22 Southern-Inspired Recipes for Amazing Comfort Food

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There’s something truly magical about Southern cooking—it’s like a warm hug from the kitchen. This collection of 22 Southern-inspired recipes brings all the charm, comfort, and bold flavors straight to your table. From buttermilk biscuits and golden hush puppies to decadent peach cobbler and tangy chess pie, these dishes capture the heart of Southern tradition. Grab your apron and get ready to enjoy a little Southern hospitality, one bite at a time!

Banana Cream Pie

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Banana Cream Pie is dessert heaven! Think layers of sweet bananas, creamy pastry filling, and fluffy whipped topping, all on a buttery homemade crust. It’s the perfect cool, creamy treat that’s equal parts nostalgic and delicious.

Get The Recipe: Banana Cream Pie

Easy Homemade Corn Muffins

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These Easy Homemade Corn Muffins are a simple recipe that delivers a delightful balance of textures. Enjoy the crusty exterior and the soft, tender interior of these homemade muffins. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side!
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Corn Muffins

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

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Don’t let the name fool you, this Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake is incredibly moist and delicious! The mayonnaise creates a light texture and rich flavor that’s enhanced by a decadent ganache drizzle. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

Homemade Potato Salad

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This creamy potato salad is packed with zesty flavor from pickles, celery, and onions, making it a crowd-pleasing side dish. The addition of hard-boiled eggs and a creamy dressing makes it a classic dish perfect for any occasion. It’s a guaranteed hit at potlucks, barbecues, and family gatherings!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Potato Salad

Green Bean Casserole with Bacon

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This Green Bean Casserole with Bacon is the ultimate comforting side dish! Fresh green beans are coated in a creamy sauce, topped with a cheesy panko topping, and baked to bubbly perfection. This family-friendly recipe is perfect for any holiday or weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole with Bacon

Old Fashioned Apple Spice Pie

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This Old Fashioned Apple Spice Pie is a decadent dessert that’s perfect for the holidays. The filling is made with light and dark brown sugar, vanilla, and butter to create a caramel sauce that’s simply delicious. It’s sure to be a family favorite!
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Apple Spice Pie

Brown Sugar Cake

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This Brown Sugar Cake recipe is a moist and flavorful dessert, perfect for any occasion. The buttery caramel glaze adds a touch of decadence to this already heavenly cake. Enjoy a slice with your afternoon coffee or serve it as a show-stopping dessert at your next gathering.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Cake

KFC Fried Chicken Recipe

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Craving that classic crispy fried chicken? This KFC-style recipe uses the famous leaked spice blend to create a truly finger-lickin’ experience at home. Get ready for a family-friendly meal that rivals the original!
Get the Recipe: KFC Fried Chicken Recipe

Grilled Corn On The Cob

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This grilled corn on the cob recipe provides a complete guide on how to grill corn perfectly. Learn tips and tricks for buying, cleaning, and grilling corn on the stove, grill, or in foil. This recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn On The Cob

Shrimp Boil

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Shrimp Boil! A beloved Southern dish with tender shrimp, hearty potatoes, tasty sausage, and sweet corn all boiled together in one big pot. Simple, tasty, and a total classic!

Get The Recipe: Shrimp Boil

Southern Tomato Pie

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This Southern Tomato Pie serves up a buttery crust packed with fresh tomatoes, a velvety custard, and just the right spices. It’s so delicious that you’ll be tempted to dig in with a spoon straight from the pan – but we suggest a plate and a fork for the full experience!

Get the recipe: Southern Tomato Pie

Chess Pie

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A deliciously rich Southern pie made with simple ingredients, but here’s the kicker – we brown the butter to take the flavor up a notch!

Get The Recipe: Chess Pie

Blackened Shrimp

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Tasty Blackened Shrimp – A cajun dish with flavorful shrimp coated in spicy blackened seasoning, pan-fried until lightly charred. Finish it off by drizzling melted butter for a rich, enhanced touch.

Get The Recipe: Blackened Shrimp

Fried Hush Puppies

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These homemade deep fried hush puppies are such a tasty treat! Using ground cornmeal, the batter is fried until perfectly crispy.

Get The Recipe: Fried Hush Puppies

Lemon Pound Cake

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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

Easy Peach Cobbler

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Summer vibes are all about this simple peach cobbler recipe. Picture a crispy crust baked to golden perfection atop fresh peach slices in a sweet, simmering sauce. Enjoy a slice with your fave ice cream – it’s a treat!

Get The Recipe:  Easy Peach Cobbler

Traditional Homemade Meatloaf

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Dinnertime hero alert! This Traditional Homemade Meatloaf recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Moist, tender, and bursting with flavor, it’s the perfect centerpiece for any occasion. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – dress it up with your favorite glazes or sauces, or keep it classic for a timeless taste.

Get The Recipe: Traditional Meatloaf

Easy Crab Cakes

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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: Easy Crab Cakes

Johnny Cakes {Cornbread Pancakes}

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Ditch the bland, embrace the grand! Johnny Cakes are a Southern staple – homemade cornbread pancakes bursting with flavor. Savor the delightful contrast of crisp edges and a fluffy, cornbread-like center. It’s a taste sensation that’s been passed down for generations, perfect for a breakfast that’s both delicious and satisfying.

Get The Recipe: Johnny Cakes {Cornbread Pancakes}

Banana Pudding Recipe

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This yummy old-school banana pudding recipe is great for any occasion! It’s homemade, super creamy, and a breeze to whip up. Your guests will totally dig it when you dish out this dessert!

Get The Recipe: Banana Pudding Recipe

Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits

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Biscuit lovers rejoice! This recipe makes flaky homemade buttermilk biscuits with a golden exterior and a fluffy interior.

Get The Recipe: Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits

Jambalaya

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Jambalaya! This awesome southern dish is packed with three proteins – juicy shrimp, chicken, and sausage, all mixed with hearty rice and a colorful mix of veggies. Plus, it’s seasoned with tasty cajun spices.

Get The Recipe: Jambalaya