Big gatherings call for food that actually fills people up, and Southern meals get the job done. These dishes aren’t just about feeding a crowd—they bring everyone to the table and keep them there. Whether it’s something slow-cooked, fried, or baked until golden, every bite feels like home. If you’re feeding a group, these 17 Southern meals will make sure no one leaves hungry (or quiet).
Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that takes your typical grilled cheese to a whole new level. It’s a great choice for when you have leftover pulled pork and want something easy yet fulfilling. Perfect for feeding a crowd, each bite is packed with gooey cheese and tender pork. It’s a sure hit for anyone looking for a twist on a classic.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
For those who appreciate the classics, Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans bring a taste of nostalgia and simplicity to any gathering. Toss everything in the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinner time, you’ll have a side dish that practically took care of itself. It’s an effortless way to add some veggies to your meal. Plus, it frees up your kitchen for cooking other dishes.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Air Fryer Steak Bites
Air Fryer Steak Bites are a quick and easy way to get that steak dinner feel without the fuss of grilling. They cook up in no time, making it perfect for a last-minute gathering. A favorite for those who love a good piece of meat but don’t want to spend hours cooking. This dish is proof that good food doesn’t always require a ton of effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Steak Bites
Macaroni Salad
This salad is a classic side that’s always a hit at any table. Macaroni Salad is easy to whip up in a big batch, making it perfect for serving a crowd without breaking a sweat. This dish brings a bit of creamy, comforting goodness to your meal. Its simplicity is what makes it so versatile and beloved.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad
Hot Crab and Pimento Cheese Dip
Level up your appetizer game with Hot Crab and Pimento Cheese Dip. It’s a warm, gooey concoction that combines the richness of crab with the bold taste of pimento cheese. Perfect for spreading on crackers or scooping up with veggies, it’s bound to become a new favorite. Just make sure to have plenty because it disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Hot Crab and Pimento Cheese Dip
Hoppin John
Hoppin John is a Southern staple that brings luck and fortune to your table. It’s a hearty dish that combines simple ingredients into something truly special. Often enjoyed on New Year’s, it’s also perfect for any large gathering any time you need a comforting and filling option. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter about traditions.
Get the Recipe: Hoppin John
Air Fryer Twisted Bacon
Looking for something unique? Try Air Fryer Twisted Bacon. It’s a fun take on bacon that’s both crispy and twisty, cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Not only does it make for a great snack on its own, but it also adds a crunchy texture to salads or sandwiches. Plus, it’s a cool way to show off your air fryer skills.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Twisted Bacon
Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet Potato Casserole is a hearty side that never disappoints, especially when you’re looking to make a meal more fulfilling. It’s a go-to for those who appreciate comfort food with a touch of sweetness. It easily feeds a crowd and doesn’t skimp on rich, home-cooked goodness. Plus, it’s a classic that’s always welcome at any large gathering.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole
Smoked Trout Dip
If you’re looking for something that’s both unique and a hit with guests, Smoked Trout Dip is your pick. It’s great for kicking off a meal and gives everyone something to nosh on while the main dishes are finishing up. It pairs well with different types of crackers or sliced veggies. This dip adds an interesting twist to the traditional lineup of Southern snacks.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Trout Dip
Cracker Barrel Cinnamon Roll Pie
When it comes to rounding off a big meal, Cracker Barrel Cinnamon Roll Pie is a real crowd-pleaser. The sweet, cinnamon-infused treat offers an irresistible endnote after a hearty dinner. It’s reminiscent of a beloved Cracker Barrel favorite, blending nostalgia with dessert. And honestly, who can resist something that combines the comfort of cinnamon rolls with the decadence of pie?
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Cinnamon Roll Pie
Pecan Bacon Cheeseball
Pecan Bacon Cheeseball brings the best of both worlds – nuts and bacon come together to create a centerpiece for your snack table. It’s super easy to whip up and makes more than enough to go around. The combination is a familiar crowd favorite, and it’ll likely be one of the first things to vanish. It’s ideal for a casual snack or the appetizer spread at your next large indoor meet-up.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Bacon Cheeseball
Crockpot Slow Cooker Taco Soup
The convenience of a crockpot is unmatched, and Crockpot Slow Cooker Taco Soup is no exception; it’s perfect for when you need something filling that can simmer away without much fuss. It’s known for being incredibly welcoming, especially when you have a diverse bunch to please. Every spoonful is packed with hearty ingredients that make it a solid choice for feeding a hungry group.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Air Fryer Shrimp
With Air Fryer Shrimp, you can serve up something that feels a bit fancy without any of the usual effort. It’s quick to make, which means you won’t be tied to the kitchen when you should be mingling. These shrimp come out perfectly cooked and are a real hit in the center of the dinner table. They’re versatile, too – whether you’re looking to add some protein to a salad or need a finger food that’s a step above the rest.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp
Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Sourdough Bowl
Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Sourdough Bowl combines creamy comfort with the satisfying crunch of a sourdough bowl. It’s an all-in-one meal that guests can carry around, eliminating the need for extra plates. Few things are as soothing as a warm bowl of broccoli cheddar soup on any day. And letting guests scoop up the last bits with their bowls is always a novel treat.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Sourdough Bowl
Collard Dip
Here’s a Southern spin on dips that’ll have folks coming back for seconds. Collard Dip blends familiar flavors in a way that’s both heartwarming and a solid start to a meal. Often seen at gatherings, it makes for a great conversation starter as it’s a little different from your average dip. Grab your favorite chips or veggies and dig in—this is comfort in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Collard Dip
3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Just because a dish has few ingredients doesn’t mean it falls short on delivering a satisfying experience. 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole is proof that you can whip up something delicious without a laundry list of items. This casserole is all about simplicity and is perfect for a stress-free addition to any meal. Whether you’re in charge of a side dish or need something quick, this casserole has your back.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
This centerpiece dish, Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham, is often the star attraction at a big indoor gathering. It offers a balance of sweet and savory that’s hard to top. It makes for a generous serving that ensures nobody leaves the table hungry. And, it’s the type of main that’ll have folks talking long after the plates are cleared.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
