Southern Comfort Food Recipes You Need to Try Today!

Southern comfort food is all about bold flavors, hearty dishes, and a whole lot of soul. This collection of 30 Southern recipes brings all the classics to your table, from creamy baked mac and cheese and smothered pork chops to sweet treats like apple fritters and pecan pralines. Whether you’re whipping up a batch of fried chicken, cozy baked apple slices, or a rich Mississippi pot roast, these dishes are packed with tradition and comfort. So, grab your apron and get ready to enjoy the warm, soulful flavors of Southern cooking.

How To Make Real-Deal Southern Collard Greens

Overhead of three white bowls filled with Southern Collard Greens with ham hock against gray background — Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

These authentic Southern Collard Greens are simmered to perfection in a rich, savory, meat-flavored pot liquor, infused with just the right spices. The result? Greens so tender and silky, they practically melt in your mouth!
Get the Recipe: How To Make Real-Deal Southern Collard Greens

Salmon Croquettes

Get ready to savor these salmon croquettes – crispy outside, tender inside, bursting with flavor! Crafted with canned salmon, peppers, and onions, this Southern classic is a breeze to whip up and absolutely delightful! An ideal choice for a scrumptious breakfast, brunch, or even dinner!

Get The Recipe: Salmon Croquettes

Hoppin’ John

Hoppin’ John – a flavorful one-pot concoction of rice, black-eyed or red peas, and ham. Enjoyed traditionally on New Year’s, paired with stewed collard greens and cornbread to savor every drop of those delicious cooking juices.

Get The Recipe: Hoppin’ John

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

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

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 Gumbo

Indulge in the ultimate Mardi Gras dinner with Hearty Chicken Gumbo over rice! This delicious chicken and sausage stew is so mouthwatering that you’ll find yourself craving this easy gumbo recipe all year long.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Gumbo

Easy Drop Biscuits

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Golden brown on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside, this easy bake is sure to become a new family favorite, no doubt about it!

Get The Recipe: Easy Drop Biscuits

One Pot Southern Pastalaya

Get a taste of Louisiana with Pastalaya, a quick, budget-friendly, one-pot wonder! This flavorful pasta dish is like a shortcut jambalaya, perfect for a festive meal.

Get The Recipe: One Pot Pastalaya

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

Southern Pecans Praline Recipe

An image of pecan praline candy on a blue glass plate. — Photo credit: House of Nash Eats

These Southern Pecan Pralines are pure melt-in-your-mouth magic—a perfect blend of cookie and candy, bursting with crunchy pecans, rich buttery goodness, and the warm sweetness of brown sugar.
Get the Recipe: Southern Pecans Praline Recipe

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

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

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

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

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

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

Smothered Chicken

A close-up of a plate with grilled chicken, caramelized onions, and white rice, garnished with chopped herbs. A spoon is drizzling a golden-brown sauce over the chicken, creating a savory and appetizing presentation. This easy chicken dinner idea is sure to impress every time on your marble-like surface. — 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

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

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

Carolina BBQ Sauce

Ditch the boring bottled stuff! Authentic Carolina BBQ sauce boasts a complex, tangy flavor with a hint of mustard, perfect for serious grill masters. This isn’t just a sauce, it’s the missing ingredient that unlocks the full potential of your grilled creations.

Get The Recipe: Carolina BBQ Sauce

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

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

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

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

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

Southern Oxtail Recipe

Indulge in the nostalgia of Southern oxtail, a beloved soul food classic evoking memories of Sunday dinners at grandma’s house. Picture this: tender oxtails, so succulent they fall off the bone, covered in a savory gravy with bell pepper and onion, all atop a bed of fluffy white rice.

Get The Recipe: Southern Oxtail Recipe

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 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

Mississippi Pot Roast

A close-up of a savory dish featuring tender, slow-cooked beef served over creamy mashed potatoes. The beef is garnished with fresh parsley and is accompanied by a rich, flavorful gravy that seeps into the mashed potatoes - perfect for those who love slow cooker recipes. — Image Credit: Grandbaby Cakes

Get a taste of the real deal Mississippi Pot Roast, straight from a Mississippi native! With just 6 ingredients, this dish is bursting with flavor – a must-try!

Get The Recipe: Mississippi Pot Roast