When you’re hungry and need a meal that can keep up, these 17 Southern dishes are exactly what you need. They’re all about big portions, bold flavors, and making sure you get your fill. These meals aren’t for the faint of heart—they’re designed to satisfy big appetites. Whether it’s a family dinner or just a craving for something hearty, these dishes are made to deliver. If you’ve got the appetite, these Southern meals will meet the challenge.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
If you’ve ever been to a Southern BBQ, then you know that pulled pork is a staple. It’s all about taking your time, letting it cook slowly until it’s so tender you can pull it apart with just a fork. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork brings that homey, comforting vibe right to your kitchen. What’s even better is that you’re not tied up all day keeping an eye on it. Just set it up, go about your day, and come back to a main dish that’s ready to win over any crowd.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Country Sausage Gravy
Have you ever wanted breakfast to be more, well, hearty? That’s where a good, rich gravy comes into play. Country Sausage Gravy serves up that thick, tasty flavor that coats your biscuits just right. It turns a simple morning meal into something that’ll keep you full and satisfied for hours. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a hug from the inside, especially on a day when you need it the most.
Get the Recipe: Country Sausage Gravy
Southern-Style Broccoli Salad
Now, not everything down South is about meat and gravy. Southern-Style Broccoli Salad breaks the mold by bringing a fresh, crunchy twist to your plate. It’s that perfect side dish that balances out the heavier mains, providing that necessary pop of color and texture. This salad is the conversation starter at any potluck, proving that veggies can indeed steal the show. Plus, it’s a great way to get your greens in with a dose of Southern charm.
Get the Recipe: Southern-Style Broccoli Salad
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
Chicken is a canvas waiting for a masterpiece, and this dish paints it well. It’s all about that tender, juicy meat under a blanket of rich, creamy gravy. Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy is a comforting meal that feels like Sunday dinner at Grandma’s, but without needing her years of expertise. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something satisfying without too much fuss. Just pop it in the oven and let the magic happen.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Who said comfort food couldn’t have a bit of elegance? Take an iconic Southern dish, turn it into a casserole, and you’ve got yourself a party favorite. Shrimp and Grits Casserole combines the creamy goodness of grits with the tasty flavor of shrimp in one convenient dish. It’s the ideal choice for when you want to impress without the stress. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it just as good the next day.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Funeral Potatoes
Despite the somber name, these potatoes are all about bringing joy and comfort to gatherings. It’s a hearty side dish known for its cheesy, creamy texture and crunchy topping. Funeral Potatoes have a way of making an appearance at every significant event, proving that they’re a beloved classic for a reason. They’re the ultimate comfort food that everyone seems to love, making any meal feel like a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes
Pineapple Casserole
Sometimes, the South likes to throw a curveball, blending sweet with taste in the most unexpected ways. Pineapple Casserole is one of those dishes that might raise eyebrows but wins hearts once tasted. It’s a unique side that stands out among the usual, bringing a delicious surprise to the dinner table. This dish is a conversation starter, often leaving guests pleasantly surprised and asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Casserole
Chicken Roll-Ups
Imagine the best parts of a chicken dinner all wrapped up into one neat package. That’s what Chicken Roll-Ups are all about. It’s chicken, it’s filling, and it’s got all the flavors you love, all rolled up and ready to impress. This dish is fantastic for when you want to shake things up a bit and present something that looks as good as it tastes. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, leaving you more time to bask in the compliments.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Roll-Ups
Southern Ham Salad
When the South does salad, it often means something you can spread on a cracker. Southern Ham Salad is a perfect example, bringing a burst of flavor and a touch of nostalgia with every bite. It’s a great use of leftover ham, transforming it into a dish that’s both familiar and fresh. This salad is a hit at gatherings, serving up a blend of tastes that remind you of picnics and family reunions.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad
Crockpot Slowcooker Rump Roast
Let’s talk about setting it and forgetting it, but ending with something that feels like you slaved away in the kitchen. That’s what a good Crockpot Slowcooker Rump Roast is all about. This dish brings together simplicity and flavor in a way that just can’t be beaten. It’s perfect for those busy days when you want a hearty meal waiting for you at home. Just the aroma welcoming you at the door is enough to make your day.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Slowcooker Rump Roast
Sloppy Joe Casserole
If you love the classic taste of a sloppy Joe but want something a bit more table-friendly, this twist is your answer. Sloppy Joe Casserole is all the deliciousness of your favorite childhood sandwich, baked into a casserole form that’s easy to serve and even easier to love. When you’re looking to feed a crowd or just have some comforting leftovers, this dish has got you covered. It’s a fun, messy favorite made a little bit neater.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole
Creamy Mashed Cauliflower
Here’s for when you’re craving that creamy side but want to keep things on the lighter side. Creamy Mashed Cauliflower offers a delicious alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. It’s a side dish that surprises first-timers and wins over skeptics with its smooth texture and taste. Perfect for pairing with just about anything, it’s fulfilling without the heaviness. Who knew veggies could be this indulgent?
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Cauliflower
Southern Crack Chicken Casserole
If there was a dish designed to keep you coming back for more, this would be it. Southern Crack Chicken Casserole is addictive in the best way possible, combining flavors and textures that just make sense. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings the comfort of a casserole with a kick that keeps it interesting. Ideal for when you’re looking to spice up dinner time without straying too far from what you know everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Southern Crack Chicken Casserole
Creamed Corn
Sometimes, it’s the simplest dishes that hold a place in our hearts. Creamed Corn is that side dish you didn’t know you needed until it’s on your plate, making everything else taste better. It’s soft, it’s creamy, and it has a sweetness that complements any main. This dish is a staple for a reason, easily earning its spot on the table at any Southern meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
There’s fried chicken, and then there’s Buttermilk Fried Chicken. This is the kind that has that extra something, making it stand out in a crowd of fried foods. It’s all about that crispy exterior leading to perfectly tender meat inside. A true Southern classic, this dish is a reminder of why some traditions are worth keeping around. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering, it’s bound to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Looking for comfort in a dish? Tuna Noodle Casserole might just be what you need. It combines simple ingredients into something that’s more than the sum of its parts. This casserole is the epitome of home-cooked meals that warm you from the inside out. It’s the sort of dish that brings back memories and creates new ones, perfect for any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Noodle Casserole
Oven Baked Ribs
Imagine ribs so tender, they practically fall off the bone with a gentle pull. Oven Baked Ribs deliver just that, along with a flavor that’s hard to beat. This dish is a testament to the fact that good things come to those who wait, offering up that BBQ taste without the grill. It’s a mouth-watering main that makes any meal feel like an occasion. A true testament to Southern cooking, these ribs will have you licking your fingers for every last bit.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs
