26 Southern Comfort Recipes You Can Count On

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Whether you’re perfecting grandma’s Deviled Eggs or making fluffy biscuits, these Southern recipes guarantee success. From 3-Ingredient Biscuits and Smothered Pork Chops to creamy Shrimp and Grits and Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake, each dish is a celebration of Southern tradition and hospitality. Perfect for seasoned cooks or beginners, these comforting recipes bring the heart of Southern cooking into your kitchen, offering a delicious way to expand your comfort food repertoire.

Easy Homemade Corn Muffins

Cornbread muffins on a wire cooling rack.
Image Credit: Erren Hart for Erren’s Kitchen

This Easy Homemade Corn Muffins recipe stands out with a crispy exterior and soft, tender interior. Simple to make, these muffins are perfect for a quick batch that tastes like homemade perfection. Enjoy them as a comforting side dish or a tasty treat on their own!

GET THE RECIPE: Easy Homemade Corn Muffins

Hummingbird Poke Cake

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Image Credit: Lyuba Brooke for Will Cook for Smiles

Indulge in this tender Hummingbird Poke Cake, perfect for spring and summer. This easy version takes the classic cake and infuses it with a luscious sweet sauce, adding extra moisture and flavor. Finished with creamy cream cheese frosting, it’s a dessert that’s sure to captivate your senses!

GET THE RECIPE: Hummingbird Poke Cake

Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits

A strawberry shortcake.
Image Credit: Erren Hart for Erren’s Kitchen

This easy Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits recipe is a game-changer, made from scratch to outshine any store-bought version. With fresh, buttery biscuits and juicy ripe strawberries, you’ll be hooked after one bite. Perfect for a summer dessert, this recipe makes baking from scratch truly rewarding—you may never go back to pre-packaged options!

GET THE RECIPE: Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits

Fried Apples

A bowl of shrimp and cheese grits with garlic honey butter.
Image Credit: Lyuba Brooke for Will Cook for Smiles

These Fried Apples offer tender sautéed slices sweetened with brown sugar and warm spices. Perfect as a side dish, pancake or waffle topping, or even as a delicious way to elevate ice cream into a special dessert.

GET THE RECIPE: Fried Apples

Easy 3 Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits

A stack of buttermilk biscuits beside a spoon covered with jelly.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Start your baking journey with this no-fail Southern recipe for 3-Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits from Not Entirely Average. Made with just butter, self-rising flour, and buttermilk, these fluffy, golden biscuits are the perfect addition to any meal. Simple and delicious, they offer a true taste of Southern comfort, whether served as a side dish, baked into a casserole, or enjoyed with honey or jam. Bake a batch and savor a piece of the South!

GET THE RECIPE: Homemade Biscuits

Copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak

Chicken fried steak with country gravy.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

This Copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak recipe brings Southern comfort to your kitchen in just 45 minutes! Known as chicken-fried steak in the South, it features seasoned cube steak with a crispy golden crust, paired with creamy white sawmill gravy that’ll have you reaching for seconds!

GET THE RECIPE: Chicken Fried Steak

Easy Layered Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Trifle

Layers of banana pudding, Nilla wafer cookies, and whipped cream.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Ask any Southerner, and they’ll tell you the ultimate comfort dessert is Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding—a no-bake, layered trifle with creamy vanilla pudding, Nilla Wafers, and luscious Cool Whip! Quick to prepare and crowd-pleasing, this make-ahead dessert is perfect for any occasion.

GET THE RECIPE: Banana Pudding

Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice & Scratch Pan Gravy

A dinner plate filled with rice and topped with a fried chicken cutlet and scratch-made country gravy.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice & Scratch Pan Gravy is pure comfort. Golden breaded cutlets paired with savory pan gravy and American-grown rice capture the essence of Southern cooking. While simple in ingredients, this dish brings a delicious harmony that embodies homey goodness in every bite.

