Fast food doesn’t stand a chance when you’ve got these 15 Southern dishes in the kitchen. Why settle for a soggy burger when you could be digging into a plate of real Southern comfort? These meals are big on flavor and make fast food look like a bad idea. They’re the kind of dishes that’ll make you forget why you ever thought fast food was a good option. When you have these Southern classics at home, the drive-thru line will seem like a joke.
Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
Have you ever thought about combining two comfort favorites into one hearty snack? Well, someone did, and the result is both surprising and delicious. It’s a sandwich that takes juicy, slow-cooked pork and marries it with melty cheese between two slices of crispy bread. This creation, called Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese, upgrades a simple meal to an unforgettable experience.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
Chicken Roll-Ups
There’s this dish that wraps comfort in a neat little package, and it’s not your average chicken dinner. Thin slices of chicken hug flavorful fillings, making each bite a discovery. Chicken Roll-Ups are not just food; they’re an experience, bringing together juicy chicken and a blend of ingredients that surprise the palate. Ideal for a dinner party or a family meal, they prove that chicken doesn’t have to be boring.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Roll-Ups
Funeral Potatoes
Imagine a dish so good it turns up at every gathering, especially the ones where comfort is key. Originating from a place of gathering and remembering, this dish combines creamy, crunchy, and cheesy in every forkful. Funeral Potatoes have a way of stealing the show, even without trying. Perfect for large gatherings or a comforting night in, they’ve become a staple for a reason. They remind us that food can be a hug in casserole form.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes
Loaded Tater Tots
When you think you’ve seen all the fun ways to enjoy potatoes, along comes a dish that adds a twist to the humble tot. Loaded Tater Tots are essentially a party on a plate, bringing together crispy potatoes with a generous topping of all things delicious. It’s the ultimate snack for game days, movie nights, or any time you fancy something indulgent. They’re proof that sometimes, the most unassuming meals can be the most fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Tater Tots
Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Sometimes, turning a classic on its head is the best way to discover something new yet familiar. Combining the comforting smoothness of grits with the rich taste of shrimp, this dish offers a unique twist on two Southern staples. Shrimp and Grits Casserole is a hearty, oven-baked delight that brings the essence of Southern cooking right to your table. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm welcome home, no matter where you’re from.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Cheese Ball
There’s something about a dish that’s both a centerpiece and a crowd-pleaser. Enter the Cheese Ball, a versatile blend of cheeses and seasonings, rolled in crunchy nuts or fresh herbs. It stands proudly at the center of any snack table, inviting everyone to dig in and spread the joy. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual get-together, this dish proves that simplicity and elegance can go hand in hand.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ball
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
You know those meals that make you feel all warm and cozy inside? That’s exactly what you get with a plate of succulent chicken thighs, baked to perfection and smothered in a rich, onion gravy. Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy is the kind of dish that demands seconds, thanks to its comforting flavors and hearty appeal. It’s home cooking at its finest, showing off the power of simple ingredients coming together.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
Creamed Corn
It’s easy to overlook the simpler dishes, but once in a while, something as simple as corn can steal the spotlight. Creamed Corn is a testament to the magic that happens when you take something familiar and give it a creamy, tasty twist. It’s a side dish that quietly complements any main, yet can stand proudly on its own. This version of corn speaks of home and tradition, serving up comfort with every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Who said casseroles had to be complicated? Here’s an option that brings together pantry staples in a dish that’s both easy to make and hard to forget. Tuna Noodle Casserole is a comforting classic, mixing tender noodles with chunks of tuna in a rich and creamy sauce. It’s a reminder of family dinners, of dishes passed around the table amidst laughter and stories. This casserole is more than just food; it’s a warm memory.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Noodle Casserole
Oven Baked Ribs
Forget the grill; some of the best ribs come straight from the oven, slow-baked until they fall off the bone. Oven Baked Ribs are a marvel of patience and flavor, soaked in a marinade that caramelizes in the heat to create a sticky, sweet crust. It’s messy eating at its finest, where every bite is rewarded with tender, flavorful meat that makes you wonder why you ever bothered with utensils. These ribs turn an ordinary meal into a feast.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs
Sweet Potato Casserole
Picture a dish that serves up sweetness in a way that’s totally acceptable as a side dish. Sweet Potato Casserole does exactly that, with its fluffy bed of mashed sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy, sweet layer. It blurs the lines between dessert and side dish in the best possible way, making each meal an occasion. This casserole is a beloved addition to any dinner, especially when you’re looking to impress.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
If there’s one dish that stands as a testament to Southern cooking, it’s this. The exterior is crispy and golden, offering the perfect crunch with every bite, while inside, the chicken remains unbelievably juicy and tender. Buttermilk Fried Chicken is not just food; it’s a celebration of texture and flavor, marrying simple ingredients in an explosion of taste. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, eager for their share.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Macaroni Salad
When you need a dish that’s as perfect for a sunny day as it is for a potluck, look no further. Macaroni Salad is that go-to option, bringing with it a blend of tender pasta, creamy dressing, and crisp veggies. It’s a refreshing break from the heavier dishes, offering a mix of flavors that’s both satisfying and light. This salad proves that sometimes, the best meals are the ones that don’t try too hard.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad
Southern Mash
Sometimes, the best part of a meal is the side dish, especially when it’s as comforting as this. Southern Mash takes something as simple as potatoes and transforms them into a creamy, buttery delight. It’s the perfect accompaniment to any Southern meal, making even the simplest dishes taste like home. This mash is more than just mashed potatoes; it’s a reminder of family meals, of passing the bowl around the table, and of enjoying each spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash
Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
There’s something about this dish that feels like a celebration, even on a regular day. Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham combines the sweetness of pineapple with a rich glaze, coating each slice of ham in a deliciously sticky sweetness. It’s the kind of main that demands attention, not just for its taste but for its presentation as well. It’s a sweet take that proves some matches are made in culinary heaven.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
