal, guaranteed to leave smiles all around the table. Serving it a la mode takes it over the top in the best way.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Pie
Southern-Style Broccoli Salad
Crunchy, tangy, and full of texture, Southern-Style Broccoli Salad is a crowd pleaser. It breaks away from the typical salad mold, offering a combination of flavors that awaken your palate. Great for outdoor barbecues or as a refreshing side dish, it balances out heavier meals beautifully. It’s a must-try for those who think they’re not salad fans.
Get the Recipe: Southern-Style Broccoli Salad
Pecan Pie Brownies
Why choose between pecan pie and brownies when you can have both? Pecan Pie Brownies combine the best of both worlds, creating a dessert that’s both nutty and chocolaty. These are a hit during the holidays, but let’s be honest, they’re too good to save for just once a year. They’re the talk of the dessert table, every single time.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Brownies
Southern Crack Chicken Casserole
There’s a reason why Southern Crack Chicken Casserole has “crack” in its name; it’s addictively good. This dish is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavors that make your mouth water. It’s a one-pan wonder that saves you time and dishes, perfect for weeknights when you want something comforting. And leftovers? They’re even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Southern Crack Chicken Casserole
Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge
Take a trip down memory lane with Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge. This treat is smooth, creamy, and packed with peanut butter flavor. It’s a simple joy that reminds you of childhood and is always a hit at family gatherings or as a sweet gift. Cut them into little squares for a treat that’s hard to stop eating.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge
Shrimp and Grits Casserole
If you’re craving Southern comfort, Shrimp and Grits Casserole has got you covered. This dish upgrades traditional shrimp and grits by turning it into a hearty casserole that’s perfect for brunch or dinner. Each bite is a blend of creamy, spicy, and savory, capturing the essence of Southern cooking. It’s a dish that’s meant to be shared, bringing everyone around the table for a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Nothing says Southern cooking quite like Buttermilk Fried Chicken. This dish is all about the crispy, golden exterior and the juicy, tender meat inside. It’s perfect for picnics, Sunday dinners, or just because you want something delicious. Get ready to lick your fingers, because this chicken is finger-licking good.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Tuna Noodle Casserole is a classic dish that brings comfort to the table with every forkful. It’s creamy, hearty, and filled with flavors that feel like a warm embrace. This casserole is a staple for family meals, easy to make, and even easier to enjoy. It’s the kind of meal that reminds you of home, no matter where you are.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Noodle Casserole
Oven Baked Ribs
For meat lovers, Oven Baked Ribs are a dream come true. These ribs are slow-cooked to perfection, falling off the bone and covered in a sticky, sweet sauce. They’re a must-have at any barbecue and make your house smell incredible as they cook. Once you try them, you’ll find every excuse to make them again.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs
Loaded Tater Tots
Kick your snack game up a notch with Loaded Tater Tots. These bite-sized treats are smothered in cheese, bacon, and whatever else you love, making them the ultimate comfort food. They’re perfect for sharing at parties or munching on during movie nights. Just be warned, they’re so good, you might not want to share.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Tater Tots
