Takeout has its place, like when you’re too tired to function or your fridge is just condiments and regret, but let’s be honest—it rarely tastes as good as you hoped. The flavors are often watered down, the portions feel smaller every time, and somehow, it’s never quite as hot as it should be. These Southern recipes bring all the comfort and richness you expect, minus the delivery fees and the frustration of waiting an hour for something that barely hits the mark.
Pecan Pie Brownies
Some things just make sense together, and a rich dessert with a crunchy topping is one of them. You get all the chocolatey goodness of brownies with the caramelized crunch of Pecan Pie Brownies, and suddenly, dessert feels way more exciting. It’s got the kind of flavor that makes people fight over the last piece at a potluck. You might as well make a double batch because leftovers won’t be a thing.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Brownies
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs With Creamy Onion Gravy
A meal that’s this comforting shouldn’t be so easy to make, but here we are. Oven Baked Chicken Thighs With Creamy Onion Gravy bring that classic Southern-style richness without needing to stand over a stove all evening. The thick, savory sauce clings to every bite, making it impossible not to mop up every drop. It’s one of those dishes that makes people ask, “Is there more?” before they’ve even finished.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs With Creamy Onion Gravy
Shrimp And Grits Casserole
Comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated, and this dish proves it. Shrimp And Grits Casserole gives you all the flavors of the classic Southern staple but in a way that’s easier to serve up for a crowd. It’s creamy, packed with flavor, and has just the right balance of richness and heartiness. Skip the takeout because this version wins every time.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp And Grits Casserole
Creamed Corn
You wouldn’t think something so simple could be this good, but one bite says otherwise. Creamed Corn brings that thick, buttery texture that makes every meal feel a little more special. It’s the side dish that gets eaten first, leaving people wondering why they even bothered with anything else. If you’re still getting it from a can, it’s time for an upgrade.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn
Funeral Potatoes
No one really knows why they’re called that, but no one cares once they take a bite. Funeral Potatoes come loaded with creamy goodness and a golden, crispy topping that makes every spoonful better than the last. They’re the kind of comfort food that disappears fast, leaving people scraping the dish for just one more bite. It’s basically a requirement at any Southern gathering.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes
Southern Spiced Brownies
A regular brownie is good, but this one? This one has a little extra something that makes it unforgettable. Southern Spiced Brownies have a bold kick that sneaks up on you in the best way possible. It’s rich, indulgent, and just different enough to keep you reaching for another square. Good luck going back to plain chocolate after this.
Get the Recipe: Southern Spiced Brownies
Crockpot Slow Cooker Rump Roast
Some meals are worth the wait, and this one proves it. Crockpot Slow Cooker Rump Roast turns into the most tender, flavorful main dish after cooking low and slow all day. The kind of dish that makes your whole house smell amazing and has everyone asking when dinner’s ready. Takeout doesn’t stand a chance against something this good.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Slow Cooker Rump Roast
Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge
This is the kind of treat that reminds you why classic recipes never go out of style. Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge is rich, creamy, and melts in your mouth with every bite. It’s the kind of dessert that disappears off the plate before you even get a chance to offer seconds. If you grew up on the store-bought stuff, get ready to forget it ever existed.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge
Macaroni Salad
Some side dishes show up and do their job, and some steal the whole meal. Macaroni Salad is one of those dishes that never gets left behind at a potluck. Creamy, chilled, and packed with that signature Southern-style flavor, it’s the one thing you’ll want a second helping of before it’s gone. Nothing from a deli container even comes close.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad
Oven Baked Ribs
Messy? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. Oven Baked Ribs come out tender, packed with flavor, and just as good as anything from a smokehouse. The kind of meal that makes you forget about napkins until you’ve finished every last bite. Save yourself a trip to the barbecue joint because these ribs handle business at home.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs
Southern Sausage Cheese Balls
Some snacks don’t need an introduction, and this is one of them. Southern Sausage Cheese Balls pack in everything you love about a good appetizer into bite-sized perfection. They’re meaty, cheesy, and dangerously easy to keep popping into your mouth. If you bring these to a party, expect them to disappear before you even set down your plate.
Get the Recipe: Southern Sausage Cheese Balls
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
If there’s one thing the South does best, it’s crispy, juicy fried goodness. Buttermilk Fried Chicken brings that perfect golden crust with tender meat inside, making it impossible to eat just one piece. It’s the kind of meal that gets people quiet at the table because they’re too busy enjoying it. Forget fast food because this is what fried chicken is supposed to taste like.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Creamy Mashed Cauliflower
Who said comfort food has to be heavy? Creamy Mashed Cauliflower gives you all the smooth, rich texture you expect from the classic without weighing you down. It’s one of those dishes that surprises people with how good it actually is. Don’t be shocked when it ends up being the favorite on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Cauliflower
Sloppy Joe Casserole
Some meals just know how to take care of a hungry crowd. Sloppy Joe Casserole takes all the bold, comforting flavors of the classic sandwich and makes it even easier to serve. It’s messy in the best way and packed with that nostalgic taste you didn’t realize you missed. No buns needed—just a big spoon and a bigger appetite.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole
Sweet Potato Pie
Some desserts just feel like home, and this one is at the top of the list. Sweet Potato Pie has that smooth, rich filling with a crust that brings it all together. It’s got just the right amount of sweetness without being overwhelming, making it perfect for any time of the year. Once you try it homemade, the store-bought version doesn’t stand a chance.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Pie
Southern-Style Broccoli Salad
Some salads are forgettable, and then there’s this one. Southern-Style Broccoli Salad brings a perfect mix of crunch, creaminess, and a little bit of unexpected flavor. It’s the kind of side dish that holds its own, even next to bigger, heavier mains. If you think you don’t like broccoli, this might just change your mind.
Get the Recipe: Southern-Style Broccoli Salad
Chicken Roll-Ups
Some dinners are fancy, and some just get the job done in the best way possible. Chicken Roll-Ups take everything good about a hearty, comforting meal and wrap it up into something easy to eat. They’re warm, rewarding, and perfect for busy nights when you still want something homemade. Skip the drive-thru because this is faster and better.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Roll-Ups