GET THE RECIPE: Fried Chicken

Fried Cabbage

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Image Credit: Lyuba Brooke for Will Cook for Smiles

Fried Cabbage is a simple yet flavorful side dish made with cabbage, leeks, and bacon. Seasoned with just salt and pepper, it lets the natural flavors shine. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a quick and tasty addition to any meal!

GET THE RECIPE: Fried Cabbage

Cornmeal Biscuits with Country Sausage and Watermelon Rind Preserves

Cornmeal sausage breakfast biscuits with pickled watermelon rind preserves on the side.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Cornmeal Biscuits with Country Sausage and Watermelon Rind Preserves offer a delightful blend of flavors. The rustic biscuits pair perfectly with savory sausage, while the sweet tang of the preserves adds a unique twist. Perfect for breakfast or on the go, you’ll wonder how you haven’t tried these preserves before! Check out the link to get your own jar.

GET THE RECIPE: Breakfast Biscuits

Smothered Pork Chops

Pork chops in mushroom gravy.
Image Credit: Erren Hart for Erren’s Kitchen

This Smothered Pork Chops recipe is easy to prepare and utterly delicious. As a one-pan comfort meal, it’s perfect for a cozy evening at home. Hearty and savory, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

GET THE RECIPE: Smothered Pork Chops

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

Deviled Eggs are a staple at every Southern gathering, and this version adds a fun twist. Southern Deviled Eggs with Pimento Cheese combine bold, creamy pimento cheese with the classic ingredients we all love. Ready to be the star of your next tailgate or cookout? These deviled eggs are sure to steal the spotlight!

GET THE RECIPE: Deviled Eggs

Jalapeno Cornbread

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Image Credit: Lyuba Brooke for Will Cook for Smiles

Homemade Jalapeño Cornbread is a flavorful upgrade from boxed mixes, blending sweet and spicy notes with sharp cheddar cheese. The cheese adds richness and texture, making it the perfect companion for chili or soups. Quick to prepare, this crowd-pleaser is sure to become a go-to favorite!

GET THE RECIPE: Jalapeno Cornbread

“Chicken on The Ritz” Casserole

A spoonful of chicken casserole with a Ritz cracker topping.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

“Chicken on The Ritz” Casserole comes together with fewer than ten ingredients, featuring a velvety, creamy sauce that’s perfect for busy nights. Using tender rotisserie chicken makes this easy, satisfying dish a go-to for quick weeknight dinners.

GET THE RECIPE: Ritz Cracker Chicken

Copycat Bob Evans Sausage Gravy and Biscuit Casserole

A plate of scrambled eggs and hot sausage biscuit and gravy casserole.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Get ready for breakfast casserole bliss with this recreation of Bob Evans’ famous Sausage Gravy! Using just flour and a skillet, we’ll make a savory gravy, then layer it with biscuits for a mouthwatering casserole. Perfect for brunch, weekend breakfasts, or even breakfast for dinner, this quick and easy dish is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it reheats perfectly for leftovers!

GET THE RECIPE: Biscuit and Gravy Casserole

Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake

A bundt cake with rich white icing drizzled on top, placed on a wooden surface.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Serve up some nostalgia with this Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake, a classic recipe that bakes into a moist, beautiful cake perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and a quick two-step method, you’ll have an old-fashioned cream cheese pound cake that rivals any Southern baker’s creation. So why wait?

GET THE RECIPE: Pound Cake

{Best Ever} Easy Crab Cakes

Crabcakes on a plate with a lemon wedge.
Image Credit: Erren Hart for Erren’s Kitchen

This Easy Crab Cakes recipe offers flexibility, letting you use fresh or canned crab meat. Whether you choose the convenience of canned or the freshness of just-caught crab, these crab cakes promise a delicious and satisfying seafood dish you can enjoy anytime.

GET THE RECIPE: Crab Cakes

Best Southern Corn Pudding

The image shows a close-up of a corn casserole topped with pieces of corn, green onions, and seasonings. The dish has a golden-brown finish and is garnished with fresh herbs.
Photo Credit: Not Entirely Average.

