If “made with love” had a flavor, it’d taste a lot like these 35 Southern recipes. Think biscuit-topped everything, slow simmered stews, and enough gravy to question your life choices—in a good way. This isn’t about reinventing the wheel; it’s about making the kind of food that people actually want to eat. No trends, no kale chips, just real Southern staples that are short on fuss and big on second helpings. Somewhere, a nanna just nodded in approval.
Steak & Potato Soup
This is the kind of soup that skips the small talk and gets straight to business. Steak & Potato Soup is warm, filling, and the kind of meal that could easily replace a fork. It’s thick without being over the top, and hearty enough to feel like a full dinner. Great for cold nights, busy weeks, or anyone who forgot to make a grocery list. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your fallback plan more often than not.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Potato Soup
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
When dinner needs to work harder than you feel like doing, this one shows up ready. Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy handles the heavy lifting with minimal effort. It’s simple enough to hit repeat on all week, and rich enough to convince people you’ve got kitchen skills. There’s no drama, no tricks—just something that gets the job done right every time. It’s a full-plate kind of comfort that doesn’t ask for much in return.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
Red Pepper & Tomato Soup
A bowl of this doesn’t try to be flashy, but it still gets attention. The Red Pepper & Tomato Soup has a smooth, low-key vibe that works on any table. It’s a good call when you want something warm but not heavy, simple but not boring. Pairs well with sandwiches, crusty bread, or just a quiet afternoon. It also reheats like a dream, in case you’re the plan-ahead type (or just got lucky with leftovers).
Get the Recipe: Red Pepper & Tomato Soup
Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Sourdough Bowl
Here’s comfort in a form you can eat with a spoon and tear apart. Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Sourdough Bowl hits the mark for anyone who thinks a regular bowl isn’t enough. The combo of rich soup and crusty bread works harder than it looks like it should. It’s cozy, practical, and quietly impressive without needing a big intro. Bonus: there’s no dish to wash when the whole bowl disappears.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Sourdough Bowl
Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe
This chili knows what it’s doing—straightforward, packed, and made for second rounds. The Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe brings the same crowd-pleasing flavor without the long wait for a table. No lines, no laminated menu, just a solid bowl of something you’ll probably keep around. Works as a main, a topping, or anything in between. Make a big pot—you’re going to need it.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe
Southern Ham Salad
If you’ve never had Southern ham salad, you’re in for a treat. Southern Ham Salad takes your usual deli fare up a notch with a mix of textures and flavors that’ll have you going back for more. It’s light, filling, and perfect on crackers, bread, or straight off the spoon (no judgment). Great for picnics, lunch, or whenever you’re craving something simple but a little special. You’ll never look at ham the same way again.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken
This is the chicken dinner you make when you need it done with no hassle. The 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken is hands-off but still tasty, with a flavor punch that makes it anything but boring. Perfect for busy days when the last thing you want to do is cook, but still want something worth eating. Just set it and forget it—let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting. It’s simple, practical, and perfect for every night of the week.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken
Fried Tomatillos
This one’s crunchy, tangy, and impossible to eat just one of—so don’t even try. The Fried Tomatillos somehow walk the line between snack and side without picking a lane. They’re golden on the outside, just enough bite on the inside, and fit right in at any Southern-style table. Great for cookouts, game days, or just because the fridge is looking a little empty. The only issue is figuring out who ate the last one.
Get the Recipe: Fried Tomatillos
Southwestern Chili
This chili doesn’t mess around—bold, dependable, and built to feed a crowd. Southwestern Chili comes in hot with big flavor and zero drama. It’s the kind of thing you throw together once and end up making again every weekend. Pairs well with cornbread, late nights, and second helpings. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense bowl that holds its own, this one’s a solid move.
Get the Recipe: Southwestern Chili
Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs
This is one of those dishes that’ll make you say, “Why haven’t I been making this all along?” Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs mix two classic flavors and present them in a fun, finger-food style. Crispy, cheesy, and so much more than just corn, this is the side you’ll keep going back to. It’s a conversation starter, for sure, and gets gobbled up faster than it takes to make. Perfect for everything from barbecues to weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs
Oven Roasted Tomato Soup
Tomato soup gets a glow-up with this roasted version that’s rich in flavor but simple to make. The Oven Roasted Tomato Soup has a smooth, velvety texture that makes you forget the canned stuff. It’s easy to pair with a grilled cheese, but really, it stands on its own just fine. Once you make it, you’ll never go back to the old way. This version is hearty enough to satisfy and light enough for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Tomato Soup
Smoked Mac & Cheese
Mac and cheese might be comfort food, but the Smoked Mac & Cheese takes it to a new level. The smoky flavor adds something extra, turning a classic side dish into the star of the show. It’s creamy, cheesy, and not afraid to show off a little. This mac and cheese is perfect for any BBQ or family gathering, and let’s be real—it’ll likely steal the spotlight. Once you taste it, you’ll wonder why you ever made it any other way.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese
Southern Style Pickled Shrimp
This dish is all about tangy, briny goodness that makes shrimp feel fancy. Southern Style Pickled Shrimp takes the usual shrimp cocktail up a notch with bold flavors that keep it fresh and exciting. Great for parties, picnics, or even as an appetizer before a bigger meal. It’s the kind of dish that brings out the “wow” factor with minimal effort. Plus, it’s perfect for making ahead, so you can focus on other things while this does its thing.
