Southern Dishes So Tasty, They’ll Transport You Down South

Southern cuisine is a celebration of rich flavors, comforting dishes, and time-honored traditions that bring people together. This collection of 28 Southern-inspired recipes is packed with bold flavors, from the savory goodness of BBQ Meatballs with Cheese Grits and Chicken and Sausage Gumbo to the sweetness of Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake and Hummingbird Bundt Cake. Whether you’re in the mood for crispy Fried Okra, creamy Buttermilk Spoon Bread, or a refreshing Mint Julep Cocktail, these recipes capture the essence of Southern hospitality. Perfect for family gatherings, Sunday dinners, or any occasion, these dishes are sure to fill your table with warmth and joy.

Bbq Meatballs With Cheese Grits

BBQ Meatballs with Cheese Grits: the ultimate cozy feast for those crisp fall evenings, football showdowns, and leaf-raking marathons. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds while you tackle autumn’s to-do list!
Get the Recipe: Bbq Meatballs With Cheese Grits

Cajun Sausage And Vegetables

This Cajun Sausage and Vegetables meal prep is so fast and easy, it practically cooks itself! It’s a flavor-packed party on your plate that makes getting your daily veggies feel like a delicious celebration!
Get the Recipe: Cajun Sausage And Vegetables

Derby Pie

Get ready to indulge in a delightful treat with this Kentucky Derby Pie recipe! Imagine the gooey goodness of a dessert that perfectly blends the rich flavors of pecan pie and chocolate chip cookies. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds! This easy-to-make pie is not only a crowd-pleaser but also invites you to have fun in the kitchen. So gather your ingredients and embrace the joy of baking something truly special!
Get the Recipe: Derby Pie

Southern Sweet Tea

Delicious How to Make Southern Homemade Sweet Tea ready to be enjoyed — Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Homemade sweet tea is the perfect summer refreshment! Imagine sipping on a glass of delightful southern sweet iced tea, all while keeping it under 100 calories per serving. It’s simple to make, and I’m excited to share this easy recipe with you!
Get the Recipe: How to Make Southern Homemade Sweet Tea

Super Crispy Pan Fried Fish

Golden-brown pan fried fish fillets are neatly arranged on a white plate, showcasing their crispy texture. A wedge of lemon is placed beside them, adding a splash of color to the dish. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Treat yourself to a weeknight dinner that’s a real catch! Whip up this incredibly crispy pan-fried fish in just 20 minutes—who knew gourmet could be so speedy?

Get The Recipe: Super Crispy Pan Fried Fish

Fried Okra

When you’re in the mood for a side dish that crunches louder than your favorite tunes, reach for this southern comfort recipe! This Fried Okra is a breeze to whip up and packs a crispy punch that’ll have you hooked, especially when you dive into those delicious dipping sauces. Get ready for a flavor fiesta!
Get the Recipe: Fried Okra

Drop Biscuits

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This foolproof recipe for Easy Drop Biscuits is the only one you’ll ever need—trust me, even your oven will be impressed! These biscuits are simple to make and quick to bake, leaving you wondering why you ever tried anything else. They come out warm and perfect, just waiting to be devoured. Get ready for a deliciously flaky treat!

Get The Recipe: Drop Biscuits

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

A moist chocolate bundt cake with chocolate frosting on a plate. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Don’t let the name throw you off—this Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake is a deliciously decadent chocolate dream! It’s so moist it could win a hydration contest, which is exactly why it’s a beloved classic!

Get The Recipe: Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

Sweet Potato Grits

Get ready for a delightful dish: sweet potato grits that are so rich and creamy, they can play both sides of the flavor spectrum—sweet or savory, you choose your adventure!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Grits

Buttermilk Spoon Bread

This soft, buttery spoon bread is the classic Southern dish that’s a year-round superstar! Imagine serving it up casserole-style, ready to cozy up to your favorite dinner dishes. Trust me, it tastes as delightful as it sounds—your taste buds will be throwing a party!
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Spoon Bread

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

Brown Sugar Pecan Tassies

Pecan Tassies: the classic treat that proves good things come in small, crunchy packages! Imagine pecan pie shrunk down to cookie size—warm brown sugar and nuts wrapped in a tender pastry. It’s like dessert’s way of saying, “I’m cute and delicious!”
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Pecan Tassies

Mint Julep Cocktail

This Mint Julep Cocktail is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a laid-back summer barbecue or an elegant get-together. It’s sure to impress your guests and make your gathering a hit! So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a refreshing treat that’s as fun to make as it is to sip. Cheers to creating memorable moments with friends and family!

Get The Recipe: Mint Julep Cocktail

Lemon Pound Cake

This lemon pound cake is a burst of sunshine in every bite! With a lovely infusion of lemon juice and zest, it’s incredibly moist and buttery—just the way we love it. And let’s not forget the delightful lemon glaze that brings everything together! It’s a simple and delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Grab your ingredients and let’s get baking!

Get The Recipe: Lemon Pound Cake

Sausage Gravy and Biscuit Casserole

Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Get ready for your taste buds to do a happy dance with this super simple recipe for Bob Evans’ legendary sausage gravy! It’s so rich and savory, it’s practically a breakfast superhero! The best part? You only need a few ingredients and just a couple of minutes to whip up this breakfast game-changer. Get your casserole ready to meet its new best friend!

