Southern Flavors: 35 Must-Try Recipes for Amazing Comfort Food

4 weeks ago 12



Welcome to the heart of the South, where we share cherished recipes filled with love and comfort. Explore our collection of 35 authentic Southern recipes for a true taste of tradition. These dishes, rich in history, will take you back in time, bringing a touch of nostalgia to your kitchen.

Shrimp Boil

A colorful spread of a seafood boil on a tray, featuring shrimp, sausage slices, corn on the cob pieces, and red potatoes. Garnished with fresh parsley, lemon wedges, and a sprinkling of seasoning—truly one of the finest Southern recipes.Image Credit: Cooking Classy

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

Looking down on several chocolate cookies sitting next to it. One is tilted up and has a bite taken out of it. There are mint sprigs around the cookies.Image Credit: The Cookie Rookie

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

Veggie Biscuits and Gravy

A biscuit is topped with vegan gravy and veggie sausage crumbles.Image Credit: Namely Marly

Whip up this Veggie Biscuits and Gravy recipe for a tasty breakfast or brunch treat. Whether you go for homemade or store-bought biscuits, this gravy with veggie sausage is pure perfection!

Get the recipe: Veggie Biscuits and Gravy

Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls

A closeup of a sweet potato cinnamon roll with gooey icing drizzling down the sides.Image Credit: Namely Marly

Get ready to treat yourself with these Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls drizzled with almond butter icing. Dive into these buttery rolls filled with gooey cinnamon goodness – the ultimate indulgent breakfast!

Get the recipe: Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls

Chess Pie

A slice of custard pie with a golden-brown crust is served on a white plate. The pie, reminiscent of classic Southern recipes, has a lightly browned, crumbly topping and is dusted with powdered sugar. A fork rests next to the slice on the plate, which sits on a gray cloth with green leaves in the background.Image Credit: Cooking Classy

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

Easy Homemade Corn Muffins

Freshly baked corn muffins cooling on a cooling rack.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This classic recipe is just the beginning! Easily customize it to your taste with a few simple ingredients. Add a touch of honey for sweetness or a sprinkle of cheese for a savory twist.

Get The Recipe: Easy Homemade Corn Muffins

Creamy Sweet Potato Soup

A bowl of creamy orange soup, inspired by Southern recipes, is garnished with four golden-brown croutons. A spoon rests partially submerged in the smooth, slightly glossy surface. The bowl is set on a pristine white marble surface.Image Credit: Salt & Lavender

This creamy sweet potato soup recipe is super easy to whip up, silky smooth, cozy, and oh-so tasty! Perfect for prepping in advance or enjoying as leftovers.

Get The Recipe: Creamy Sweet Potato Soup

Salisbury Steak

Salisbury steaks in a mushroom sauce.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

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

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe

A tray of crispy fried chicken pieces, inspired by Southern recipes, is garnished with herbs. The chicken is arranged on a wire rack with a patterned tray beneath. A small dish of yellow dipping sauce is visible on the right side. Both drumsticks and other cuts are present.Image Credit: The Cookie Rookie

Buttermilk fried chicken is hands down the ultimate fried chicken recipe to dig into. Sure, frying chicken might be a bit tricky, but we’ve simplified it to the perfect easy recipe that anyone can whip up. Trust us, this buttermilk chicken recipe will top your list of faves! It’s a must-know fried chicken recipe that will earn you major family appreciation!

Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe

Cornmeal Biscuits with Country Sausage and Watermelon Rind Preserves

Cornmeal sausage breakfast biscuits with pickled watermelon rind preserves on the side.Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Sweet & Savory Surprise! Cornmeal biscuits meet country sausage & tangy watermelon preserves. Easy recipe, perfect anytime. (Watermelon preserve link included!)

Get the Recipe: Breakfast Biscuits

Blackened Shrimp

A white oval plate filled with seasoned, grilled shrimp garnished with chopped parsley and lemon wedges. A green napkin is partially visible on the left side, and additional lemon wedges are on the right. The background surface appears to be marble—a true delight from Southern recipes.Image Credit: Cooking Classy

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

Sweet Lemon Iced Tea

Pour sweet lemon iced tea over lots of ice and lemon slicesImage Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This quick and easy recipe for Sweet Lemon Iced Tea will be a summer favorite – It’s so refreshing and full of fruity flavor!

Get The Recipe: Sweet Lemon Iced Tea

Fried Hush Puppies

Close-up of golden brown hush puppies, with one showing a bite taken out, revealing a soft, crumbly inside. The hush puppies are slightly irregular in shape, highlighting their crispy, fried exterior—a classic touch in Southern recipes.Image Credit: The Cookie Rookie

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

A sliced lemon pound cake with icing and lemon zest.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

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

Creamy Banana Cream Pie

A slice of banana cream pie on a white plate. The pie features a creamy filling with banana slices and a crumbly crust. The top is garnished with whipped cream and additional banana slices. Perfect for fans of banana recipes, the image highlights a larger pie in the background.Image Credit: Namely Marly

This vegan banana cream pie is a super creamy and yummy dessert that’s just perfect for summer. It’s got a graham cracker crust, a delicious banana filling, and a coconut whipped cream topping.

