19 Classic Southern Comfort Recipes for That Down-Home Flavor

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Southern cuisine is known for its rich flavors, comforting textures, and timeless appeal. This collection of 19 Southern recipes highlights beloved dishes that capture the heart of Southern cooking. From crispy fried chicken and homemade banana pudding to hearty classics like chicken bog and green bean casserole with bacon, these recipes bring warmth and satisfaction to the table. Whether you’re craving something fried, sweet, or savory, these Southern favorites are sure to deliver that down-home goodness you love.

Southern Fried Chicken

Discover the secret to whipping up the perfect Southern fried chicken (the real soul food) with our super easy recipe—crispy, golden, and packed with flavor! Skip the buttermilk soak and give our simple salt, sugar, and water brine a shot for extra juiciness. With our special mix of flour, cornstarch, and seasonings, you’ll get that irresistibly crispy coating every time!

Get The Recipe: Southern Fried Chicken

Red Rice

A close-up of a delicious shrimp jambalaya dish featuring plump shrimp, sausage slices, rice, diced tomatoes, and green peppers. Garnished with fresh parsley, this vibrant and colorful Southern recipe sits in a white dish next to a striped towel. — Image Credit: Grandbaby Cakes

Dive into the deliciousness of this Savannah Red Rice recipe, a true Southern low country gem! Imagine white rice soaked in tangy tomatoes, infused with fragrant and spicy seasonings, and aromatic garlic and onions. To top it all off, tender shrimp and crispy bacon add the perfect finishing touch! This dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more!

Get The Recipe: Red Rice

Chicken Bog

A bowl of chicken and sausage jambalaya, filled with rice, sliced sausages, chunks of chicken, chopped carrots, celery, and a lemon wedge garnish. The ingredients are mixed and cooked together, showcasing a hearty and colorful Southern recipe. — Image Credit: Grandbaby Cakes

Get ready to indulge in this delicious Southern chicken bog recipe—a comforting hug in a bowl! Imagine tender chicken, aromatic veggies, fragrant herbs, smoky sausage, and fluffy rice all simmered together in a perfectly seasoned savory broth. This dish is the ultimate soul warmer, guaranteed to satisfy your appetite and keep you cozy when you need a meal that truly sticks to your bones!

Get The Recipe: Chicken Bog

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

Brown Sugar Cake

A bundt cake with a glossy caramel glaze drips down the sides. A slice is cut, revealing a moist, golden interior. The cake is displayed on a white background, highlighting its rich texture and appetizing appearance. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Tired of the ordinary bundt cake? This Brown Sugar Bundt Cake offers a delightful twist. A dense, tender crumb bursts with rich brown sugar flavor, then gets crowned with a decadent buttery caramel glaze. It’s a flavor adventure you won’t want to miss!

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Rib Tips

Try Memphis barbecue with our juicy, tender smoked rib tips! Served with white bread and pickles, it’s a simple but super tasty combo that brings out this Southern classic’s authentic flavors.

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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.

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Slow Cooker Pot Roast

A plate containing shredded sirloin tip pot roast served on top of mashed potatoes, garnished with baby carrots and fresh parsley. The dish is accompanied by a savory brown gravy.

This Crock Pot Sirloin Tip Roast is a super tasty slow-cooked meal that features tender beef, carrots, and onions, all smothered in a rich homemade gravy. It’s just perfect for cozy family dinners!

Get The Recipe: Crock Pot Sirloin Tip Roast

Decadent Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

A chocolate bundt cake topped with glossy chocolate glaze, placed on a cooling rack. The rich glaze drips down the sides, highlighting the cake's moist and dense texture. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Don’t be deceived by the name—this Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake is bursting with rich chocolate flavor! It’s also the moistest cake we’ve ever created, which is why it continues to be a beloved favorite among fans!

Get The Recipe: Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

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!

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Homemade Banana Pudding

Glass jars filled with Southern-style banana pudding, garnished with whipped cream, surrounded by whole bananas on a white plate. A striped cloth is placed nearby. — Image Credit: House of Nash Eats

Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Homemade Banana Pudding, a classic Southern dessert that’s sure to impress! Picture layers of ripe, sliced bananas, a creamy, easy-to-make custard, and crunchy Nilla wafers, all crowned with a light and fluffy meringue. It’s the ultimate sweet finale to any Southern feast!

Get The Recipe: Homemade Banana Pudding

Fried Okra

Try this southern comfort recipe when you’re craving the ultimate crispy side dish. This Fried Okra is super easy to whip up and gives you that crunchy bite you’ll love, especially with some tasty dipping sauces on the side!
Get the Recipe: Fried Okra

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.

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Smothered Pork Chops

A plate of mashed potatoes and pork chops smothered in mushroom gravy, served with a side of steamed broccoli, reminiscent of classic smothered pork chops. — 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

Sweet Lemon Iced Tea

Perfect for those hot summer days, this iced tea mixes the zesty flavor of lemon with the refreshing goodness of black tea!

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Hummingbird Bundt Cake

If you’re a fan of the delightful flavors found in classic southern cake, get ready to fall in love with this Hummingbird Bundt Cake! Bursting with juicy pineapple and crowned with luscious cream cheese frosting, this show-stopping dessert is sure to wow your dinner guests and leave them craving more!
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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

Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

A Southern delight, this baked casserole features golden-brown biscuits atop a creamy sausage gravy. Perfectly set on a wooden board and partially covered by a white and black striped cloth, it captures the heart of comforting Southern cuisine. — Image Credit: House of Nash Eats

When it comes to breakfast casseroles, the most delicious and savory choice has to be this Biscuits and Gravy Casserole! Packed with homemade sausage gravy, eggs, just the right amount of cheese, and plenty of soft biscuits, this easy breakfast dish is perfect for big gatherings, relaxing weekend breakfasts, or festive holiday brunches. Enjoy!

Get The Recipe: Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

Chicken Dumpling Soup

A creamy Southern recipe featuring artichoke hearts, carrots, celery, and strips of chicken. The ingredients are garnished with fresh herbs and immersed in a thick sauce. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Get ready for a warm bowl of comfort with this Chicken Dumpling Soup! Imagine tender, slow-cooked chicken swimming in a rich, flavorful broth, paired with fluffy dumplings and hearty veggies. It’s the perfect cozy meal that’s not just delicious but also super simple to whip up. This recipe is like a hug in a bowl, inviting you to explore and enjoy the delightful flavors. So grab your ingredients and let’s make a comforting dish that will warm your heart and soul!

Get The Recipe: Chicken Dumpling Soup