Old-Fashioned Southern Recipes That Prove Classic Comfort Never Gets Old

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Southern cooking is all about tradition, hospitality, and hearty meals that warm the soul. This collection of 18 old-fashioned Southern recipes captures the essence of Southern comfort, with dishes like homemade buttermilk biscuits, smothered pork chops, and crispy pan-fried fish. Whether you’re craving classic sweet tea, traditional meatloaf, or a batch of strawberry shortcake biscuits, these recipes bring the charm and flavors of the South straight to your table. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, these dishes are sure to make you feel right at home.

Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits

A close up of a freshly baked Buttermilk Biscuits in a basket. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Biscuit lovers rejoice! This recipe makes flaky homemade buttermilk biscuits with a golden exterior and a fluffy interior.

Get The Recipe: Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits

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

Sweet Lemon Iced Tea

This quick and easy recipe for Sweet Lemon Iced Tea will be a summer favorite – It’s so refreshing and full of fruity flavor!

Get The Recipe: Sweet Lemon Iced Tea

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

Smothered Chicken

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

Easy Homemade Corn Muffins

Freshly baked corn muffins cooling on a cooling rack. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Cornbread bliss awaits! These Easy Homemade Corn Muffins are a textural dream. Golden-brown, crusty exteriors give way to moist and tender crumb, all bursting with irresistible cornbread flavor. They’re so simple to make, you’ll be enjoying them warm from the oven in no time!

Get The Recipe: Easy Homemade Corn Muffins

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

Traditional Homemade Meatloaf

A sliced meatloaf on a serving dish. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Dinnertime hero alert! This Traditional Homemade Meatloaf recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Moist, tender, and bursting with flavor, it’s the perfect centerpiece for any occasion. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – dress it up with your favorite glazes or sauces, or keep it classic for a timeless taste.

Get The Recipe: Traditional Meatloaf

Old-Fashioned Lemonade

a glass of fresh squeezed lemonade with a straw and lemon slices and fresh mint as garnish — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

You’ll love the irresistibly sweet, tangy, and refreshing flavor of this homemade fresh-squeezed lemonade. With only three simple ingredients and some valuable tips, you can craft your own delectable batch without any hassle.

Get The Recipe: Lemonade

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

Slow Cooker Chicken Dumpling Soup

A close-up of Chicken Dumpling Soup in a pot showcases chunks of chicken, dumplings, sliced carrots, and chopped parsley in a creamy broth. A ladle and spoon are artfully placed inside the pot. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Get ready for a cozy bowl of Chicken Dumpling Soup! Picture tender, slow-cooked chicken in a rich, flavorful broth, paired with fluffy dumplings and hearty veggies. It’s the perfect comfy meal that’s not only delicious but super easy to make. This recipe is like a warm hug in a bowl, inviting you to dig in and enjoy all those delightful flavors. So gather your ingredients, and let’s whip up a comforting dish that’ll warm your heart and soul!

Get The Recipe: Chicken Dumpling Soup

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: Easy Crab Cakes

Southern Pralines Candy

Seven pecan pralines with a creamy, caramel-colored coating are grouped together on a white surface. These classic 1980s desserts have a rough, chunky texture with visible pecan pieces throughout. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Indulge in these irresistible pralines, a symphony of sweet, buttery perfection. Each bite delivers a melt-in-your-mouth experience, where luxurious caramel swirls around crunchy pecans, creating an unforgettable treat.

Get The Recipe: Southern Pralines Candy

Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits

A close up image of a biscuit filled with whipped cream and sliced strawberries. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This easy recipe for Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits is made completely from scratch. Once you try it you’ll never have store bought again!

Get The Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits

Johnny Cakes {Cornbread Pancakes}

A pile of johnny cakes with butter and syrup. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Ditch the bland, embrace the grand! Johnny Cakes are a Southern staple – homemade cornbread pancakes bursting with flavor. Savor the delightful contrast of crisp edges and a fluffy, cornbread-like center. It’s a taste sensation that’s been passed down for generations, perfect for a breakfast that’s both delicious and satisfying.

Get The Recipe: Johnny Cakes {Cornbread Pancakes}

Grilled Chicken Thighs and Legs

Grilled Chicken Thighs & Legs on a serving dish — Image Credit: mypointofview

These juicy chicken thighs and legs aren’t your average barbecue fare. Packed with flavor from a delicious marinade, they grill to perfection and get finished with a scrumptious sauce. Get ready to wow your taste buds – this recipe is a must-try for any grilling enthusiast!

Get The Recipe: Grilled Chicken Thighs and Legs

Baked or Barbecued Sticky Glazed Ribs

Barbecue ribs with a shiny glaze, inspired by top bbq recipes, served with grilled asparagus, cherry tomatoes, corn on the cob, and a cup of barbecue sauce on a white surface. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Get ready to wow your taste buds with these Sticky Glazed Ribs! Whether you fire up the grill or let the oven do the work, this recipe delivers tender, fall-off-the-bone perfection. Get your napkins ready—this finger-licking, crowd-pleasing meal is sure to steal the show!

Get The Recipe: Baked or Barbecued Sticky Glazed Ribs

Homemade Pecan Pie

A close-up of a pecan pie with a golden crust, topped with glossy, caramelized pecans—perfect as a delicious Thanksgiving dessert. Several slices reveal the rich, gooey filling inside the dark round dish. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Craving the ultimate pecan pie but want to skip the corn syrup? This recipe is your answer. Expect a gooey, nutty filling that’s perfectly sweet, all wrapped in a flaky crust and infused with a rich brown butter flavor. It’s pecan pie, perfected.

Get The Recipe: Pecan Pie