Get the recipe: Vegan Banana Cream Pie

Easy Peach Cobbler

A closeup of peach cobbler with ice cream on top.Image Credit: Namely Marly

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

Easy Homemade Corn Muffins

Freshly baked corn muffins cooling on a cooling rack.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

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

Peaches And Cream

a white bowl of warn peaches and cream.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Peaches and Cream recipe is a celebration of fresh, seasonal peaches. Simple and delightful, it’s the perfect way to enjoy their peak flavor.

Get The Recipe: Peaches and Cream

Traditional Homemade Meatloaf

A sliced meatloaf on a serving dish.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

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

Old-Fashioned Lemonade

a glass of fresh squeezed lemonade with a straw and lemon slices and fresh mint as garnishImage Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

You’ll love the irresistibly sweet, tangy, and refreshing flavor of this homemade fresh-squeezed lemonade. With only three simple ingredients and some valuable tips, you can craft your own delectable batch without any hassle.

Get The Recipe: Lemonade

Easy Crab Cakes

Three Crab Cakes on a plate with lemon wedges and a fork next to it.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

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

Copycat Bob Evans Sausage Gravy and Biscuit Casserole

Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

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

Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits

A close up image of a biscuit filled with whipped cream and sliced strawberries.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This easy recipe for Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits is made completely from scratch. Once you try it you’ll never have store bought again!

Get The Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits

Drop Biscuits

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This fail-proof recipe for delectable Easy Drop Biscuits is the only one you’ll ever need. These biscuits are incredibly simple to make, quick to prepare, and absolutely delicious. They come out of the oven warm and perfect, ready to be enjoyed.

Get The Recipe: Drop Biscuits

Johnny Cakes {Cornbread Pancakes}

A pile of johnny cakes with butter and syrup.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

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 Chicken Thighs and Legs

Grilled Chicken Thighs & Legs on a serving dishImage Credit: mypointofview

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

Hamburger and Rice

Skillet with hamburger and rice garnished with parsley, close-up.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This savory hamburger and rice recipe comes together quickly, packing tons of flavor without dirtying many dishes. Tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and a touch of magic (okay, maybe some delicious seasonings) make this a satisfying meal for any busy night.

Get The Recipe: Hamburger and Rice

Smothered Pork Chops

Smothered Pork Chops covered with melted cheese with mushrooms and onions.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Weeknight dinners don’t get much better than this! These juicy pork chops practically cook themselves, bathed in a luxuriously rich caramelized onion and mushroom gravy. A quick sprinkle of melted cheese adds the finishing touch to this simple yet satisfying comfort food classic.

Get The Recipe: Smothered Pork Chops

Easy Sweet Potato Pie

Image Credit: Inspired Taste

This homemade sweet potato pie recipe is one of my best pies. It has a flaky butter crust and a creamy, light sweet potato filling. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Get The Recipe: Easy Sweet Potato Pie

Banana Pudding Recipe

A close-up of a dessert bowl containing banana slices, vanilla pudding, round wafer cookies, and whipped cream. This Southern recipe is topped with a garnish of crushed nuts or cookie crumbs. The background is softly blurred, highlighting the dessert's textures and layers.Image Credit: The Cookie Rookie

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

Cream Cheese Corn

a close up image of cream cheese corn scattered with chopped fresh herbs.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

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

Cornbread Stuffing Recipe

Image Credit: Cooking for Keeps

With a 60/40 mix of cornbread to Italian bread, our Cornbread Stuffing Recipe hits the sweet and savory spot just right! Packed with salty Italian sausage, sweet dried cranberries, fresh herbs, and all the buttery goodness of onion, garlic, and celery. A true classic done perfectly!

Get The Recipe: Cornbread Stuffing Recipe

Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits

A close up of a freshly baked Buttermilk Biscuits in a basket.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

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

Get The Recipe: Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits

Chicken and Dumplings

A close-up of a pot of creamy chicken and dumplings, a beloved staple in Southern recipes. The wooden spoon holds a large fluffy dumpling along with pieces of chicken and diced vegetables, including carrots and celery. The dish is garnished with chopped parsley.Image Credit: Inspired Taste

I’m obsessed with this super simple chicken and dumplings recipe that’s completely homemade! The drop dumplings are a breeze, and we cook the chicken and whip up a tasty broth all at once. It’s seriously amazing!

Get The Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings

Jambalaya

Image Credit: Cooking Classy

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

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