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21 Crave-Worthy Southern Dishes You’ll Keep Coming Back To

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Southern food is more than just a meal—it’s tradition, comfort, and a celebration of the heart and soul. This collection of 21 Southern recipes brings all the rich flavors and timeless classics right to your table. Whether you’re craving the crispy perfection of buttermilk fried chicken, the creamy indulgence of baked mac and cheese, or the sweet warmth of old-fashioned apple spice pie, these recipes capture the essence of Southern cooking. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or simply treating yourself to some good old-fashioned soul food, this roundup promises dishes that feel like a warm hug and taste even better. Grab a plate, y’all—it’s time to dig in!

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

A basket filled with crispy fried chicken pieces, reminiscent of the finest chicken cutlet recipes, and golden French fries on patterned paper.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Craving the ultimate Buttermilk Fried Chicken? This recipe doesn’t just compete—it dominates. Think juicy, flavor-packed meat thanks to a tangy buttermilk marinade, wrapped in a golden, perfectly spiced crust that shatters with every bite. This isn’t just fried chicken; it’s the fried chicken that leaves all the others in the dust.

Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe

Close up of sliced Kentucky Butter Cake recipe cut across the cake to show the inside cake.
Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

This Southern Kentucky Butter Cake is truly one-of-a-kind. With the irresistible twist of nutty, rich browned butter, this moist and decadent pound cake stands out from every other recipe you’ll find online. One bite, and you’ll see why it’s unforgettable!
Get the Recipe: Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe

Smothered Chicken

A close-up of a plate of smothered chicken covered in a creamy brown sauce with sliced onions, garnished with chopped herbs, and served over a bed of white rice. A fork is partially visible on the right side of the plate.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This smothered chicken recipe is super easy to make, whether you use the stove or a slow cooker. It’s all about those tender chicken thighs swimming in a tasty gravy that’s just right for comfort food lovers!

Get The Recipe: Smothered Chicken

One Pot Sausage and Rice

A vibrant one pot recipe, this sausage and rice is a feast for the senses, boasting sliced sausage, rice, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and chopped green onions. The dish is presented in a white pot with a ladle ready to serve up deliciousness.
Image Credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This one-pot Sausage and Rice is a delicious symphony of flavors! Smoky, savory sausage pairs perfectly with sweet, vibrant bell peppers and tender, fluffy rice, all brought to life with a bold blend of spices that pack just the right kick of heat.

Get The Recipe: One Pot Sausage and Rice

Jiffy Cornbread recipe

Copycat jiffy cornbread recipe as muffins stacked on a white plate with a honey dipper on the plate
Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

This Jiffy Cornbread copycat recipe is a game-changer! Sweet, soft, and oh-so-tender, it practically melts in your mouth with its perfectly moist texture. Get ready to fall in love with every bite!
Get the Recipe: Jiffy Cornbread recipe

Smothered Pork Chops

A plate of mashed potatoes and pork chops smothered in mushroom gravy, served with a side of steamed broccoli, reminiscent of classic smothered pork chops.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Weeknight dinners don’t get much better than this! These juicy pork chops practically cook themselves, bathed in a luxuriously rich caramelized onion and mushroom gravy. A quick sprinkle of melted cheese adds the finishing touch to this simple yet satisfying comfort food classic.

Get The Recipe: Smothered Pork Chops

Sweet Tea Fried Chicken

Overhead shot of a pile of sweet tea fried chicken next to a pitcher and glass full of sweet tea and lemons
Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

This Sweet Tea Fried Chicken is a game-changer—crispy, packed with bold flavor, and downright irresistible! Infused with the rich, sweet charm of Southern sweet tea, it transforms a classic fried chicken into something unforgettable. Get ready for your new favorite comfort food!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Tea Fried Chicken

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

a serving spoon digging into a dish of Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Dive into timeless cheesy bliss! This creamy baked mac and cheese is surprisingly simple to make yet guaranteed to be a family favorite.

Get The Recipe: Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Baked Potato Salad

A baked potato salad being stirred together before serving
Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

Baked Potato Salad is the ultimate comfort food makeover! Packed with tender red potatoes, crispy thick-cut bacon, gooey sharp cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh chives, every bite is a burst of creamy, savory goodness.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato Salad

Salisbury Steak

Close-up of a savory Salisbury Steak covered in a rich mushroom and onion gravy, served in a cast-iron skillet. The dish is garnished with fresh herbs, and the sauce glistens, highlighting the tender meat's juicy texture.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Whip up a delightful and comforting meal with our fantastic Salisbury Steak recipe, ready in 30 minutes. Ideal for hectic weeknights, this dish is bound to become a beloved family favorite.

