Southern Comfort Food Recipes So Good, They’ll Warm Your Soul

When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite hits the spot like a hearty Southern dish. Packed with rich flavors and a whole lot of soul, these recipes bring the warmth and tradition of Southern cooking straight to your table. From crispy fried chicken to creamy mac and cheese, these dishes are made with love and are sure to become family favorites. Whether you’re craving something savory, sweet, or somewhere in between, these Southern recipes are so good, you’ll feel like you’re getting a warm hug with every bite. Get ready to dig in and experience the best of Southern hospitality through these delicious, home-cooked meals.

Jambalaya

This timeless Southern recipe is packed with three proteins – succulent shrimp, juicy chicken, and savory sausage. Combined with wholesome rice and a vibrant mix of nutritious veggies, it’s a flavor fiesta seasoned with zesty Cajun spices!

Get The Recipe: Jambalaya

Biscuits and Sausage Gravy

A plate of golden-brown biscuits covered in creamy sausage gravy, garnished with black pepper. The flaky biscuits and rich gravy with chunks of sausage embody the essence of Southern recipes, presented on a blue dish with a detailed rim. — Image Credit: Cooking Classy

Enjoy Biscuits and Gravy – the epitome of breakfast comfort! Picture this: buttery, flaky homemade biscuits crowned with a luscious, creamy, and oh-so-simple sausage gravy.

Get The Recipe: Biscuits and Sausage Gravy

Dirty Rice With Sausage

Discover how to whip up Dirty Rice And Sausage at home! This cozy one-pot meal stars ground beef, long-grain rice, and cajun seasoning.
Get the Recipe: Dirty Rice With Sausage

Panko Breaded Pork Chops

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe takes your weeknight dinners to the next level with amazingly crispy panko-breaded pork chops. Packed with flavor and ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect way to satisfy the whole family without the fuss.

Get The Recipe: Panko Breaded Pork Chops

Southern Corn Pudding

A white baking dish filled with a baked casserole topped with corn, bell peppers, and green onions, garnished with fresh herbs. The dish embodies the essence of Southern recipes, resting on a wooden surface with a yellow napkin in the background. — Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

This best Southern corn pudding is a delightful farm-to-table dish crafted with fresh corn sourced locally from nearby farms. It serves as a versatile side dish, perfectly complementing a variety of main courses, ranging from succulent grilled steak to the classic centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinner.

Get The Recipe: Southern Corn Pudding

Easy Homemade Cornbread

A piece of Cornbread on a plate topped with butter and drizzled with honey — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Ditch the extra step! This recipe uses fine cornmeal, eliminating the need to soak and resulting in a light, moist, and delicious homemade cornbread that’s ready in no time.

Get The Recipe: Easy Homemade Cornbread

Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, Air Fryer Fried Chicken delivers loads of texture and flavor without the fuss of deep frying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Carolina BBQ Sauce

A spoon dipping into barbecue sauce. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Unlock the secrets of authentic Carolina BBQ! This tangy sauce explodes with mustardy goodness, adding a zesty kick to anything you grill. From pulled pork to burgers, it’s the perfect flavor bomb for your next barbecue.

Get The Recipe: Carolina BBQ Sauce

Chicken And Waffle Sliders Recipe

If you love fluffy waffles, crispy fried chicken, sweet maple syrup,, and savory bacon, you’ll love this easy recipe for Chicken and Waffle Sliders. These homemade sliders are the definition of mouthwatering.
Get the Recipe: Chicken And Waffle Sliders Recipe

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

Dirty Rice Dressing

This zesty Cajun side dish of dirty rice dressing is a must-have for your holiday spread! Whip it up effortlessly and savor its burst of flavors.

Get The Recipe: Dirty Rice Dressing

Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken

Air fryer fried chicken legs and thighs in a pile on a wooden cutting board. — Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings

Air fryer fried chicken is tender & juicy on the inside with a crispy coating. Enjoy air fryer fried chicken at home with less grease & mess!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken

Cream Cheese Corn

Craving classic comfort food with a twist? Look no further than this Stovetop Cream Cheese Corn recipe. This creamy twist on creamed corn comes together in just 20 minutes, making it the perfect quick and easy side dish for any occasion, especially holiday gatherings.

