20 Southern Inspired Dishes You Need In Your Life

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Craving warmth and comfort? Southern and Southern-inspired recipes have you covered! This collection dives into the heart of home cooking with cherished dishes and creative twists on classics. From creamy mac and cheese to Southern-inspired Country Fried Steak, get ready for a flavorful journey that’s both satisfying and nostalgic.

Sweet Cornbread

Close-up of golden brown, rectangular sponge cakes with a soft, fluffy texture—classic treats reminiscent of beloved Southern Recipes—partially covered by a light gray cloth. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe transforms classic cornbread into something truly special! With a touch of honey for sweetness and baked into irresistible mini loaves, it’s a fun and delicious take on a timeless favorite. Perfect for any meal or a cozy treat!

Get The Recipe: Sweet Cornbread

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

One Pot Sausage and Rice

A vibrant one pot recipe, this sausage and rice is a feast for the senses, boasting sliced sausage, rice, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and chopped green onions. The dish is presented in a white pot with a ladle ready to serve up deliciousness. — Image Credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This one-pot Sausage and Rice is a delicious symphony of flavors! Smoky, savory sausage pairs perfectly with sweet, vibrant bell peppers and tender, fluffy rice, all brought to life with a bold blend of spices that pack just the right kick of heat.

Get The Recipe: One Pot Sausage and Rice

Caramelized Bananas Foster

Close-up of a caramelized banana dessert with two scoops of vanilla ice cream on top. The dish is drizzled with caramel sauce and sprinkled with chopped pecans, creating a rich and indulgent presentation.

Treat yourself to the irresistible delight of Bananas Foster! Picture caramelized bananas drenched in a luscious blend of brown sugar, warm cinnamon, and a splash of dark rum, all coming together in a show-stopping dessert. Served over velvety vanilla ice cream, it’s a sweet, buttery masterpiece you won’t be able to resist!

Get The Recipe: Caramelized Bananas Foster

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

Enjoy a cozy, flavorful meal with Chicken Dumpling Soup! Tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and hearty veggies come together in a rich, comforting broth. Easy to make and perfect for warming up on any day!

Get The Recipe: Chicken Dumpling Soup

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

Smothered Chicken

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

Buttermilk Waffles

A close-up of two stacked golden waffles topped with a pat of melting butter and drizzled with maple syrup. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Fluffy, golden buttermilk waffles with crispy edges and a touch of vanilla—just what you need to start your day or make brunch feel like a treat!

Get The Recipe: Buttermilk Waffles

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

Easy Homemade Corn Muffins

Freshly baked corn muffins cooling on a cooling rack. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This classic recipe is just the beginning! Easily customize it to your taste with a few simple ingredients. Add a touch of honey for sweetness or a sprinkle of cheese for a savory twist.

Get The Recipe: Easy Homemade Corn Muffins

Cozy Baked Apple Slices

Caramel is drizzled over ice cream and baked apples. — Image Credit: Namely Marly

You won’t be able to get enough of this delightful treat. Top warm, baked apple slices with a generous scoop of creamy ice cream and a decadent drizzle of gooey caramel sauce. This delightful dessert is perfect for a cozy night in, offering a harmonious mix of flavors and textures that will surely satisfy your sweet cravings.

Get the recipe: Cozy Baked Apple Slices with Caramel

KFC Fried Chicken Recipe

A plate of golden-brown fried chicken pieces, garnished with sprigs of rosemary, placed on a white rectangular platter. The chicken looks crispy and seasoned, with a glass bowl partially visible in the background. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Craving that iconic KFC crunch at home? This homemade Kentucky-style fried chicken is the leaked Colonel Sanders’ original 11 herbs and spices recipe.

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

Lemon Pound Cake

This lemon pound cake sings with citrus! Infused with both lemon juice and zest, it’s incredibly moist and buttery, with a burst of sunshine in every bite. The finishing touch? A delightful lemon glaze that ties it all together.

Get The Recipe: Lemon Pound Cake

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

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 incredible crab cakes with fresh, flavorful ingredients at home. It’s surprisingly easy – just mix it up, pan-fry it, and enjoy a customizable, restaurant-worthy meal that’ll leave you happy and satisfied.

Get The Recipe: Easy Crab Cakes

Chocolate Pudding Pie

Craving a textural adventure? This Chocolate Pudding Pie delivers! A symphony of creamy pudding, fluffy whipped cream, and a flaky pie crust awaits. Topped with delicate chocolate curls, this pie is a celebration of all things chocolate.

Get The Recipe: Chocolate Pudding Pie

Cream Cheese Corn

A white bowl filled with creamy, cheesy corn topped with chopped green herbs, set on a light surface. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Craving classic comfort food with a twist? Look no further than this Stovetop Cream Cheese Corn recipe. This creamy twist on creamed corn comes together in just 20 minutes, making it the perfect quick and easy side dish for any occasion, especially holiday gatherings.

Get The Recipe: Cream Cheese Corn

Macaroni Salad

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: Macaroni Salad

Strawberry Shortcake Filled Bundt Cake

A sliced bundt cake filled with whipped cream and strawberries, topped with more whipped cream, strawberry pieces, and mint leaves—a classic among strawberry desserts—displayed on a white plate against a white background. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Strawberry Shortcake Bundt Cake is pure dessert magic—rich, buttery, and bursting with sweet whipped cream and juicy strawberries in every bite. It’s everything you love about classic shortcake, reimagined into a show-stopping, dreamy cake!

Get The Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake Filled Bundt Cake