23 Southern Comfort Foods That Will Make You Want to Lick The Screen

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Southern cooking is known for its comforting, hearty, and flavorful dishes that bring warmth to the table. Whether you’re craving crispy fried chicken, savory jambalaya, or buttery biscuits, Southern recipes offer a wide variety of crowd-pleasing favorites. In this roundup, we’ve gathered some classic Southern dishes that are perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you’re in the mood for a taste of the South. From Cajun-inspired seafood to down-home comfort foods like shrimp and grits, these recipes highlight the rich culinary traditions of Southern cuisine.

Fried Chicken

ie-canva_free__studio_philippines-chapati_flour-2655979 — Image Credit: Grandbaby Cakes

This fried chicken recipe puts a modern spin on the classic, making it the best fried chicken you’ve ever tasted! Pair it with your favorite Southern sides for a chicken dinner that everyone will enjoy.

Get The Recipe: Fried Chicken

Chicken Jambalaya

This super simple chicken jambalaya recipe brings the taste of the Big Easy right to your kitchen with grilled chicken, andouille sausage, and a mix of Creole seasonings. It’s perfect for Mardi Gras fun or a cozy dinner on a weeknight!

Get The Recipe: Chicken Jambalaya

Cajun Crab Stuffed Salmon

This easy Cajun crab stuffed salmon recipe is a delicious and fun twist on salmon! With its bold flavors, it feels a bit fancy and is perfect for seafood lovers.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Crab Stuffed Salmon

Panko Breaded Pork Chops

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe takes your weeknight dinners to the next level with amazingly crispy panko-breaded pork chops. Packed with flavor and ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect way to satisfy the whole family without the fuss.

Get The Recipe: Panko Breaded Pork Chops

Cajun Salmon Burgers

Shelf-stable canned salmon and a few pantry staples come together to make super easy and tasty Cajun Salmon Burgers, perfect for weeknight dinners!
Get the Recipe: Cajun Salmon Burgers

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

Indulge in the ease of whipping up this incredible weeknight dinner featuring incredibly crispy pan-fried fish, all ready in just 20 minutes!

Get The Recipe: Super Crispy Pan Fried Fish

Pimento Cheese Grits

You can get a more authentic southern recipe than grits and this pimento cheese grits recipe delivers all the goodness of that iconic recipe with a twist. Enjoy every cheese-infused bite!
Get the Recipe: Pimento Cheese Grits

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

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

Shrimp And Grits Recipe

This dish isn’t just a meal, it’s a celebration! Experience a symphony of flavors that’s not only spectacular to taste, but also faithful to the rich culinary history of Charleston.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp And Grits Recipe

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

Veggie Biscuits and Gravy

Serve up these Veggie Biscuits and Gravy for breakfast or brunch and savor the yummy goodness in every bite. Whether you use homemade or store-bought biscuits, this veggie sausage gravy is sure to shine!
Get the Recipe: Veggie Biscuits and Gravy

Easy Oven Fried Chicken

A plate of crispy, golden-brown fried chicken pieces is shown, epitomizing Southern Comfort Foods. The chicken appears to be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices, giving the exterior a textured and flavorful crust. The background is blurred out, drawing focus to the appetizing chicken. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Craving crispy, delicious fried chicken but short on time and patience? This recipe is your answer! It delivers all the flavor and crunch you love, minus the hassle of deep frying.

Get The Recipe: Easy Oven Fried Chicken

Crispy Chicken With Herbed Carolina Gold Rice Scratch Pan Gravy

Sometimes comfort food reigns supreme, and this Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice & Scratch Pan Gravy is pure magic. Forget elaborate presentations; every bite bursts with Southern soul. Golden-brown, crispy chicken pairs perfectly with fluffy Carolina Gold rice tossed in fresh herbs, all tied together with rich pan gravy. It’s a classic that never goes out of style.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Chicken With Herbed Carolina Gold Rice Scratch Pan Gravy

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

Homemade Sausage Gravy Recipe for Biscuits and Sausage Gravy

Homemade Sausage Gravy is a creamy, savory delight. This sausage gravy recipe is perfect for a classic biscuits and sausage gravy breakfast!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Sausage Gravy Recipe for Biscuits and Sausage Gravy

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

Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

This delectable Crockpot Chicken and Gravy easily turns plain chicken into the most wonderful slow cooker meal!
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

Cream Cheese Corn

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

One Pan Sausage Biscuit Gravy Cobbler

SAUSAGE BISCUIT GRAVY COBBLER is a tasty and super easy one-pan meal. This skillet breakfast recipe takes the classic biscuits and gravy and makes it even better.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Sausage Biscuit Gravy Cobbler

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 prepare and bursting with flavor. Enjoy a delightful combination of crisp edges and a fluffy, cornbread-like center – perfect for a delicious and satisfying breakfast.

Get The Recipe: Johnny Cakes {Cornbread Pancakes}

Pan Seared Brined Pork Chops

A close-up view of a skillet containing juicy, seared pork chops—a classic Southern comfort food. Each chop is garnished with a sprig of fresh thyme, and the center chop has a melting pat of butter on top. The edges are browned, and whole garlic cloves are scattered around. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

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