17 Soul-Warming Southern Comfort Food Recipes

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Southern cuisine is all about hearty, comforting dishes that bring people together with bold flavors and rich traditions. This collection of 17 Southern recipes includes everything Fried Chicken to Pecan Pie. Whether you’re making smothered pork chops, Deviled Eggs, or homemade BBQ baked beans, these dishes offer a taste of the South that’s sure to satisfy.

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

KFC Fried Chicken Recipe

Close-up of crispy fried chicken drumsticks with a side of creamy mashed potatoes sprinkled with herbs. A small bowl of brown gravy is in the background on a white plate. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Craving that legendary KFC crunch without leaving home? Get ready to recreate the magic with this homemade Kentucky-style fried chicken, featuring the Colonel’s secret blend of 11 herbs and spices!

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

Homemade Pecan Pie

A close-up of a pecan pie with a golden crust, topped with glossy, caramelized pecans—perfect as a delicious Thanksgiving dessert. Several slices reveal the rich, gooey filling inside the dark round dish. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Craving the ultimate pecan pie but want to skip the corn syrup? This recipe is your answer. Expect a gooey, nutty filling that’s perfectly sweet, all wrapped in a flaky crust and infused with a rich brown butter flavor. It’s pecan pie, perfected.

Get The Recipe: Pecan Pie

Brown Sugar Cake

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

Tired of the ordinary bundt cake? This Brown Sugar Bundt Cake offers a delightful twist. A dense, tender crumb bursts with rich brown sugar flavor, then gets crowned with a decadent buttery caramel glaze. It’s a flavor adventure you won’t want to miss!

Get The Recipe: Brown Sugar Cake

Ham and Egg Casserole

A slice of ham and cheese casserole being lifted with a spatula, showing the layered interior, garnished with herbs. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Creamy eggs and savory ham join forces with a rich, cheesy blend, sprinkled with fresh green onions for a delightful brunchtime treat.

Get The Recipe: Ham and Egg Casserole

Salisbury Steak

Whip up a delightful and comforting meal with our fantastic Salisbury Steak recipe, ready in 30 minutes. Ideal for hectic weeknights, this dish is bound to become a beloved family favorite.

Get The Recipe: Salisbury Steak

Southern Pecan Tassies

Pecan Tassies with golden crusts are arranged on a sheet of parchment paper over a wooden board. Perfect for Thanksgiving recipes, these pies are topped with chopped pecans and powdered sugar. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Indulge in our bite-sized pecan tassies! Each one is a delightful explosion of rich, gooey pecan filling nestled in a golden, buttery crust. They’re like a mini pecan pie, perfect for holiday gatherings or a sweet everyday escape.

Get The Recipe: Southern Pecan Tassies

Southern Deviled Eggs

Close-up of a hand holding half a deviled egg. The egg white is filled with a creamy, yellow mixture, garnished with small green herbs. The background is softly blurred. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

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

Pan Seared Pork Chops

Savor the delightful crunch of these juicy Pan Seared Pork Chops! Crispy on the outside and bursting with flavor, they’re incredibly easy to whip up and guaranteed to impress every time.

Get The Recipe: Pan Seared Brined Pork Chops

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

Baked or Barbecued Sticky Glazed Ribs

Barbecue ribs with a shiny glaze, inspired by top bbq recipes, served with grilled asparagus, cherry tomatoes, corn on the cob, and a cup of barbecue sauce on a white surface. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Get ready to wow your taste buds with these Sticky Glazed Ribs! Whether you fire up the grill or let the oven do the work, this recipe delivers tender, fall-off-the-bone perfection. Get your napkins ready—this finger-licking, crowd-pleasing meal is sure to steal the show!

Get The Recipe: Baked or Barbecued Sticky Glazed Ribs

Homemade BBQ Baked Beans

These Baked Beans are addictive! Tender white beans and crispy bacon get cozy in a sweet, tangy sauce bursting with flavor. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for your next potluck or party!

Get The Recipe: Hom emade BBQ Baked Beans

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

Pork Burgers

a pork burger topped with Caramelized Onions — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Want a burger that’s bursting with flavor? Try these amazing Pork Burgers! Grill ’em up for a smoky twist, sear them on the stove for a quick fix, or toss them in your favorite appliance—these versatile patties are down for whatever your hunger throws their way.

Get The Recipe: Pork Burgers

Make-Ahead Pork Gravy

A close-up of a stainless steel pot filled with rich brown pork gravy, with a metal ladle scooping some of the savory make-ahead gravy inside the pot. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

You’re going to love this rich and savory pork gravy, made with just a handful of simple ingredients. What’s the secret? Using roasted pork ribs gives it a fantastic depth of flavor, so you don’t even need pan drippings. A splash of apple cider vinegar at the end brightens everything up, keeping it fresh and balanced. It’s just pure flavor—no cream or tomato paste needed.

Get The Recipe: Make-Ahead Pork Gravy

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 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