Some recipes are eaten, but Southern recipes are remembered. These 25 dishes have a way of bringing folks back together before anyone even remembers to clear the table. They strike that magical balance of comfort and tradition, the kind of cooking that turns dinner into a shared experience.

Fried Tomatillos

As a beloved Southern favorite, Fried Tomatillos are a distinctive blend of tanginess and crunch. Sliced tomatillos are coated with a light batter, giving them a crispy finish after being fried to a golden color. The flavor profile is both fresh and slightly tart, which pairs well with a variety of dips or sauces. It’s an excellent side dish that can be served at any gathering or family meal, enticing everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Fried Tomatillos

Creamed Corn

Rich and creamy, Creamed Corn offers a comforting taste that feels like home. Fresh corn kernels bask in a luxurious sauce that highlights their natural sweetness, bringing out a depth of flavor that’s both warm and enjoyable. Whether served at a barbecue or a weeknight dinner, it complements numerous main dishes while also standing out as a hearty side. The dish’s smooth texture is enhanced with a hint of butter, giving it a fuller flavor that many enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn

Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

Pasta lovers may find Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells an irresistible option for lunch or dinner. Each shell is generously filled with a creamy cheese mixture, baked to perfection under a layer of marinara or tomato sauce. As they bake, the cheese melts beautifully, creating a luscious, gooey consistency inside. This dish can be a standalone meal or paired with a fresh salad, pleasing both adults and children alike.
Get the Recipe: Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

Sloppy Joe Casserole

Transforming a childhood classic into a pleasurable dish, Sloppy Joe Casserole captures all the familiar flavors we know. Ground beef cooked in a flavorful sauce is spread over a bed of soft biscuits, which absorb the flavors beautifully. Topped with cheese and baked until bubbly, this casserole brings both convenience and taste to the table. It’s a wonderful family meal option that can bring back memories with every serving.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Southern Tomato Pie

A staple of Southern cuisine, Southern Tomato Pie combines fresh tomatoes with a delicious cheese blend in a flaky crust. The balance between the acidity of the tomatoes and richness of the cheese creates a harmony that’s hard to resist. Its vibrant layers are visually appealing, making it the centerpiece of any meal. Perfect for a brunch or a casual dinner, it’s a simple yet rewarding choice for cooks and diners alike.
Get the Recipe: Southern Tomato Pie

Classic Hoppin’ John

With a blend of black-eyed peas, rice, and varying spices, Classic Hoppin’ John presents a dish deeply rooted in Southern tradition. The combination of flavors highlights the earthy taste of the legumes, balanced with the kick of spices and aromatics. Cooking it slowly helps the ingredients meld together, resulting in a wonderfully hearty meal. It’s often enjoyed during gatherings where its rich aroma can fill the room, drawing people to the table.
Get the Recipe: Classic Hoppin’ John

Pork Chops With Tomato & Green Onion Relish

Tender pork chops are upgraded with a refreshing Pork Chops With Tomato & Green Onion Relish, offering both flavor and visual appeal. The relish made from tomatoes and green onions adds a bright contrast to the delicious meat, complementing it without overpowering it. Pan-searing the pork chops enhances their natural juices while the relish provides a fresh kick. Suitable for any meal, this dish can easily become a go-to recipe for meat lovers.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops With Tomato & Green Onion Relish

Texas Corn Succotash

Full of vibrant colors and flavors, Texas Corn Succotash brings a medley of corn, beans, and peppers together. Each ingredient contributes texture while the whole dish highlights a mix of sweet and spicy elements. It can be enjoyed as a standalone vegetarian option or used as a side dish with meats. Simple to prepare, this recipe allows the ingredients to shine, making it a versatile choice for multiple occasions.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash

Kale Salad With Lemon

For those seeking a lighter option, Kale Salad with Lemon might provide just the refreshment needed. Fresh kale is massaged with a tangy lemon dressing, softening the leaves while infusing them with citrus notes. The result is a bright and refreshing salad that refreshes the palate and can be paired effortlessly with numerous entrees. Its simplicity allows the natural flavors to come through, making it an appealing option on any menu.
Get the Recipe: Kale Salad With Lemon

Bacon Fried Corn

With an added layer of richness, Bacon Fried Corn brings together sweet corn and tasty bacon in a lovely combination. The corn kernels are sautéed with crispy bacon, allowing the bacon fat to envelop each piece, enhancing its sweetness. This dish works well as a side, complementing many proteins, or simply enjoyed on its own. The blend of flavors makes it a comfort food that quickly becomes a favorite among diners.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Often found at picnics, Strawberry Pretzel Salad offers a balance of sweet and salty elements in a dessert-like format. The bottom layer of crushed pretzels adds a crunchy base, while the sweet cream cheese layer and strawberry gelatin topping provide contrasting flavors. This layered treat is as delicious as it is eye-catching, pleasing both the young and young at heart. It’s a unique dish that often inspires curiosity and enjoyment among guests.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Pretzel Salad

4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

Ideal for busy households, 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken simplifies meal prep without compromising flavor. Combining chicken with a few pantry staples, this dish becomes tender and flavorful after slow cooking. The convenience of this method, alongside the tasty outcome, makes it a reliable choice for effortless dinners. It can be served alongside vegetables, rice, or bread, offering versatility in meal pairings.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

