17 Southern Delight Recipes Full of Flavor

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Bring the heart and soul of Southern cooking to your table with these 17 classic recipes. From the creamy comfort of Baked Mac and Cheese and Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes to the tangy crunch of Vinegar Coleslaw, these dishes are packed with flavor. Indulge in iconic mains like KFC Fried Chicken and Honey Glazed Ham, and don’t forget the sweet treats like Lemon Pound Cake and Plum Upside Down Cake. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just craving a taste of the South, these recipes are sure to bring warmth and joy to every bite. Let’s dig in, y’all!

Classic Chili Con Carne

A bowl of food on a plate, with Chili con carne and beef — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This Classic Chili Con Carne recipe is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting family meal or casual gathering. Made with ground beef, kidney beans, and a blend of spices, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with your favorite toppings for a customizable and satisfying dish.
Get the Recipe: Classic Chili Con Carne

Easy Drop Biscuits

drop biscuits on a plate — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

These Easy Drop Biscuits are so simple and quick to make, you’ll want to bake them every day! This recipe requires just a few simple ingredients. Serve warm from the oven for a comforting side dish or breakfast treat.
Get the Recipe: Easy Drop Biscuits

Citrus Fruit Punch

three glasses of citrus punch with a sprig of mint — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This Citrus Fruit Punch recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! The combination of orange, lemon, and lime juices creates a perfectly balanced sweet and refreshing drink that both kids and adults will love. Garnish with sliced fruit for an extra touch of elegance.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Fruit Punch

Fresh Squeezed Lemonade

a glass of lemonade with lemon slices and fresh mint as garnish — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

When life hands you lemons, make this Fresh Squeezed Lemonade! This simple recipe uses just a few ingredients to create a beverage that’s both refreshing and delicious. Perfect for a hot day, a party, or any occasion that calls for a touch of homemade goodness.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Squeezed Lemonade

Dutch Oven Beef Stew

shot of beef stew with herbs in the background — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This Dutch Oven Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food! Hearty stewing beef, potatoes, carrots, and mushrooms are simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Beef Stew

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

a spponful of Creamy Baked Mac & Cheese being served — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This creamy baked mac and cheese recipe is a timeless favorite and is incredibly easy to make. With a combination of sharp and mild cheddar cheeses, this mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. Top it off with a crunchy panko breadcrumb topping for the perfect side dish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

The Best Honey Glazed Ham Recipe You’ll Ever Taste

a honey glaze being spooned onto a honey glazed ham — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Looking for the perfect centerpiece for your holiday feast? This Honey Glazed Ham recipe combines sweet honey, tangy mustard, and savory spices to create an explosion of flavor in every bite. It’s surprisingly easy to make and will be a hit with your family and friends!
Get the Recipe: The Best Honey Glazed Ham Recipe You’ll Ever Taste

Sausage Stuffing

This Sausage Stuffing recipe is a Thanksgiving must-have! It’s packed with flavor from sausage, fresh herbs, and savory seasonings, all baked to golden perfection. This effortless side dish will be the star of your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffing

Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

A close-up of a creamy, golden-brown mashed potato casserole in a white baking dish showcases the perfect Make-Ahead Recipe. A white spoon scoops out a portion, revealing the smooth texture of the mashed potatoes beneath the baked top layer. — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

These Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes are a holiday game-changer. Creamy, buttery, and incredibly convenient, this recipe allows you to prepare the perfect side dish in advance, leaving you stress-free for the main event. Serve up these delectable spuds at your next holiday gathering!
Get the Recipe: Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

KFC Fried Chicken Recipe

A plate filled with crispy fried chicken drumsticks and wings, garnished with sprigs of fresh rosemary. The chicken is golden-brown and seasoned with herbs, set on a white platter. — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Craving that classic crispy fried chicken? This recipe is inspired by the famous KFC recipe, packed with bold spices that will make your taste buds sing. It’s easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Get the Recipe: KFC Fried Chicken Recipe

Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy

Simplify your holiday cooking with this Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy! This recipe uses turkey wings for a rich, savory flavor that can be prepared in advance, ensuring a stress-free holiday meal. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering!
Get the Recipe: Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy

Key Lime Cupcakes

Key lime cupcake with creamy frosting, topped with a lime slice and zest, in a white liner on a marble background. — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Bring the taste of the tropics to your kitchen with these Key Lime Cupcakes! These moist and flavorful cupcakes are topped with a tangy lime cream cheese frosting, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy-to-make treat.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Cupcakes

Vinegar Coleslaw {No Mayonnaise}

a close up image of vinegar coleslaw in a white bowl with a fork — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This Vinegar Coleslaw is a crunchy and tangy side dish that’s perfect for any summer gathering! Made without mayonnaise, it features fresh cabbage, carrots, and a zesty vinegar dressing that will refresh your taste buds. It’s a lighter, healthier alternative to traditional coleslaw.
Get the Recipe: Vinegar Coleslaw {No Mayonnaise}

Lemon Pound Cake

This Lemon Pound Cake recipe is foolproof and easy to make, resulting in a rich, buttery cake with a beautiful golden-brown crust. The addition of lemon juice and zest provides a bright, citrusy flavor that perfectly complements the cake’s sweetness. It’s perfect for any occasion!
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pound Cake

Mint Julep Cocktail

Three mint juleps in rocks glasses garnished with a sprig if mint — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Looking for the perfect cocktail recipe? This Mint Julep Cocktail is a refreshing and sophisticated drink that’s surprisingly easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these for your next party!
Get the Recipe: Mint Julep Cocktail

Homemade BBQ Baked Beans

These Homemade BBQ Baked Beans are so good, you’ll never buy the canned version again! This recipe combines simple ingredients like bacon, molasses, and smoked paprika for a sweet, smoky flavor. Perfect for your next cookout, game day, or Thanksgiving feast!
Get the Recipe: Homemade BBQ Baked Beans

Plum Upside Down Cake

This Plum Upside Down Cake is a classic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The warm, sticky, and sweet sauce made from fruit and sugar is simply irresistible. Serve it warm for an extra special treat!
Get the Recipe: Plum Upside Down Cake