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Home / Best Recipes

Fried, Baked, and Smothered: 32 Southern Recipes You’ll Love

Erren Hart

|

last Updated:

08/02/2024

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Ah, the rich flavors of the South! Where the aroma of crispy fried chicken and golden-brown biscuits wafts through the air, and the warmth of a hearty, comforting meal is always just a plate away. In the South, food is more than just sustenance – it’s a way of life, a symbol of love and hospitality that brings people together around the table. And what better way to experience the best of Southern cuisine than with a collection of recipes that showcase the region’s signature flavors and cooking techniques? From amazing grilled chicken to the creamiest, most comforting mac and cheese, these 20 recipes will take you on a culinary journey through the heart of Dixie, where every bite is a taste of warmth, love, and Southern charm.

Crab Mac And Cheese

A close-up of a bowl of macaroni and cheese topped with crab meat.
Photo credit: Dinner At The Zoo

This crab mac and cheese is fresh crab tossed with pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and fresh herbs for a decadent and elegant meal that’s perfect for any special occasion!
Get the Recipe: Crab Mac And Cheese

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

A bowl of chicken soup with puff pastry in the shape of a heart.
Photo credit: xoxoBella

A satisfying and warming meal is essential throughout the year. Don’t miss out on this delectable creamy chicken pot pie soup topped with a heart-shaped biscuit – it’s one of the best comfort food recipes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Sweet Peach Iced Tea

A glass of Sweet Peach Iced Tea with ice and a straw and a fresh wedge of peach on the glass.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Infused with the flavor of fresh peaches, this iced tea is a sweet and refreshing beverage that’s ideal for cooling down on a sunny day.

Get The Recipe: Sweet Peach Iced Tea

Popcorn Chicken

A close-up image of crispy, golden chicken nuggets served in a red cup. On the left, a hand is dipping a nugget into a bowl of dark, rich dipping sauce. Fresh parsley leaves are scattered around, enhancing the presentation.
Photo credit: Tornadough Alli

This Popcorn Chicken Recipe is a popular choice for lunch, snack, or dinner. With just the right amount of seasoning, these bite-sized treats are perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces.
Get the Recipe: Popcorn Chicken

Cream Cheese Corn

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

Craving a familiar favorite with a delightful upgrade? Look no further than this Stovetop Cream Cheese Corn! This recipe transforms classic creamed corn into a luxuriously creamy side dish with a touch of cheesy goodness. It comes together in just 20 minutes, making it the perfect quick and easy addition to any meal, especially holiday gatherings where everyone will be begging for seconds.

Get The Recipe: Cream Cheese Corn

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

A pot of chicken noodle soup with a ladle resting on the rim.
Photo credit: The Healthy Epicurean

This wholesome, family-favorite soup is filled with fresh carrots, chunks of juicy chicken breast, tender egg noodles, dried herbs and a touch of cream.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

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

Fried Chicken

A basket of golden brown fried chicken on a red and white checkered napkin.
Photo credit: CopyKat.

Recreating KFC’s signature fried chicken at home is easy with this straightforward copycat recipe. Uncover the secret seasoning blend that replicates the flavor of KFC’s 11 herbs and spices.
Get the Recipe: KFC Fried Chicken

Amish Macaroni Salad

Amish Macaroni Salad in a bowl with a serving spoon.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Creamy and tangy, this classic macaroni salad combines tender pasta with a flavorful dressing, making it a hearty side dish for any summer gathering.

Get The Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad

Easy Layered Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Trifle

Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer/Not Entirely Average

Forget fancy desserts – down South, nothing spells comfort quite like Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding. This layered masterpiece features creamy, homemade vanilla pudding, Nilla Wafers for a delightful textural contrast, and a cloud of fluffy whipped cream.

Get The Recipe: Banana Pudding

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

Turkey & Ham Pot Pie

A serving spoon over the turkey and Ham pie with a scoop of the pie in the spoon
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Turkey and Ham Pie combines tender turkey, savory ham, sweet leeks, and fresh herbs encased in a flaky puff pastry. Perfect for transforming leftovers into a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish.

Get The Recipe: Turkey and Ham Pie

Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer/Not Entirely Average

Take a trip down memory lane with this Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake! It’s a timeless recipe delivers a stunning, moist cake perfect for any celebration. Don’t be intimidated by the name – with just a handful of everyday ingredients, you’ll be whipping up the BEST old-fashioned pound cake you’ve ever tasted. This easy batter transforms into a masterpiece that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Get The Recipe: Pound Cake

Grandma Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

A close up image of a slice of sweet potato pie topped with whipped cream.
Photo credit: Kitchen Divas

This sweet potato pie recipe is a classic, just like grandma used to make. Every bite is a sweet taste of nostalgia!
Get the Recipe: Grandma Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

Best EVER Chicken Wings

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Get ready for wing night – redefined! This recipe unlocks a world of flavor possibilities for your favorite finger food. Choose from oven-baked, air-fried, or grilled – each method delivers crispy perfection with a unique twist. So grab your favorite dipping sauce and prepare to experience chicken wings like never before!