Corned Beef Hash Casserole

Bringing together deep flavors of corned beef with hearty potatoes, Corned Beef Hash Casserole serves as a comforting meal option for many. This dish offers layers of texture, from the tender meat to the crispy potato topping. The mix of ingredients and flavors showcases a rich and delicious depth while highlighting the tasty profile of corned beef. It’s a practical choice for hearty meals and a popular hit among family members.
Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Hash Casserole

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Giving a new twist to a beloved side, Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes combines the aromas of garlic and parmesan with perfectly cooked potatoes. Each potato is smashed, allowing the edges to crisp up when baked, producing a lovely crust. The parmesan provides a nutty flavor that complements the garlic, creating a dish that’s as fragrant as it is flavorful. These potatoes are an excellent addition to any feast, offering a new texture and taste.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Perfect for adding a touch of smoky richness, Fried Cabbage with Bacon marries the sweet taste of cabbage with crispy, salty bacon bits. The cabbage becomes tender yet retains a slight crunch, creating a balance that many find appealing. Simple to prepare, this dish highlights the bold flavors of bacon, providing a robust side that works alongside many main dishes. It offers a comforting presence at any meal, making it a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

With layers of cornbread and delicious fillings, Cowboy Cornbread Casserole takes the simplicity of cornbread to new heights. The filling contains seasoned ground beef and is topped with a layer of cornbread, which enhances the overall richness. This dish combines the ease of a casserole with the boldness of Southwest-inspired flavors, offering warmth and comfort. It’s an ideal main or side dish, pleasing crowds with its hearty and robust nature.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies

Harnessing the creamy richness of peanut butter, Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies delivers a fun treat with no fuss. Mixing simple ingredients like oats and sugar, these cookies come together quickly with no need for baking. The texture is chewy and enjoyable, providing a sweet escape perfect for an afternoon snack. Whether prepared in batches for an event or just for yourself, they’re a consistent win in any kitchen setting.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies

Corn Fritters

Bringing to the table the lovely contrast of sweet and tangy, Corn Fritters blend fresh corn with a light, crunchy batter. Each bite delivers a taste of summer, evoking a sense of nostalgia and warmth. Ideal as an appetizer or side, they pair well with a variety of dishes or can be enjoyed alone. Their simplicity, combined with lovely texture, makes them a popular choice that everyone loves to share.
Get the Recipe: Corn Fritters

Squash Casserole

As a quintessential Southern side, Squash Casserole combines tender squash with a creamy, hearty filling. Topped with breadcrumbs or crackers for added texture, each serving is both comforting and delicious. The freshness of squash is complemented by the richness of cheese and a hint of onion, creating a medley that warms the soul. It’s an inviting option for large gatherings, providing a portion that everyone can enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole

Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Slow-cooking results in beautiful, charred edges for Pork Belly Burnt Ends, creating tender morsels rich in flavor. Each piece offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience, capturing smokiness and sweetness from the glaze. It’s an excellent addition to any get-together, perfect for those seeking bites full of texture and taste. Whether served as an appetizer or main dish, these irresistible bites are an easy crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Classic Blueberry Boy Bait

A sweet cake with a curious name, Classic Blueberry Boy Bait delivers a moist, tender crumb scattered with fresh blueberries. The cake’s cinnamon sugar topping adds a lovely contrast, enhancing the sweet and too-good-to-resist berry flavor. It’s ideal as a breakfast treat or a fun dessert that evokes special memories. Truly a versatile cake that feels at home in both formal and casual settings.
Get the Recipe: Classic Blueberry Boy Bait

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs With Creamy Onion Gravy

With juicy chicken as its star, Oven Baked Chicken Thighs With Creamy Onion Gravy presents a filling and flavorful option. The thighs are seasoned and baked to perfection, then generously topped with a rich, onion-infused gravy that adds depth. It makes for a fantastic main course that’s well-suited to family meals, offering a balance of protein and delicious flavors. The dish’s comforting nature is bound to gather everyone back to the table time after time.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs With Creamy Onion Gravy

Blueberry Dump Cake

Effortlessly bringing together fruity and sweet cravings, Blueberry Dump Cake combines fresh blueberries with a simple cake mixture that bakes to a wonderful consistency. The cake batter, when baked, transforms into a soft and moist layer that enhances the berry’s natural flavors. Ideal for a quick dessert option, this cake requires minimal preparation and provides maximum joy. Every scoop full of berries and cake can turn any meal into a cherished memory.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Dump Cake

Chicken & Corn Chowder

A warming bowl of Chicken & Corn Chowder delivers tenderness, sweetness, and a touch of cream in each bite. Tender chicken pieces mix with sweet corn, offering a hearty bowl that appeals to both young and older palates. Whether as a starter or a standalone dish, this chowder brings warmth to the soul and satisfaction to the stomach. With its depth of flavors and richness, it’s a favorite among many hearty meals.
Get the Recipe: Chicken & Corn Chowder

Shrimp and Grits Casserole

Blending the classic flavors of shrimp and grits into one dish, Shrimp and Grits Casserole presents Southern comfort on a plate. The creamy grits form a rich base, complementing the shrimp and its seasoning perfectly. Baking it all together enhances the flavors, offering a dish that’s pleasurable and comforting, great for breakfast or dinner. It’s a fun take on the traditional pairing, capturing everything loved about Southern cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits Casserole