17 Things Grandma Taught Us About Southern Cooking (And How to Do It Right)

Southern cooking isn’t just about throwing things in a pot and hoping for the best. There’s a way to do it right, and grandma had all the secrets. From knowing when to stir and when to leave things alone to making sure the right pan is used, these lessons make all the difference. Skip the shortcuts, or she’ll find out—and trust that you don’t want that lecture.

Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole

Grandma always said that the best Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole should fill your kitchen with a familiar and comforting aroma. This dish brings together straightforward ingredients into one hearty meal, just like she used to make on busy weeknights. Simple ingredients come together for a surprisingly filling dish. With a few tips from grandma, anyone can make this casserole a household favorite.
Get the Recipe: Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole

Creamy Shrimp & Corn Chowder With Chipotle

For a bit of a twist on traditional chowders, Creamy Shrimp & Corn Chowder with Chipotle adds just the right kick. Learning from grandma, the key here is balance — the creaminess of the soup complements the gentle heat from the chipotle perfectly. She always emphasized the importance of patience to let the flavors meld together over time. This soup is a testament to the power of a good simmer.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Shrimp & Corn Chowder With Chipotle

Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese

Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese is a staple that goes back generations. Grandma taught us that it’s the method of layering and the ratio of ingredients that make it stand apart from the rest. She always insisted on baking it until just the right level of crispiness on top was achieved. Every bite reminds you of the care and tradition baked into this classic.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese

Cream of Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

Cream of Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup was a favorite lesson from grandma. She valued the smooth texture and rich colors that come from blending these root vegetables. This soup is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into a rich and hearty dish. It’s all about slow cooking to bring out the natural sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

Chicken Bog

Grandma’s Chicken Bog was always the center of attention at family dinners. She taught us that the secret lies in the slow simmering that fuses the ingredients together perfectly. This dish is about taking your time and letting the heat do its magic. It’s more than a meal; it’s a reminder of home.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bog

Broccoli Cheddar Soup In A Sourdough Bowl

A classic with a twist, Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Sourdough Bowl, brings two comfort foods together. Grandma used to say that the sourdough bowl isn’t just creative, but it also adds an extra layer of flavor to the soup. This combination was one of her clever ways to present something familiar yet exciting. Plus, who doesn’t love getting to eat their bowl?
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup In A Sourdough Bowl

Easiest Slow Cooker Rump Roast

Easiest Slow Cooker Rump Roast was always grandma’s go-to for a fuss-free Sunday dinner. She swore by her slow cooker as the easiest way to get tender, fall-apart meat without standing over a stove all day. Patience was her secret ingredient, letting it cook low and slow. It’s a classic that never fails to please a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Easiest Slow Cooker Rump Roast

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy

Grandma’s Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy was a lesson in the importance of proper seasoning and cooking time. She knew exactly how to get the crispy skin and juicy meat every time. The creamy gravy was her special touch, rich and full of onions, simmered to perfection. This dish is a heartening reminder of her kitchen’s comforting embrace.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy

Sloppy Joe Casserole

Sloppy Joe Casserole is a fun, hearty twist on a classic. Grandma made it when she wanted something filling and comforting. She layered flavors and textures to make it both tasty and substantial. It wasn’t just about mixing ingredients—it was about creating a meal that felt like a hug. This casserole is a crowd-pleaser sure to bring smiles to the table.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Garlic Chicken Skillet

One dish that often reminds us of those hearty meals grandma used to make is Garlic Chicken Skillet. It’s all about getting that golden sear on the meat and letting those juices mingle in the pan. Grandma always said, “Don’t skimp on the garlic,” and she had a point; it makes all the difference. It’s one of those dinners that brings everyone to the table, hungry and ready.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Skillet

Fried Tomatillos

Turning a simple ingredient into a crunchy, golden treat was something grandma excelled at, especially with Fried Tomatillos. She’d always emphasize how important it was to get the batter just right—crisp but not overpowering. It was her way of adding a twist to traditional sides. These little gems are a testament to how something so simple can be transformed into a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Fried Tomatillos

Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Patience and precision in the kitchen create amazing results, like Pork Belly Burnt Ends. Grandma spent hours making sure they were tender inside and caramelized outside. She swore by low and slow cooking, calling it the key to rich, flavorful meat. This dish was always a special treat, saved for moments when you wanted to impress.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Smoked Jalapenos

Showing us how a little smoke can go a long way, grandma’s technique with Smoked Jalapenos was unmatched. She’d always pick the best jalapenos from the market, saying it was all about starting with the right base. These smoked beauties were her secret weapon for adding depth to any meal. It’s amazing how a simple technique can change the game.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Jalapenos

Million Dollar Spaghetti

When she wanted to feed a crowd without breaking the bank, grandma turned to Million Dollar Spaghetti. She knew that the best meals didn’t need fancy ingredients, just a lot of love and a bit of creativity. She had a special way of layering everything together, making it look as good as it tasted. This dish proves that comfort food can be simple yet incredibly satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Texas Corn Succotash

A colorful mix that could steal the show from any main dish was grandma’s Texas Corn Succotash. She believed in using what was fresh and available, saying it brought the garden right to your plate. Her knack for balancing textures and tastes made this dish a household staple. It’s a reminder of how vibrant food can be, both in look and taste.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash

Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish

With Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish, grandma showed that the right pairings could upgrade a meal. She had a special touch with the relish, knowing exactly how to pair it with the meat for that perfect bite. It was her way of showing that sometimes, it’s the simple touches that make a meal memorable. A lesson from her kitchen was that the right accompaniment could transform a good dish into a great one.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish

Steak and Potato Soup

Grandma had her own version of comfort, especially with Steak and Potato Soup, and boy, was it a hug in a bowl. She’d say it was all about letting the ingredients get to know each other in the pot. This soup was her go-to for those days when you needed a little extra comfort. It’s funny how a simple bowl of soup can bring back so many memories.
Get the Recipe: Steak and Potato Soup