Get The Recipe: Chicken Wings

Carolina BBQ Sauce

A close up image of a spoon in Carolina BBQ Sauce.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Ditch the boring bottled stuff! Authentic Carolina BBQ sauce boasts a complex, tangy flavor with a hint of mustard, perfect for serious grill masters. This isn’t just a sauce, it’s the missing ingredient that unlocks the full potential of your grilled creations.

Get The Recipe: Carolina BBQ Sauce

Copycat Bob Evans Sausage Gravy and Biscuit Casserole

Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer/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

Vegan Pecan Pie

Image Credit: Marly McMillen/Namely Marly

Indulge in the classic charm of pecan pie, minus the eggs! This simplified recipe uses straightforward ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, making it a breeze to prepare. You’ll be savoring the rich, nutty flavor of this beloved dessert in no time!

Get The Recipe: Vegan Pecan Pie

Easy Po’ Boy Steak Sandwich

A close up image of two Po’ Boy Steak Sandwiches with peppers and onions.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer/Not Entirely Average

Craving a juicy, flavorful sandwich you can build at home? Look no further than these GRILLED, CHILLED & MARINATED Po’ Boy Steak Sandwiches! Marinate your steak for maximum tenderness, then grill to perfection. Pile it high on toasted French bread with crisp romaine lettuce, creamy mayo, and “a whole bunch of deliciousness” (your choice!).

Get The Recipe: Po Boy

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 Corn On The Cob

Grilled corn on the cob topped with butter, salt and pepper.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Craving summer’s sweet kiss? Look no further than grilled corn on the cob! This guide unlocks all the secrets to achieving juicy, flavorful perfection, whether you love it on or off the cob.

Get The Recipe: Grilled Corn On The Cob

Charleston Pickled Spiced Shrimp

Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer/Not Entirely Average

Fire up the grill for perfectly charred rye bread – the base for this unforgettable appetizer. Spread on a luscious sherry aioli, then pile high with a symphony of colorful, pickled vegetables: crisp onion, celery, carrot, fennel, and vibrant red bell pepper. All are bathed in an irresistible brine of Champagne vinegar and aromatic celery seed. But wait, there’s more! The star of the show arrives – plump, juicy shrimp poached in a fragrant lemon and Old Bay-infused broth. Get ready for a flavor explosion in every single bite!

Get The Recipe: Pickled Shrimp

Creamy Sweet Potato and Muenster Gratin

Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer/Not Entirely Average

The quintessence of southern comfort food might be this Creamy Sweet Potato and Muenster Gratin. This cheesy twist on potato gratin takes sweet potatoes to new heights. It’s creamy, rich, and effortlessly steals the spotlight at any table.

Get The Recipe: Potatoes Au Gratin

Grilled Chicken Thighs and Legs

Grilled Chicken Thighs & Legs on a serving dish
Image 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

Copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak

Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer/Not Entirely Average

Craving a taste of the South? Skip the drive-thru and whip up this Country Fried Steak with creamy sawmill gravy – all in your own kitchen in just 45 minutes! Tender, seasoned cube steak gets a golden-fried makeover, then smothered in a rich and comforting white gravy you won’t be able to resist. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that delivers big on flavor and Southern charm.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Fried Steak

Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice & Scratch Pan Gravy

Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer/Not Entirely Average

Skip the fancy – sometimes comfort food reigns supreme. This Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice & Scratch Pan Gravy is pure home cookin’ magic. Forget elaborate presentations – every bite bursts with the soul of Southern cooking. Golden-brown, crispy chicken pairs perfectly with fluffy Carolina Gold rice tossed in fresh herbs, all tied together with a rich, satisfying pan gravy. It’s a down-home classic that never goes out of style.

Get The Recipe: Fried Chicken

Pork Burgers

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

Sizzle up summer with these smoky, juicy Pork Burgers! Ground pork and crumbled bacon come together for a flavor explosion on a bun. They’re the perfect way to add some variety to your grilling repertoire this season.

Get The Recipe: Pork Burgers

Bourbon Glaze

Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer/Not Entirely Average

This Sweet, Sticky, Spicy Bourbon Glaze delivers a burst of umami flavor that takes any protein – meat, fish, or shellfish – to the next level. With its perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory, it’s a must-try glaze that works wonders on chicken too.

Get The Recipe: Bourbon Glaze

Mint Julep Cocktail

A sprig of mint in a Mint Julep Cocktail.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Mint Julep Cocktail is the perfect way to add a touch of elegance to any gathering, from relaxed barbecues to sophisticated soirées.

Get The Recipe: Mint Julep Cocktail

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

KFC Bowl Casserole

Close-up of a spoon with a scoop of casserole with cheese, chicken and corn.
Photo credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons

The KFC Bowl Casserole is a delightful combination of crispy popcorn chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, savory cheddar cheese, rich chicken gravy, and sweet corn, all baked together to create a comforting and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: KFC Bowl Casserole

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