Get ready to savor the comforting flavors of the South with these 23 mouthwatering Southern-style recipes. From crispy fried chicken and buttery biscuits to creamy mac and cheese and sweet pecan pie, this collection has something for everyone. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or just treating yourself to some classic comfort food, these recipes bring the heart and soul of Southern cooking straight to your kitchen.

Pear Salad

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

Pear Salad is a nostalgic Southern dish that combines simplicity with flavor! Sliced canned pears are topped with a dollop of mayo, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, and a bright maraschino cherry. It’s a delightful combination of sweet, creamy, and salty, making it an unexpected crowd favorite. It’s a true taste of Southern tradition that brings back memories of classic family meals.

Get the Recipe: Pear Salad

Southern Broccoli Casserole

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

Southern Broccoli Casserole is a creamy, cheesy dish that transforms humble broccoli into a star player. This classic casserole is made with broccoli florets, a rich cheese sauce, and crispy cracker crumbs on top for added crunch. It’s a go-to side dish that pairs wonderfully with just about any main course. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a larger family gathering, this casserole is bound to impress.

Get the Recipe: Southern Broccoli Casserole

Southern Caramel Cake

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

Southern Caramel Cake is all about indulgence! This moist yellow cake is layered and topped with a thick, buttery caramel icing that’s downright irresistible. Made with love and patience, the caramel icing is cooked to perfection, giving the cake its signature flavor. A slice of this cake is pure comfort, with each bite oozing rich, sugary bliss.
Get the Recipe: Southern Caramel Cake

Southern Cheese Straws

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

Cheese Straws are the quintessential Southern snack that packs a cheesy punch! Made with sharp cheddar, butter, and just a touch of spice, they’re piped into elegant, crispy bites. Whether you’re pairing them with a glass of sweet tea or serving them at a gathering, their crunch and bold flavor are always a hit. Once you try them, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cheese Straws

Southern Chicken and Dumplings

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

Southern Chicken and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food! This hearty dish features tender chicken and soft, pillowy dumplings cooked in a flavorful, creamy broth. It’s a warm, satisfying meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. Perfect for enjoying at the dinner table with loved ones, this timeless recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Southern Chicken and Dumplings

Southern Cornbread Dressing

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

Southern Cornbread Dressing is a must-have dish for festive meals or Sunday suppers. Made with crumbled cornbread, sautéed vegetables, and rich chicken broth, it’s moist, savory, and bursting with flavor. Some Southern recipes even add sausage or hard-boiled eggs for extra heartiness! This is one side dish that steals the spotlight every time it’s served.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread Dressing

Southern Cornbread Recipe

A slice of cornbread with a pat of melting butter sits on a white plate, showcasing the comfort of Southern cuisine recipes, with another slice and a serving fork in the background.
Southern Cornbread Recipe. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Southern Cornbread is a golden, crumbly classic that can transform any meal. This simple recipe combines everyday pantry ingredients like cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk to create a perfectly balanced bread. Whether you prefer it sweet or savory, cornbread is ideal for soaking up stews, soups, or gravies. Serve it fresh from the oven and watch it disappear!
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread Recipe

Southern Mashed Potatoes

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

Southern Mashed Potatoes are creamy, buttery, and completely irresistible. Made with plenty of heavy cream and butter, they’re whipped to perfection for a smooth, fluffy texture. A sprinkle of salt and pepper brings out all the deliciousness. They’re a side dish staple that pairs perfectly with just about everything!
Get the Recipe: Southern Mashed Potatoes

Southern Peach Cobbler

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

Southern Peach Cobbler is summer captured in a dish! Juicy peaches are baked under a golden, buttery crust with just the right amount of sweetness. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’re in dessert heaven. This beloved classic is the kind of recipe that makes any gathering extra special.
Get the Recipe: Southern Peach Cobbler

Southern Pecan Pie

A slice of pecan pie, a classic from Amazing Southern recipes, sits on a decorative white plate with a gold floral pattern, set on a light-colored surface.
Southern Pecan Pie. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Southern Pecan Pie is all about that gooey, nutty goodness! A flaky pie crust is filled with a rich mix of pecans, eggs, sugar, and syrup, baked until golden. Each bite is a perfect balance of crunch and sweetness. This timeless dessert is a favorite at any family gathering and holds a special place on the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Southern Pecan Pie

Southern Strawberry Cobbler

A serving of strawberry cobbler topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a decorative plate, with a fork and fresh strawberries in the background—a classic treat from Southern cuisine.
Southern Strawberry Cobbler. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Southern Strawberry Cobbler highlights sweet, juicy strawberries baked under a tender biscuit topping. It’s the perfect dessert to celebrate strawberry season! Each bite is a delightful mix of tart strawberries and buttery dough. Serve it fresh out of the oven with whipped cream or a dollop of ice cream for extra decadence.
Get the Recipe: Southern Strawberry Cobbler

