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Southern Comfort on a Plate 15 Recipes Grandma Would Approve Of

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Nothing says comfort quite like Southern cooking, where every bite is a celebration of bold flavors, rich traditions, and pure joy. From perfectly spiced Cajun chicken to sticky glazed ribs that fall off the bone, these recipes bring the heart of the South to your kitchen. Whether you’re craving crispy fried fish or fluffy buttermilk biscuits, these dishes are as satisfying as a warm hug. Get ready to dig in and discover why Southern food is more than a meal—it’s an experience.

Southern Collard Greens

A bowl of cooked collard greens mixed with bits of ham is served in a white dish, embodying the essence of Southern cooking. A fork rests in the bowl, while other similar dishes and crumbs are visible on the gray surface around it.
Image Credit: Grandbaby Cakes

These authentic Southern Collard Greens are cooked low and slow in a flavorful, perfectly seasoned pot liquor, making them tender and silky. Pair them with some cornbread and a splash of hot sauce for the ultimate Soul Food experience!

Get The Recipe: Southern Collard Greens

Southern Hot Water Cornbread

A close-up of a round cornmeal cake, reminiscent of traditional Southern cuisine, topped with a square of butter and drizzled with syrup, set on a white plate.
Image Credit: Grandbaby Cakes

Crisp, perfectly crunchy, and so easy to make, Hot Water Cornbread is a quick and delicious way to get cornbread on your table in no time. It’s simple, tasty, and absolutely irresistible!

Get The Recipe: Southern Hot Water Cornbread

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Image Credit: Cooks With Soul

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this baked Southern mac and cheese! Packed with cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella, it’s rich, creamy, and irresistible. Made with eggs and evaporated milk, it has a custardy texture that takes it to the next level. Perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or any special occasion—everyone will be back for seconds (or thirds!).

Get The Recipe: Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

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 so easy to whip up, whether you’re using the stove or a slow cooker. It’s all about those juicy chicken thighs soaking in a delicious, cozy gravy—perfect for anyone who loves a good comfort food dish!

Get The Recipe: Smothered Chicken

Salisbury Steak

Close-up of a savory Salisbury Steak covered in a rich mushroom and onion gravy, served in a cast-iron skillet. The dish is garnished with fresh herbs, and the sauce glistens, highlighting the tender meat's juicy texture.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Whip up a cozy, delicious meal with our amazing Salisbury Steak recipe—ready in just 30 minutes! Perfect for those busy weeknights, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite.

Get The Recipe: Salisbury Steak

Candied Sweet Potatoes

A bowl filled with Candied Sweet Potatoes, glistening with a brown, glossy sauce. A spoon is seen drizzling more of the rich caramel sauce over the Candied Sweet Potatoes, evoking classic Southern recipes and creating an inviting appearance.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This candied sweet potatoes recipe is a game-changer! Whether you cook it on the stovetop or bake it in the oven, you’ll get perfectly tender sweet potatoes coated in a rich, spiced caramel sauce. It’s comfort food at its best—who could resist?

Get The Recipe: Candied Sweet Potatoes

Fried Pickles

A plate of fried chicken nuggets, emblematic of Southern Cuisine, is served with a bowl of creamy dipping sauce and garnished with parsley. Accompaniments include a small dish of ketchup and bottles of oil and seasonings on a white wooden table.
Image Credit: House of Nash Eats

Fried Pickles are the ultimate crave-worthy appetizer—crispy, tangy, and downright addictive! While they’re a staple at many restaurants, this easy recipe lets you whip them up at home with just a handful of ingredients. Why wait for a night out when you can enjoy them fresh and hot from your own kitchen?

Get The Recipe: Fried Pickles

Baked or Barbecued Sticky Glazed Ribs

Baked or Barbecued Sticky Glazed Ribs - Erren's Kitchen
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Prepare for ultimate fall-off-the-bone deliciousness with our Sticky Glazed Ribs recipe! Whether you fire up the grill or pop them in the oven, these ribs are slathered in a sticky, flavorful glaze that’s guaranteed to have everyone coming back for seconds. Get ready for a finger-licking feast that’s sure to steal the show!

Get The Recipe: Baked or Barbecued Sticky Glazed Ribs

Cornbread Dressing

A close-up of a serving of Southern-style stuffing with bread cubes, herbs, and spices being lifted from a casserole dish with a spoon. The dish boasts a golden-brown crust and fluffy texture, embodying the comforting essence of Southern recipes.
Image Credit: House of Nash Eats

This recipe is the ultimate side dish to complete your Thanksgiving feast! A delicious blend of cornbread and crusty French bread, it’s loaded with fresh herbs for a burst of flavor in every bite. This southern cornbread dressing isn’t just a side—it’s the star your holiday table has been waiting for!

Get The Recipe: Cornbread Dressing

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 got an upgrade! Imagine juicy pork chops simmering away in a mouthwatering caramelized onion and mushroom gravy—so rich, you’ll want to lick the plate clean. And just when you think it couldn’t get better, a golden layer of melted cheese takes it over the top. Simple, satisfying, and pure comfort on a plate!

Get The Recipe: Smothered Pork Chops

Apple Fritters

Close-up of several golden-brown, glazed apple fritters stacked on a plate. With their crispy, irregular texture and visible pieces of apple, these delightful treats are a must-try in dessert recipes, lightly drizzled with white glaze for the perfect finish.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Enjoy golden, fluffy Apple Fritters packed with juicy apple chunks, warm spices, and topped with a rich apple glaze. These quick and easy homemade treats will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Treat yourself to a bite of happiness—your taste buds will thank you! Don’t wait—this deliciousness won’t last!

Get The Recipe: Apple Fritters

Easy Homemade Cajun Chicken

Grilled, seasoned chicken breast on a white surface, showcasing enticing grill marks and a crispy exterior—a nod to traditional Southern cooking.
Image Credit: House of Nash Eats

Elevate your weeknight dinners with this bold Homemade Cajun Seasoning! Packed with flavor and a perfect touch of heat, it’s great for chicken, fish, shrimp, veggies, potatoes, or dressings. Simple to make and guaranteed to turn everyday meals into family favorites!

Get The Recipe: Easy Homemade Cajun Chicken

Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits

a close up of a freshly baked Buttermilk Biscuits in a baskey
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Calling all biscuit lovers! Get ready to bake the ultimate flaky, golden-brown buttermilk biscuits with a soft, pillowy center that melts in your mouth.

Get The Recipe: Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits

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

Whip up this super easy and delicious weeknight dinner with perfectly crispy pan-fried fish—ready to enjoy in just 20 minutes!

Get The Recipe: Super Crispy Pan Fried Fish

Southern Broccoli Rice Casserole

A bowl of creamy baked rice infused with Southern cuisine flair, featuring melted cheddar cheese, broccoli, and visible herbs. A fork is partially embedded in the rich, golden dish, beckoning a taste of this traditional Southern cooking delight.
Image Credit: Cooks With Soul

You’ve got to try this Southern Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe! Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with fresh broccoli, it’s comfort food at its finest—perfect for those hectic nights when you want something quick, easy, and absolutely delicious.

Get The Recipe: Southern Broccoli Rice Casserole

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