Southern Corn Pudding is a classic farm-to-table dish, perfect alongside anything from grilled steak to Thanksgiving turkey. Baked to a golden brown, this creamy corn pudding pairs beautifully with holiday ham, turkey, or even a green bean casserole. A true Southern favorite!

GET THE RECIPE: Corn Casserole

Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Casserole

Beef and noodle casserole in a baking dish.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Enjoy the ultimate comfort with this Sour Cream Beef and Noodle Casserole! Tender egg noodles in a creamy sauce, baked with ground beef and sausage, make for a hearty and satisfying weeknight meal. Easy to prepare, this classic dish is sure to be a family favorite.

GET THE RECIPE: Beef Noodle Casserole

Slow Cooker Mississippi Beef Stew

Close-up of a hearty stew featuring browned chunks of beef, whole baby potatoes, sliced carrots, and green Brussels sprout leaves in a rich, savory sauce. The ingredients are mixed together, showcasing a comforting, home-cooked dish.
Slow Cooker Mississippi Beef Stew. Photo credit: Simply Stacie.

Slow Cooker Mississippi Beef Stew is a Southern favorite that combines tender beef with pepperoncini, ranch seasoning, and au jus gravy. This hearty stew is perfect for warming your soul, with its rich, tangy flavors and melt-in-your-mouth meat, making it a standout choice for any slow cooker meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mississippi Beef Stew

Tailgater Frito Pie with Cowgirl Chili

Fritos corn ships smothered in chili con carne and jalepenos.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Enjoy the ultimate comfort food with Tailgater Frito Pie with Cowgirl Chili, where America’s favorite snacking chip meets hearty chili con carne. This Southern classic layers crunchy Fritos, chili, and melted cheese, making it perfect for game day or a unique family meal. Big flavors, minimal effort!

GET THE RECIPE: Frito Pie

How To Make the Best Damn Wagyu Meatloaf

A dinner plate heaped with meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, and Brussels sprouts.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

This luxurious Wagyu Meatloaf, made with high-quality Wagyu beef, is exceptionally tender and rich in flavor. Topped with a savory glaze that elevates its natural juiciness, it turns a classic dish into a memorable, elegant comfort meal.

GET THE RECIPE: Meatloaf

Butter Pecan Cookies

A pile of pecan sandies cookies with a single pecan nut in each center.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Enjoy the sweet Southern charm of Butter Pecan Cookies! Packed with crunchy pecans and a buttery, nutty flavor, these golden cookies are perfect for any occasion, from holidays to afternoon tea.

GET THE RECIPE: Butter Pecan Cookies

Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake

A cheesecake with a graham cracker crust, topped with pecans and sauce; a slice is being lifted from the whole cake.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

This Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake combines smooth bourbon with crunchy pecans for a truly versatile dessert. Perfect for celebrations or everyday indulgence, it adds Southern charm to any occasion and impresses with every bite.

GET THE RECIPE: Praline Cheesecake

A Sweet, Sticky, Spicy Bourbon Glaze

A spoon drizzling a sticky bourbon glaze into a pot.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Try this recipe with over 100 5-star reviews! Unleash the bold flavors of Sweet, Sticky, Spicy Bourbon Glaze on ribs, chicken, or shrimp for a deliciously complex taste. Infused with bourbon and a perfect blend of sweetness and spice, it’s a must for any barbecue lover looking to elevate their grilled dishes.

GET THE RECIPE: Bourbon Sauce

Charleston Shrimp and Grits with Crab Gravy

A bowl of shrimp and grits with crab gravy.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Charleston Shrimp and Grits with Crab Gravy is a true delight. Succulent shrimp served over creamy, cheesy grits, infused with spices and topped with fresh green onions, offers a rich, comforting taste. Ideal for brunch or a luxurious dinner, this Southern favorite is a must-try!

GET THE RECIPE: Shrimp and Grits

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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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