Get The Recipe: Cream Cheese Corn

Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

A white plate filled with creamy chicken and dumplings, featuring shredded pieces of chicken, carrots, and peas. This Southern recipe is garnished with fresh parsley and served in a rich, thick sauce, all placed atop a woven placemat. — Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

This easy Chicken and Dumplings recipe is made with simple, wholesome ingredients! Great for a cozy family meal, this quick comfort food is a southern-style favorite with drop dumplings to feed your hungry crew. Perfect all-in-one dish for busy weeknight dinners!

Get The Recipe: Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

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

Cheesy Cheddar Broccoli Casserole

Savor the creamy delight of our Cheesy Cheddar Broccoli Casserole! Packed with tender broccoli, melty cheddar cheese, and a winning burst of flavor!

Get The Recipe: Cheesy Cheddar Broccoli Casserole

Sweet Peach Iced Tea

Infused with the flavor of fresh peaches, this iced tea is a sweet and refreshing beverage that’s ideal for cooling down on a sunny day.

Get The Recipe: Sweet Peach Iced Tea

Cajun Seafood Rice Casserole

Shrimp and rice in a skillet. — Photo credit: call Me PMc

Cajun Seafood Rice Casserole is packed with bold flavors and comforting warmth. It’s both spicy and filling.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Seafood Rice Casserole

Traditional Homemade Meatloaf

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

Dinnertime hero alert! This Traditional Homemade Meatloaf recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Moist, tender, and bursting with flavor, it’s the perfect centerpiece for any occasion. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – dress it up with your favorite glazes or sauces, or keep it classic for a timeless taste.

Get The Recipe: Traditional Meatloaf

Southern Ham Gravy With Cheesy Biscuits And Eggs

A flaky biscuit sandwich filled with scrambled eggs and smothered in creamy sausage gravy. The gravy is thick and speckled with chunks of sausage, embodying classic Southern Recipes. The biscuit has a golden-brown, crispy texture. The sandwich is placed on a white plate with a blurred background. — Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Southern breakfast wouldn’t be complete without a smoky Southern Ham Gravy to drizzle over cheesy biscuits and fluffy scrambled eggs, adding layers of flavor and comfort to start your day just right!

Get The Recipe: Southern Ham Gravy With Cheesy Biscuits And Eggs

Mint Julep Cocktail

This Mint Julep Cocktail is ideal for any event, whether it is a casual summer barbecue or an elegant gathering. It’s guaranteed to dazzle your guests!

Get The Recipe: Mint Julep Cocktail

Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Rice

Chicken, sausage, and rice in instant pot with wooden spoon. — Photo credit: call Me PMc

Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Rice is a delicious one pot Cajun meal that’s ready in 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Rice

Lemon Pound Cake

This lemon pound cake sings with citrus! Infused with both lemon juice and zest, it’s incredibly moist and buttery, with a burst of sunshine in every bite. The finishing touch? A delightful lemon glaze that ties it all together.

Get The Recipe: Lemon Pound Cake

Sweet Lemon Iced Tea

Perfect for hot summer days, this iced tea combines the tangy taste of lemon with the refreshing properties of black tea.

Get The Recipe: Sweet Lemon Iced Tea

Copycat Bob Evans Sausage Gravy and Biscuit Casserole

Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Calling all gravy lovers! Prepare to be amazed by this easy recipe for Bob Evans’ famous sausage gravy. Packed with rich, savory flavor, it’s the perfect topping for your breakfast casserole. And the best part? You only need a few ingredients and minutes to create this breakfast game-changer.

Get The Recipe: Biscuit and Gravy Casserole

Hamburger and Rice

This savory hamburger and rice recipe comes together quickly, packing tons of flavor without dirtying many dishes. Tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and a touch of magic (okay, maybe some delicious seasonings) make this a satisfying meal for any busy night.

