37 Irresistible Southern Comfort Food Recipes You’ll Want to Try Today

Southern cooking is more than just food—it’s a celebration of tradition, hospitality, and bold, comforting flavors. From crispy buttermilk fried chicken to creamy baked mac and cheese, every dish tells a story of warmth and community. Whether you’re craving the sweetness of apple fritters or the spicy kick of Cajun crab-stuffed salmon, these recipes bring the best of Southern cuisine to your kitchen. Let’s explore 37 recipes that embody the soul of the South and will have your taste buds doing a happy dance.

Apple Fritters

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

Chicken Dumpling Soup

A creamy Southern recipe featuring artichoke hearts, carrots, celery, and strips of chicken. The ingredients are garnished with fresh herbs and immersed in a thick sauce. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Chicken Dumpling Soup is a comforting dish featuring tender, slow-cooked chicken in a rich broth, fluffy dumplings, and hearty veggies. It’s delicious and easy to make, offering a warm and inviting meal that will nourish your heart and soul.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Dumpling Soup

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

Chicken And Waffle Sliders Recipe

Love fluffy waffles, crispy fried chicken, and sweet maple syrup? Try this easy Chicken and Waffle recipe by Easy Chicken Recipes!
Get the Recipe: Chicken And Waffle Sliders Recipe

Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Topping

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

Coconut Cream Pie

This Creamy Coconut Custard Pie is a taste of vacation made easy! Rich custard meets the delightful flavor of coconut in a creamy filling, all topped with whipped cream. It’s a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make.

Get The Recipe: Coconut Cream Pie

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

Mint Julep Cocktail

This Mint Julep Cocktail is the perfect way to add a touch of elegance to any gathering, from relaxed barbecues to sophisticated soirées.

Get The Recipe: Mint Julep Cocktail

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

Grilled Corn On The Cob

Craving summer’s sweet kiss? Look no further than grilled corn on the cob! This guide unlocks all the secrets to achieving juicy, flavorful perfection, whether you love it on or off the cob.

Get The Recipe: Grilled Corn On The Cob

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

Cozy Baked Apple Slices

Caramel is drizzled over ice cream and baked apples. — Image Credit: Namely Marly

You won’t be able to get enough of this delightful treat. Top warm, baked apple slices with a generous scoop of creamy ice cream and a decadent drizzle of gooey caramel sauce. This delightful dessert is perfect for a cozy night in, offering a harmonious mix of flavors and textures that will surely satisfy your sweet cravings.

Get the recipe: Cozy Baked Apple Slices with Caramel

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

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

Copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak

Country Fried Steak topped with creamy gravy. — Image Credit: Jennifer Deremer/Not Entirely Average

Make a classic Southern favorite at home with this Country Fried Steak and creamy sawmill gravy. In just 45 minutes, enjoy tender, golden-fried steak topped with rich white gravy for a comforting, flavorful meal.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Fried Steak

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

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

Cream Cheese Corn

Craving a familiar favorite with a delightful upgrade? Look no further than this Stovetop Cream Cheese Corn! This recipe transforms classic creamed corn into a luxuriously creamy side dish with a touch of cheesy goodness. It comes together in just 20 minutes, making it the perfect quick and easy addition to any meal, especially holiday gatherings where everyone will be begging for seconds.

Get The Recipe: Cream Cheese Corn

Macaroni Salad

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

One Pot Chili Mac

Ditch the boxed dinner! This One-Pot Chili Mac is a grown-up version of your childhood favorite, made entirely from scratch for a super filling comfort food classic.

Get The Recipe: One Pot Chili Mac

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

Chili Con Carne

Dive into a pot of pure comfort! This Classic Chili Con Carne is a hearty and flavorful crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Get The Recipe: Chili Con Carne

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

Pork Burgers

a pork burger topped with Caramelized Onions — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Want a burger that’s bursting with flavor? Try these amazing Pork Burgers! Grill ’em up for a smoky twist, sear them on the stove for a quick fix, or toss them in your favorite appliance—these versatile patties are down for whatever your hunger throws their way.

Get The Recipe: Pork Burgers

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

Turkey & Ham Pot Pie

A serving spoon over the turkey and Ham pie with a scoop of the pie in the spoon — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Turkey and Ham Pie combines tender turkey, savory ham, sweet leeks, and fresh herbs encased in a flaky puff pastry. Perfect for transforming leftovers into a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish.

Get The Recipe: Turkey and Ham 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

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

Vegan Jambalaya

Looking down on two bowls full of meatless jambalaya with a kitchen towel between them and two spoons beside them. — Image Credit: Namely Marly

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Louisiana with this sensational vegan jambalaya! Picture a delightful blend of fluffy rice, colorful vegetables, and wholesome plant-based proteins, all bathed in a rich and zesty Cajun-spiced tomato broth. Every spoonful is a jubilant celebration for your taste buds!

Get the recipe: Vegan Jambalaya

Deviled Eggs

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

Pimento Cheese Grits

Looking down on several chocolate cookies sitting next to it. One is tilted up and has a bite taken out of it. There are mint sprigs around the cookies. — Image Credit: The Cookie Rookie

You won’t find a more authentic southern dish than grits, and this pimento cheese grits recipe brings all the goodness of the classic with a twist. Dive into every cheese-infused bite!

Get the recipe: Pimento Cheese Grits

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

Dutch Oven Beef Stew

A spoonful of stew over a pot. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Experience the joy of coming home to a delicious homemade meal with this Dutch Oven Beef Stew recipe. This hearty and warming dish is perfect for any day of the week, and the aroma filling your home as it cooks will become a comforting ritual you crave.

Get The Recipe: Dutch Oven Beef Stew

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

Peaches And Cream

This Peaches and Cream recipe is a celebration of fresh, seasonal peaches. Simple and delightful, it’s the perfect way to enjoy their peak flavor.

Get The Recipe: Peaches and Cream

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

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

Fried Potatoes and Onions

Tender potatoes and onions are fried until crispy in a pan infused with bacon and garlic. Simple yet incredibly satisfying.

Get The Recipe: Fried Potatoes and Onions

Smothered Chicken

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