Southern Sweet Potato Pie

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

Sweet Potato Pie is a Southern treasure, simple but packed with flavor. Made with mashed sweet potatoes, warm spices, and rich condensed milk, the filling is delightfully smooth. Baked in a buttery crust, it’s comfort food in dessert form. Swap your usual pumpkin pie for this Southern favorite and taste the difference.
Get the Recipe: Southern Sweet Potato Pie

Tea Cakes – Old-fashioned Southern Recipe

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

Southern Tea Cakes are sweet, tender cookies with a nostalgic charm. These cookies strike the perfect balance between soft and slightly crisp, with just a hint of vanilla. They’re a comforting snack that pairs beautifully with an afternoon cup of tea or coffee. You’ll enjoy every bite of these delightful treats!
Get the Recipe: Tea Cakes – Old-fashioned Southern Recipe

Fresh Salsa Southern Style

A bowl of fresh salsa with diced tomatoes, peppers, onions, and cilantro—a vibrant twist on Southern cuisine—sits next to several square crackers on a wooden surface.
Fresh Salsa Southern Style. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Southern-style Fresh Salsa brings classic Tex-Mex flavor to your table. Made with ripe tomatoes, zesty onions, and just the right heat from jalapeños, it’s fresh, chunky, and vibrant. A dash of lime and cilantro pulls it all together. Serve it with crispy tortilla chips or over grilled meats for a burst of flavor!
Get the Recipe: Fresh Salsa Southern Style

Granny’s Fried Chicken

A plate piled with crispy, golden-brown fried chicken pieces.
Image Credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Granny’s Fried Chicken is classic, old-fashioned fried chicken. There’s no brining or soaking in buttermilk and no egg wash. It’s simple and delicious!
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Chicken

Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Green beans with pork on a black plate.
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans are a side dish that’s packed with flavor. The green beans are cooked low and slow with onions, garlic, and seasonings until they’re tender and full of deliciousness. Sometimes, a bit of bacon is added for extra smoky goodness. It’s the ultimate hassle-free side you’ll make again and again.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

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.

Southern Ham Gravy is a flavor-packed addition to any breakfast spread, especially when paired with cheesy biscuits and eggs. The gravy is made from savory ham drippings and milk, creating a luscious, creamy sauce. Drizzle it generously over fluffy biscuits and sunny-side-up eggs for a truly satisfying meal. Each bite feels like a Southern breakfast hug!
Get the Recipe: Best Southern Ham Gravy With Cheesy Biscuits And Eggs

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.

Buttermilk Onion Rings bring a bold Southern flavor to this crispy favorite. Fresh onion slices are soaked in buttermilk, coated in a seasoned breading, and fried until golden. The result? A crunchy coating with a delicious, tender onion inside. They’re an irresistible snack or side dish that’s bursting with Southern charm!
Get the Recipe: Crispy Southern Buttermilk Onion Rings

Sweet Southern Buttermilk Cornbread

Close-up of honey being drizzled onto a slice of Southern cornbread with a wooden honey dipper. The cornbread, boasting a moist center and golden crust, sits on parchment paper, accompanied by green leaves. The softly blurred background highlights its inviting texture.
Sweet Southern Buttermilk Cornbread. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Sweet Southern Buttermilk Cornbread is soft, buttery, and just the right amount of sweet. The buttermilk gives it a wonderfully tender texture that melts in your mouth. Perfect on its own or slathered with butter and honey, it’s comfort food at its finest. Pair it with chili or soup for the ultimate meal!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Southern Buttermilk Cornbread

Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake – Old Fashioned Recipe!

Two slices of pound cake on a white plate, accompanied by strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries.
Image Credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Old-fashioned cream cheese pound cake has been a Southern favorite for decades. This pound cake is so easy to make and turns out moist and perfect every time.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Best Southern Corn Pudding

A baked corn casserole with chopped peppers and herbs is presented in a white oval dish on a wooden surface, with a patterned cloth nearby.
Best Southern Corn Pudding. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Southern Corn Pudding is a creamy, custard-like dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Sweet corn kernels are baked into a rich mixture of eggs, cream, and a touch of sugar. The texture is soft and delightful, making it the perfect comforting side dish. It’s loved for its versatile flavor that pairs with any main meal.
Get the Recipe: Best Southern Corn Pudding

Southern Green Beans

A white dish filled with seasoned green beans and pieces of bacon, placed next to a blue cloth. A gold fork rests in the dish.
Image Credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Thousands of readers agree that this recipe for old-fashioned green beans is the best! We use bacon and cook the beans low and slow until they are tender. Your family will think you bought green beans from the local diner!
Get the Recipe: Southern Green Beans

Southern Mash

Mashed potatoes on a white plate.
Southern Mash. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Southern Mash is the ultimate comfort-food side dish. Made with creamy potatoes, a generous serving of butter, and a splash of cream, it’s pure indulgence. The smooth texture and rich flavor make it a perfect match for fried chicken, greens, or roasted meats. Whip up a batch and see why it’s loved down South!
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash

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.

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