There's something magical about Southern cuisine - it's not just food, it's a link to the past, to family, and to heritage. Is it the slow-cooked magic of homemade gumbo, the golden crisp of buttermilk fried chicken, or the unmistakable sweetness of a classic pecan pie?
Each of these dishes has a story to tell. Southern cuisine is all about hearty flavors, good ol' hospitality, and the sort of comfort food that invites you to grab a chair and sit a spell. It's the sort of food that not only fills your plate but also your soul, reminding you of Sunday dinner at Grandma's or those lazy summer evenings with a table full of homemade goodies.
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What's so striking about Southern cuisine is how it takes African, French, and Native American culinary traditions and merges them into something bold and comfortingly rich. Every bite of slow-cooked barbecue or rich, buttery shrimp and grits is bursting with flavor and history. And the sides aren't an afterthought—fluffy biscuits, smoky collard greens, and creamy mac and cheese are as essential as what's being served as the main event!
Whether you want to master a classic family favorite or experiment with something new in a Southern style, there are even more tasty meals to bite into.
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• Louisiana-Style Red Beans & Rice
This dish is the ultimate example of Southern resourcefulness. Originally a Monday staple (to cook while laundry was being done), red beans & rice is slow-cooked comfort at its finest. The deep smoky flavor from andouille sausage, the creamy texture of the beans, and the simple but perfect pairing with fluffy rice make this a Louisiana Creole classic. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and—like many great Southern dishes—even better the next day.
Get the Louisiana-Style Red Beans & Rice recipe.
• Biscuits & Gravy
There’s nothing quite like waking up to a plate of homemade biscuits & sausage gravy. It’s the kind of stick-to-your-ribs breakfast that Southerners swear by. The buttery, flaky biscuits soak up the rich, peppery sausage gravy like a dream, making this dish both indulgent and utterly comforting. Whether you like your biscuits fluffy or with a little crunch on the edges, this is Southern comfort food at its finest.
Get the Biscuits & Gravy recipe.
• Fried Catfish
Nothing says Southern cooking like a golden, crispy fillet of fried catfish. This dish has deep roots in the South, particularly in the Mississippi Delta, where catfish farming is a way of life. A good cornmeal crust gives it that perfect crunch, while a splash of hot sauce or tartar sauce adds the perfect tangy kick. Served with hush puppies and coleslaw, it’s a meal that takes you straight to a Southern fish fry.
Get the Fried Catfish recipe.
Every Southern cook has their own version of fried chicken, but nothing quite compares to Mama’s recipe—crispy, juicy, and seasoned just right. Whether it’s soaked in buttermilk for tenderness or double-dredged for extra crunch, Southern fried chicken is a labor of love. And let’s be real: the real debate isn’t how to make it—it’s whether you eat it with a side of mac and cheese, collard greens, or mashed potatoes!
Sweet, moist, and spiced just right, hummingbird cake is the South’s answer to carrot cake—only better. With bananas, pineapple, pecans, and a luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake is as decadent as it is nostalgic. Originally from Jamaica, it became a Southern favorite when it started appearing in Southern Living magazine in the 1970s. It’s the kind of cake that feels right at home at family reunions and Sunday suppers.
If you grew up in the South, you know that black-eyed peas aren’t just food—they’re a tradition, especially on New Year’s Day. Said to bring luck and prosperity, these humble little beans are slow-cooked with ham hocks, onions, and plenty of seasoning to create a rich, smoky dish. Whether served with cornbread or collard greens, black-eyed peas prove that simple ingredients can create deep, soulful flavors.
• Southern Sausage Cheese Balls
These little morsels of appetizers are the most popular at any Southern get-together. A combination of cheddar cheese, hot sausage, and biscuit mix, they bake into little bundles of savory deliciousness. Serve them at a holiday party, a football gathering, or just because, sausage cheese balls are one of those classic Southern favorites that never go out of style.
Get the Recipe: Southern Sausage Cheese Balls
• Hoppin John
Like black-eyed peas, Hoppin' John is also rooted in Southern tradition and superstition. The good-luck dish on New Year's Day is a combination of black-eyed peas, rice, and smoked pork. The seasonings are rich and earthy and slow-cooked with a touch of spice. Accompanied by collard greens and cornbread, your prospects for prosperity are increased even further, some think—because who wouldn't need a bit more luck?
