18 Southern Recipes That Bring Comfort to the Table

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Southern cooking is all about bold flavors, comforting dishes, and that undeniable charm of homemade goodness. This collection of 18 recipes delivers all the soul you crave, from crispy Fried Chicken Biscuits to sticky, saucy BBQ Baked Beans. Picture yourself digging into Smothered Pork Chops or sweet bites of Candied Pecans—for these dishes, it’s all about the love poured into every bite. Whether you’re hosting a family feast or just want to bring a little Southern shine to your weeknight dinner, these recipes are full of heart, flavor, and maybe just a touch of butter. Time to roll up your sleeves and feel the warmth of Southern cooking!

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

Lighter Shrimp Po Boys with Avocado Mango Slaw.

These Lighter Shrimp Po Boys with Avocado Mango Slaw are packed with flavor and texture! Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, and a hint of cayenne pepper give the shrimp a delicious kick, while the avocado mango slaw adds a refreshing twist. This recipe from Half Baked Harvest is a lighter take on a classic that’s perfect for any time of year.
Get the Recipe: Lighter Shrimp Po Boys with Avocado Mango Slaw.

Crazy Good French Onion Noodle Casserole

A big white bowl filled with French Onion Noodle Casserole and meatballs with creamy gravy. — Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This Crazy Good French Onion Noodle Casserole is a creamy and comforting side dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. With egg noodles, sour cream, and a touch of French onion soup flavor, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Top it with crispy fried onions for the perfect crunch!
Get the Recipe: Crazy Good French Onion Noodle Casserole

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

Baked or Barbecued Sticky Glazed Ribs

Get ready for fall-off-the-bone deliciousness with this recipe for Sticky Glazed Ribs! Choose your weapon – oven or grill – and prepare for a finger-licking good meal that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Get The Recipe: Baked or Barbecued Sticky Glazed Ribs

Candied Pecans

These Candied Pecans are the perfect blend of salty, sweet, and spicy! The candy coating takes pecans to a whole new level of deliciousness. Whip up a batch on the stovetop for a quick and satisfying treat.
Get the Recipe: Candied Pecans

Sheet Pan Pie (3 Flavors in One!)

A close up of the texture of a pie with three fillings after being cut into — Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

Can’t decide which pie to make for the holidays? This sheet pan pie recipe solves that problem by combining sweet potato, pecan, and pumpkin pie all in one! It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for Thanksgiving or any fall gathering.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pie (3 Flavors in One!)

Southern Fried Chicken Biscuits

A fried chicken breast on a buttermilk biscuit with red pepper jelly and a whole pickle against a gray background — Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

These Southern Fried Chicken Biscuits are the ultimate comfort food! Crispy, flavorful fried chicken is nestled between buttery, flaky biscuits with a touch of spiced red pepper jelly for a delightful kick. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a hearty lunch!
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Chicken Biscuits

Strawberry Cornmeal Cake (With How To Video)

A delicious strawberry skillet cake with whipped cream and fresh berries on top — Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

This Strawberry Cornmeal Cake is a delightful treat with a unique twist. The tartness of the strawberries perfectly complements the moist, slightly coarse texture of the cornmeal, all topped with a crisp, sugary crust making it a simple, yet satisfying dessert.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cornmeal Cake

Biscuits and Gravy

This classic Biscuits and Gravy recipe is the perfect addition to your weekend brunch spread. Flaky, homemade buttermilk biscuits are smothered in a rich and savory sausage gravy, creating a comforting and satisfying dish that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Biscuits and Gravy

Smothered Pork Chops

These smothered pork chops are fall-off-the-bone tender! The rich onion and mushroom gravy is the perfect comforting addition to this family-friendly main dish.
Get the Recipe: Smothered Pork Chops

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 crispy, golden fried chicken? This KFC-style recipe uses the viral leaked spice blend to create a flavorful and satisfying meal at home. It’s surprisingly easy to make and will have everyone licking their fingers!
Get the Recipe: KFC Fried Chicken Recipe

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

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

Transport your tastebuds to the tropics with these Key Lime Cupcakes, featuring a tangy lime cream cheese frosting! These moist and flavorful cupcakes are perfect for any occasion, bringing a burst of sunshine with every bite. Get ready to impress with this delightful and easy-to-make dessert!
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Cupcakes

Turkey and Ham Pie

This Turkey and Ham Pie is the ultimate comfort food! It features a savory combination of turkey, ham, leeks, and fresh herbs encased in a golden, flaky puff pastry. This pie is perfect for using up leftovers or as a satisfying main dish for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Turkey and Ham Pie

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

Oven BBQ Beef Brisket

A large brisket made in the oven and sliced into pieces then topped with bbq sauce. — Photo credit: House of Nash Eats

Craving BBQ but don’t have a smoker? This Oven BBQ Beef Brisket recipe delivers tender, juicy, and smoky flavors without the fuss. The hickory barbecue sauce and slow roasting method ensure a crowd-pleasing, fuss-free main course.
Get the Recipe: Oven BBQ Beef Brisket

Bourbon Peach BBQ Baked Beans.

A close-up of a bowl of baked beans with sliced sausages and fresh herbs on top, garnished with chopped parsley or cilantro—a classic comfort food inspired by Southern cooking, with a wooden spoon resting inside. — Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

These Bourbon Peach BBQ Baked Beans are the perfect side dish to transition from summer to fall. The combination of bacon, beans, ripe peaches, and bourbon create a sweet and savory flavor that will be a hit at your next cookout. This recipe from Half Baked Harvest is also gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Peach BBQ Baked Beans