Get ready to savor the flavors of the South with these 10 heirloom recipes, cherished and passed down through generations. From flaky, buttery cheese straws to decadent fudge pie that satisfies the sweetest tooth, these Southern classics are sure to become family favorites in your own home. Discover the rich traditions and unforgettable flavors that make Southern cooking so special.

Granny’s Fried Apple Pies

A fried apple pie cut in half.
Image Credit: Southern Food and Fun.

A taste of nostalgia in every bite, these sweet, crispy apple pies are a Southern family tradition that’ll warm your heart and your kitchen.

Get the recipe: Fried Apple Pies

Southern Cheese Straws

Cheese Straws — crispy, buttery, homemade crackers that are easy to make and a great appetizer!
Image Credit: Southern Food and Fun.

These flaky, cheesy bites will disappear in seconds. Perfect for any party, they’re so addictive that you’ll want to double the recipe.

Get the recipe: Cheese Straws

Pecan Pie with Cane Syrup

Image Credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This ain’t your average pecan pie. Made with rich cane syrup, this classic dessert is taken to the next level of flavor.

Get the recipe: Southern Pecan Pie

Southern Fried Cubed Steak

Cast iron skillet with country fried steak.
Image Credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, this comfort food classic can be smothered in rich gravy and is guaranteed to satisfy.

Get the recipe: Fried Cubed Steak

Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Southern Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting comes from an easy and moist red velvet cake recipe that will quickly become a family favorite!
Image Credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This velvety red cake is an iconic Southern treat. Moist and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, it’s a showstopper for any occasion.

Get the recipe: Red Velvet Cake

Chocolate Coca-Cola Cake

Coca-Cola Cake: old-fashioned chocolate cake made with Coca-Cola--it's rich, moist, and delicious!
Image Credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Get ready for a chocolate explosion! This moist, decadent cake has a secret ingredient that makes it extra special.

Get the recipe: Chocolate Coca-Cola Cake

Pear Salad with Cheese

Pear Salad with cheese on platter
Image Credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This vintage Southern salad is a refreshing twist on a classic pairing. Sweet pears and tangy cheese create an oddly satisfying mix of flavors.

Get the recipe: Pear Salad

Old-fashioned Fudge Pie

A slice of fudge pie on a white plate.
Image Credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Rich, decadent, and oh-so-chocolatey. This pie is a chocoholic’s dream come true.

Get the recipe: Fudge Pie

Tea Cakes

Tea cakes are buttery and slightly soft, not as sweet as a sugar cookie and falling somewhere between a cookie and a cake. They are an old-fashioned Southern favorite! This recipe is so easy--no mixer required and no chilling dough. You can have these wonderful tea cakes ready in about 30 minutes!
Southern Tea Cakes

They’re not cakes. They’re cookies. And they look like sugar cookies, but they’re not. They are tea cakes. They’re a little bit soft, a little bit crispy, crumbly, and slightly sweet—perfect.

Get the recipe: Southern Tea Cakes

Chess Pie

A plate with a slice of chess Pie which is an old-fashioned Southern favorite custard-type pie made from a few simple ingredients. It's easy and everyone loves it!
Image Credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Custardy, sweet, and a little bit tangy. This unassuming pie is full of surprises, and it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Get the recipe: Chess Pie

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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