21+ Delicious Southern Dishes You Can Make Tonight for a Taste of Home!
Southern cooking is all about warmth, comfort, and a little bit of magic in every bite. It’s the kind of food that wraps you up like a cozy blanket and makes you feel right at home. From crispy fried chicken to creamy grits, there’s a whole world of flavors waiting for you to explore!
Imagine succulent chicken, perfectly seasoned, and fried to a golden crisp! This classic dish is a staple in Southern homes and is often the centerpiece of family gatherings.
Chicken pieces (legs, thighs, breasts)
Buttermilk
Flour
Salt
Pepper
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Oil for frying
What makes this fried chicken so special is the marination in buttermilk, which makes it incredibly tender and flavorful. The seasoned flour creates a crunchy, golden crust that’s just irresistible. Serve it with some biscuits and gravy, and you’ll have a true Southern feast!
This dish is a delightful combination of creamy grits topped with perfectly cooked shrimp, flavored with a rich sauce. It’s a Southern classic that brings together the best of both worlds!
Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Grits
Butter
Cheddar cheese
Bacon (chopped)
Garlic
Chicken broth
Green onions
The creamy texture of the grits paired with the savory shrimp makes this dish an absolute showstopper. The addition of bacon adds a smoky flavor that really enhances the overall profile. It’s a meal that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to whip up!
These hearty greens are simmered to perfection with a bit of seasoning, making them a delicious and nutritious side. They’re a staple at Southern tables, especially during holidays.
Collard greens (washed and chopped)
Pork (ham hock or bacon)
Onion (chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Chicken broth
Red pepper flakes
Salt
Collard greens are beloved for their robust flavor and tender texture. They soak up all the deliciousness from the pork and spices, creating a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. Plus, they’re loaded with nutrients, so you can feel good about serving them!
Fluffy biscuits smothered in a creamy sausage gravy? Yes, please! This breakfast classic is loved by many and is perfect for any time of the day.
Flour
Baking powder
Butter
Milk
Sausage
Heavy cream
Salt
Pepper
What makes biscuits and gravy so comforting is the combination of flaky biscuits and rich gravy, creating a flavor extravaganza! The sausage adds just the right amount of spice to the creamy base, making every bite absolutely delightful. It’s a dish that brings smiles to the breakfast table!
Rating: 4.8 (13 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 45 min.
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This one-pot dish is a flavorful mix of rice, meats, and vegetables, all cooked together to create a hearty meal. Jambalaya is a true reflection of Southern culinary diversity!
Jambalaya is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile! You can customize it based on whatever you have on hand. The combination of spices creates a warm, zesty flavor that dances on your palate!
Rating: 4.7 (41 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 30 min.
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This dish is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chicken in a rich broth with fluffy dumplings. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug!
Chicken (whole or parts)
Flour
Baking powder
Milk
Butter
Carrots
Celery
Onions
Chicken broth
The magic of chicken and dumplings lies in the comforting broth and the pillowy dumplings that soak up all that flavor. It’s a dish that often brings back fond memories of family dinners and Sunday gatherings. Once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s so cherished!
This sweet dessert is packed with crunchy pecans and a gooey filling, all nestled in a flaky crust. Pecan pie is a Southern favorite, especially during holidays.
Pecans
Brown sugar
Eggs
Butter
Vanilla extract
Pie crust
Pecan pie is loved for its sweet and nutty flavor that hits just the right notes. The combination of crunchy pecans and a rich filling creates a perfect dessert experience. It’s a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth!
This hearty stew is loaded with flavor and is a staple of Louisiana cuisine. Gumbo is a culinary celebration that combines different meats, seafood, and spices into one pot!
Chicken (diced)
Sausage (sliced)
Shrimp
Okra
Onions
Bell peppers
Garlic
Chicken broth
Spices (Cajun seasoning)
Gumbo is famous for its depth of flavor and rich, thick texture. The blend of spices and ingredients creates a dish that is both filling and satisfying. Each bowl tells a story of Southern heritage and tradition!
Rating: 4.5 (160 reviews). Total Time: 10 hr 15 min.
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Slow-cooked beans served over fluffy rice make for a comforting and filling dish. This meal is particularly popular in New Orleans and is often enjoyed on Mondays!
Red beans
Rice
Sausage
Onion
Green bell pepper
Garlic
Spices (bay leaves, thyme)
Chicken broth
This dish is special because it’s not only delicious but also a fantastic way to use up leftovers! The slow-cooking process allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a hearty meal. Pair it with a side of cornbread, and you’ve got a true Southern experience!
Creamy and cheesy, these grits are a Southern comfort food that can be served as a side or enjoyed on their own. They’re rich and satisfying, perfect for any meal!