Get The Recipe: Hamburger and Rice

Smoked Catfish

A white oval plate contains four pieces of seasoned and grilled white fish fillets garnished with lemon slices, reminiscent of Southern recipes. The plate is set on a light-colored surface, with chopsticks placed beside it. A white cloth is partially visible in the top right corner. — Image Credit: Cooks with Soul

This simple smoked catfish recipe is seasoned with soul food spices and served with a scrumptious lemon butter sauce. Ideal for family gatherings or laid-back dinners!

Get The Recipe: Smoked Catfish

Easy Homemade Corn Muffins

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

Cornbread bliss awaits! These Easy Homemade Corn Muffins are a textural dream. Golden-brown, crusty exteriors give way to moist and tender crumb, all bursting with irresistible cornbread flavor. They’re so simple to make, you’ll be enjoying them warm from the oven in no time!

Get The Recipe: Easy Homemade Corn Muffins

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

You’ll love the irresistibly sweet, tangy, and refreshing flavor of this homemade fresh-squeezed lemonade. With only three simple ingredients and some valuable tips, you can craft your own delectable batch without any hassle.

Get The Recipe: Lemonade

Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets

A foil packet filled with a shrimp boil, featuring plump shrimp, savory sausage slices, chunks of corn on the cob, and pieces of red potato. The contents are garnished with chopped parsley, bringing a touch of Southern recipes to your meal. — Image Credit: Cooking Classy

Get ready for a mouthwatering experience with these Shrimp Boil Packets! They’re not only super easy and delicious for summer dinners, but they’re also grilled to keep the heat outside. Picture this: tender shrimp, flavorful sausage, sweet corn cobs, and baby potatoes bursting with seasoning, all cooked together for fantastic flavor and easy cleanup. Dive in and enjoy!

Get The Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets

Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits

A close up image of a biscuit filled with whipped cream and sliced strawberries. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This easy recipe for Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits is made completely from scratch. Once you try it you’ll never have store bought again!

Get The Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

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

Drop Biscuits

This fail-proof recipe for delectable Easy Drop Biscuits is the only one you’ll ever need. These biscuits are incredibly simple to make, quick to prepare, and absolutely delicious. They come out of the oven warm and perfect, ready to be enjoyed.

Get The Recipe: Drop Biscuits

Salisbury Steak

Whether you’re following a Keto Diet or simply reducing carbs, this recipe for Low Carb Italian Meatballs offers a delicious gluten-free option.

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

Ditch the bland, embrace the grand! Johnny Cakes are a Southern staple – homemade cornbread pancakes bursting with flavor. Savor the delightful contrast of crisp edges and a fluffy, cornbread-like center. It’s a taste sensation that’s been passed down for generations, perfect for a breakfast that’s both delicious and satisfying.

Get The Recipe: Johnny Cakes {Cornbread Pancakes}

Smothered Pork Chops

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

Vegan Jambalaya

Let the flavors of Louisiana jazz up your taste buds with this vegan jambalaya! A hearty medley of rice, veggies, and plant-based proteins simmered in a robust, Cajun-spiced tomato broth. It’s a party for your palate, y’all!
Get the Recipe: Vegan Jambalaya

Bacon Loaded Cornbread Pudding

Brimming with savory bacon and rich cornbread, this delectable corn pudding is a versatile dish that complements any meal. Crafted with care, this flavorful corn casserole recipe is easily prepared using an air fryer, promising a mouthwatering dish with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Loaded Cornbread Pudding

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

Southern Smothered Chicken and Gravy with Rice

A bowl filled with white rice topped with pieces of chicken covered in creamy brown gravy. The dish appears to be a hearty, homestyle Southern recipe with tender, shredded chicken immersed in the rich, thick sauce, creating a savory and comforting presentation. — Image Credit: Cooks with Soul

You’ll love this Southern smothered chicken dish with tender chicken thighs cooked in a rich gravy, served over fluffy white rice. It’s a classic Southern soul food favorite that’s simply perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner!

Get The Recipe: Southern Smothered Chicken and Gravy with Rice