15 Southern Classics That Taste Like Home

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Southern cooking doesn’t just feed your stomach—it feeds your soul. Whether you’re digging into Kentucky Butter Cake that melts in your mouth, indulging in Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake, or cooling off with a scoop of Banana Pudding Ice Cream, these Southern recipes bring the comfort. Start the day right with Buttery Crisp Cornmeal Waffles, keep things crispy with Fried Catfish, and never say no to a batch of Southern Buttermilk Biscuits (Big Mama’s Recipe!). And let’s not forget the classics—Auntie Rose’s Deviled Eggs belong at every gathering, while Smoked Oxtail brings bold, slow-cooked flavor. So grab a plate and make yourself at home—this spread is all about good food and even better company.

Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe

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Close up of sliced Kentucky Butter Cake recipe cut across the cake to show the inside cake.
Image credit: Grandbaby Cakes

This Southern Kentucky Butter Cake is unlike any other.  With a twist of nutty rich browned butter flavor, this moist decadent pound cake recipe is set apart from any others you will find online. 
Get the Recipe: Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe

Stuffed Deviled Crab: A South Carolina Lowcountry Classic

Close-up of two savory crab cakes garnished with red peppers and green onions, being drizzled with sauce using chopsticks.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Easy Stuffed Crab packs rich, flavorful crab meat into every bite, bringing a taste of South Carolina’s Lowcountry straight to your plate!

To learn more: Stuffed Deviled Crab: A South Carolina Lowcountry Classic

Buttery Crisp Cornmeal Waffles

Two stacked waffles topped with blueberries, butter, and a dusting of powdered sugar. A sprig of mint adds decoration. A fork is placed next to the waffles on the white plate.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

These Buttery Crisp Cornmeal Waffles aren’t just for show—they bring the crunch, tenderness, and just enough grit to stand up to syrup, butter, or a fried chicken feast. Whether you’re here for sweet, savory, or a longer breakfast, they’ve got the backbone—and the attitude—to deliver.

Get the Recipe: Buttery Crisp Cornmeal Waffles

Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake

A close-up of a creamy cheesecake topped with a glossy pecan glaze, showcasing its rich texture and golden-brown crust.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake is a showstopper, stacking tangy cream cheese, caramel-soaked apples, and praline pecans—richer than your aunt’s gossip at Thanksgiving!

To learn more: Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake

Vanilla Cupcake Recipe

A white plate filled with vanilla cupcakes with a vanilla buttercream and sprinkles on a white background
Image credit: Grandbaby Cakes

Tender, perfectly moist, sweet and filled with pure vanilla flavor, this Vanilla cupcakes recipe is perfect for every occasion!
Get the Recipe: Vanilla Cupcake Recipe

Banana Fritters

Fritters with banana filling piled high with powdered sugar
Image credit: Grandbaby Cakes

Made with sweet, fruity bananas and aromatic vanilla, then fried to perfection, these Banana Fritters are yummy all the way to the last bite!
Get the Recipe: Banana Fritters

Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe

A ceramic bowl filled with creamy mashed potatoes topped with sautéed shrimp, garnished with fresh herbs. A spoon rests in the bowl, and the dish is served on a white surface.
Image credit: Grandbaby Cakes

This Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe and Grits recipe features plump delicious shrimp sauteed in a buttery and garlicky sauce served over creamy perfect grits. 
Get the Recipe: Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Southern Buttermilk Biscuits (Big Mama’s Recipe!)

Freshly baked buttermilk biscuits stacked on a plate with more biscuits with butter in the background
Image credit: Grandbaby Cakes

With their soft, flaky interior, these fluffy buttermilk biscuits are a testament to timeless culinary traditions that never go out of style.
Get the Recipe: Southern Buttermilk Biscuits (Big Mama’s Recipe!)

Homemade Banana Pudding

Serving jars filled with southern banana pudding.
Image credit: House of Nash Eats

Homemade Banana Pudding is a classic Southern dessert with sliced bananas, an easy homemade custard, Nilla wafers, and a light and fluffy meringue!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Banana Pudding

Smoked Oxtail

Presenting a delicious Smoked Oxtail
Image credit: Cooks with Soul

This smoked oxtail recipe combines the best of Southern barbecue and soul food, delivering tender, smoky, flavorful meat.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Oxtail

Auntie Rose’s Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs placed on a beige platter ready to serve as an appetizer
Image credit: Grandbaby Cakes

My aunt’s Divine Eggs are made perfectly with creamy Miracle Whip, tangy mustard and sweet relish creating the BEST Classic Deviled Eggs recipe sure to impress. An Easter and holiday MUST!
Get the Recipe: Auntie Rose’s Deviled Eggs

Cream Cheese Pound Cake

A cream cheese pound cake recipe on a white cake stand with a spatula pulling a slice out surrounded by berries on white background
Image credit: Grandbaby Cakes

Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe – a true Southern dessert classic that never goes out of style. Passed down from generation to the generation, this pound cake recipe will always be a hit!
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Banana Pudding Ice Cream

Scoops of banana pudding ice cream in a white bowl
Image credit: Grandbaby Cakes

This Banana Pudding Ice Cream is full of creamy goodness! It features cream cheese and whipped cream studded with vanilla wafer cookies and banana slices.
Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding Ice Cream

Southern Green Beans Recipe

A large white platter of southern style green beans with smoked turkey and potatoes on a white background
Image credit: Grandbaby Cakes

Slow simmered green beans and potatoes are made that much more flavorful using smoked turkey necks in this classic southern green beans recipe!
Get the Recipe: Southern Green Beans Recipe

Fried Catfish

Deep fried catfish with hush puppies on a white surface with lemon wedges and parsley sprinkled on top
Image credit: Grandbaby Cakes

This classic southern fried catfish recipe is dredged in a perfectly seasoned and spiced cornmeal breading and fried until golden brown and tender.
Get the Recipe: Fried Catfish

About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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