Southern cooking is about more than just food—it’s about knowing that the best recipes have a little history and a lot of butter. These 35 old-school Southern recipes don’t mess with tradition because they don’t have to. Whether it’s a slow-cooked classic or something fried to perfection, these dishes are the ones that always get asked for seconds. If it’s the kind of food that gets passed around the table until the platter’s empty, it made the cut.
Steak & Potato Soup
There’s no reason to choose between steak night and soup night when Steak & Potato Soup exists. It’s packed with hearty flavors that turn a bowl into a full-blown meal. The deep, beefy broth soaks into tender potatoes, making every spoonful feel like comfort in a bowl. It’s not just a soup—it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, no questions asked.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Potato Soup
Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes
When fresh and smoky come together, the result is Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes. Juicy peaches take on a deeper flavor when kissed by the grill, pairing perfectly with bright, ripe tomatoes. Every bite balances sweet, savory, and just the right amount of char for a salad that refuses to be boring. Whether served as a side or a star on its own, this one keeps things interesting.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
Some meals don’t need a lot of fuss, and this is one of them. Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy delivers bold, comforting flavors with minimal effort. The rich, savory gravy wraps around the tender chicken in a way that turns a simple dish into something that feels special. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like it took all day, but the oven does the work for you. Serve it up and watch plates get cleared fast.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
Red Pepper & Tomato Soup
Some soups are good, but Red Pepper & Tomato Soup is the kind that makes you grab an extra slice of bread just to soak up every drop. The bold, roasted flavors blend into something smooth, rich, and just a little smoky. It’s not just another tomato soup—it’s the one that makes you wonder why you ever settled for anything less. Perfect on its own or paired with a sandwich, this one refuses to be an afterthought.
Get the Recipe: Red Pepper & Tomato Soup
Million Dollar Spaghetti
Some pastas are good, and then there’s Million Dollar Spaghetti. This dish is rich, cheesy, and packed with layers of flavor that make it feel like a baked spaghetti upgrade. It’s the kind of meal that makes people ask for the recipe before they’ve even finished their first plate. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish, this one always delivers.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Some recipes prove that patience pays off, and Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans is one of them. Cooked low and slow, they soak up rich, smoky flavors that turn a simple vegetable into a standout side. They’re tender, packed with southern-style seasoning, and impossible to stop eating. If you’ve only had plain green beans, this version changes everything.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Texas Corn Succotash
Sweet, smoky, and loaded with flavor, Texas Corn Succotash takes a classic and gives it a bold twist. It’s a mix of fresh veggies and hearty bites that come together in a way that just works. Whether it’s a side dish for barbecue or a quick meal on its own, it never disappoints. If you think succotash is just another vegetable mix, this one will prove you wrong.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash
Creamed Corn
No table in the South is complete without Creamed Corn, and this version delivers everything you expect. It’s thick, rich, and just the right balance of sweet and savory. Each spoonful feels like home, bringing a touch of nostalgia with every bite. Whether piled onto a plate or eaten straight from the bowl, it’s the side dish that never has leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn
Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs
There’s corn on the cob, and then there’s Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs. Sliced into rib-like strips, these bring all the flavor with none of the hassle. Roasted to perfection with bold, garlicky goodness, they’re crispy on the edges and tender in the middle. It’s a new way to enjoy an old favorite, and once you try them, you’ll never look at corn the same way again.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs
Garlic Chicken Skillet
Simple, bold, and packed with flavor, Garlic Chicken Skillet proves that a few good ingredients can go a long way. The chicken is juicy, the garlic is bold, and the whole dish comes together in one pan for easy cleanup. It’s the kind of meal that works for busy weeknights but still tastes like it belongs in a Sunday spread. Serve it with your favorite sides and call it dinner done right.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Skillet
Sloppy Joe Casserole
If a Sloppy Joe and a baked pasta dish had a delicious, no-mess baby, it would be Sloppy Joe Casserole. All the bold, saucy flavors of the classic sandwich come together in a dish that skips the messy buns but keeps everything you love. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. One bite in, and you’ll realize this might be the best way to enjoy a Sloppy Joe.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole
Roast Pork with Apples
The best meals balance savory and sweet, and Roast Pork with Apples does it flawlessly. The pork is tender, juicy, and packed with deep, rich flavors, while the apples add a little brightness to keep every bite interesting. This isn’t just another pork dish—it’s the kind of meal that makes the house smell amazing long before it hits the table. Serve it up with your favorite sides, and watch it disappear.
