40 Southern Comfort Food Recipes You Simply Have to Try

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If you’re craving the rich, comforting flavors of Southern cooking, this collection of 40 recipes is sure to hit the spot. From crispy fried chicken and savory pork chops to creamy mac and cheese and sweet cornbread, these dishes bring the warmth and tradition of the South straight to your table. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking to explore Southern cuisine, these recipes offer something for everyone. Get ready to enjoy the soulful, hearty meals that make Southern food so beloved!

Salmon Croquettes

Get ready to savor these salmon croquettes – crispy outside, tender inside, bursting with flavor! Crafted with canned salmon, peppers, and onions, this Southern classic is a breeze to whip up and absolutely delightful! An ideal choice for a scrumptious breakfast, brunch, or even dinner!

Get The Recipe: Salmon Croquettes

Pork Chop Casserole

A white casserole dish filled with three browned pork chops resting on a creamy mixture of rice, mushrooms, and herbs. This Southern recipe is garnished with fresh chopped parsley. — Image Credit: Grandbaby Cakes

This pork chop casserole features juicy, bone-in pork chops – seared and placed on a bed of rice mixed with creamy mushroom soup and veggies!

Get The Recipe: Pork Chop Casserole

Hoppin’ John

Hoppin’ John – a flavorful one-pot concoction of rice, black-eyed or red peas, and ham. Enjoyed traditionally on New Year’s, paired with stewed collard greens and cornbread to savor every drop of those delicious cooking juices.

Get The Recipe: Hoppin’ John

Easy Homemade Cornbread

A piece of Cornbread on a plate topped with butter and drizzled with honey — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Ditch the extra step! This recipe uses fine cornmeal, eliminating the need to soak and resulting in a light, moist, and delicious homemade cornbread that’s ready in no time.

Get The Recipe: Easy Homemade Cornbread

Vegan Jambalaya

Looking down on two bowls full of meatless jambalaya with a kitchen towel between them and two spoons beside them. — Image Credit: Namely Marly

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Louisiana with this sensational vegan jambalaya! Picture a delightful blend of fluffy rice, colorful vegetables, and wholesome plant-based proteins, all bathed in a rich and zesty Cajun-spiced tomato broth. Every spoonful is a jubilant celebration for your taste buds!

Get The Recipe: Vegan Jambalaya

Peri Peri Chicken

Whether you bake it in the oven or grill it outdoors, this homemade Peri Peri Chicken recipe will surely delight any crowd and is surprisingly simple.

Get The Recipe: Peri Peri Chicken

Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe

This classic Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe involves tomato slices soaked in buttermilk and fried in cornmeal, resulting in a truly delicious dish. Pair it with a side of homemade remoulade sauce and discover your next go-to recipe!

Get The Recipe: Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe

Salisbury Steak

Whether you’re following a Keto Diet or simply reducing carbs, this recipe for Low Carb Italian Meatballs offers a delicious gluten-free option.

Get The Recipe: Salisbury Steak

Chicken Gumbo

Indulge in the ultimate Mardi Gras dinner with Hearty Chicken Gumbo over rice! This delicious chicken and sausage stew is so mouthwatering that you’ll find yourself craving this easy gumbo recipe all year long.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Gumbo

Strawberry Honey Cornbread Muffins

A close up of Strawberry Honey Cornbread Muffin — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Juicy strawberries peek through a glaze of honey, all nestled within a moist cornbread base. It’s a delightful combination of textures and flavors that’s perfect for any season.

Get The Recipe: Strawberry Honey Cornbread Muffins

One Pot Southern Pastalaya

Get a taste of Louisiana with Pastalaya, a quick, budget-friendly, one-pot wonder! This flavorful pasta dish is like a shortcut jambalaya, perfect for a festive meal.

Get The Recipe: One Pot Pastalaya

Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits

A strawberry shortcake. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This easy recipe for Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits is made completely from scratch. Once you try it, you’ll never have store-bought again!

Get The Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

An indulgent creamy dish made with three kinds of cheese topped with panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and garlic, then baked until it’s hot, bubbly, and golden.

