57 Southern Inspired Recipes Packed with Comfort, Flavor, and Soul

This site runs ads and generates income from affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

Southern cooking is big-hearted, soulful, and built around dishes meant to slow you down and feed a crowd. Think crispy fried chicken, buttery biscuits, cheesy casseroles, smoky barbecue favorites, and desserts that taste like somebody’s grandma made them from scratch. Whether you love bold spice, sweet nostalgia, or simple home-style comfort, these Southern-inspired recipes bring those warm, welcoming flavors to your table — from brunch classics and backyard feasts to Sunday suppers and cozy sweets.

Sock It to Me Cake

A close-up of a bundt cake with a cinnamon swirl inside, topped with thick white icing. A slice is being lifted, revealing its moist, golden interior—a delicious twist on classic fruit desserts. The cake sits on a white plate. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Ready to bake a cake that’s pure comfort? Our Sock It To Me Cake recipe is the perfect blend of buttery, sweet, and spiced perfection. This easy-to-make Bundt cake is so cozy and delicious, it’s like getting a warm hug with every bite.

Get The Recipe: Sock It to Me Cake

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)

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

Chicken And Waffle Sliders Recipe

Love fluffy waffles, crispy fried chicken, and sweet maple syrup? Try this easy Chicken and Waffle recipe by Easy Chicken Recipes!
Get the Recipe: Chicken And Waffle Sliders Recipe

Coconut Cream Pie

This Creamy Coconut Custard Pie is a taste of vacation made easy! Rich custard meets the delightful flavor of coconut in a creamy filling, all topped with whipped cream. It’s a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make.

Get The Recipe: Coconut Cream 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

Mint Julep Cocktail

This Mint Julep Cocktail is the perfect way to add a touch of elegance to any gathering, from relaxed barbecues to sophisticated soirées.

Get The Recipe: Mint Julep Cocktail

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

Sweet Peach Iced Tea

Infused with the flavor of fresh peaches, this iced tea is a sweet and refreshing beverage that’s ideal for cooling down on a sunny day.

Get The Recipe: Sweet Peach Iced Tea

Grilled Corn On The Cob

Craving summer’s sweet kiss? Look no further than grilled corn on the cob! This guide unlocks all the secrets to achieving juicy, flavorful perfection, whether you love it on or off the cob.

Get The Recipe: Grilled Corn On The Cob

Southern Pecan Tassies

Pecan Tassies with golden crusts are arranged on a sheet of parchment paper over a wooden board. Perfect for Thanksgiving recipes, these pies are topped with chopped pecans and powdered sugar. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Indulge in our bite-sized pecan tassies! Each one is a delightful explosion of rich, gooey pecan filling nestled in a golden, buttery crust. They’re like a mini pecan pie, perfect for holiday gatherings or a sweet everyday escape.

Get The Recipe: Southern Pecan Tassies

Easy Homemade Corn Muffins

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

This classic recipe is just the beginning! Easily customize it to your taste with a few simple ingredients. Add a touch of honey for sweetness or a sprinkle of cheese for a savory twist.

Get The Recipe: Easy Homemade Corn Muffins

Cozy Baked Apple Slices

Caramel is drizzled over ice cream and baked apples. — Image Credit: Namely Marly

You won’t be able to get enough of this delightful treat. Top warm, baked apple slices with a generous scoop of creamy ice cream and a decadent drizzle of gooey caramel sauce. This delightful dessert is perfect for a cozy night in, offering a harmonious mix of flavors and textures that will surely satisfy your sweet cravings.

Get the recipe: Cozy Baked Apple Slices with Caramel

Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits

A strawberry shortcake. — 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

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

An indulgent creamy dish made with three kinds of cheese topped with panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and garlic, then baked until it’s hot, bubbly, and golden.

Get The Recipe: Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak

Country Fried Steak topped with creamy gravy. — Image Credit: Jennifer Deremer/Not Entirely Average

Craving a taste of the South? Skip the drive-thru and whip up this Country Fried Steak with creamy sawmill gravy – all in your own kitchen in just 45 minutes! Tender, seasoned cube steak gets a golden-fried makeover, then smothered in a rich and comforting white gravy you won’t be able to resist. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that delivers big on flavor and Southern charm.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Fried Steak

Cream of Crab Soup

A bowl of creamy crab soup with chunks of crab meat and slices of potato, garnished with fresh herbs, served with crackers on the side. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This creamy soup combines tender crab meat and soft potatoes, with each spoonful exploding with flavor from smoky bacon, rich seafood stock, and a hint of briny clam juice. It’s a satisfying, hearty dish that truly comforts.

Get The Recipe: Cream of Crab Soup

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

Pickle Brined Fried Chicken Sandwich

A hand holding a crispy fried chicken sandwich with lettuce and creamy white sauce on a shiny, golden bun, against a plain white background. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Crispy, juicy, and utterly crave-worthy, this pickle-brined fried chicken sandwich is a flavor explosion! Imagine the perfect balance of tangy, crunchy, and satisfying—all in one glorious bite.

