Some recipes are meant to be kept secret, but in the South, sharing them is practically a requirement. From big holiday spreads to casual backyard get-togethers, there’s always a dish that gets passed around like it holds the meaning of life. These 19 beloved Southern dishes prove that when it comes to food, the more, the merrier—because no one ever left a Southern table still hungry.
Cheese Ball
There’s always that one dish at a gathering that disappears first, and it’s usually Cheese Ball. It’s creamy, packed with flavor, and perfect for spreading on just about anything within reach. You set it out with some crackers, and suddenly, people are hovering like they haven’t eaten in days. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that turns any snack table into a competition for the last bite.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ball
Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
This isn’t just any ham—it’s the one that steals the show at every holiday table. Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is coated in a glaze that creates the perfect balance of sweet and savory. It comes out of the oven looking like something straight out of a food magazine, and somehow it tastes even better than it looks. Leftovers? Good luck having any.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
A regular grilled cheese is fine, but adding smoky, tender meat makes it something worth talking about. That’s why Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese is a sandwich that doesn’t mess around. The combination of crispy, buttery bread with layers of rich, melty goodness makes it impossible to resist. It’s the kind of thing that turns a simple meal into an instant favorite.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
A side dish that’s slow-cooked to perfection always finds a way onto a Southern dinner table. Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans come out tender, full of flavor, and perfect for pairing with just about anything. They soak up all the goodness while cooking, which means every bite packs serious comfort. No fancy tricks, just a simple dish that always gets second helpings.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Macaroni Salad
Every potluck has that one bowl everyone keeps refilling, and it’s usually Macaroni Salad. It’s cool, creamy, and packed with flavors that work together like old friends at a family reunion. Whether served next to barbecue or scooped onto a plate solo, it somehow always fits right in. Just make sure to grab a spoonful early, because it never lasts long.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad
Blueberry Shortcake
Some desserts are just built for sharing, and Blueberry Shortcake is one of them. It’s got layers of soft, buttery goodness, fresh fruit, and just the right amount of sweetness. Every bite is light enough to keep you coming back for more but rich enough to feel like a treat. If you bring this to a gathering, don’t expect to take any leftovers home.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Shortcake
Hoppin John
A bowl of comfort that’s been passed down through generations, Hoppin John is a Southern classic. It’s got all the heartiness you need to keep you full and all the tradition that makes it special. Whether served for good luck on New Year’s or just because it’s too good to wait, it’s a must-have. One bowl turns into two before you even realize what happened.
Get the Recipe: Hoppin John
Southern Sausage Cheese Balls
These little bites might look small, but they disappear fast. Southern Sausage Cheese Balls are packed with flavor, easy to grab, and impossible to stop eating. Whether they’re on the table for brunch, game day, or just because, they never last long. It’s the kind of recipe that has people asking, “Who made these?” before they even finish chewing.
Get the Recipe: Southern Sausage Cheese Balls
Sweet Potato Casserole
Some side dishes work like desserts in disguise, and Sweet Potato Casserole is one of them. It’s got all the comfort of a home-cooked meal with just enough sweetness to keep things interesting. Whether it’s a holiday spread or a random weeknight dinner, it always fits right in. If you’re lucky, you might even get the last spoonful before someone else does.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole
Mississippi Mud Pie
When a dessert is this rich, you don’t just eat it—you commit to it. Mississippi Mud Pie is layers of chocolatey goodness stacked on top of more chocolatey goodness. It’s messy in the best way possible, and every bite is worth it. Just don’t expect to stop at one slice.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Pie
Southern Mash
Some side dishes know how to steal the spotlight, and Southern Mash is one of them. It’s creamy, buttery, and the perfect companion to just about any main dish. Whether it’s a holiday meal or a weeknight dinner, it always earns a spot on the plate. If there’s any left, it’s only because someone didn’t see the serving dish.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash
Mini Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread
When an appetizer looks fancy but takes zero effort to eat, you know you’ve got a winner. Mini Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread is the kind of dish that keeps people hovering around the table. It’s gooey, slightly sweet, and made for pulling apart piece by piece. If you walk away for a second, don’t be surprised if it’s already gone.
Get the Recipe: Mini Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread
Funeral Potatoes
A dish that’s been passed around Southern tables for years, Funeral Potatoes is pure comfort food. It’s creamy, crispy on top, and always loaded with flavor. Whether it’s a potluck, a family gathering, or just a regular Tuesday, it never feels out of place. There’s a reason everyone keeps making it—it just works.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes
Loaded Tater Tots
Taking something simple and making it over-the-top good is what Southern food does best. Loaded Tater Tots turn a childhood favorite into something worthy of a crowd. Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, they’re impossible to resist. If you bring these to a party, don’t expect leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Tater Tots
Pecan Pie Brownies
When two classic desserts join forces, everyone wins. Pecan Pie Brownies take the richness of brownies and combine it with the deep, nutty sweetness of pecan pie. The result? A dessert that’s equal parts chewy, gooey, and completely unforgettable. Good luck stopping at just one piece.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Brownies
Country Sausage Gravy
There’s comfort food, and then there’s Country Sausage Gravy—a Southern staple that brings everything together. Whether it’s spooned over something fresh from the oven or just eaten straight off the spoon (no judgment), it never disappoints. It’s rich, hearty, and the kind of dish that makes any breakfast feel complete. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why it isn’t on every morning menu.
Get the Recipe: Country Sausage Gravy
Pineapple Casserole
Some dishes sound unexpected, but one bite changes everything. Pineapple Casserole is sweet, savory, and the perfect mix of flavors you didn’t know you needed. It’s a must-have at Southern gatherings, where everyone claims they’ll “just try a bite” and then keeps going back for more. If you haven’t had it yet, you’re missing out.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Casserole
Southern Ham Salad
Some recipes are built for sharing, and Southern Ham Salad is one of them. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and somehow works for every occasion. Whether it’s tucked into a sandwich or scooped onto crackers, it disappears fast. Bring it to a party, and you’ll leave with an empty bowl.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs With Creamy Onion Gravy
When a dish checks all the boxes—easy, flavorful, and made for sharing—you know it’s a keeper. Oven Baked Chicken Thighs With Creamy Onion Gravy is everything good about Southern comfort food in one dish. It’s rich, hearty, and practically begs for a side of something warm and buttery. If there’s any left, someone’s coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs With Creamy Onion Gravy
