My Favorite Southern Comfort Foods

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There’s just nothing like good old-fashioned Southern cooking—warm, hearty, and full of love in every bite. This round-up brings together some of my favorite comfort food recipes inspired by the flavors of the South: golden biscuits, rich casseroles, sweet pralines, and cozy classics like smothered chicken and creamy mac and cheese. Whether you grew up on these dishes or you’re discovering them for the first time, each one delivers that homemade charm and soul-satisfying flavor that makes Southern food so special. Pour yourself some sweet tea—it’s time to dig in.

Southern Pralines Candy

Seven pecan pralines with a creamy, caramel-colored coating are grouped together on a white surface. These classic 1980s desserts have a rough, chunky texture with visible pecan pieces throughout. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Indulge in these irresistible pralines, a symphony of sweet, buttery perfection. Each bite delivers a melt-in-your-mouth experience, where luxurious caramel swirls around crunchy pecans, creating an unforgettable treat.

Get The Recipe: Southern Pralines Candy

Homemade Potato Salad

A bowl of creamy potato salad, perfect for Salad Recipes, garnished with chopped green onions, red onions, parsley, and black pepper. Bite-sized potato pieces are mixed with a light dressing for a fresh and flavorful dish. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Don’t stress about side dishes this summer! This recipe for homemade potato salad is here to save the day. With its combination of creamy potatoes, tangy pickles, and a flavorful dressing, it’s a simple yet satisfying choice for any barbecue or potluck.

Get The Recipe: Homemade Potato Salad

Sock It to Me Cake

A close-up of a bundt cake with a cinnamon swirl inside, topped with thick white icing. A slice is being lifted, revealing its moist, golden interior—a delicious twist on classic fruit desserts. The cake sits on a white plate. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Ready to bake a cake that’s pure comfort? Our Sock It To Me Cake recipe is the perfect blend of buttery, sweet, and spiced perfection. This easy-to-make Bundt cake is so cozy and delicious, it’s like getting a warm hug with every bite.

Get The Recipe: Sock It to Me Cake

Super Crispy Pan Fried Fish

Golden-brown pan fried fish fillets are neatly arranged on a white plate, showcasing their crispy texture. A wedge of lemon is placed beside them, adding a splash of color to the dish. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Treat yourself to the simplicity of making this amazing weeknight dinner with super crispy pan-fried fish, ready in just 20 minutes!

Get The Recipe: Super Crispy Pan Fried Fish

Southern Tomato Pie

This Southern Tomato Pie boasts a buttery crust filled with fresh tomatoes, creamy custard, and the perfect seasonings. It’s so delicious that you might find yourself wanting to eat it right from the pan with a spoon! But we recommend grabbing a plate and fork instead. Enjoy every tasty bite!
Get the Recipe: Southern Tomato Pie

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 crab cakes that are so good, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with takeout! It’s as easy as mixing, pan-frying, and feasting on a gourmet meal at home. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance! 🦀🎉

Get The Recipe: Crab Cakes

Homemade Creamy Mac and Cheese

This Homemade Creamy Mac and Cheese recipe is a cheesy masterpiece that delivers comfort in a single pot! Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the ultimate hug for your taste buds—who needs a therapist when you have mac and cheese?

Get The Recipe: Creamy Mac and Cheese

Smothered Chicken

A close-up of a plate with grilled chicken, caramelized onions, and white rice, garnished with chopped herbs. A spoon is drizzling a golden-brown sauce over the chicken, creating a savory and appetizing presentation. This easy chicken dinner idea is sure to impress every time on your marble-like surface. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This smothered chicken recipe is super easy to whip up, whether you’re using the stove or a slow cooker! It’s all about those tender chicken thighs soaking in a delicious gravy that’s perfect for comfort food lovers like you!

Get The Recipe: Smothered Chicken

Salisbury Steak

Cook up a delightful and comforting meal with our amazing Salisbury Steak recipe, ready in just 30 minutes! Perfect for those busy weeknights, this dish is sure to become a beloved favorite for the whole family.

Get The Recipe: Salisbury Steak

Traditional Homemade Meatloaf

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

You’ll love this Traditional Homemade Meatloaf recipe—it’s so moist, tender, and packed with flavor! Once you give it a try, you’ll want to keep this recipe forever!

Get The Recipe: Traditional Homemade Meatloaf

Smothered Pork Chops

A plate with a pork chop crowned with sliced mushrooms and gravy, garnished with herbs. Served alongside creamy mashed potatoes and broccoli, this family favorite is sure to be one of those incredible recipes you'll want to make again. A fork and knife are placed beside the steak. — 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

Johnny Cakes {Cornbread Pancakes}

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

Skip the box mix! These Johnny Cakes are homemade cornbread pancakes that are easy to make and full of flavor. Enjoy the perfect blend of crisp edges and a fluffy, cornbread-like center for a delicious breakfast.

Get The Recipe: Johnny Cakes {Cornbread Pancakes}

Pineapple Casserole

Pineapple casserole: the sweet and salty side dish that’s like a party for your taste buds! It’s a southern classic that’ll have everyone at the table wondering if they should bring a fork or a dance partner. Give it a whirl—your taste buds will thank you!

Get The Recipe: Pineapple Casserole

Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits

a close up of a freshly baked Buttermilk Biscuits in a baskey — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Biscuit enthusiasts celebrate! This recipe delivers flaky homemade buttermilk biscuits with a golden crust and a soft, fluffy interior.

Get The Recipe: Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits

Brown Sugar Cake

A brown sugar bundt cake with caramel icing. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Brown Sugar Bundt Cake offers a delightful twist. Its dense, tender crumb is packed with rich brown sugar flavor and topped with a decadent buttery caramel glaze. It’s a flavor adventure you won’t want to miss!

Get The Recipe: Brown Sugar Cake

Chicken Dumpling Soup

A creamy chicken and dumpling soup with chunks of chicken, carrots, celery, and herbs visible. A wooden-handled ladle scoops some of the thick soup, highlighting the tender dumplings and vibrant vegetables. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Get ready for a warm bowl of comfort with this Chicken Dumpling Soup! Picture tender, slow-cooked chicken in a rich broth, paired with fluffy dumplings and hearty veggies. It’s the perfect cozy meal that’s not just delicious but also easy to make. This recipe is like a hug in a bowl, inviting you to enjoy delightful flavors. So grab your ingredients and let’s create a comforting dish that will warm your heart and soul!

Get The Recipe: Chicken Dumpling Soup