Get The Recipe: Pickle Brined Fried Chicken Sandwich

Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Topping

Add this Cheesy, Easy Chicken Pot Pie recipe to your weeknight dinner lineup. Pot Pies are a delightful and cozy winter meal. Rotisserie chicken covered in cheese, topped with buttery, flaky biscuits—Everyone will be begging for seconds!

Get The Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Topping

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

Macaroni Salad

Creamy and tangy, this classic macaroni salad combines tender pasta with a flavorful dressing, making it a hearty side dish for any summer gathering.

Get The Recipe: Macaroni Salad

Homemade Barbecue Sauce

A close-up of barbecue ribs being brushed with a thick layer of glossy sauce, with a corn on the cob in the background—a mouthwatering scene for anyone who loves bbq recipes. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This BBQ sauce brings the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and bold flavors. With honey, bourbon, and molasses working their magic, every bite is coated in a rich, sticky-sweet finish that’ll have you licking your fingers and coming back for more.

Get The Recipe: Homemade BBQ Sauce

Strawberry Shortcake Filled Bundt Cake

A sliced bundt cake filled with whipped cream and strawberries, topped with more whipped cream, strawberry pieces, and mint leaves—a classic among strawberry desserts—displayed on a white plate against a white background. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Strawberry Shortcake Bundt Cake is pure dessert magic—rich, buttery, and bursting with sweet whipped cream and juicy strawberries in every bite. It’s everything you love about classic shortcake, reimagined into a show-stopping, dreamy cake!

Get The Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake Filled Bundt Cake

Asparagus Casserole

You’re gonna adore our simple Asparagus Casserole recipe, great for any meal. It’s a cheesy, crunchy delight with a hint of elegance.

Get The Recipe: Asparagus Casserole

Homemade Strawberry Pretzel Salad

A slice of Strawberry Pretzel Salad with a graham cracker crust, creamy filling, strawberry topping, and a swirl of whipped cream on top—classic comfort inspired by Southern recipes—served on a white plate with a fork. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Strawberry pretzel salad is a beloved dessert that brings a taste of nostalgia to the table with a classic Midwestern and Southern American treat from the mid-20th century. The dish combines sweet, salty, and creamy flavors, with layers of crunchy pretzel crust, tangy cream cheese filling, and juicy strawberry topping.

Get The Recipe: Homemade Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Buttermilk Waffles

A close-up of two stacked golden waffles topped with a pat of melting butter and drizzled with maple syrup. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Fluffy, golden buttermilk waffles with crispy edges and a touch of vanilla—just what you need to start your day or make brunch feel like a treat!

Get The Recipe: Buttermilk Waffles

Chili Con Carne

Dive into a pot of pure comfort! This Classic Chili Con Carne is a hearty and flavorful crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Get The Recipe: Chili Con Carne

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

Sweet Lemon Iced Tea

Perfect for hot summer days, this iced tea combines the tangy taste of lemon with the refreshing properties of black tea.

Get The Recipe: Sweet Lemon Iced Tea

Pork Burgers

a pork burger topped with Caramelized Onions — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Want a burger that’s bursting with flavor? Try these amazing Pork Burgers! Grill ’em up for a smoky twist, sear them on the stove for a quick fix, or toss them in your favorite appliance—these versatile patties are down for whatever your hunger throws their way.

Get The Recipe: Pork Burgers

Grilled Chicken Thighs and Legs

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

Craving delicious grilled chicken but on a budget? Look no further! Chicken thighs and legs are a more affordable option, and this recipe delivers juicy, flavorful results with a simple marinade and a tasty sauce.

Get The Recipe: Grilled Chicken Thighs and Legs

Creamy Sweet Potato and Muenster Gratin

Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

The quintessence of southern comfort food might be this Creamy Sweet Potato and Muenster Gratin. This cheesy twist on potato gratin takes sweet potatoes to new heights. It’s creamy, rich, and effortlessly steals the spotlight at any table.

Get The Recipe: Potatoes Au Gratin

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

This Turkey and Ham Pie combines tender turkey, savory ham, sweet leeks, and fresh herbs encased in a flaky puff pastry. Perfect for transforming leftovers into a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish.

Get The Recipe: Turkey and Ham Pie

Apple Brown Betty

A dish piled high with baked Apples and crumb topping. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This simple and tasty Apple Brown Betty recipe combines tender apples with caramel sauce and a crunchy cinnamon crumb topping.

Get The Recipe: Apple Brown Betty

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

Blueberry Cobbler

Southern blueberry cobbler rocks a flaky biscuit topping with juicy fruit peeking through the crust. Each bite bursts with berry juices and tasty blueberries.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cobbler

Vegan Jambalaya

Looking down on two bowls full of meatless jambalaya with a kitchen towel between them and two spoons beside them. — Image Credit: Namely Marly

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Louisiana with this sensational vegan jambalaya! Picture a delightful blend of fluffy rice, colorful vegetables, and wholesome plant-based proteins, all bathed in a rich and zesty Cajun-spiced tomato broth. Every spoonful is a jubilant celebration for your taste buds!