Grits
Cheddar cheese
Butter
Milk
Salt
Pepper
The creamy texture combined with sharp cheddar cheese makes these grits a standout dish. They can be dressed up with toppings like shrimp or served simply for a delicious side. No matter how you enjoy them, cheesy grits are always a hit!
This dish features tender fish with a crispy coating, perfect for a Southern fish fry. Fried catfish is a beloved dish that captures the essence of Southern cooking!
Catfish fillets
Cornmeal
Flour
Eggs
Milk
Oil for frying
Salt
Pepper
The cornmeal coating gives fried catfish its signature crunch, while the fish itself remains tender and flaky. It’s often served with a side of coleslaw and tartar sauce, making for a delicious meal. This dish is a true Southern classic that brings joy to any table!
No Southern meal is complete without a refreshing glass of sweet tea! This iced beverage is a staple in Southern hospitality and a perfect way to cool down.
Black tea bags
Water
Sugar
Lemon (optional)
Sweet tea is beloved for its sweet and refreshing taste, perfect for quenching your thirst. It’s often served at gatherings, family dinners, and barbecues, making it a symbol of Southern hospitality. Brew a batch, and you’ll be the star of any gathering!
This creamy dessert layers vanilla pudding, bananas, and cookies for a sweet treat that’s hard to resist. Banana pudding is a Southern staple that brings a smile to everyone’s face!
Vanilla pudding mix
Bananas
Vanilla wafers
Milk
Whipped cream
The combination of creamy pudding, fresh bananas, and crunchy cookies creates a delightful texture that everyone loves. It’s a nostalgic dessert that often reminds folks of family gatherings and summer picnics. Serve it chilled for a refreshing finish to any meal!
This fluffy, slightly sweet bread is a perfect complement to many Southern dishes. Cornbread is a beloved staple that can be served with just about anything!
Cornmeal
Flour
Baking powder
Milk
Eggs
Butter
What makes cornbread so special is its versatility; it can be sweetened or left plain depending on your preference. The texture is light and crumbly, making it perfect for soaking up gravy or enjoying with a drizzle of honey. It’s a must-have for any Southern meal!
These deep-fried cornmeal balls are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a popular side dish or appetizer. Hush puppies are a true Southern delight!
Cornmeal
Flour
Onion (chopped)
Eggs
Milk
Baking powder
Oil for frying
Hush puppies are known for their crunchy exterior and fluffy center, making them a perfect pairing for fried fish or barbecue. They’re often seasoned with onion or spices for an added kick. These little bites of joy are always a hit at any gathering!
These classic appetizers are made with hard-boiled eggs and a creamy, tangy filling. Deviled eggs are a staple at Southern picnics and gatherings!
Hard-boiled eggs
Mayonnaise
Mustard
Salt
Pepper
Paprika (for garnish)
Deviled eggs are loved for their creamy texture and savory flavor, making them the perfect finger food. They can be customized with various toppings or spices for a unique twist. Serve them chilled for a refreshing appetizer!
This warm dessert features sweet peaches topped with a buttery crust, creating a deliciously comforting dish. Peach cobbler is a must-have during the summer months when peaches are at their peak!
Fresh peaches
Sugar
Flour
Butter
Baking powder
Milk
Cinnamon
Peach cobbler is cherished for its sweet and juicy filling combined with a flaky crust that brings everything together. It’s often served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a dessert that feels like a hug in a bowl. This delightful treat will have everyone coming back for seconds!
This savory ham is often cured and smoked, giving it a unique flavor that’s loved in Southern cooking. Country ham is a delicacy that’s often served during special occasions!
Country ham
Brown sugar
Black pepper
Water
What makes country ham special is its rich, smoky flavor that comes from the slow curing process. It’s often served sliced, making it perfect for sandwiches or alongside biscuits. Whether it’s for breakfast or dinner, this ham is a Southern treasure!
This dish combines tender okra with juicy tomatoes for a fresh and flavorful side. It’s a classic Southern dish that showcases the best of summer produce!
Okra (sliced)
Canned or fresh tomatoes
Onion (chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Salt
Pepper
Olive oil
This dish is loved for its simplicity and the way it highlights the natural flavors of the ingredients. The combination of okra and tomatoes creates a delightful medley that pairs well with many main dishes. It’s a perfect way to celebrate summer’s bounty!
Rating: 4.3 (100 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 30 min.
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These colorful peppers are filled with a flavorful mixture of meat, rice, and spices, making for a hearty meal. Stuffed bell peppers are a fun and delicious way to enjoy vegetables!
Bell peppers
Ground beef or turkey
Rice
Onion (chopped)
Tomato sauce
Cheese (optional)
Spices (like Italian seasoning)
Stuffed bell peppers are a hit because they are not only tasty but also visually appealing! The combination of flavors melds beautifully, making each bite satisfying. Plus, you can customize the stuffing to suit your taste!
