The best Southern dishes take time, a little trial and error, and a willingness to get the kitchen slightly out of control. These 35 recipes aren’t about shortcuts—they’re about layers of flavor, slow cooking, and the kind of meals that make leftovers a prize. A well-floured rolling pin, a simmering pot, and maybe a kitchen towel that doubles as an oven mitt will all come in handy. Just know that the last bite is always the best, and someone will claim it before you do.
Red Pepper & Tomato Soup
This is the kind of soup that somehow feels both hearty and refreshing at the same time. Red Pepper & Tomato Soup has a deep, smoky richness that’s balanced by just the right touch of natural sweetness. It’s smooth, velvety, and made for dunking a crispy slice of something buttery. A bowl of this disappears fast, so don’t be surprised when someone asks if there’s more. If there isn’t, well, that’s what extra bread is for.
Get the Recipe: Red Pepper & Tomato Soup
Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes
This is what happens when fresh ingredients do all the work. Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes brings together smoky, caramelized sweetness with just the right balance of acidity and crunch. It’s fresh, light, and just complicated enough to make it feel like something special. There’s no rule against eating it straight from the bowl, but someone will probably insist on grabbing the “right” serving spoon. Either way, it won’t last long.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes
Steak & Potato Soup
A bowl of this feels like a meal that’s been cooking all day, because it probably has. Steak & Potato Soup is the kind of rich, slow-simmered comfort food that fills the kitchen with a hearty aroma long before the first spoonful. The thick, creamy base clings to every bite, making it impossible not to go back for seconds. It’s a dish that disappears quickly, even if someone claims they’re “just having a small bowl.” Good luck keeping leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Potato Soup
Texas Corn Succotash
There’s nothing boring about this plate of sweet, smoky, and buttery goodness. Texas Corn Succotash brings together bright flavors, a little crunch, and just the right amount of richness. It’s a dish that somehow works as a side but also gets scooped straight from the serving bowl by anyone who walks past. There’s always one person who claims they’re “just trying a bite” before going back for a second helping. This one’s going to need a bigger spoon.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash
Smoked Sweet Potatoes
A little char, a lot of natural sweetness, and just enough smoky flavor to keep things interesting. Smoked Sweet Potatoes are the kind of side dish that doesn’t feel like a side dish at all. They’re rich, creamy, and so full of flavor they could easily steal the show. Someone’s going to ask how they were made, and the answer is always the same—slow, steady, and completely worth it. Just make extra.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Sweet Potatoes
Oven Roasted Tomato Soup
This is what happens when simple ingredients are given the time to develop deep, rich flavors. Oven Roasted Tomato Soup brings out the natural sweetness and smokiness of slow-roasted tomatoes in a way that just can’t be rushed. It’s smooth, velvety, and practically made for dunking something crispy. A bowl of this never lasts long, and someone will definitely scrape the bottom for every last drop. That’s just how it goes.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Tomato Soup
Sweet Potato Cornbread
This isn’t just cornbread—it’s cornbread with a little something extra. Sweet Potato Cornbread brings just the right amount of sweetness and richness, making it impossible to stop at one slice. It’s soft, moist, and the perfect excuse to add an extra pat of butter. Someone’s going to claim they’re “just having a small piece,” but that never actually happens. Make a double batch, because the first one won’t last.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cornbread
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
This isn’t just a side dish—it’s a slow-cooked masterpiece. Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans take their time, soaking up layer after layer of flavor until they’re tender enough to fall apart. There’s nothing fancy about it, just simple ingredients doing exactly what they’re supposed to. Every bite is packed with deep, smoky goodness, the kind that makes other vegetables jealous. It’s the dish that somehow gets eaten before the main course is finished.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken
Simple, yes. But boring? Not a chance. 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken proves that a few ingredients and a long, slow cook time can turn into something rich, tender, and packed with flavor. It’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with the smell of home, making it impossible to wait until dinnertime. Someone’s going to sneak a forkful before it’s ready—it happens every time.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken
Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs
These aren’t your average corn on the cob. Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs are roasted, crispy, and packed with flavor that somehow makes them even more addictive. They’ve got a little char, a lot of crunch, and just enough seasoning to keep things interesting. The only problem? They disappear fast, and someone’s always left wishing they grabbed more.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs
Smoked Mac & Cheese
This is mac and cheese the way it should be—bold, smoky, and completely over the top. Smoked Mac & Cheese takes that creamy, cheesy goodness and gives it an extra layer of slow-cooked depth. It’s the kind of dish that steals attention from the main course, leaving people “accidentally” filling their plate twice. There’s no such thing as too much cheese, but this one definitely comes close. Just don’t expect leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese
Smoked Brisket Chili
This is the chili that makes other chilis jealous. Smoked Brisket Chili has a deep, smoky flavor that builds with every spoonful, thanks to the slow-cooked richness of tender, fall-apart meat. It’s thick, hearty, and the kind of meal that somehow tastes even better the next day. Someone’s going to ask if there’s extra for leftovers before they’ve even finished their first bowl. The answer should always be yes.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brisket Chili
Oven Baked Ribs
These ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender with a caramelized finish that makes them completely irresistible. Oven Baked Ribs bring smoky, slow-cooked flavor straight from the oven, no grill required. Every bite is packed with rich, juicy goodness, the kind that requires extra napkins. Someone’s going to grab the last one before you get to it, so move fast. The bones are the only thing left on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs
Skillet Stroganoff Pie
This is comfort food in pie form. Skillet Stroganoff Pie takes everything great about a rich, creamy stroganoff and bakes it into a golden, bubbling masterpiece. It’s thick, hearty, and the kind of dish that somehow feels even better the next day. Someone’s going to try to sneak a bite before it’s cool enough to eat. The wait is worth it, but good luck convincing anyone.