Get The Recipe: Biscuit and Gravy Casserole

Hush Puppies

These crispy Hush Puppies are fried to a golden-brown perfection! These little corn nuggets are the ultimate sidekick to your favorite southern comfort food—because what’s better than a side that can fry up and party at the same time?
Get the Recipe: Hush Puppies

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 just hit the jackpot! These juicy pork chops do all the heavy lifting, lounging in a decadent caramelized onion and mushroom gravy. A cheeky sprinkle of melted cheese tops off this simple yet oh-so-satisfying comfort food classic. Who knew dinner could be this delightful?

Get The Recipe: Smothered Pork Chops

Apple Fritters

Get ready to dive into fluffy, crispy Apple Fritters that are practically doing a happy dance with fresh apples, aromatic spices, and a glaze so good it should have its own fan club! With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll be whipping up these delightful treats faster than you can say “yum!” Don’t let this deliciousness slip through your fingers—your taste buds deserve a party!

Get The Recipe: Apple Fritters

Old-Fashioned Lemonade

a glass of fresh squeezed lemonade with a straw and lemon slices and fresh mint as garnish — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Get ready to fall in love with the sweet, tangy, and refreshing taste of homemade fresh-squeezed lemonade! With just three simple ingredients and a few tips, you can easily whip up a delightful batch. It’s all about making this drink accessible and fun, so grab your lemons and let’s start squeezing! Enjoy experimenting with flavors and savor every sip of your homemade goodness.

Get The Recipe: Lemonade

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

Get ready for a warm bowl of comfort with this Chicken Dumpling Soup! Picture tender, slow-cooked chicken in a rich, flavorful broth, paired with fluffy dumplings and hearty veggies. It’s a cozy meal that’s not just delicious but also easy to make. This recipe is a hug in a bowl, inviting you to enjoy the delightful flavors. So grab your ingredients and let’s create a comforting dish that will warm your heart and soul!

Get The Recipe: Chicken Dumpling Soup

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

A plate containing shredded sirloin tip pot roast served on top of mashed potatoes, garnished with baby carrots and fresh parsley. The dish is accompanied by a savory brown gravy.

This Crock Pot Sirloin Tip Roast is a delightful slow-cooked masterpiece, where tender beef, carrots, and onions come together in a rich homemade gravy that’s basically a warm hug in a bowl. Perfect for those cozy family dinners where calories don’t count, right?

Get The Recipe: Crock Pot Sirloin Tip Roast

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Get ready to indulge in cheesy goodness! This creamy baked mac and cheese is not only a breeze to whip up, but it’s also sure to become a beloved favorite for the whole family. Perfect for cozy nights in, it’s all about simplicity and deliciousness that anyone can enjoy. So grab your ingredients, and let’s make some magic in the kitchen!

Get The Recipe: Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Salisbury Steak

Treat your family to this fantastic Salisbury Steak recipe, ready in just 30 minutes! Turn your weeknights into a tasty culinary adventure that everyone will adore!

Get The Recipe: Salisbury Steak

Johnny Cakes {Cornbread Pancakes}

A pile of johnny cakes with butter and syrup. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Say goodbye to boring meals and hello to something special! Johnny Cakes are a beloved Southern classic—think homemade cornbread pancakes full of flavor. Enjoy the delightful crunch of the edges paired with a fluffy, cornbread-like center. This cherished taste has been around for generations, making it the perfect choice for a satisfying breakfast. So why not whip up a batch and treat yourself to a cozy, flavorful start to your day? You won’t regret it!

Get The Recipe: Johnny Cakes {Cornbread Pancakes}

Vegan Jambalaya

Bring the vibrant flavors of Louisiana into your kitchen with this easy vegan jambalaya! Imagine a hearty blend of rice, fresh veggies, and plant-based proteins simmering together in a rich, Cajun-spiced tomato broth. It’s like a lively celebration for your taste buds, perfect for sharing with friends and family. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a delicious meal that’s simple to make and bursting with flavor!
Get the Recipe: Vegan Jambalaya

Crockpot Red Beans and Rice

Crockpot Red Beans and Rice: the classic Creole dish that brings together Andouille sausage and fluffy rice for a party of flavors! It’s like a culinary jazz band in your kitchen, playing a symphony of herbs and spices that’ll have your taste buds dancing!
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Red Beans and Rice

Hummingbird Bundt Cake

If you’re a fan of the delicious flavors in that classic southern cake, you’re going to adore this Hummingbird Bundt Cake! Packed with fruity goodness like pineapple and topped with a scrumptious cream cheese frosting, this cake is sure to wow your dinner guests!
Get the Recipe: Hummingbird Bundt Cake

Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits

A close up of a freshly baked Buttermilk Biscuits in a basket. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Biscuit lovers rejoice! This recipe makes flaky homemade buttermilk biscuits with a golden exterior and a fluffy interior.

Get The Recipe: Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits

Chicken and Sausage Gumbo Recipe with Okra Pilaf

A table setting featuring a bowl of rice topped with sliced sausage and vegetables, a serving of rice in a smaller bowl, and a pot of soup with sausage and vegetables. A glass of iced tea is on the side. — Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Get ready for a flavor explosion with this Chicken and Sausage Gumbo – it’s a stew so good, it should have its own fan club! Served over our fabulous okra rice pilaf, this gumbo recipe is not just delicious; it’s also a breeze to whip up. Who knew comfort food could be this easy?
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Sausage Gumbo Recipe with Okra Pilaf