32 Southern Recipes That Feel Like a Hug From Home

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Southern cooking has a way of wrapping you up in warmth and flavor with every bite. We’ve gathered 32 incredible recipes that celebrate the best of Southern tradition, where rich, hearty dishes meet a sprinkle of nostalgia. Whether you’re craving classics like fried chicken and cornbread or have a sweet tooth for banana cream pie and sweet potato pound cake, this collection has something for every occasion. Dust off your apron and bring a little Southern charm to your kitchen with these unforgettable recipes!

Best Classic Egg Salad Recipe

Image Credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe is your key to unlocking the ultimate egg salad sandwich. Simple ingredients combine to create a burst of flavor, proving that sometimes, the classics are the best for a reason.

Get The Recipe: Best Classic Egg Salad Recipe

Smothered Chicken

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

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

One Pot Sausage and Rice

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This one-pot Sausage and Rice is a delicious symphony of flavors! Smoky, savory sausage pairs perfectly with sweet, vibrant bell peppers and tender, fluffy rice, all brought to life with a bold blend of spices that pack just the right kick of heat.

Get The Recipe: One Pot Sausage and Rice

Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie

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After a long and draining day, there’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a pot pie. It’s a warm hug in a dish, filling your belly and spirit with pure comfort.

Get The Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie

Sweet Peach Iced Tea

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Infused with the flavor of fresh peaches, this iced tea is a sweet and refreshing beverage that’s ideal for cooling down on a sunny day.

Get The Recipe: Sweet Peach Iced Tea

Southern Deviled Eggs

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Indulge in the ultimate party favorite—Creamy Southern Deviled Eggs! Made with rich mayo, tangy mustard, briny capers, and topped with a smoky paprika finish, these bites are bursting with flavor. Perfect for potlucks, holiday spreads, or any gathering where you want to impress!

Get The Recipe: Southern Deviled Eggs

Cream Cheese Corn

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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

KFC Fried Chicken Recipe

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Craving that iconic KFC crunch at home? This homemade Kentucky-style fried chicken is the leaked Colonel Sanders’ original 11 herbs and spices recipe.

Get The Recipe: KFC Fried Chicken Recipe (the leaked recipe)

Easy Homemade Corn Muffins

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Cornbread bliss awaits! These Easy Homemade Corn Muffins are a textural dream. Golden-brown, crusty exteriors give way to moist and tender crumb, all bursting with irresistible cornbread flavor. They’re so simple to make, you’ll be enjoying them warm from the oven in no time!

Get The Recipe: Easy Homemade Corn Muffins

Amish Macaroni Salad

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Creamy and tangy, this classic macaroni salad combines tender pasta with a flavorful dressing, making it a hearty side dish for any summer gathering.

Get The Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad

Easy Layered Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Trifle

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Forget fancy desserts – down South, nothing spells comfort quite like Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding. This layered masterpiece features creamy, homemade vanilla pudding, Nilla Wafers for a delightful textural contrast, and a cloud of fluffy whipped cream.

Get The Recipe: Banana Pudding

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

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

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Craving the ultimate Buttermilk Fried Chicken? This recipe doesn’t just compete—it dominates. Think juicy, flavor-packed meat thanks to a tangy buttermilk marinade, wrapped in a golden, perfectly spiced crust that shatters with every bite. This isn’t just fried chicken; it’s the fried chicken that leaves all the others in the dust.

Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Turkey & Ham Pot Pie

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This Turkey and Ham Pie combines tender turkey, savory ham, sweet leeks, and fresh herbs encased in a flaky puff pastry. Perfect for transforming leftovers into a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish.

Get The Recipe: Turkey and Ham Pie

Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake

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Take a trip down memory lane with this Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake! It’s a timeless recipe delivers a stunning, moist cake perfect for any celebration. Don’t be intimidated by the name – with just a handful of everyday ingredients, you’ll be whipping up the BEST old-fashioned pound cake you’ve ever tasted. This easy batter transforms into a masterpiece that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Get The Recipe: Pound Cake

Grandma Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

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This sweet potato pie recipe is a classic, just like grandma used to make. Every bite is a sweet taste of nostalgia!
Get the Recipe: Grandma Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

Best EVER Chicken Wings

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Get ready for wing night – redefined! This recipe unlocks a world of flavor possibilities for your favorite finger food. Choose from oven-baked, air-fried, or grilled – each method delivers crispy perfection with a unique twist. So grab your favorite dipping sauce and prepare to experience chicken wings like never before!

Get The Recipe: Chicken Wings

Carolina BBQ Sauce

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Ditch the boring bottled stuff! Authentic Carolina BBQ sauce boasts a complex, tangy flavor with a hint of mustard, perfect for serious grill masters. This isn’t just a sauce, it’s the missing ingredient that unlocks the full potential of your grilled creations.