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Garlic Chicken Skillet
This dish proves that simple flavors, done right, make all the difference. Garlic Chicken Skillet is rich, golden, and packed with just the right amount of savory goodness. It’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma before the first bite is even taken. Someone’s going to claim they’re saving leftovers for lunch—don’t count on it. This one never lasts long.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Skillet
Creamed Corn
This isn’t the kind of corn that gets pushed to the side of the plate. Creamed Corn is rich, velvety, and packed with just enough sweetness to make it the star of any meal. It’s smooth, buttery, and the perfect excuse to grab an extra serving. Someone’s going to scrape the bowl clean, and no one will blame them. This one deserves a permanent spot on the table.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn
Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops
These pork chops don’t just cook—they soak up every bit of flavor over hours of slow simmering. Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops are fork-tender and drenched in a sauce so rich, it demands extra bread for soaking. The kind of dish that makes the house smell like dinner long before it’s ready. Someone’s going to sneak a bite early, and no one can blame them. Just be ready for an empty plate at the end.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops
Southwestern Chili
A bowl of this brings heat, depth, and just the right amount of boldness to keep things interesting. Southwestern Chili packs in layers of flavor, from smoky undertones to just the right level of spice. It’s thick enough to stand a spoon in, which is exactly how chili should be. The only problem? It disappears faster than it should, and someone’s always asking for seconds before their first bowl is empty.
Get the Recipe: Southwestern Chili
Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe
There’s something about a big, bold bowl of chili that just hits differently, and Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe delivers exactly that. It’s thick, smoky, and packed with enough flavor to make every bite feel like a full meal. The kind of dish that makes people hover near the pot, waiting for it to be served. Someone’s going to claim they’ve had enough, then go back for “just a little more.” That’s how you know it’s done right.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe
Roast Pork with Apples
Sweet meets savory in this slow-roasted classic. Roast Pork with Apples balances rich, tender meat with just the right touch of natural sweetness. It’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with a warm, mouthwatering aroma long before it hits the plate. Someone’s going to insist on sneaking a slice early, and honestly, they’re not wrong. Just don’t expect any leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Roast Pork with Apples
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips
These beef tips are tender, loaded with flavor, and practically melt in your mouth. Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips bring that rich, slow-cooked goodness straight to the table without a trip to the restaurant. The thick, savory sauce is the kind people fight over for the last spoonful. Someone’s going to scrape the bottom of the bowl to make sure nothing goes to waste. If you don’t grab seconds fast, you won’t get any.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips
Million Dollar Spaghetti
This is spaghetti, but not the kind that comes together in 20 minutes. Million Dollar Spaghetti layers rich, creamy, and cheesy goodness into one unforgettable dish. Every bite is packed with bold flavors and just enough indulgence to make it feel special. Someone’s going to ask for the recipe, and someone else is going to ask for another plate. Just go ahead and make extra—it won’t last.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti
Smoked Beef Stew
Slow-smoked, deeply flavorful, and so tender it practically melts off the spoon. Smoked Beef Stew takes its time, layering in smoky richness with every simmer. It’s thick, hearty, and loaded with bold, savory depth that makes every bite better than the last. Someone’s going to claim they’re full, then sneak just one more spoonful. That’s how you know it’s done right.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Beef Stew
Sloppy Joe Casserole
Everything messy and delicious about a classic sloppy joe, baked into a dish that’s somehow even better. Sloppy Joe Casserole is hearty, saucy, and packed with bold, rich flavor in every bite. It’s the kind of meal that makes extra napkins a necessity, not an option. Someone’s going to go back for seconds before they’ve even finished their first plate. Just accept that there won’t be leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole
Fried Tomatillos
Crispy, tangy, and totally addictive, Fried Tomatillos are the perfect snack or side dish. They’re battered and fried to perfection, giving each bite a satisfying crunch before the juicy, tangy inside takes over. They’re a little bit tangy, a little bit crispy, and a whole lot of flavor. Someone’s going to try to eat them all, but don’t let them—they’re meant to be shared.
