17 Southern Recipes So Good They’ll Make Your Grandma Proud

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If there’s one thing the South knows how to do, it’s cooking up food that feels like a warm hug. From golden, crispy fried chicken to rich, chocolatey pies and hearty casseroles, these 17 recipes are here to bring a little Southern magic to your table. Whether you’re a born-and-raised Southerner or just someone who loves good food, this list is packed with dishes that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds). Let’s dive into the delicious world of Southern comfort food—you won’t regret it!

Smothered Pork Chops

A plate with a pork chop crowned with sliced mushrooms and gravy, garnished with herbs. Served alongside creamy mashed potatoes and broccoli, this family favorite is sure to be one of those incredible recipes you'll want to make again. A fork and knife are placed beside the steak. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

These pork chops, topped with cheese and cooked in a rich onion and mushroom gravy, make for an easy and comforting weeknight dinner.

Get The Recipe: Smothered Pork Chops

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

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

Chocolate Pudding Pie

Craving a textural adventure? This Chocolate Pudding Pie delivers! A symphony of creamy pudding, fluffy whipped cream, and a flaky pie crust awaits. Topped with delicate chocolate curls, this pie is a celebration of all things chocolate.

Get The Recipe: Chocolate Pudding Pie

Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie

A close-up of a freshly baked pot pie in a skillet. A portion has been cut and lifted, revealing gooey melted cheese, flaky golden-brown crust, and creamy mushroom filling that rivals even the best chicken cutlet recipes in comfort and flavor. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

After a long and draining day, there’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a pot pie. It’s a warm hug in a dish, filling your belly and spirit with pure comfort.

Get The Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie

Homemade Dark Chocolate Pudding

A close-up of a spoonful of creamy chocolate mousse topped with delicate chocolate shavings, showcasing the elegance of fine chocolate recipes. The mousse is smooth and rich, bits of chocolate atop it, set against a blurred backdrop of a glass filled with more mousse. — Image Credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Craving a decadent chocolate treat? This pudding delivers. Expect a luxuriously rich and creamy texture that begs to be scooped straight from the bowl.

Get The Recipe: Homemade Dark Chocolate Pudding

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

This Chicken Dumpling Soup is a comforting dish featuring tender, slow-cooked chicken in a rich broth, fluffy dumplings, and hearty veggies. It’s delicious and easy to make, offering a warm and inviting meal that will nourish your heart and soul.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Dumpling Soup

Apple and Pear Pie

A close-up of a slice of apple pie with a golden-brown lattice crust on a white plate. A gold fork is placed beside the pie, and the filling appears glossy and caramelized. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Apple and Pear Slab Pie is a delightful combination of spiced apples and pears nestled in a buttery, flaky crust. With warm cinnamon and nutmeg, it’s the perfect comforting dessert for any occasion! Enjoy a slice today!

Get The Recipe: Apple and Pear Pie

Crock Pot Sirloin Tip 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 delicious slow-cooked meal featuring tender beef, carrots, and onions, all smothered in a rich homemade gravy. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners!

Get The Recipe: Crock Pot Sirloin Tip Roast

KFC Fried Chicken Recipe

A plate of golden-brown fried chicken pieces, garnished with sprigs of rosemary, placed on a white rectangular platter. The chicken looks crispy and seasoned, with a glass bowl partially visible in the background. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Craving that iconic KFC crunch at home? This homemade Kentucky-style fried chicken is the leaked Colonel Sanders’ original 11 herbs and spices recipe.

Get The Recipe: KFC Fried Chicken Recipe (the leaked recipe)

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

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

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

Turkey & Ham Pot Pie

A baked dish with a golden-brown pastry crust partially removed, revealing a filling of chicken, ham, and leeks. Garnished with fresh thyme, it sits in a white rectangular casserole on a wooden board. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Indulge in this delightful Turkey and Ham Pie that brings together tender turkey, savory ham, sweet leeks, and fresh herbs, all wrapped in a flaky puff pastry. It’s the perfect way to transform leftovers into a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress your guests!

Get The Recipe: Turkey and Ham Pie

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

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

Salisbury Steak

Whip up a delightful and comforting meal with our fantastic Salisbury Steak recipe, ready in 30 minutes. Ideal for hectic weeknights, this dish is bound to become a beloved family favorite.

Get The Recipe: Salisbury Steak