Get The Recipe: Carolina BBQ Sauce

Copycat Bob Evans Sausage Gravy and Biscuit Casserole

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Calling all gravy lovers! Prepare to be amazed by this easy recipe for Bob Evans’ famous sausage gravy. Packed with rich, savory flavor, it’s the perfect topping for your breakfast casserole. And the best part? You only need a few ingredients and minutes to create this breakfast game-changer.

Get The Recipe: Biscuit and Gravy Casserole

Vegan Pecan Pie

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Indulge in the classic charm of pecan pie, minus the eggs! This simplified recipe uses straightforward ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, making it a breeze to prepare. You’ll be savoring the rich, nutty flavor of this beloved dessert in no time!

Get The Recipe: Vegan Pecan Pie

Easy Po’ Boy Steak Sandwich

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Craving a juicy, flavorful sandwich you can build at home? Look no further than these GRILLED, CHILLED & MARINATED Po’ Boy Steak Sandwiches! Marinate your steak for maximum tenderness, then grill to perfection. Pile it high on toasted French bread with crisp romaine lettuce, creamy mayo, and “a whole bunch of deliciousness” (your choice!).

Get The Recipe: Po Boy

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}

Grilled Corn On The Cob

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Craving summer’s sweet kiss? Look no further than grilled corn on the cob! This guide unlocks all the secrets to achieving juicy, flavorful perfection, whether you love it on or off the cob.

Get The Recipe: Grilled Corn On The Cob

Banana Cream Pie

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This Banana Cream Pie is pure dessert bliss! Imagine layers of fresh, sweet bananas, velvety pastry cream, and fluffy whipped topping, all resting on a buttery, homemade crust. It’s the ultimate cool and creamy treat that brings a touch of nostalgia and a whole lot of love to every bite.

Get The Recipe: Banana Cream Pie

Creamy Sweet Potato and Muenster Gratin

Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer/Not Entirely Average

The quintessence of southern comfort food might be this Creamy Sweet Potato and Muenster Gratin. This cheesy twist on potato gratin takes sweet potatoes to new heights. It’s creamy, rich, and effortlessly steals the spotlight at any table.

Get The Recipe: Potatoes Au Gratin

Grilled Chicken Thighs and Legs

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These juicy chicken thighs and legs aren’t your average barbecue fare. Packed with flavor from a delicious marinade, they grill to perfection and get finished with a scrumptious sauce. Get ready to wow your taste buds – this recipe is a must-try for any grilling enthusiast!

Get The Recipe: Grilled Chicken Thighs and Legs

Copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak

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Craving a taste of the South? Skip the drive-thru and whip up this Country Fried Steak with creamy sawmill gravy – all in your own kitchen in just 45 minutes! Tender, seasoned cube steak gets a golden-fried makeover, then smothered in a rich and comforting white gravy you won’t be able to resist. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that delivers big on flavor and Southern charm.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Fried Steak

Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice & Scratch Pan Gravy

Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer/Not Entirely Average

Skip the fancy – sometimes comfort food reigns supreme. This Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice & Scratch Pan Gravy is pure home cookin’ magic. Forget elaborate presentations – every bite bursts with the soul of Southern cooking. Golden-brown, crispy chicken pairs perfectly with fluffy Carolina Gold rice tossed in fresh herbs, all tied together with a rich, satisfying pan gravy. It’s a down-home classic that never goes out of style.

Get The Recipe: Fried Chicken

Pork Burgers

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Sizzle up summer with these smoky, juicy Pork Burgers! Ground pork and crumbled bacon come together for a flavor explosion on a bun. They’re the perfect way to add some variety to your grilling repertoire this season.

Get The Recipe: Pork Burgers

Mint Julep Cocktail

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This Mint Julep Cocktail is the perfect way to add a touch of elegance to any gathering, from relaxed barbecues to sophisticated soirées.

Get The Recipe: Mint Julep Cocktail

Crispy Skin Chicken Thighs With Bourbon Glaze

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Indulge in the irresistible Crispy Skin Chicken Thighs with Bourbon Glaze! Juicy, golden-crisp chicken topped with a bold, smoky bourbon sauce—perfect for a quick, flavor-packed dinner that will leave everyone craving more.

Get The Recipe: Crispy Skin Chicken Thighs With Bourbon Glaze

Smothered Pork Chops

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

These pork chops, topped with cheese and cooked in a rich onion and mushroom gravy, make for an easy and comforting weeknight dinner.

Get The Recipe: Smothered Pork Chops