Southern cooking brings bold comfort, layered flavor, and a deep sense of tradition to the table. This collection covers everything from main courses and side dishes to nostalgic desserts, all rooted in Southern heritage. Whether you’re looking for a crispy bite, a slow-cooked classic, or a sweet finish, this list is packed with down-home flavor and timeless favorites.

Southern Banana Pudding

Southern Banana Pudding. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and creamy pudding come together in this chilled classic. Topped with meringue or whipped cream, it’s a staple at Southern gatherings and always disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Southern Banana Pudding

Southern Fried Chicken

Southern Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, this fried chicken brings that golden crunch Southern kitchens are known for. The seasoned coating delivers flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Chicken

Southern Meatloaf Recipe

A classic comfort food, this sliced meatloaf with ketchup glaze sits on a white dish, served alongside creamy mashed potatoes and green beans—a true favorite among Southern recipes.
Southern Meatloaf Recipe. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Made with a blend of ground meat, spices, and a tomato-based glaze, this meatloaf is rich and satisfying. It bakes up tender and slices clean, perfect for weeknight dinners or Sunday supper.
Get the Recipe: Southern Meatloaf Recipe

Pear Salad – An Old-fashioned Southern Favorite

Pear Salad – An Old-fashioned Southern Favorite. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This vintage dish pairs canned pear halves with dollops of mayonnaise, shredded cheese, and a cherry on top. It’s a quirky and nostalgic side that’s long held a place on Southern tables.
Get the Recipe: Pear Salad – An Old-fashioned Southern Favorite

Southern Pot Roast

A pot of beef stew with carrots, celery, and herbs on a wooden table, served with mashed potatoes and slices of bread—a true comfort food inspired by classic Southern recipes.
Southern Pot Roast. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Slow-cooked with onions, carrots, and a rich gravy, this pot roast is fork-tender and deeply savory. A hearty dish that fills the kitchen with warmth as it cooks.
Get the Recipe: Southern Pot Roast

Southern Broccoli Casserole

Southern Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Creamy, cheesy, and baked until golden, this broccoli casserole is a must-have side at holidays and potlucks. It’s rich, indulgent, and hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Southern Broccoli Casserole

Southern Caramel Cake

Southern Caramel Cake. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This layer cake features tender yellow cake slathered in thick, homemade caramel icing. It’s rich, sweet, and best sliced generously.
Get the Recipe: Southern Caramel Cake

Southern Cheese Straws

Southern Cheese Straws. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Sharp cheddar and a little kick of spice turn these crisp cheese straws into addictive snacks. They’re a go-to for parties, holiday trays, or nibbling with sweet tea.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cheese Straws

Southern Chicken and Dumplings

Southern Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

A comforting bowl of tender chicken, pillowy dumplings, and rich broth, this dish is a Southern classic through and through. It’s hearty and slow-simmered with love.
Get the Recipe: Southern Chicken and Dumplings

Southern Cornbread Recipe

Southern Cornbread Recipe. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Crumbly, savory, and often cooked in a cast iron skillet, this cornbread keeps it traditional. No sugar here—just cornmeal, buttermilk, and a crisp crust.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread Recipe

Southern Mashed Potatoes

Southern Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Creamy and buttery, these mashed potatoes are whipped smooth and often made with a generous helping of dairy. A simple, satisfying side that goes with everything.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mashed Potatoes

Southern Peach Cobbler

Southern Peach Cobbler. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This cobbler has a bubbling layer of juicy peaches beneath a golden, biscuit-like topping. Sweet and gooey underneath with just the right amount of crunch on top.
Get the Recipe: Southern Peach Cobbler

Southern Pecan Pie

Southern Pecan Pie. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Sticky, rich, and loaded with pecans, this pie is a must for any Southern dessert table. It’s sweet, nutty, and served best with a dollop of whipped cream.
Get the Recipe: Southern Pecan Pie

Southern Strawberry Cobbler

Southern Strawberry Cobbler. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Fresh strawberries bake into a soft, juicy filling beneath a golden topping. This twist on traditional cobbler offers bright fruit flavor in every warm bite.
Get the Recipe: Southern Strawberry Cobbler

Southern Sweet Potato Pie

Southern Sweet Potato Pie. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Silky smooth sweet potato filling with warm spices in a flaky crust. It’s a holiday favorite and a standout dessert year-round.
Get the Recipe: Southern Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet Tea Southern Style

Sweet Tea Southern Style. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This Southern staple is brewed strong and sweetened while hot for maximum flavor. Poured over ice with lemon, it’s the definition of refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Tea Southern Style

Tea Cakes – Old-fashioned Southern Recipe

Tea Cakes – Old-fashioned Southern Recipe. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

These soft, lightly sweet cookies are a nostalgic treat, often flavored with vanilla or nutmeg. They’re simple but full of charm and tradition.
Get the Recipe: Tea Cakes – Old-fashioned Southern Recipe

Southern Butter Beans Recipe

Southern Butter Beans Recipe. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Simmered with ham or bacon, these beans come out tender and savory. They’re a comforting, filling side that shows up often in Sunday meals.
Get the Recipe: Southern Butter Beans Recipe

Crispy Southern Buttermilk Onion Rings

A pile of crispy fried onion rings rests on parchment paper, accompanied by a small bowl of red dipping sauce in the background.
Crispy Southern Buttermilk Onion Rings. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Thick onion slices are soaked in buttermilk, dredged in seasoned flour, and fried until golden and crisp. They’re crunchy, salty, and impossible to stop eating.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Southern Buttermilk Onion Rings

Best Southern Ham Gravy With Cheesy Biscuits And Eggs

A biscuit sandwich filled with scrambled eggs and covered in thick, creamy gravy with chunks of sausage. In the background, there's part of a stovetop and a yellow item.
Best Southern Ham Gravy With Cheesy Biscuits And Eggs. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

This rich gravy is made with drippings from country ham, then poured over fluffy biscuits with cheesy eggs on the side. It’s a hearty breakfast that brings serious comfort.
Get the Recipe: Best Southern Ham Gravy With Cheesy Biscuits And Eggs

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

Read More About Me

Follow Lucy on social media:

Posted in:

You May Also Like:

Sign up with your email address to receive a 5-day series of Southern Cooking Secrets, followed by weekly emails with recipes and tips. We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *