Southern-Style Recipes That’ll Have You Dancing in Your Seat

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Southern cooking is more than just food—it’s a celebration of tradition, bold flavors, and dishes made with heart. This collection of 26 recipes captures the best of Southern cuisine, from classics like smothered chicken and sweet potato pie to unique twists like one-pot Southern pastalaya and Carolina BBQ sauce. Whether you’re craving fried potatoes and onions, creamy sweet potato gratin, or strawberry shortcake biscuits, these recipes will have you dancing in your seat and reaching for seconds. Let’s dive into the rich, comforting flavors of the South.

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

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

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

Hummingbird Poke Cake

ie-canva_free__studio_philippines-chapati_flour-2655979 — Image Credit: Lyuba Brooke for Will Cook for Smiles

This Hummingbird Poke Cake explodes with moist bananas, pineapple, and pecans. The creamy sweet sauce soaks into every bite, and the cream cheese frosting takes it over the top. It’s the perfect dessert for warm weather!

Get the Recipe: Hummingbird Poke Cake

One Pot Southern Pastalaya

Get a taste of Louisiana with Pastalaya, a quick, budget-friendly, one-pot wonder! This flavorful pasta dish is like a shortcut jambalaya, perfect for a festive meal.

Get The Recipe: One Pot Pastalaya

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

Sweet Skillet Cornbread

Enjoy the delightful flavors of a sweet skillet cornbread. This mouthwatering treat is the perfect accompaniment to a steaming bowl of chili or makes for a delicious snack on its own. Made with a delightful blend of honey, butter, and cornmeal, this cornbread is a real culinary delight!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Skillet Cornbread

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

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

Easy Po’ Boy Steak Sandwich

A close up image of two Po’ Boy Steak Sandwiches with peppers and onions. — Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Craving a juicy, flavorful sandwich you can build at home? Look no further than these GRILLED, CHILLED & MARINATED Po’ Boy Steak Sandwiches! Marinate your steak for maximum tenderness, then grill to perfection. Pile it high on toasted French bread with crisp romaine lettuce, creamy mayo, and “a whole bunch of deliciousness” (your choice!).

Get The Recipe: Po Boy

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

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

Cream Cheese Corn

Craving a familiar favorite with a delightful upgrade? Look no further than this Stovetop Cream Cheese Corn! This recipe transforms classic creamed corn into a luxuriously creamy side dish with a touch of cheesy goodness. It comes together in just 20 minutes, making it the perfect quick and easy addition to any meal, especially holiday gatherings where everyone will be begging for seconds.

Get The Recipe: Cream Cheese Corn

Smothered Pork Chops

A plate of mashed potatoes and pork chops smothered in mushroom gravy, served with a side of steamed broccoli, reminiscent of classic smothered pork chops. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Weeknight dinners don’t get much better than this! These juicy pork chops practically cook themselves, bathed in a luxuriously rich caramelized onion and mushroom gravy. A quick sprinkle of melted cheese adds the finishing touch to this simple yet satisfying comfort food classic.

Get The Recipe: Smothered Pork Chops

Decadent Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

A chocolate bundt cake topped with glossy chocolate glaze, placed on a cooling rack. The rich glaze drips down the sides, highlighting the cake's moist and dense texture. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Don’t be deceived by the name—this Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake is bursting with rich chocolate flavor! It’s also the moistest cake we’ve ever created, which is why it continues to be a beloved favorite among fans!

Get The Recipe: Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

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

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

Carolina BBQ Sauce

Ditch the boring bottled stuff! Authentic Carolina BBQ sauce boasts a complex, tangy flavor with a hint of mustard, perfect for serious grill masters. This isn’t just a sauce, it’s the missing ingredient that unlocks the full potential of your grilled creations.

Get The Recipe: Carolina BBQ Sauce

Southern Deviled Eggs with Pimento Cheese

A deviled egg assembled with southern pimento cheese spread. — Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Ditch the ordinary and whip up these Southern Deviled Eggs with Pimento Cheese. Creamy pimento cheese takes the classic to a whole new level of flavor, making them the star of any potluck or barbecue.

Get The Recipe: Deviled Eggs

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

Easy Layered Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Trifle

Forget fancy desserts – down South, nothing spells comfort quite like Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding. This layered masterpiece features creamy, homemade vanilla pudding, Nilla Wafers for a delightful textural contrast, and a cloud of fluffy whipped cream.

Get The Recipe: Banana Pudding

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

Sweet Potato Pie

You’ll love the timeless flavors of the South with this classic pie, known for its rich and distinctive taste. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a craving for a delectable slice of pie, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Pie

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