Get The Recipe: Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Velvety cream cheese pound cake recipe: This bakes like a dream! It’s moist, dense yet tender & buttery, with a fine, even crumb. Super easy recipe!

Get The Recipe: Cream Cheese Pound 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

Caramel Apple Pie

A forkful of apple pie with caramel sauce. — Image Credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Tender apples nestled within a filling infused with light and dark brown sugar create a delightful symphony of sweetness, perfectly complemented by warm vanilla and rich butter.

Get The Recipe: Caramel Apple Pie

Healthy Fried Chicken

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Ditch the deep fryer! This low-fat recipe delivers a crispy, flavorful coating on baked chicken, making it a healthy alternative you won’t miss.

Get The Recipe: Healthy Fried Chicken

Easy Po’ Boy Steak Sandwich

A close up image of two Po’ Boy Steak Sandwiches with peppers and onions. — Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for 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

Homemade Potato Salad

A close up image of potato salad in a white bowl. — 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

Fried Potatoes and Onions

Tender potatoes and onions are fried until crispy in a pan infused with bacon and garlic. Simple yet incredibly satisfying.

Get The Recipe: Fried Potatoes and Onions

Cream Cheese Corn

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

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

Green Bean Casserole with Bacon

This tasty Green Bean Casserole with Bacon recipe is the ultimate side dish, featuring a creamy sauce and a crunchy topping.

Get The Recipe: Green Bean Casserole with Bacon

Smothered Pork Chops

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

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

Mint Julep Cocktail

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

Carolina BBQ Sauce

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

Grilled Corn On The Cob

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

Apple Brown Betty

A dish piled high with baked Apples and crumb topping. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This simple and tasty Apple Brown Betty recipe combines tender apples with caramel sauce and a crunchy cinnamon crumb topping.

Get The Recipe: Apple Brown Betty

Southern Deviled Eggs with Pimento Cheese

A deviled egg assembled with southern pimento cheese spread. — Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Ditch the ordinary and whip up these Southern Deviled Eggs with Pimento Cheese. Creamy pimento cheese takes the classic to a whole new level of flavor, making them the star of any potluck or barbecue.

Get The Recipe: Deviled Eggs

Grilled Chicken Thighs and Legs

Grilled Chicken Thighs & Legs on a serving dish — Image Credit: Mypointofview

Craving delicious grilled chicken but on a budget? Look no further! Chicken thighs and legs are a more affordable option, and this recipe delivers juicy, flavorful results with a simple marinade and a tasty sauce.

Get The Recipe: Grilled Chicken Thighs and Legs

Hamburger and Rice

This savory hamburger and rice recipe comes together quickly, packing tons of flavor without dirtying many dishes. Tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and a touch of magic (okay, maybe some delicious seasonings) make this a satisfying meal for any busy night.

Get The Recipe: Hamburger and Rice

Easy Layered Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Trifle

Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for 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

Copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak

Country Fried Steak topped with creamy gravy. — Image Credit: Jennifer 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

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

Southern Oxtail Recipe

Indulge in the nostalgia of Southern oxtail, a beloved soul food classic evoking memories of Sunday dinners at grandma’s house. Picture this: tender oxtails, so succulent they fall off the bone, covered in a savory gravy with bell pepper and onion, all atop a bed of fluffy white rice.

Get The Recipe: Southern Oxtail Recipe

Fried Chicken

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

Collard Greens

Experience the ultimate comfort and flavor with our top-rated collard greens recipe. This dish showcases tender collard greens simmered to perfection with smoked turkey legs, infusing rich, smoky notes. A harmonious blend of savory spices adds depth and warmth to every bite, elevating this classic Southern favorite to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Get The Recipe: Collard Greens

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

Mississippi Pot Roast

A close-up of a savory dish featuring tender, slow-cooked beef served over creamy mashed potatoes. The beef is garnished with fresh parsley and is accompanied by a rich, flavorful gravy that seeps into the mashed potatoes - perfect for those who love slow cooker recipes. — Image Credit: Grandbaby Cakes

Get a taste of the real deal Mississippi Pot Roast, straight from a Mississippi native! With just 6 ingredients, this dish is bursting with flavor – a must-try!

Get The Recipe: Mississippi Pot Roast