18+ Delicious Classic Southern Dishes You Must Try for a Taste of Home!
Southern cooking is a beautiful blend of flavors, history, and love, creating comforting meals that warm the soul. Each dish tells a story filled with tradition, making every bite a delightful experience. Get ready to explore some mouthwatering classics that will have you feeling right at home!
This crispy, juicy fried chicken is a true Southern staple, bursting with flavor and charm. The chicken is marinated, seasoned, and then fried to perfection, making it a favorite at family gatherings.
Whole chicken cut into pieces
Buttermilk
Flour
Salt and pepper
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Cayenne pepper
Vegetable oil for frying
What makes this dish so special is the crispy skin, perfectly seasoned and golden brown, while the inside remains tender and juicy. It’s often served with biscuits or collard greens, making it a meal that feels like a warm hug from Grandma.
This hearty breakfast dish features flaky biscuits smothered in creamy sausage gravy that’s simply irresistible. It’s the perfect comfort food to start your day, with a blend of rich flavors that keep you coming back for more.
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Butter
Milk
Breakfast sausage
Heavy cream
Black pepper
The combination of buttery biscuits and savory sausage gravy creates a flavor explosion that is hard to resist. This dish has been a Southern breakfast favorite for generations, often enjoyed during lazy weekends or special occasions.
Gumbo is a rich, flavorful stew that showcases the deep culinary roots of Southern cooking. Packed with a variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables, this dish is simmered to perfection and served over rice.
Andouille sausage
Chicken thighs
Shrimp
Okra
Bell peppers
Onion
Celery
Garlic
Chicken broth
Spices (Cajun seasoning, bay leaves, thyme)
The magic of gumbo lies in its versatility; you can customize it to include your favorite ingredients, making it a beloved dish in many households. Its roots trace back to Louisiana, where it represents a melting pot of cultures and flavors.
This classic side dish brings a burst of earthy goodness to any Southern meal. Collard greens are slow-cooked until tender, often flavored with smoked meat, creating a dish that is both nutritious and delicious.
Collard greens have been a staple in Southern cooking for centuries, often served alongside fried chicken or cornbread. The slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld perfectly, resulting in a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Rating: 4.8 (13 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 45 min.
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This one-pot wonder is a flavorful mix of rice, meats, and veggies, all simmered together for a hearty meal. Jambalaya is a Southern classic that showcases the bold flavors of Louisiana cooking.
Rice
Andouille sausage
Chicken
Shrimp
Bell peppers
Onion
Garlic
Tomatoes
Chicken broth
Spices (Cajun seasoning, bay leaves)
What sets jambalaya apart is its vibrant mix of spices and ingredients, each contributing to a delightful harmony of flavors. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration on a plate, often enjoyed at family gatherings and festive occasions.
This Southern delicacy features juicy shrimp served over creamy grits, making it a comfort food favorite. The dish is often enhanced with a rich sauce, combining the flavors beautifully.
Shrimp
Grits (stone-ground preferred)
Butter
Cream
Cheddar cheese
Bacon
Garlic
Green onions
Spices (Cayenne, black pepper)
The combination of silky grits and succulent shrimp creates a dish that feels both luxurious and homey. It’s a Southern brunch favorite that’s sure to impress your friends and family!
This traditional dish made with black-eyed peas and rice is a symbol of good luck in the South, especially on New Year’s Day. It’s hearty, flavorful, and quite simple to prepare.
Black-eyed peas (cooked)
Long-grain rice
Onion
Green bell pepper
Smoked ham or bacon
Garlic
Chicken broth
Spices (Cayenne, bay leaf)
Hoppin’ John is not only delicious but also rich in history, often associated with prosperity and good fortune. It’s a comforting dish that warms the belly and the heart, perfect for any gathering.
This sweet pie, filled with a gooey mixture of pecans, sugar, and syrup, is a beloved Southern dessert. It’s often served during holidays and gatherings, leaving everyone craving another slice.
