21 Outrageously Delicious Foods with Southern Roots

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Southern food has a way of surprising you—in the best possible way. Sure, classics like fried chicken and shrimp and grits are beloved, but the South also serves up plenty of uncommonly delicious dishes that deserve their moment in the spotlight. From the indulgent crunch of Smoked Gouda and Ricotta Fritters to the comforting charm of Chicken on the Ritz Casserole and the refined Lowcountry flair of Charleston Shrimp and Grits with Crab Gravy, these recipes prove that Southern roots run both deep and delightfully creative. Get ready to explore a table full of flavors you won’t soon forget!

Smoked Gouda and Ricotta Fritters

A blue bowl filled with golden-brown, crispy rice balls. Some have been cut open to reveal a creamy white interior. A few green leaves garnish the dish. Fresh herbs and a metal sauce container are nearby.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

These Smoked Gouda and Ricotta Fritters are a cheesy, crispy dream! The combination of smoky Gouda and creamy ricotta, fried to golden perfection, makes for an irresistible appetizer. Don’t forget a drizzle of sweet and spicy bourbon glaze to take them to the next level.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Gouda and Ricotta Fritters

Southern Oven-Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Herb Crust

Slices of roasted pork tenderloin on a wooden board, garnished with fresh herbs. A jar of mustard is in the background, along with peppercorns scattered around the meat. The scene is warmly lit and appetizing.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This Southern Oven-Roasted Pork Tenderloin is marinated for 24 hours and finished with reverse steak butter for a bold and tender flavor. The herb crust adds an irresistible touch, making it perfect for any occasion. This recipe is easy to follow and yields a juicy, flavorful pork tenderloin that will impress your family and friends.
Get the Recipe: Southern Oven-Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Herb Crust

Oven Fried Chicken Drumsticks

Two crispy fried chicken drumsticks on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, garnished with dill. A fork is placed beside the dish. The chicken is golden brown and the potatoes have a smooth texture.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

These oven-fried chicken drumsticks are a delicious and easy alternative to deep-fried chicken. The chicken is soaked in a flavorful buttermilk brine and then coated in a seasoned flour mixture before being baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a comforting family meal any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Oven Fried Chicken Drumsticks

Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad

Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad in a patriotic motif serving bowl with a spoon.
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This isn’t your average potato salad! Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad combines the creamy goodness of potatoes and eggs with a tangy, slightly sweet dressing for a flavor explosion. It’s the perfect side dish to bring to your next barbecue or Easter gathering.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad

Southern Deviled Eggs with Pimento Cheese

Deviled eggs with creamy yolk filling, topped with herbs and paprika, set on a wooden surface.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

These aren’t your grandma’s deviled eggs! Tangy pimento cheese is mixed with spices to create a unique and flavorful filling that will be a hit at any gathering. These Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs are perfect for Easter, Thanksgiving, or any Southern-inspired meal.
Get the Recipe: Southern Deviled Eggs with Pimento Cheese

Chicken on the Ritz Casserole

a chicken casserole in a white dish on a wood cutting board with a salad and a glass of wine
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This Chicken on the Ritz Casserole is comfort food at its finest! Featuring a creamy chicken base topped with buttery Ritz crackers, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Customize it with your favorite veggies and cheese for a delicious, easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken on the Ritz Casserole

Cassoulet-Style French Bean Stew Recipe

a copper bowl, with bean stew and baguette
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This Cassoulet-Style French Bean Stew recipe will blow your mind! This hearty dish features a combination of pork, ham hocks, and beans, all simmered in a rich homemade chicken stock and white wine. The addition of duck fat and confit duck legs elevates this stew to a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
Get the Recipe: Cassoulet-Style French Bean Stew Recipe

Charleston Shrimp and Grits with Crab Gravy

A close-up of shrimp and grits with succulent shrimp, velvety grits, bits of vibrant red pepper, and a rich, seasoned sauce.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This Charleston Shrimp and Grits recipe is a Southern classic elevated with a luscious crab gravy. Staying true to the original Gullah method, it offers a taste that’s both authentic and unforgettable. Perfect for a special brunch or dinner, this dish is sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Charleston Shrimp and Grits with Crab Gravy

Piquant White Cheddar Pimento Cheese

A knife spreads pimento cheese from a glass jar; toasted bread and decorative foliage are in the background.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This Piquant White Cheddar Pimento Cheese recipe is a Southern classic that’s perfect as an appetizer or a snack! Use it as a spread on crackers, a topping for burgers, or even in a grilled cheese sandwich. With sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and pimentos, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Piquant White Cheddar Pimento Cheese

Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice & Scratch Pan Gravy

A plate with chicken in gravy, resting on herb-mixed rice and garnished with parsley.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This recipe for Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice & Scratch Pan Gravy is a comforting meal that’s easy to make, yet full of flavor! The crispy chicken pairs perfectly with the herbed rice and rich pan gravy. It’s a new take on a southern classic.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice & Scratch Pan Gravy

Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Casserole

sour cream noodle bake close up
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This Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Casserole is comfort food at its finest, perfect for anyone who loves a hearty and cheesy pasta bake. Loaded with ground beef, Italian sausage, and a creamy sour cream sauce, this casserole is sure to be a family favorite. It’s easy to make and satisfying!
Get the Recipe: Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Casserole

Herb and Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizers

A close-up of golden-brown pastry swirls filled with a cheesy herb mixture, garnished with sliced green onions. The pastries are on a white and green patterned plate.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

These Herb and Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizers are the perfect addition to your next party! Flaky puff pastry is filled with a cheesy mixture of cheddar, herbs, and Boursin, then baked until golden brown. Quick, easy, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Get the Recipe: Herb and Cheese Puff Pastry Appetizers

How to Make Buttermilk Fried Chicken

A basket containing fried chicken and french fries, wrapped in newspaper-style paper, is placed on a wooden table.
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Craving that classic Southern comfort food? This buttermilk fried chicken recipe delivers crispy, juicy perfection in every bite. With a few simple steps, you’ll have perfectly seasoned chicken that will impress your family and friends.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Party-Perfect Pineapple Cheese Ball Recipe

A cheese ball with pineapple topped with spices, garnished with shredded cheese, surrounded by a ring of crackers, with a decorative knife inserted on top. Copper pitchers are blurred in the background.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This sweet and savory Pineapple Cheese Ball is an easy no-bake appetizer that’s perfect for any party! Cream cheese, pineapple, cheddar cheese, and pecans come together for a delicious crowd-pleaser that’s sure to be a hit. Serve with crackers, crudités, or crostini for a guaranteed party favorite.
Get the Recipe: Party-Perfect Pineapple Cheese Ball Recipe

Smoked Bacon Wrapped Pork Loin

Smoked Bacon Wrapped Pork Loin
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This Smoked Bacon Wrapped Pork Loin recipe brings seasonal flavors to your dinner table! The sweetness of maple syrup is balanced by the smoky bacon, creating a delicious and satisfying main dish. Ready in under an hour, it’s a simple yet impressive meal.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Bacon Wrapped Pork Loin

A Pear Tart with Shortbread Crust

A slice of pear tart with crumbly topping and glossy glaze rests on a decorative plate next to a fork.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This beautiful Pear Tart with Shortbread Crust is the perfect dessert to transition from pumpkin-everything to the delicious flavors of pears. The shortbread crust adds a delightful buttery base, complementing the sweet and tender pears. Glazed with apricot jam and a hint of lemon, this tart is an elegant and flavorful treat for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: A Pear Tart with Shortbread Crust

Walnut-Bottom Peach & Apple Pie

A close up of Pie and Apple
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This Walnut-Bottom Peach & Apple Pie features a layer of finely chopped walnuts and brown sugar on the bottom that adds a nutty and sweet base. This pie combines apples and peaches that makes it a unique dessert. Serve this pie during the holidays!
Get the Recipe: Walnut-Bottom Peach & Apple Pie

Parsley Pesto Salmon Recipe

a white baking dish, with salmon fillet and vegetables
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This Pesto Salmon Recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. The bright parsley pesto combined with sweet roasted garlic complements the salmon perfectly, making it a healthy and flavorful dish for any occasion. This recipe is sure to become a new favorite!
Get the Recipe: Parsley Pesto Salmon Recipe

Sweet and Savory Chicken Salad

a glass plate, with sweet and savory chicken salad and fruit
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This sweet and savory chicken salad recipe is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. It features toasted pecans and sweet champagne grapes for a delightful twist on a classic. Serve it on your favorite sandwich bread with crisp lettuce leaves.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Savory Chicken Salad

apple pie cookies, with a cooling rack
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These Apple Cinnamon Fall Cookies are bursting with fall flavors! The recipe uses pie crust, apples, and pecans, and it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whip up a batch for Thanksgiving or Christmas!
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Fall Cookie Recipe

Country Captain Chicken Is the Curry the South Claimed

A bowl containing white rice topped with stewed chicken in a red tomato-based sauce, garnished with green herbs, placed on a red and white checkered cloth.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Country Captain Chicken journeyed from the spice markets of India to the Lowcountry shores, finding a home between Savannah and Charleston—and it’s been brightening Southern tables ever since!

Get the Recipe: Country Captain Chicken

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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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