If you’ve ever craved that comforting taste of Grandma’s cooking, these 21 Southern recipes are about to make your wish come true. No trip, no hassle—just pure, simple flavors that take you back to the good ol’ days. These dishes bring the warmth of Grandma’s kitchen without the need for a nap on the couch afterward. They’re just what you need when you want that homey, feel-good vibe. Grandma would approve—and so will you.
Oven Baked Ribs
Pour your favorite drink and settle in for a night of good eating and storytelling around these succulent ribs. If you’ve never had ribs that fall right off the bone, you’re in for a treat with these Oven Baked Ribs. There’s nothing like the comfort of tender meat mixed with rich flavors that’s been slowly baked to perfection. You might remember that special warmth filling your grandmother’s kitchen, a familiar scent that’s just as inviting.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs
Southern-Style Broccoli Salad
Crunchy, fresh, and full of texture, Southern-Style Broccoli Salad never fails to add something special to the family meal. This dish has a way of mixing the wholesome feel of raw veggies with just the right touch of added extras to create a side everyone is eager to pile on their plate. You could say it holds its own against the more robust main courses, adding a balance to your spread. Pull up a chair and serve yourself a generous helping.
Get the Recipe: Southern-Style Broccoli Salad
Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge
The rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience of Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge is one you’ll want to come back to again and again. It strikes the perfect chord between sweet and nostalgic, reminiscent of treats from an era gone by. With each bite, you can almost hear the laughter and see the smiles of family gatherings past. Now it’s your turn to create those memories, one square of fudge at a time.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge
Creamed Corn
It’s time to bring back the simple pleasure of a classic dish that’s often overlooked—Creamed Corn. It’s the kind of side that seems unassuming but is always the first one to run out at family dinners. You’ll find the creamy texture and comforting taste a perfect companion for just about any Southern entree. It’s hard not to feel at home with a bowl of this corn by your plate, especially with good conversation to accompany it.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Picture it now: a Slow Cooker Pulled Pork that has been simmering away, tenderizing to the point where it practically shreds itself. Sure, it takes patience, but the best things in life often do—and this one is worth the wait. Gather your friends and family for a meal that signals comfort in every strand of pork. It’s about more than just eating; it’s the experience of sharing a meal made with care and time.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
When it’s done right, Buttermilk Fried Chicken makes you feel like you’re part of an age-old Southern tradition. The golden crust gives way to succulent meat that reminds you of dinner at your grandparents’ place. Each piece is a testament to time-honored methods, with a flavor that holds its own against any modern twist on chicken out there. Fix up some sides, or enjoy it straight up; either way, you’re in for a real treat.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Southern Spiced Brownies
For those with a sweet tooth, Southern Spiced Brownies offer something uniquely comforting with a kick. These brownies are for when an ordinary dessert just won’t cut it and you need a hint of spice to make things interesting. It’s an indulgence meant for sharing, or for moments when you need a chocolatey escape. Warm and inviting, they’re perfect for a quiet night in or to cap off a hearty Southern meal.
Get the Recipe: Southern Spiced Brownies
Macaroni Salad
At any Southern cookout or family reunion, you can bet you’ll find a big bowl of Macaroni Salad nestled among the heaping plates of food. It’s a dish that boasts simplicity yet always ends up being talked about long after the meal is done. This picnic classic brings a sense of community, making everyone feel connected as they share a common favorite. It’s not just about nostalgia; it’s about the moments created around dishes like this.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Not every dish needs to be a showstopper; sometimes, it’s the familiar favorite like Tuna Noodle Casserole that brings the most comfort. It’s an all-in-one meal that reminds us of weekday dinners, where simplicity reigns and satisfaction is guaranteed. You don’t need a special occasion to whip up this casserole—it’s perfect for just about any day of the week. It’s about sitting around the table, enjoying the conversation as you help yourself to seconds.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Noodle Casserole
Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
Take your grilled cheese game to the next level with a twist—add some Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese to the mix. This isn’t your average grilled cheese; it’s a meaty masterpiece that combines the best of both worlds. It’s the sandwich that begs to be eaten with both hands, with no regard for a little mess. Casually cut it in half and watch the melted cheese stretch in perfect harmony with the pulled pork.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
Sweet Potato Casserole
Sometimes the side dishes steal the show, and Sweet Potato Casserole is a prime example. It’s a dish that balances the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a texture that’s both smooth and satisfying. Don’t be surprised if it gets just as much praise as the main dish—it’s a comfort food staple for a reason. It’s the dish you look forward to during family get-togethers, where second helpings are a given. So cozy up and dig in—there’s enough to go around.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole
Hoppin John
This Hoppin John carries with it a sense of heritage, best served with stories of the past and hopes for the future. It’s deeply woven into the fabric of Southern tradition, often bringing good luck and a sense of prosperity to those who enjoy it. This is not just food; it’s a celebration of culture and family ties that bind. Each bite is filled with more than flavor; it’s filled with history and the very essence of Southern hospitality.