Get the Recipe: Roast Pork with Apples
Smoked Beef Stew
Classic beef stew gets a bold upgrade with Smoked Beef Stew. The smoky depth takes the rich, slow-cooked flavors to another level, making this dish even more satisfying. Every bite is packed with tender beef and hearty vegetables that soak up all that deep, savory goodness. If you thought stew couldn’t get any better, this one proves otherwise.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Beef Stew
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken
Sometimes simple is best, and 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken is proof. With just a few basic ingredients, this dish comes out tender, flavorful, and ready to be served in endless ways. Whether piled onto a sandwich, served over rice, or eaten straight from the slow cooker, it’s a no-fuss meal that delivers every time. Busy days just got a whole lot easier.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken
Smoked Mac & Cheese
Regular mac and cheese is great, but Smoked Mac & Cheese takes things to a whole new level. That deep, smoky flavor seeps into every bite, making the creamy, cheesy goodness even better. It’s rich, bold, and perfect for anyone who thinks comfort food should come with an extra layer of flavor. Serve this at a cookout or alongside barbecue, and watch it disappear.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese
Sweet Potato Cornbread
Traditional cornbread is good, but Sweet Potato Cornbread adds a twist that makes it even better. The sweet potatoes bring a little extra moisture and a deeper, slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the classic Southern staple. It’s soft, slightly dense, and perfect with butter, honey, or just straight out of the pan. If you think you’ve had good cornbread before, this one will change your mind.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cornbread
Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup
If fall had a signature soup, it would be Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup. The smooth, creamy texture and naturally sweet, earthy flavors make it a warm, comforting favorite. It’s the kind of soup that feels fancy but comes together without much effort. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or the main event, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips
You don’t need a steakhouse visit when you’ve got Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips on the table. These tender, flavorful bites are cooked just right, soaking up all the rich, savory goodness they deserve. Whether served over rice, mashed potatoes, or straight from the pan, they bring that restaurant-quality taste to your own kitchen. No reservations are required.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips
Smoked Sweet Potatoes
There’s sweet potatoes, and then there’s Smoked Sweet Potatoes. The natural sweetness pairs perfectly with the deep, smoky flavor, creating a side dish that stands out on any plate. They’re tender, packed with flavor, and impossible to stop eating. Once you try them this way, you won’t go back.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Sweet Potatoes
Southern Ham Salad
Sandwiches and crackers just got an upgrade with Southern Ham Salad. This classic spread is creamy, smoky, and packed with the right amount of crunch for texture. It’s a staple at southern gatherings, perfect for layering onto soft bread or scooping up with crisp crackers. Whether you’re making a quick lunch or setting out a spread for a crowd, this one always delivers.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad
Oven Roasted Tomato Soup
Not all tomato soups are created equal, and Oven Roasted Tomato Soup proves it. Slow-roasting the tomatoes brings out a deeper, richer flavor that makes every spoonful taste like it came straight from a garden. Smooth, bold, and just the right amount of savory, this soup is perfect for pairing with a grilled cheese or enjoying on its own. One bowl in, and you’ll never go back to the canned stuff.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Tomato Soup
Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Southern comfort food meets convenience with Shrimp and Grits Casserole. This dish takes all the rich, creamy flavors of the classic and turns it into a baked version that’s easy to serve. The grits stay smooth and flavorful, while the shrimp add the perfect bite. It’s everything you love about shrimp and grits, made even better.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken
Dinner doesn’t get much easier than Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. The chicken roasts alongside fresh herbs and bright citrus flavors, creating a meal that’s simple but packed with flavor. It’s juicy, and fragrant, and comes together with minimal cleanup. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a meal prep favorite, this one never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs
Classic comfort food gets an easy upgrade with Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. These hearty meatballs, packed with a little extra texture, soak up rich, savory flavors as they cook low and slow. They’re tender, filling, and perfect over rice or on their own. If you’re looking for an easy meal that still feels homemade, this one delivers.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs
Fried Tomatillos
If you think fried green tomatoes are good, wait until you try Fried Tomatillos. The tart, tangy flavor pairs perfectly with the crispy, golden coating, making every bite something special. They’re crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and impossible to stop eating. Whether as a snack, appetizer, or side, they bring a little extra something to the table.