Get the Recipe: Hoppin John
• Southern Ham Salad
If you've never had ham salad, consider it the Southern counterpart to chicken or tuna salad—except better. A mix of chopped ham, mayonnaise, mustard, pickles, and a bit of sweet relish, it's a rich, salty, slightly tangy spread that's ideal on crackers or served on two slices of soft white bread. It's the sort of thing that makes you think of Sunday picnics and church potlucks and shows that there can be plenty of flavor in modest ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad
• Peach Cobbler
A classic Southern dessert, peach cobbler is warm, comforting, and so-satisfying. With tender, cinnamon-spiced peaches baking under a crunchy, buttery topping, it's the perfect way to enjoy fresh Southern peaches during the summer (or from a can, when the craving strikes). No matter if you prefer your cobbler covered in flaky biscuit dough or a crunchy, cake-like topping, one thing's for sure—serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it to a whole new level.
• Collard Greens
No Southern soul food spread is complete without a big pot of slow-cooked collard greens. Cooked with ham hocks or smoked turkey, the greens absorb all the rich, smoky flavor. Some like to add a splash of apple cider vinegar or hot sauce for a tangy bite. And don't forget, you will want to have a side slice of cornbread to dip into all that rich pot liquor (that delicious broth left over).
• Macaroni and Cheese
Boxed mac and cheese, don't even get me started—Southern mac and cheese is another animal altogether. It's creamy, it's rich, and it's usually baked to golden, bubbly perfection with a combination of cheddar, gouda, or even Velveeta for creaminess. Some families even take it as far as adding evaporated milk and eggs for that added custardy texture. However you prepare it, one thing's certain—when it comes to Southern comfort food, mac and cheese is king.
This Louisiana classic is a one-pot wonder that melds Creole and Cajun flavors together in a spicy, smoky masterpiece. With a mix of shrimp, chicken, sausage, and rice, jambalaya is the ultimate expression of the way that Southern cuisine draws together different cultural traditions. Some like it Creole-style with tomatoes, some like it Cajun-style without—but either way, it's a dish that delivers bold, hearty flavors.
• Shrimp (and Grits)
Few dishes scream Southern comfort like a plate of shrimp and grits. What was once a simple breakfast for coastal fishermen has become a staple across the South. Creamy, buttery grits are topped with rich shrimp, smoky bacon, and a rich, savory gravy, and it's a dish that's as comforting as it is tasty. Plain or spicy Cajun-style, it's a must-have for anyone who enjoys Southern seafood.
• Grits
Speaking of grits, this humble dish is a Southern staple that can be served sweet or savory. Made from ground corn, grits can be buttery, cheesy, or even sweetened with sugar and milk. The key to great grits? Slow cooking—the longer they simmer, the creamier they get. And if you’ve never had stone-ground grits, you’re missing out on a truly rich and hearty experience!
• Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
If ever there was a hug in a bowl, it would be chicken and dumplings. This dish is all about slow-cooked goodness—tender chicken, rich broth, and soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up all that flavor. Using a slow cooker makes it even easier, allowing the flavors to deepen while the dumplings turn perfectly tender. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’re sitting at Grandma’s kitchen table.
Check out the full recipe here.
• Chicken Fried Steak
A Southern diner favorite, chicken fried steak takes a humble beef cutlet, batters it like fried chicken, and smothers it in rich, peppery white gravy. The result? A crispy, tender, utterly indulgent dish that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes and green beans. If you’re looking for Southern comfort food at its finest, this is it.
Check out the full recipe here.
• Beef Chuck Roast with Roasted Potatoes
Slow-cooked beef chuck roast is a Sunday dinner classic in many Southern homes. Seasoned with garlic, onions, and herbs, this fall-apart tender roast is cooked low and slow until the flavors deepen. Paired with roasted potatoes, carrots, and rich pan gravy, it’s the kind of meal that brings families together around the table. Some say the secret to the best Southern pot roast is a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a little red wine—either way, it’s pure comfort on a plate.
Check out the full recipe here.