Get The Recipe: Salisbury Steak

Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs placed on a beige platter ready to serve as an appetizer
Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

These Divine Eggs are a game-changer! Made with creamy Miracle Whip, tangy mustard, and sweet relish, they come together to create the ULTIMATE Classic Deviled Eggs recipe. Perfectly delicious and guaranteed to impress, they’re an absolute MUST for Easter, holidays, or any celebration!
Get the Recipe: Auntie Rose’s Deviled Eggs

Traditional Homemade Meatloaf

A sliced meatloaf on a serving dish.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Traditional Homemade Meatloaf recipe is moist, tender, and flavorful. Once you try it, you’ll cherish this recipe forever!

Get The Recipe: Traditional Homemade Meatloaf

Cream Cheese Pound Cake

A cream cheese pound cake recipe on a white cake stand with a spatula pulling a slice out surrounded by berries on white background
Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe – a timeless Southern classic that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Perfectly rich and buttery, this beloved recipe has been cherished for generations and never fails to impress. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time!
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie

A close-up of a freshly baked pot pie in a skillet. A portion has been cut and lifted, revealing gooey melted cheese, flaky golden-brown crust, and creamy mushroom filling that rivals even the best chicken cutlet recipes in comfort and flavor.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

After a long and draining day, there’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a pot pie. It’s a warm hug in a dish, filling your belly and spirit with pure comfort.

Get The Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie

Banana Pudding Ice Cream

Scoops of banana pudding ice cream in a white bowl
Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate treat with this Banana Pudding Ice Cream! Every bite is bursting with creamy goodness, combining rich cream cheese and fluffy whipped cream, all loaded with crunchy vanilla wafer cookies and sweet banana slices. It’s pure dessert heaven!
Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding Ice Cream

Honey Glazed Ham

A close-up of a glazed ham being sliced with a serrated knife. The ham has a shiny, caramelized outer layer with a pink, juicy interior. The knife has just cut through a small portion, revealing the tender inside.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This glazed ham recipe is sweet, tangy, and savory. The ham is scored and baked with a mouth-watering glaze made with brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, mustard, pineapple juice, orange juice, vinegar, garlic, and ground cloves.

Get The Recipe: Glazed Ham

Homemade Dark Chocolate Pudding

A close-up of a spoonful of creamy chocolate mousse topped with delicate chocolate shavings, showcasing the elegance of fine chocolate recipes. The mousse is smooth and rich, bits of chocolate atop it, set against a blurred backdrop of a glass filled with more mousse.
Image Credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Craving a decadent chocolate treat? This pudding delivers. Expect a luxuriously rich and creamy texture that begs to be scooped straight from the bowl.

Get The Recipe: Homemade Dark Chocolate Pudding

Southern Green Beans Recipe

A large white platter of southern style green beans with smoked turkey and potatoes on a white background
Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

Slow-simmered green beans and tender potatoes get an irresistible flavor boost with the smoky richness of turkey necks in this classic Southern green beans recipe. Comfort food has never tasted so good!
Get the Recipe: Southern Green Beans Recipe

Old Fashioned Apple Spice Pie

A close-up of a slice of peach pie, showcasing golden-brown lattice crust and juicy peach filling, served on a white plate with a gold-colored fork.

A delicious apple pie made with light and dark brown sugar, vanilla, and butter for a filling that’s just too good to resist.

Get The Recipe: Old Fashioned Apple Spice Pie

Fried Catfish

Deep fried catfish with hush puppies on a white surface with lemon wedges and parsley sprinkled on top
Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

This classic southern fried catfish recipe is a true crowd-pleaser! Coated in a perfectly seasoned, crispy cornmeal breading and fried to golden perfection, each bite is tender, flavorful, and downright irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Fried Catfish

Pumpkin Cornbread

Close up of a slice brown butter pumpkin cornbread topped with butter.
Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

Browned butter takes this pumpkin cornbread to the next level, making it an irresistible treat for Fall and a must-have on your Thanksgiving table. Warm, rich, and packed with cozy autumn flavors, it’s the ultimate seasonal bread!
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cornbread

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