Get the Recipe: Fried Tomatillos
Southwestern Chili
Bold spices and hearty ingredients make Southwestern Chili a must-try. This chili packs just the right amount of heat, balancing smoky flavors with rich, slow-cooked goodness. It’s thick, satisfying, and perfect for topping with your favorite extras. Whether you eat it straight from the bowl or pile it onto nachos, this one doesn’t hold back.
Get the Recipe: Southwestern Chili
Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Sourdough Bowl
Few things beat a warm, creamy soup inside a fresh bread bowl, and Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Sourdough Bowl delivers just that. The thick, cheesy soup pairs perfectly with the slight tang of the sourdough, making every bite even better. It’s the kind of meal that feels cozy and indulgent at the same time. Once the soup is gone, you still get to enjoy the best part—the bread.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Sourdough Bowl
Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe
If you’ve ever wanted restaurant-quality chili without leaving the house, Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe delivers. It’s thick, hearty, and packed with bold flavors that taste just like the original. With a rich, slow-cooked depth, this chili is the kind that sticks to your ribs in the best way possible. Whether topped with cheese, and onions, or eaten straight from the bowl, this version brings the steakhouse to your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe
Smoked Brisket Chili
Regular chili is good, but Smoked Brisket Chili brings in a whole new level of bold, smoky flavor. The slow-cooked brisket melts into the rich, spicy sauce, making every spoonful taste like it’s been simmering for hours. It’s thick, hearty, and guaranteed to be the best chili you’ve ever made. Serve it with cornbread, and you’ve got a meal worth talking about.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brisket Chili
Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops
Tender, juicy, and packed with deep flavors, Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops make dinnertime easy. The slow cooker does all the work, letting the pork soak up a rich, savory sauce that takes it to the next level. It’s the kind of meal that feels like comfort food but requires almost no effort. Whether served with rice, potatoes, or veggies, it’s always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops
Southern Style Pickled Shrimp
Southern Style Pickled Shrimp is the kind of dish that sneaks up on you—in the best way. The bright, tangy flavors soak deep into the shrimp, creating a bite that’s fresh, zesty, and just a little unexpected. It’s a staple at southern gatherings, perfect for serving chilled on hot days or as an appetizer that disappears fast. Whether piled onto crackers or eaten straight from the dish, this one delivers every time.
Get the Recipe: Southern Style Pickled Shrimp
Oven Baked Ribs
Good ribs don’t need a smoker, and Oven Baked Ribs prove it. These come out tender, flavorful, and falling off the bone, all without ever firing up a grill. The slow roasting process locks in deep, smoky flavors while keeping the meat juicy and rich. Whether served at a barbecue or for a weeknight dinner, they bring the kind of flavor that keeps fingers messy and plates empty.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs
Skillet Stroganoff Pie
A classic dish with a twist, Skillet Stroganoff Pie takes everything you love about stroganoff and gives it a baked, golden finish. Creamy, rich flavors soak into the hearty filling, all topped with a crust that brings it all together. It’s the kind of meal that looks fancy but feels like pure comfort. One skillet, one dish, and a whole lot of flavor—what more could you ask for?
Get the Recipe: Skillet Stroganoff Pie
Creamy Shrimp & Corn Chowder with Chipotle
A little smoky, a little spicy, and a whole lot of creamy goodness—Creamy Shrimp & Corn Chowder with Chipotle brings bold flavors to every spoonful. The sweetness of the corn balances perfectly with the heat from the chipotle, while the shrimp add a hearty, satisfying bite. It’s rich, comforting, and just the right amount of heat to keep things interesting. Serve it up on a cold day or when you just want a bowl of something seriously good.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Shrimp & Corn Chowder with Chipotle
Chicken Cobbler with Red Lobster Biscuits
Chicken Cobbler with Red Lobster Biscuits takes a classic comfort dish and kicks it up a notch. The rich, creamy filling is packed with hearty flavors, while those famous biscuits add the perfect buttery, cheesy topping. It’s a dish that feels both homey and indulgent, bringing together two Southern favorites in one bite. If you think chicken cobbler can’t get any better, this version proves otherwise.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cobbler with Red Lobster Biscuits