Get the Recipe: Hoppin John
Pecan Bacon Cheeseball
Embrace a blend of flavors with a Pecan Bacon Cheeseball, the centerpiece of any appetizer table that’s sure to draw a crowd. It’s the kind of item that piques curiosity and conversation alike, as guests come back for just one more bite. Perfect for spreading on your favorite crackers, this cheeseball is all about sharing and enjoyment in the company of friends and family. It pairs well with laughter and the clinking of glasses toasting to good health and happy days.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Bacon Cheeseball
Crockpot Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Who doesn’t love the ease and full-bodied flavor of a Crockpot Slow Cooker Taco Soup? It’s a no-fuss meal that simmers to excellence on its own, freeing you up to enjoy the company rather than tend to the stove. Each spoonful is a reminder of how the simplest ingredients can come together to form something extraordinary. Perfect for a casual dinner or as the hearty solution to a chilly day, this soup is an invitation to come together.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Merge the taste of the sea with down-to-earth grains in a Shrimp and Grits Casserole. You’ll find it’s a joy to scoop through layers of flavor that speak of both coastal waters and rural farms. It’s a fusion dish that has the ability to bring a diverse group of palates together, nodding to tradition while embracing innovation. Perfect for brunch or dinner, it takes the familiar and upgrades it to an occasion.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Collard Dip
Give your chips a reason to rejoice with a Collard Dip that packs a punch. This dish has roots in classic Southern greens yet reimagines them in a crowd-pleasing form. Whether spread over toast or partnered with your favorite dipper, it’s an instant conversational starter. It’s ideal for your next game day gathering or when you’re looking to add some green to your snackable lineup. Go ahead—surprise your guests with a dip that’s innovative and grounded.
Get the Recipe: Collard Dip
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
These Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans are the heroes of the spread, soaking up flavors for hours and coming out as more than just a side. These beans are a testament to the magic of low and slow cooking. They act as the perfect companion to more extraverted entrees but have enough character to be enjoyed on their own. Fire up the slow cooker, and let this dish be a reminder of the subtle art of patience and the rewards it brings.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Sourdough Bowl
Imagine the satisfaction of digging into Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Sourdough Bowl—it’s not just soup; it’s an experience. With every spoonful, the rich, cheesy goodness compliments the tangy taste of sourdough. It’s as much a meal as it is a statement, where the bowl is part of the feast. It’s hearty, comforting, and a novel way to serve up a familiar favorite. Take a seat, enjoy each bite, and delight in the simple innovation that this dish brings to the table.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Sourdough Bowl
Cracker Barrel Cinnamon Roll Pie
Bite into comfort and charm with a slice of Cracker Barrel Cinnamon Roll Pie. This dessert is like the best part of waking up, but at any time of day. Each slice combines the aroma of cinnamon with a beloved, pastry-like texture, creating moments worth pausing for. It’s easy to think back to lazy Sunday mornings and family brunches with every forkful. Pass this pie around the table and watch as it brings a sense of warmth and togetherness to your gathering.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Cinnamon Roll Pie
Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
For a main course that doubles as a centerpiece, Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham delivers. The sweetness of brown sugar paired with pineapple enhances the natural flavors of the ham, resulting in a dish that tempts all senses. It signifies celebration, often the star of the show, carved right at the table amid admiring glances. You’ll find people are eager to stand by the kitchen waiting for a slice, reminiscent of holiday traditions and festive cheer.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
Smoked Trout Dip
Offer up a Smoked Trout Dip and see how quickly an appetizer can become the talk of the party. It’s a flavorful mashup that brings a bit of the smokehouse to your dining experience. Perfect for scooping with sturdy crackers or crisp vegetables, its appeal lies in its ability to surprise and gratify in equal parts. Nothing starts off a friendly gathering better than a dip that’s a little out of the ordinary, yet utterly familiar.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Trout Dip
