19 Southern Recipes That Feel Like a Hug on a Plate

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Southern cooking is all about bringing people together over hearty, flavorful dishes that feel like home. This collection of 19 Southern recipes is packed with the rich flavors and comforting charm that make the cuisine so special. From buttery homemade biscuits and crispy chicken thighs with bourbon glaze to sweet pineapple cake and pecan-topped sweet potato casserole, there’s something in here for everyone. Perfect for family dinners, casual potlucks, or treating yourself to some soul-soothing indulgence, these recipes promise mouthwatering bites and plenty of love in every dish. Pull up a chair and grab a fork—it’s time to savor the South!

Southern Chili Recipe

A bowl of the best chili topped with sour cream, crushed tortilla chips and avocado. — Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

This hearty, flavor-packed chili is hands-down the BEST recipe you’ll ever try! Loaded with tender meat, vibrant peppers, hearty beans, and a symphony of spices, it’s the ultimate comfort food to keep you cozy all winter long.
Get the Recipe: Southern Chili Recipe

Deviled Ham

This Deviled Ham recipe is the ultimate Southern sandwich spread! Creamy, flavorful, and downright irresistible, it combines perfectly chopped ham with a tangy mayo sauce that’s bursting with bold flavors. Get ready to take your sandwiches to the next level!
Get the Recipe: Deviled Ham

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping

Southern sweet potato casserole with a crunchy pecan topping is the ultimate crowd-pleaser and a must-have for your holiday table. Rich, comforting, and full of flavor, it’s the perfect side dish for any celebration!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping

Smothered Chicken

A close-up of a plate with grilled chicken, caramelized onions, and white rice, garnished with chopped herbs. A spoon is drizzling a golden-brown sauce over the chicken, creating a savory and appetizing presentation. This easy chicken dinner idea is sure to impress every time on your marble-like surface. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

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

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

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

Southern Smothered Chicken

Crispy fried chicken, drenched in rich, flavorful brown gravy and topped with tender, caramelized onions—this is Southern smothered chicken at its finest. Comfort food doesn’t get better than this!
Get the Recipe: Southern Smothered Chicken

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

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

Enjoy this Turkey and Ham Pie, a comforting mix of tender turkey, savory ham, and sweet leeks, seasoned with fresh herbs and baked in golden, flaky puff pastry. It’s the perfect way to turn leftovers into a dish that will wow your guests and have them asking for seconds!

Get The Recipe: Turkey and Ham Pie

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

Banana Fritters

Fritters with banana filling piled high with powdered sugar — Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

Sweet, fruity bananas meet the warm, inviting aroma of vanilla in these irresistible Banana Fritters. Fried to golden perfection, every bite is a delightful mix of crispy and deliciously tender—you won’t want to stop until the plate is empty!
Get the Recipe: Banana Fritters

Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe

This mouthwatering Shrimp Scampi and Grits recipe combines plump, juicy shrimp sautéed in a rich, buttery garlic sauce, all served over a bed of velvety, creamy grits. It’s pure comfort food with a gourmet twist!
Get the Recipe: Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe

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

Red Eye Gravy

Red Eye Gravy is a Southern classic, blending the savory richness of country ham drippings, the bold kick of black coffee, and the silky touch of butter. The result? A smooth, flavorful gravy that’s the perfect match for fluffy biscuits or creamy grits. A true comfort food favorite!
Get the Recipe: Red Eye Gravy

Apple Fritters

Indulge in fluffy, crispy Apple Fritters bursting with fresh apples, aromatic spices, and a mouthwatering apple glaze! With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up this perfect homemade treat that will delight your taste buds and warm your heart. Don’t miss out on this deliciousness!

Get The Recipe: Apple Fritters

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

Award Winning Banana Bread

The image features a loaf of banana bread with several slices cut, alongside a serving knife on a stone board. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This award-winning recipe delivers a super moist, soft, and tender banana bread every single time. It’s a guaranteed success that’s sure to become a treasured staple in your recipe box.

Get The Recipe: Award Winning Banana Bread

Crispy Skin Chicken Thighs With Bourbon Glaze

Four pieces of glazed, crispy chicken in a white bowl, coated with a shiny, brown sauce. — Image Credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Indulge in the irresistible Crispy Skin Chicken Thighs with Bourbon Glaze! Juicy, golden-crisp chicken topped with a bold, smoky bourbon sauce—perfect for a quick, flavor-packed dinner that will leave everyone craving more.

Get The Recipe: Crispy Skin Chicken Thighs With Bourbon Glaze

Pineapple Cake

Packed with juicy pineapple, rich molasses, and a hint of warm spice, this moist and tender Easy Pineapple Sheet Cake is a crowd-pleaser you won’t be able to resist. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or simply treating yourself—every bite is pure bliss!
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Cake