Get the Recipe: Southern Style Pickled Shrimp
Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops
If you haven’t figured out that slow cooker meals are the best thing ever, this is the one to change your mind. Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops are juicy, tender, and practically melt in your mouth. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal that delivers every time. You’ll have time to tackle other things while dinner gets ready on its own. Perfect for when you want something filling without watching the clock every five minutes.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops
Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup
This is a soup that doesn’t need a whole season to show off. Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup brings the smooth comfort you want, but with a little extra warmth and depth. It’s not too rich, just enough to make you feel like you’re treating yourself without feeling overstuffed. Great for chilly days or when you need something soothing but still packed with flavor. The best part? It only takes a spoon to be convinced.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup
Texas Corn Succotash
If you want to make vegetables the star of the show, this is your go-to. Texas Corn Succotash mixes sweet, savory, and crunchy in a way that’ll have people going back for more. It’s simple, but with a combination that feels just right. You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients—just the basics, done right. This dish has a way of turning the most basic meal into something everyone wants to talk about.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Let the slow cooker do the work while you go about your day with this one. Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans are the perfect side—no last-minute stress, just tender, flavorful beans ready when you are. It’s a classic that gets better with time, and it pairs with pretty much everything. Great for busy nights or when you’re trying to impress without lifting a finger. Once you taste it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Sloppy Joe Casserole
There’s something about a casserole that feels like a crowd-pleaser every time. Sloppy Joe Casserole is a twist on a classic, and it hits all the right notes. It’s hearty, comforting, and ready for seconds (or thirds). You get all the sloppy goodness, but in a neat little casserole form that’s perfect for those who like things easy. This is the kind of dish that keeps everyone full and happy, no matter the occasion.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole
Smoked Beef Stew
Beef stew gets an upgrade with a smoky kick that makes it a standout. The Smoked Beef Stew isn’t your average comfort food—it’s bold, savory, and full of depth that’ll have people asking how it was made. With all the tender beef and rich broth, it’s the kind of stew that can easily become a regular. Throw it together, let it cook, and be ready for the compliments to roll in. It’s everything stew should be, plus a little extra.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Beef Stew
Chicken Cobbler with Red Lobster Biscuits
If you’re craving something that feels like it came from a restaurant but was made at home, this is it. Chicken Cobbler with Red Lobster Biscuits brings together tender chicken and biscuit topping in a way that feels indulgent without being complicated. It’s warm, comforting, and makes everyone at the table feel like they’re getting something special. This is your go-to for when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cobbler with Red Lobster Biscuits
Creamy Shrimp & Corn Chowder with Chipotle
Creamy Shrimp & Corn Chowder with Chipotle combines all the comfort of a creamy chowder with a smoky kick. The balance of shrimp, corn, and chipotle takes it to the next level. It’s smooth, hearty, and full of rich flavor without being overwhelming. Perfect for cool evenings or when you want something easy that still feels indulgent. It’s a soup that makes you feel good with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Shrimp & Corn Chowder with Chipotle
Sweet Potato Cornbread
This Sweet Potato Cornbread isn’t just a side, it’s a showstopper. Moist, flavorful, and just the right amount of sweet, it pairs perfectly with any Southern meal. Whether it’s slathered in butter or served as-is, this cornbread will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about cornbread. It’s a great addition to any dinner table, or even as a snack when no one’s looking. Trust us, it’ll be gone before you can blink.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cornbread
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken is the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor. It’s quick to prep, and the one-pan method means easy cleanup, too. The lemon and rosemary do the heavy lifting here, creating a dish that’s fresh and satisfying without a ton of effort. This is one of those meals that feels gourmet but doesn’t require fancy skills or ingredients. It’s perfect for a busy day when you still want a meal that feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips
Want the restaurant experience at home? Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips make it happen without the drive or the wait. These beef tips come tender and seasoned just right, like you’ve got a secret recipe. The sauce that accompanies them? Next-level. This dish doesn’t need much fanfare—it speaks for itself. Try this one when you’re craving that hearty, satisfying meal that tastes just like your favorite restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips
Million Dollar Spaghetti
If there’s one dish you want to make to get a big reaction, Million Dollar Spaghetti is it. This casserole is a game-changer with layers that feel like a warm hug. It’s perfect for family dinners or even surprising guests. You don’t have to be a chef to make this, just someone who appreciates a good, no-fuss meal. And when it’s done, expect the compliments to roll in faster than you can dish it out.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti
Roast Pork with Apples
You don’t need a holiday for this one to make sense. Roast Pork with Apples walks the line between special and easy without tipping too far in either direction. It’s hearty without being heavy, and it shows up looking like you knew what you were doing. Makes a regular weeknight feel just a little more pulled together. Add this to the rotation when leftovers start to feel like a letdown.
