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22 Southern Comfort Food Recipes To Inspire In The Kitchen

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Southern comfort food is all about rich flavors, hearty dishes, and a whole lot of love. This collection of 22 recipes brings the warmth of the South to your table, featuring classics like buttermilk fried chicken, creamy baked mac and cheese, and red beans and rice. Whether you’re in the mood for sweet apple fritters, savory smothered pork chops, or a tangy potato salad, these recipes are perfect for family gatherings or when you’re simply craving a taste of home. Let’s savor the best of Southern cooking!

Apple Fritters

Close-up of glazed apple fritters from My Favorite Recipes, showcasing a glossy, caramelized surface with visible apple chunks and a golden-brown crust.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Indulge in fluffy, crispy Apple Fritters bursting with fresh apples, aromatic spices, and a mouthwatering apple glaze! With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up this perfect homemade treat that will delight your taste buds and warm your heart. Don’t miss out on this deliciousness!

Get The Recipe: Apple Fritters

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

Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Topping

A hand is lifting a piece of Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Topping from a baking pan.
Photo Credit: The Cookie Rookie

Add this Cheesy, Easy Chicken Pot Pie recipe to your weeknight dinner lineup. Pot Pies are a delightful and cozy winter meal. Rotisserie chicken covered in cheese, topped with buttery, flaky biscuits—Everyone will be begging for seconds!

Get The Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Topping

Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake

A thick slab of praline cheesecake with an apple pie bottom.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

This Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake is a versatile masterpiece, blending smooth bourbon flavors with crunchy pecans. Perfect for any occasion, it impresses guests and satisfies your sweet tooth, epitomizing Southern charm and elegance.

Get The Recipe: Praline Cheesecake

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

Easy Homemade Corn Muffins

Freshly baked corn muffins cooling on a cooling rack.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This classic recipe is just the beginning! Easily customize it to your taste with a few simple ingredients. Add a touch of honey for sweetness or a sprinkle of cheese for a savory twist.

Get The Recipe: Easy Homemade Corn Muffins

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

a close up image of a pan of Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

An indulgent creamy dish made with three kinds of cheese topped with panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and garlic, then baked until it’s hot, bubbly, and golden.

Get The Recipe: Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Cream of Crab Soup

A bowl of creamy crab soup with chunks of crab meat and slices of potato, garnished with fresh herbs, served with crackers on the side.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This creamy soup combines tender crab meat and soft potatoes, with each spoonful exploding with flavor from smoky bacon, rich seafood stock, and a hint of briny clam juice. It’s a satisfying, hearty dish that truly comforts.

Get The Recipe: Cream of Crab Soup

Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe with Canned Biscuits

Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe with Canned Biscuits
Photo credit: Cheerful Cook

Our Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings with canned biscuits is a fantastic pick for any meal. With its rich flavors, tender chicken, and fluffy dumplings, it’s a cozy and fulfilling choice for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Easy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe with Canned Biscuits

Macaroni Salad

Amish Macaroni Salad in a bowl with a serving spoon.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Creamy and tangy, this classic macaroni salad combines tender pasta with a flavorful dressing, making it a hearty side dish for any summer gathering.

Get The Recipe: Macaroni Salad

Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Looking down on a casserole dish with sweet potato casserole, with a hand scooping out a serving.
Image Credit: Namely Marly

Make your next side dish healthier with this Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole. It’s a tasty twist on a classic fave, topped with oats and pecans for a crunchy finish.

Get the recipe: Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Cajun Crab Stuffed Salmon

Four portions of baked salmon topped with a golden, herb-filled crust are arranged on a plate. Lemon wedges are placed around the salmon for a burst of freshness, and the dish is garnished with chopped parsley. Perfect for fans of Southern recipes, this meal delivers comfort and flavor in each bite.
Image Credit: Salt & Lavender

This simple Cajun crab stuffed salmon recipe is a tasty and fun twist on salmon! With bold flavors, it feels a bit fancy and is perfect for seafood fans.

Get The Recipe: Cajun Crab Stuffed Salmon

Grilled Chicken Thighs and Legs

Grilled Chicken Thighs & Legs on a serving dish
Image Credit: Mypointofview

Craving delicious grilled chicken but on a budget? Look no further! Chicken thighs and legs are a more affordable option, and this recipe delivers juicy, flavorful results with a simple marinade and a tasty sauce.

Get The Recipe: Grilled Chicken Thighs and Legs

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

Apple Brown Betty

A dish piled high with baked Apples and crumb topping.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This simple and tasty Apple Brown Betty recipe combines tender apples with caramel sauce and a crunchy cinnamon crumb topping.

Get The Recipe: Apple Brown Betty

Red Beans And Rice

A bowl brimming with Southern flavors—red beans, sausage slices, and white rice—garnished with fresh parsley. A spoon rests in the bowl, inviting you to savor this classic Southern recipe. A black and white checkered cloth adds a touch of charm to the scene.
The Cookie Rookie

Look no further for the ultimate Red Beans and Rice Recipe! This dish is incredibly rich, hearty, and bursting with flavor. The tender beans are served alongside perfectly cooked rice and savory, smoky sausage. It’s a truly satisfying and delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Red Beans And Rice

Deviled Eggs

Image Credit: Salt & Lavender

This deviled eggs recipe is a hit at potlucks and holiday gatherings! They’re a fancy appetizer that’s super easy to whip up at home.

Get The Recipe: Deviled Eggs

Classic Ambrosia Salad

A close-up view of a creamy ambrosia salad, showcasing a mixture of marshmallows, mandarin orange slices, pineapple chunks, red maraschino cherries, and grated coconut, all garnished with a fresh mint sprig. A gold-colored spoon is partially visible on the left side—a true staple in Southern recipes.
Image Credit: Salt & Lavender

This delightful ambrosia salad recipe is a perfect blend of coolness, creaminess, sweetness, and refreshing flavors! It embodies the essence of a classic American fruit salad, meticulously crafted in a single bowl within a mere 15 minutes. Enjoy the harmonious combination of colorful fruits and creamy textures in every delicious spoonful.

Get The Recipe: Classic Ambrosia Salad

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

Easy Crab Cakes

Three Crab Cakes on a plate with lemon wedges and a fork next to it.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe lets you whip up incredible crab cakes with fresh, flavorful ingredients at home. It’s surprisingly easy – just mix it up, pan-fry it, and enjoy a customizable, restaurant-worthy meal that’ll leave you happy and satisfied.

Get The Recipe: Easy Crab Cakes

Homemade Potato Salad

A close up image of potato salad in a white bowl.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Don’t stress about side dishes this summer! This recipe for homemade potato salad is here to save the day. With its combination of creamy potatoes, tangy pickles, and a flavorful dressing, it’s a simple yet satisfying choice for any barbecue or potluck.

Get The Recipe: Homemade Potato Salad

Green Bean Casserole with Bacon

Green bean casserole with bacon being served with a spoon.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This tasty Green Bean Casserole with Bacon recipe is the ultimate side dish, featuring a creamy sauce and a crunchy topping.

Get The Recipe: Green Bean Casserole with Bacon

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