Get the Recipe: Fried Tomatillos
Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup
This creamy soup blends the natural sweetness of squash and sweet potatoes into a bowl of comfort. Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup is smooth, velvety, and just the right balance of rich and light. It’s the kind of soup that feels like it’s been simmering for hours, even though it hasn’t. Someone’s going to ask for the recipe before they’ve even finished their bowl.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup
Southern Style Pickled Shrimp
These shrimp aren’t just pickled—they’re packed with flavor that gets better over time. Southern Style Pickled Shrimp brings together the tangy brine and tender shrimp into a dish that’s both refreshing and bold. They’re perfect as an appetizer or just for snacking, and they’ll have everyone coming back for more. Just be ready for someone to ask how long they’ll keep—because they never last long enough to find out.
Get the Recipe: Southern Style Pickled Shrimp
Southern Ham Salad
This isn’t just any ham salad—it’s Southern-style, and that makes all the difference. Southern Ham Salad is creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced, making it perfect as a spread, dip, or just on its own. It’s the kind of dish that goes fast, so don’t be surprised when everyone claims they “only had a little.” The truth is, everyone had a lot—and they’ll ask for more before the bowl’s empty.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad
Creamy Shrimp & Corn Chowder with Chipotle
This chowder is everything you want in a comforting bowl of soup and more. Creamy Shrimp & Corn Chowder with Chipotle combines sweet corn, tender shrimp, and a smoky kick from chipotle that brings everything together. It’s rich, hearty, and perfect for cozying up on a chilly evening. Someone’s going to go for seconds before finishing their first bowl, and no one will blame them. This one’s going to disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Shrimp & Corn Chowder with Chipotle
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs
These meatballs are the kind of dish that gets better with every hour in the slow cooker. Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs are tender, savory, and come with a savory sauce that’s just begging for a side of rice. They’re hearty enough to be a main course, but also the kind of dish that people will scoop up for seconds. Make enough for leftovers, because they’re always gone before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs
Pickled Shrimp Egg Shooters
This is one appetizer that doesn’t just sit on the plate—it gets everyone talking. Pickled Shrimp Egg Shooters bring tangy, briny shrimp together with a smooth, creamy filling that’s both unexpected and addictively good. They’re a fun twist on the traditional shooter, making them perfect for your next get-together. They disappear quicker than you think, so don’t be surprised if the first round is gone before anyone else gets a chance to try them.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Shrimp Egg Shooters
Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Sourdough Bowl
There’s something about the combination of creamy, cheesy soup and a crispy sourdough bowl that just feels right. Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Sourdough Bowl takes everything great about comfort food and serves it up in a way that makes it impossible to stop at just one bite. The bread soaks up the cheesy goodness while the broccoli adds the perfect amount of crunch. Someone’s going to end up finishing the bowl—and the soup inside it.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Sourdough Bowl
Chicken Cobbler with Red Lobster Biscuits
This is comfort food at its finest, with a flaky biscuit topping that makes every bite better. Chicken Cobbler with Red Lobster Biscuits combines savory, tender chicken with a rich filling, all tucked under a buttery, golden crust. It’s hearty enough to be a full meal, but with the kind of warmth that makes you feel like you’re being wrapped in a blanket. Just be prepared for someone to sneak a biscuit before dinner’s even served.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cobbler with Red Lobster Biscuits
Mississippi Mud Potatoes
These potatoes are messy in the best possible way. Mississippi Mud Potatoes pack in layers of flavor with every forkful, from rich, creamy goodness to the kind of smoky, cheesy flavor that makes everything else on the plate jealous. They’re the kind of dish that will steal the show, and if you’re not careful, they’ll be gone before you’ve had a chance to take a second bite. Just make extra.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
These chicken thighs are golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and topped with a rich, creamy onion gravy that makes every bite worth it. Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy bring a hearty, savory flavor that’s the perfect balance of crispy and creamy. It’s a dish that’s simple to prepare but feels like a celebration when it hits the table. Someone’s going to ask for extra gravy before they’ve finished their plate, so make sure there’s plenty.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy