Tradition is what makes Southern food stand out, and these 17 recipes are a great way to experience it for yourself. They bring the rich flavors and comforting vibes that Southern kitchens are known for, without trying to be anything they’re not. You don’t have to be a professional chef to whip these up. These meals are as much about culture as they are about flavor, making them the perfect way to connect with the roots of Southern cuisine.
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Nothing beats coming home to a meal that greets you with the warmth of home-cooked comfort. Especially when it involves green beans cooked slow and low, absorbing all the rich, tasty flavors that make Southern cooking stand out. Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans transform this humble vegetable into a side dish that commands attention at any table. It’s all about simplicity, letting each element come together over hours.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
There’s something irresistibly comforting about juicy chicken thighs that have been baked to perfection. Add a creamy onion gravy to the mix, and you’ve got a dish that feels like a warm hug. Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy brings the kind of coziness to the dinner table that only Southern cooking can. It’s a straightforward dish, yet it packs a punch of flavors that meld together beautifully in the oven.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
Pineapple Casserole
Ever thought of bringing a sweet twist to your tasty favorites? That’s where a good, Southern casserole comes into play, and not just any. Pineapple Casserole marries the sweetness of pineapple with a rich, cheesy topping in a way that might just surprise you. It’s a conversation starter, breaking the norms of traditional casseroles with its unique blend of flavors. Ideal for those who love a dish that stands out at potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Casserole
Southern Sausage Cheese Balls
Imagine bite-sized morsels that pack a punch of flavor with every nibble. Southern Sausage Cheese Balls are the embodiment of everything appetizing in life. They’re the ideal combination of meaty, cheesy, and slightly spicy, making them the perfect starter for any gathering. Not only do they require minimal effort, but they also leave a lasting impression on your guests. Think of them as the ultimate party food that never goes out of style.
Get the Recipe: Southern Sausage Cheese Balls
Creamy Mashed Cauliflower
Who says you need potatoes to make an epic mash? Creamy Mashed Cauliflower is here to challenge all your prior mash-making experiences with a lighter, yet equally indulgent alternative. It’s creamy, it’s flavorful, and it’s everything you didn’t know you needed from a side dish. Perfect for those looking to sneak more veggies into their meals without sacrificing on taste. It’s a modern twist on a classic side that proves sometimes, change is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Cauliflower
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Fried chicken has got to be one of the most quintessential Southern dishes, hands down. Buttermilk Fried Chicken takes this classic to a whole new level of goodness. It’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and has that buttermilk tang that sets it apart from all other fried chicken recipes. This dish is a testament to the simple yet sublime pleasure of well-cooked chicken. It’s the kind of meal that leaves no leftovers behind.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Southern-Style Broccoli Salad
In a world full of salads, Southern-Style Broccoli Salad makes its mark with a blend of textures and flavors that keep your fork coming back for more. It’s a refreshing break from the standard salad fare, incorporating crisp broccoli, sharp onions, and a creamy dressing that ties it all together. Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or as a vibrant side dish to your main course. This salad redefines what it means to enjoy your greens.
Get the Recipe: Southern-Style Broccoli Salad
Funeral Potatoes
If there’s one dish that could bring comfort during somber times or add warmth to a family gathering, it’s Funeral Potatoes. This casserole is a heartwarming mix of creamy, crunchy, and tender all at once. It’s a staple at gatherings for a reason, offering solace and joy with each bite. While its name might evoke a specific occasion, its appeal is universal, making it a welcome addition to any meal where comfort is on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes
Shrimp and Grits Casserole
For a taste of the sea with a Southern twist, look no further than Shrimp and Grits Casserole. This dish elegantly combines succulent shrimp with creamy, hearty grits in a casserole form that’s as innovative as it is delicious. It’s a perfect example of how traditional ingredients can be reinvented into something extraordinary. Ideal for brunch or a fancy dinner, this casserole brings a bit of Southern charm to any table.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Country Sausage Gravy
Imagine a gravy so rich and flavorful that it instantly turns any meal into a feast. Country Sausage Gravy does just that, with its robust blend of spices and textures. It’s the hero of the breakfast table, turning simple biscuits into a meal that’s both filling and heartwarming. This gravy isn’t just food; it’s a memory in the making, reminiscent of family breakfasts and lazy Sunday mornings.
Get the Recipe: Country Sausage Gravy
Southern Mash
Moving beyond the classic potato, Southern Mash introduces a melody of root vegetables brought together in a dish that’s all about comfort and flavor. It’s like your standard mashed potatoes took a trip down South and came back with a whole new outlook on life. Perfect for those looking to add a bit of variety to their side dishes. It embodies the essence of Southern cooking—transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Comfort food doesn’t get much more classic than Tuna Noodle Casserole. This dish brings back memories of family dinners, where simplicity and flavor were always on the menu. It’s a gentle nod to the past, while still maintaining its place as a modern-day comfort food staple. Perfect for a cozy night in, it’s a meal that fills the stomach and warms the heart. It’s proof that some dishes never go out of style, especially when they’re this good.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Noodle Casserole
Creamed Corn
Sweet, creamy, and utterly comforting, Creamed Corn is a side dish that often steals the show. This recipe upgrades a simple vegetable to an indulgence that’s hard to pass up. It’s a testament to the power of simplicity in cooking, focusing on enhancing the natural sweetness and texture of corn. Ideal for any meal that needs a touch of warmth and comfort, it’s a side dish that easily becomes a favorite. Once you’ve tried it, it’s hard to imagine a meal without it.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
There’s nothing quite like the anticipation of pulling apart tender, slow-cooked pork that has been infused with a depth of flavor only hours in the cooker can achieve. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is the epitome of set-it-and-forget-it cooking, offering up a dish that’s both incredibly satisfying and unbelievably easy. It’s perfect for casual gatherings, family dinners, or simply when you need a comforting meal at the end of a long day.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Macaroni Salad
When it comes to sides that perfectly accompany any Southern feast, Macaroni Salad stands out. It’s creamy, tangy, and filled with bits of crunch and bursts of flavor that make each forkful exciting. This is the dish that you’ll find disappearing first at picnics and potlucks, a testament to its popularity and appeal. It’s a versatile side that plays well with both barbecue and traditional Southern dishes.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad
Hoppin John
You can’t talk about Southern cooking without mentioning a dish that’s as fun to say as it is to eat. Hoppin John is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines beans, rice, and spices in a way that’s both simple and deeply satisfying. It’s a traditional meal that brings luck and prosperity, making it a must-have for New Year’s celebrations. Beyond its auspicious roots, it’s a weeknight favorite, proving that good food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Get the Recipe: Hoppin John
Crockpot Slowcooker Rump Roast
Who doesn’t love the idea of a tender, flavorful roast waiting for you after a long day? Crockpot Slowcooker Rump Roast takes the guesswork out of cooking a delectable main dish. With minimal prep and the magic of slow cooking, it turns a humble cut of meat into something truly special. It’s the kind of meal that reminds you of Sunday dinners at grandma’s house, where the roast was always perfect. This dish is a testament to the power of slow cooking.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Slowcooker Rump Roast