Get the recipe: Vegan Jambalaya

Glazed Lemon Bundt Cake

A glazed bundt cake with a golden interior sits on a glass cake stand. A gold knife is partially inserted, lifting two thick slices from the cake. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This glazed lemon bundt cake is a citrus lover’s dream! It’s soft, vibrant, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor in every bite. Topped with a thick, donut-style glaze that delicately cracks as you slice in, it’s as satisfying to cut as it is to eat. Made with fresh lemon juice, zest, and the perfect balance of oil and butter, it delivers an irresistibly moist texture. Simple to make yet stunning to serve, this cake is a showstopper for any occasion!

Get The Recipe: Glazed Lemon Bundt Cake

Smoked Mac And Cheese With Lobster

A top view of a bowl of baked macaroni and cheese garnished with herbs from our cheesy recipes. — Photo credit: Kitchen Divas

This smoked mac and cheese with lobster gives a fancy spin to a classic fave. So indulgent, this smoked gouda mac and cheese!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac And Cheese With Lobster

Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake

A thick slab of praline cheesecake with an apple pie bottom. — Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

This Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake is a versatile masterpiece, blending smooth bourbon flavors with crunchy pecans. Perfect for any occasion, it impresses guests and satisfies your sweet tooth, epitomizing Southern charm and elegance.

Get The Recipe: Praline Cheesecake

Pimento Cheese Grits

Looking down on several chocolate cookies sitting next to it. One is tilted up and has a bite taken out of it. There are mint sprigs around the cookies. — Image Credit: The Cookie Rookie

You won’t find a more authentic southern dish than grits, and this pimento cheese grits recipe brings all the goodness of the classic with a twist. Dive into every cheese-infused bite!

Get the recipe: Pimento Cheese Grits

Classic Ambrosia Salad

A close-up view of a creamy ambrosia salad, showcasing a mixture of marshmallows, mandarin orange slices, pineapple chunks, red maraschino cherries, and grated coconut, all garnished with a fresh mint sprig. A gold-colored spoon is partially visible on the left side—a true staple in Southern recipes. — Image Credit: Salt & Lavender

This delightful ambrosia salad recipe is a perfect blend of coolness, creaminess, sweetness, and refreshing flavors! It embodies the essence of a classic American fruit salad, meticulously crafted in a single bowl within a mere 15 minutes. Enjoy the harmonious combination of colorful fruits and creamy textures in every delicious spoonful.

Get The Recipe: Classic Ambrosia Salad

Dutch Oven Beef Stew

A spoonful of stew over a pot. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Experience the joy of coming home to a delicious homemade meal with this Dutch Oven Beef Stew recipe. This hearty and warming dish is perfect for any day of the week, and the aroma filling your home as it cooks will become a comforting ritual you crave.

Get The Recipe: Dutch Oven Beef Stew

Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings

A bowl of chicken and dumplings with a spoon and parsley. — Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting

What’s better than a warm bowl of Cracker Barrel chicken and dumplings on a chilly winter day? And if you can whip it up at home with this copycat recipe, even more awesome! That’s the essence of comfort food! The taste of the shredded chicken and the fluffiness of the dumplings wrap you up in a cozy hug, just like grandma’s quilt.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplings

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

Peaches And Cream

This Peaches and Cream recipe is a celebration of fresh, seasonal peaches. Simple and delightful, it’s the perfect way to enjoy their peak flavor.

Get The Recipe: Peaches and Cream

Healthy Fried Chicken

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Ditch the deep fryer! This low-fat recipe delivers a crispy, flavorful coating on baked chicken, making it a healthy alternative you won’t miss.

Get The Recipe: Healthy Fried Chicken

Old Fashioned Apple Spice Pie

A close-up of a slice of peach pie, showcasing golden-brown lattice crust and juicy peach filling, served on a white plate with a gold-colored fork.

A delicious apple pie made with light and dark brown sugar, vanilla, and butter for a filling that’s just too good to resist.

Get The Recipe: Old Fashioned Apple Spice Pie

Homemade Potato Salad

A bowl of creamy potato salad, perfect for Salad Recipes, garnished with chopped green onions, red onions, parsley, and black pepper. Bite-sized potato pieces are mixed with a light dressing for a fresh and flavorful dish. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Don’t stress about side dishes this summer! This recipe for homemade potato salad is here to save the day. With its combination of creamy potatoes, tangy pickles, and a flavorful dressing, it’s a simple yet satisfying choice for any barbecue or potluck.

Get The Recipe: Homemade Potato Salad

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

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

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

Salisbury Steak

Dinner dilemma no more! Whip up an amazing Salisbury Steak in just 30 minutes and watch your family beam. Transform weeknights into a mouth-watering, stress-free feast everyone will rave about!

Get The Recipe: Salisbury Steak