Get the Recipe: Roast Pork with Apples
Creamed Corn
The Creamed Corn brings out the best in a classic favorite—sweet, creamy, and a little bit rich. It’s a perfect side dish that can handle any occasion, from weeknight dinners to big family gatherings. It’s smooth, not too heavy, and goes with just about everything. Don’t be surprised if it becomes the first thing everyone asks about when they sit down at the table. This is the kind of dish that makes everyone feel like they’re at home.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn
Smoked Sweet Potatoes
If you haven’t smoked sweet potatoes yet, prepare to have your world changed. The Smoked Sweet Potatoes have a depth that roasting just can’t match. The smoky flavor adds an unexpected twist that keeps you coming back for more. Perfect on its own or paired with almost anything, this is a simple side that looks deceptively impressive. You won’t believe how something so easy can taste so good.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Sweet Potatoes
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs
These Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs are the kind of meal you can set and forget, but it’ll still turn out fantastic. The rice inside the meatballs gives them a little extra texture, and the slow-cooked flavor makes it all come together. Perfect for busy days or whenever you need a dinner that doesn’t need babysitting. It’s cozy, hearty, and the kind of meal everyone will happily dig into. You’ll find yourself making this again and again.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs
Smoked Brisket Chili
When two big flavors meet, this chili is the result. Smoked Brisket Chili brings a serious depth that doesn’t need any explaining—one bowl in and you’ll get it. It’s rich, bold, and the kind of thing that feels like it took all day (even if it didn’t). Perfect for cold nights, big gatherings, or impressing people without saying a word. It’s comfort food that’s not messing around.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brisket Chili
Skillet Stroganoff Pie
This one’s a twist on a classic, with a little more crunch and a lot more flavor. The Skillet Stroganoff Pie combines the creamy goodness you love with a flaky crust that adds just the right texture. It’s a complete meal in one skillet, perfect for those days when you want something hearty without a mess. A real crowd-pleaser, this dish stands out in a world of casseroles and pies. Easy to make, and even easier to eat.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Stroganoff Pie
Garlic Chicken Skillet
There’s no shortage of garlic in this chicken, and that’s exactly how it should be. Garlic Chicken Skillet brings bold flavors together in a no-fuss, one-pan meal. It’s simple, fast, and packed with everything you need for a satisfying dinner. You don’t have to overthink it—just cook, serve, and enjoy. This is a meal for people who like big flavors but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Skillet
Oven Baked Ribs
Oven-baked ribs mean you don’t need a grill to get that fall-off-the-bone tenderness. Oven Baked Ribs are surprisingly easy to make and deliver a smoky, rich flavor even without a smoker. The slow cooking brings out all the juicy goodness, making it perfect for a relaxed weekend meal. Pair with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a meal that impresses with no stress. This recipe is proof that good ribs don’t need a fancy setup.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs
Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes
Nothing about this salad feels like a side dish—it holds its own. The Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes brings together smoky, juicy, and fresh in a way that doesn’t try too hard. It’s the kind of thing that shows up once and suddenly everyone thinks you’ve gone gourmet. You won’t find any fuss here, just the kind of combo that somehow works better than it should. It’ll have people asking for the “recipe” like you spent hours.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes
Shrimp and Grits Casserole
The Shrimp and Grits Casserole takes two Southern favorites and combines them into one dish that’s both comforting and filling. It’s a cozy casserole that brings together tender shrimp and creamy grits in a way that feels indulgent without the fuss. Perfect for a family meal or when you’ve got guests over, this dish will keep everyone coming back for seconds. The layers of flavor make it something special, but it’s simple enough to make on any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits Casserole