21 Traditional Southern Recipes to Warm Your Heart

Southern cooking is all about rich flavors, comfort, and tradition. This collection brings together iconic dishes like Smothered Chicken, Mississippi Pot Roast, and Fried Green Tomatoes, offering a taste of the South with every bite. From savory staples like Chicken Bog and Gumbo to sweet treats like Lemon Pound Cake and Brown Sugar Cake, these recipes showcase the essence of Southern cuisine. Perfect for family gatherings or just a cozy night in, these dishes are easy to make, deeply satisfying, and packed with Southern charm.

Chicken Bog

Get ready to indulge in this delicious Southern chicken bog recipe—a comforting hug in a bowl! Imagine tender chicken, aromatic veggies, fragrant herbs, smoky sausage, and fluffy rice all simmered together in a perfectly seasoned savory broth. This dish is the ultimate soul warmer, guaranteed to satisfy your appetite and keep you cozy when you need a meal that truly sticks to your bones!

Get The Recipe: Chicken Bog

Salmon Croquettes 

Get ready to savor these salmon croquettes – crispy outside, tender inside, bursting with flavor! Crafted with canned salmon, peppers, and onions, this Southern classic is a breeze to whip up and absolutely delightful! An ideal choice for a scrumptious breakfast, brunch, or even dinner!

Get The Recipe: Salmon Croquettes 

Rib Tips

Try Memphis barbecue with our juicy, tender smoked rib tips! Served with white bread and pickles, it’s a simple but super tasty combo that brings out this Southern classic’s authentic flavors.

Get The Recipe: Rib Tips

Smothered Chicken

This smothered chicken recipe is super easy to make, whether you use the stove or a slow cooker. It’s all about those tender chicken thighs swimming in a tasty gravy that’s just right for comfort food lovers!

Get The Recipe: Smothered Chicken

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

Don’t let the name fool you – this Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake is full of rich chocolate flavor! It’s also the most moist cake we’ve ever made, which is why it remains a fan favorite!

Get The Recipe: Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

Hoppin’ John

Hoppin’ John – a flavorful one-pot concoction of rice, black-eyed or red peas, and ham. Enjoyed traditionally on New Year’s, paired with stewed collard greens and cornbread to savor every drop of those delicious cooking juices.

Get The Recipe: Hoppin’ John

Johnny Cakes {Cornbread Pancakes}

Skip the box mix! These Johnny Cakes are homemade cornbread pancakes that are easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Enjoy a delightful combination of crisp edges and a fluffy, cornbread-like center – perfect for a delicious and satisfying breakfast.

Get The Recipe: Johnny Cakes {Cornbread Pancakes}

Mississippi Pot Roast

Get a taste of the real deal Mississippi Pot Roast, straight from a Mississippi native! With just 6 ingredients, this dish is bursting with flavor – a must-try!

Get The Recipe: Mississippi Pot Roast

Brown Sugar Cake

Tired of the ordinary bundt cake? This Brown Sugar Bundt Cake offers a delightful twist. A dense, tender crumb bursts with rich brown sugar flavor, then gets crowned with a decadent buttery caramel glaze. It’s a flavor adventure you won’t want to miss!

Get The Recipe: Brown Sugar Cake

Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe

This classic Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe involves tomato slices soaked in buttermilk and fried in cornmeal, resulting in a truly delicious dish. Pair it with a side of homemade remoulade sauce and discover your next go-to recipe!

Get The Recipe: Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe

Cream Cheese Corn

Craving classic comfort food with a twist? Look no further than this Stovetop Cream Cheese Corn recipe. This creamy twist on creamed corn comes together in just 20 minutes, making it the perfect quick and easy side dish for any occasion, especially holiday gatherings.

Get The Recipe: Cream Cheese Corn

Lemon Pound Cake

This lemon pound cake sings with citrus! Infused with both lemon juice and zest, it’s incredibly moist and buttery, with a burst of sunshine in every bite. The finishing touch? A delightful lemon glaze that ties it all together.

Get The Recipe: Lemon Pound Cake

Fried Okra

Try this southern comfort recipe when you’re craving the ultimate crispy side dish. This Fried Okra is super easy to whip up and gives you that crunchy bite you’ll love, especially with some tasty dipping sauces on the side!
Get the Recipe: Fried Okra

Easy Crab Cakes

This recipe lets you whip up incredible crab cakes with fresh, flavorful ingredients at home. It’s surprisingly easy – just mix it up, pan-fry it, and enjoy a customizable, restaurant-worthy meal that’ll leave you happy and satisfied.

Get The Recipe: Crab Cakes

Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Velvety cream cheese pound cake recipe: This bakes like a dream! It’s moist, dense yet tender & buttery, with a fine, even crumb. Super easy recipe!

Get The Recipe: Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Homemade Potato Salad

Don’t stress about side dishes this summer! This recipe for homemade potato salad is here to save the day. With its combination of creamy potatoes, tangy pickles, and a flavorful dressing, it’s a simple yet satisfying choice for any barbecue or potluck.

Get The Recipe: Homemade Potato Salad

Chicken Gumbo

Indulge in the ultimate Mardi Gras dinner with Hearty Chicken Gumbo over rice! This delicious chicken and sausage stew is so mouthwatering that you’ll find yourself craving this easy gumbo recipe all year long.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Gumbo

Fried Potatoes and Onions

Tender potatoes and onions are fried until crispy in a pan infused with bacon and garlic. Simple yet incredibly satisfying.

Get The Recipe: Fried Potatoes and Onions

Salisbury Steak

Whether you’re following a Keto Diet or simply reducing carbs, this recipe for Low Carb Italian Meatballs offers a delicious gluten-free option.

Get The Recipe: Salisbury Steak

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Dive into timeless cheesy bliss! This creamy baked mac and cheese is surprisingly simple to make yet guaranteed to be a family favorite.

Get The Recipe: Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Crock Pot Sirloin Tip Pot Roast

This Crock Pot Sirloin Tip Roast is a delicious slow-cooked meal featuring tender beef, carrots, and onions, all smothered in a rich homemade gravy. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners!

Get The Recipe: Crock Pot Sirloin Tip Roast