Southern Inspired Recipes That Will Have You Coming Back for Seconds

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Get ready to savor the rich flavors and comforting charm of the South with this collection of 20 irresistible recipes! From crispy fried chicken and creamy baked mac and cheese to homemade cornbread and smothered chicken, these dishes bring Southern hospitality to your table. Each recipe is packed with bold flavors and heartfelt comfort that’ll make you feel like you’re dining in the heart of the South. Explore this roundup and discover your new go-to favorites!

One Pot Sausage and Rice

A plate of sausage and rice featuring Southern Recipes flair, with rice, sausage, peppers, tomatoes, and green onions garnished with herbs. A fork is placed to the side on a white surface. — Image Credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This one-pot Sausage and Rice is a flavor-packed masterpiece! Smoky, savory sausage meets sweet, colorful bell peppers and fluffy, tender rice in a dish that’s bursting with bold spices and just the right amount of heat. Every bite is a delicious adventure you won’t want to miss!

Get The Recipe: One Pot Sausage and Rice

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

Homemade Strawberry Pretzel Salad

A slice of Strawberry Pretzel Salad with a graham cracker crust, creamy filling, strawberry topping, and a swirl of whipped cream on top—classic comfort inspired by Southern recipes—served on a white plate with a fork. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Strawberry pretzel salad is a beloved dessert that brings a taste of nostalgia to the table with a classic Midwestern and Southern American treat from the mid-20th century. The dish combines sweet, salty, and creamy flavors, with layers of crunchy pretzel crust, tangy cream cheese filling, and juicy strawberry topping.

Get The Recipe: Homemade Strawberry Pretzel Salad

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

Traditional Homemade Meatloaf

A sliced meatloaf on a serving dish. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Traditional Homemade Meatloaf recipe is moist, tender, and flavorful. Once you try it, you’ll cherish this recipe forever!

Get The Recipe: Traditional Homemade Meatloaf

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

Chili Con Carne

Dive into a pot of pure comfort! This Classic Chili Con Carne is a hearty and flavorful crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Get The Recipe: Chili Con Carne

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)

Braised Boneless Short Ribs

A hearty beef stew in a pot, featuring chunks of tender beef and braised short ribs, sliced carrots, whole mushrooms, and garnished with chopped fresh parsley. The rich, dark broth adds a comforting warmth to the beautifully presented dish. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This outstanding recipe for Braised Boneless Short Ribs produces unbelievably succulent beef that practically melts in your mouth. It’s the epitome of comforting, heartwarming cuisine!

Get The Recipe: Braised Boneless Short Ribs

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

Lemon Chicken Rice Bake

A spoonful of chicken and rice being scooped from a blue pan. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe turns your oven into a flavor factory. Juicy chicken thighs nestle on a bed of lemony garlic rice, all baking together for a stress-free and delicious weeknight dinner.

Get The Recipe: Baked Chicken and Rice

Lemon Pound Cake

Lemon perfection made easy! This buttery pound cake gets a vibrant citrus twist with the addition of lemon juice and zest. Topped with a simple lemon glaze, it’s a foolproof recipe packed with flavor.

Get The Recipe: Lemon Pound Cake

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

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

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Dive into timeless cheesy bliss! This creamy baked mac and cheese is surprisingly simple to make yet guaranteed to be a family favorite.

Get The Recipe: Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

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: Crab Cakes

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

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

Smothered Chicken

Close-up of a rich, creamy curry dish with chunks of chicken, garnished with chopped green herbs. The sauce is thick and velvety, dotted with pieces of onion, evoking a hearty and flavorful appearance reminiscent of Southern food comforts. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This smothered chicken recipe can be whipped up on the stove or in a slow cooker. It’s got tender chicken thighs in a tasty gravy that’s just perfect for comfort food fans!

Get The Recipe: Smothered Chicken