Pie crust
Pecans
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Syrup (corn or maple)
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Butter
Pecan pie is a true Southern classic that embodies the rich flavors of the South, making it a crowd-pleaser at every table. The combination of crunchy pecans and sweet filling creates a delightful contrast that is simply irresistible.
These creamy, tangy bites are a staple at Southern picnics and potlucks. Deviled eggs are easy to make and are always a hit, with their perfect balance of flavors.
Hard-boiled eggs
Mayonnaise
Mustard
Vinegar
Salt and pepper
Paprika (for garnish)
What makes deviled eggs so popular is their versatility; you can customize them with different spices or toppings to make them your own. They’re a delicious finger food that brings a smile to everyone’s face!
This delightful dessert features juicy peaches baked under a fluffy, cake-like topping. Peach cobbler is the ultimate Southern treat, especially when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Fresh peaches (or canned)
Flour
Sugar
Butter
Milk
Baking powder
Cinnamon
Salt
Peach cobbler has a special place in Southern hearts, often evoking memories of summertime and family gatherings. The sweet, juicy filling paired with the warm topping makes it a comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Rating: 4.7 (41 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 30 min.
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This comforting dish features tender chicken simmered in a rich broth, topped with fluffy dumplings. It’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a bit of comfort.
Whole chicken
Flour
Milk
Baking powder
Butter
Chicken broth
Carrots
Celery
Onion
Chicken and dumplings is a dish that warms the heart, often made by grandmothers who know just how to make everything right. The combination of tender chicken, savory broth, and soft dumplings is a classic that never gets old.
These fall-off-the-bone ribs are slathered in a smoky, tangy barbecue sauce, making them a favorite at Southern cookouts. The slow-cooking process allows the flavors to penetrate deep into the meat.
Pork ribs
Barbecue sauce
Brown sugar
Spices (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder)
Apple cider vinegar
Olive oil
The secret to perfect barbecue ribs lies in the low and slow cooking method, ensuring that every bite is tender and flavorful. They’re not just a meal; they’re an experience, often enjoyed with friends and family around a backyard grill.
This golden, slightly sweet bread is a Southern essential, often served alongside hearty meals. Cornbread is quick to prepare and pairs beautifully with chili, greens, or any number of dishes.
Cornmeal
Flour
Baking powder
Salt
Sugar
Eggs
Milk
Butter
What makes cornbread truly special is its versatility; it can be sweet or savory, depending on your preference. Whether it’s served in a cast-iron skillet or baked in a dish, cornbread is always a welcome addition to any Southern table.
This iconic drink is a staple of Southern hospitality, known for its refreshing sweetness and delightful flavor. Sweet tea is brewed strong and then sweetened while still warm, creating a beverage that’s perfect for any occasion.
Black tea bags
Sugar
Water
Lemon (optional)
Sweet tea is more than just a drink; it’s a tradition that brings people together, often enjoyed on porches during hot summer days. Its perfect balance of sweetness and tea flavor makes it a beloved beverage in the South.
This crispy, flavorful fish is a Southern favorite, often served with a side of hushpuppies. Fried catfish is seasoned and fried to perfection, making it a delicious choice for any meal.
Catfish fillets
Cornmeal
Flour
Buttermilk
Salt and pepper
Cayenne pepper
Vegetable oil for frying
The beauty of fried catfish lies in its crispy coating and tender, flaky meat. It’s often enjoyed with sides like coleslaw or baked beans, making it a delightful option for family dinners or gatherings.
Rating: 4.6 (23 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 55 min.
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This strikingly beautiful cake is known for its rich flavor and vibrant red color, often topped with cream cheese frosting. Red velvet cake is a Southern classic that’s perfect for celebrations.
Cake flour
Cocoa powder
Vegetable oil
Buttermilk
Eggs
Red food coloring
Vanilla extract
Sugar
Cream cheese for frosting
Red velvet cake holds a special place in many hearts, often enjoyed at birthdays, weddings, and holiday gatherings. The combination of fluffy cake and creamy frosting creates a dessert that’s both stunning and delicious.