• Classic fried southern chicken
If there is one dish that defines Southern comfort food, it is fried chicken. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and flavorful to the core, this dish is a labor of love. Some swear by the buttermilk bath to make it moist, while others double-dredge it in seasoned flour for extra crunch. Whichever way, when you sink your teeth into that golden, crispy skin, you feel like you're taking a bite of Southern tradition.
• Ultimate Nashville Hot Chicken
For those spice enthusiasts of Southern food, Nashville Hot Chicken is the game-changer. This Tennessee staple flips traditional fried chicken on its head by topping it with a spicy cayenne-glazed sauce. Served on white bread with pickles, this dish packs big flavors and serious heat. The best part? It's customizable—you can have it mild, medium, or "burn-your-mouth" hot.
View recipe
• Oven-Fried Chicken
Do you desire fried chicken that's crispy but not deep-fried? Oven-fried chicken is the solution! With panko breadcrumbs, a light buttermilk coating, and hot-baking, you get that golden, crispy outside without all the oil. It's the healthy solution to enjoying a Southern classic, and it still pairs well with mac and cheese or collard greens.
No Southern comfort food spread is complete without a batch of flaky, buttery buttermilk biscuits. These homemade biscuits are soft on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and packed with rich, buttery flavor. Serve them warm with honey, jam, or sausage gravy for the ultimate Southern experience!
This Southern-style pulled pork is slow-smoked to perfection, making it tender, juicy, and packed with smoky goodness. Serve it with homemade barbecue sauce and classic sides like coleslaw and cornbread.
This classic Southern shrimp and grits recipe is rich, creamy, and packed with bold flavors. Juicy, seasoned shrimp are sautéed with smoky bacon and served over a bed of buttery, cheesy grits for the ultimate comfort food experience.
For the Grits:
For the Shrimp:
Cook the Grits: In a medium saucepan, bring water and milk to a gentle boil. Stir in the grits, reduce heat to low, and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and creamy. Add salt, pepper, butter, and cheddar cheese, stirring until smooth. Keep warm.
Prepare the Shrimp: In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pan.
Add butter to the skillet, then sauté the onion and bell pepper for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, and cayenne (if using), cooking for another minute.
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
Assemble: Spoon the warm grits into bowls, top with shrimp and pan sauce, and sprinkle with crispy bacon and chopped green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!
• Succotash
A dish with deep Southern and Native American roots, succotash is a vibrant mix of lima beans, corn, tomatoes, and bell peppers, often cooked with bacon or butter for extra flavor. This bright, colorful side dish is the perfect way to balance out a hearty Southern meal. Plus, it’s an easy way to sneak in some veggies while keeping the flavors bold and delicious.
• Fried Green Tomatoes
Crispy, tangy, and downright addictive, fried green tomatoes are a true Southern classic. Slices of firm, unripe tomatoes are coated in cornmeal batter, fried to perfection, and often served with a spicy remoulade sauce. The contrast of crispy coating and juicy, tart tomato makes this dish an absolute must-try, whether as an appetizer or a side.
• Southern Cheese Grits
A true Southern staple, cheese grits are creamy, rich, and the perfect base for everything from shrimp to fried chicken. Made with butter, cream, and plenty of sharp cheddar, these grits turn into a silky, savory dream. The key? Slow-cooking them until they’re ultra-creamy—none of that instant stuff!
• Pecan pie bark
If you love pecan pie, you’ll go crazy for pecan pie bark—a crispy, caramelized treat that combines buttery toffee, roasted pecans, and flaky salt on a crunchy cracker base. It’s sweet, nutty, and addictively good, perfect for holiday gifting or snacking straight from the tin.
• Easy carrot cake
Moist, spiced, and packed with sweet carrots and crunchy pecans, carrot cake is one of those classic Southern desserts that never goes out of style. Whether you top it with cream cheese frosting or keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar, this cake is pure comfort in every bite.
• Eggnog dump cake
Looking for a festive, easy Southern dessert? Eggnog dump cake is as simple as it gets—just layer cake mix, eggnog, butter, and warm spices in a baking dish, and let the oven do the work! The result? A gooey, spiced cake that tastes like the holidays in every bite. Serve it warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finish.