44 Satisfying Comfort Food Favorites!

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Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our carefully curated collection of recipes, designed to wrap you in a warm embrace of flavor and nostalgia. From hearty casseroles to creamy desserts, our slideshow showcases the most mouthwatering, soul-soothing dishes that will transport you back to a time of comfort and tranquility. Get ready to satisfy your cravings and rediscover the joy of homemade goodness, one delicious bite at a time.

Table of Contents

Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

A spoonful of crispy tater tots topped with melted cheese and creamy sauce, mixed with corn and peas.
Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

This Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is perfect for gatherings, combining tender chicken, creamy cheese, and crispy tater tots. It’s easy to assemble and bake, making it an ideal choice for hosting. The hearty flavors and comforting textures are sure to impress everyone at the table. A deliciously rich dish that stands out in any meal spread. Guests will love the homestyle appeal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta

A portion of creamy chicken spaghetti.
Image Credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes

Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta, super easy and creamy, and made in one pot only.! The cajun alfredo sauce is deliciously spiced, and works perfectly well with the lean chicken breast and the pasta.

GET THE RECIPE: Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Casserole

HERO image for a Sour Cream Noodle Bake casserole.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Pasta lovers, rejoice! This creamy sour cream noodle bake is the ultimate comfort food indulgence, packed with savory beef and al dente noodles – a satisfying treat that will hit all the right spots!

GET THE RECIPE: Sour Cream Noodle Bake

Copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak

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

Copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak Recipe brings the South straight to your home kitchen in just 45 minutes! Commonly known as chicken-fried steak in the Southern United States, this dish features seasoned cube steak coated in a golden-brown crust, perfectly complemented by a rich and creamy white sawmill gravy that’ll have you craving seconds and thirds!

GET THE RECIPE: Chicken Fried Steak

Green Bean Casserole with Bacon

A spoonful of green beans, bacon pieces, creamy sauce, and breadcrumb topping.
Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Creamy comfort meets crispy crunch! This homemade green bean casserole boasts a luxurious sauce from scratch and a golden, breaded topping for a textural experience that’s just as delightful as the taste.

GET THE RECIPE: Green Bean Casserole with Bacon

Chicken Alfredo Pizza

A close-up image of a pizza topped with melted cheese, red onion slices, spinach, and bits of cooked chicken, cut into slices and placed on parchment paper.
Photo Credit: I Heart Naptime.

Combining creamy Alfredo sauce with chicken, this pizza is a must-try for pizza lovers seeking indulgence. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying dinner. The comforting taste of chicken and Alfredo sauce is a delight. Ideal for a hearty and delicious meal. This recipe is a great addition to any pizza collection.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Alfredo Pizza

Super Easy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breasts

A bacon-wrapped chicken breast, golden brown with a caramelized crust, sits in a dish with visible juices.
Photo Credit: Curry Trail.

These Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breasts are both simple and delicious. The chicken stays moist and flavorful thanks to the brown sugar and bacon wrapping. This recipe is a winner for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Super Easy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breasts

Easy 3 Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits

A biscuit with fruit jelly.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

With just three simple ingredients, you can create flaky, tender biscuits that are a masterclass in Southern baking – even if you’re a beginner! These easy-to-make treats are sure to earn you a reputation as a skilled baker.

GET THE RECIPE: Buttermilk Biscuits

Banoffee Pie

Banoffee Pie with fresh bananas.
Image Credit: Erren Hart for Erren’s Kitchen

This Banoffee Pie recipe creates an impressive British dessert that combines caramel, bananas, whipped cream, and a buttery biscuit base. Each forkful is a delightful blend of sweetness and rich flavors!

GET THE RECIPE: Banoffee Pie

Oven Baked Home Fries Recipe with Sausages and Sunny Eggs

A big breakfast plate of home fries, with sausages and eggs.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Start your day with a hearty, one-pan wonder that combines crispy, golden home fries, savory sausages, and perfectly cooked eggs – a breakfast trifecta that’s sure to become a morning favorite!

GET THE RECIPE: Sheet Pan Breakfast

Smoked Mozzarella BBQ Chicken Pizza

A close-up of a pizza topped with melted cheese, fresh cilantro, and drizzled with a dark sauce. The crust is golden brown.
Photo Credit: Sustain Life as a Strawberry.

With bold BBQ chicken and rich smoked mozzarella, this pizza is perfect for those who love robust flavors. It’s easy to prepare and ideal for a hearty meal. The smoky and savory toppings create a memorable pizza experience. A must-try for pizza enthusiasts seeking something flavorful. This recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mozzarella BBQ Chicken Pizza

Smoked Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwiches

A heap of smoked pork on a griddled bun, with coleslaw.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Get ready for a authentic Southern culinary adventure! We’re diving into the heart of Carolina-style barbecue with slow-smoked pork that’s tender, juicy, and full of flavor. The ultimate goal? A mouthwatering pile of pulled pork sandwiches that embody the traditional spirit of this beloved regional specialty. Buckle up, friends – it’s gonna be a delicious journey!

GET THE RECIPE: Pulled Pork Sandwich

Copycat Chick-Fil-A Peach Milkshake

3 milkshakes topped with cream and peach slices.
Peach Milkshakes. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Give my peach milkshake recipe a try—it’s just like the Chick-Fil-A version, and you can enjoy it any day of the week, even on Sundays!

GET THE RECIPE: Peach Milkshakes

Easy Po’ Boy Steak Sandwich

Hoagie rolls stuffed with steak and lettuce and peppers with a dressing.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Sink your teeth into the grilled, chilled, and marinated Po’ Boy Steak Sandwich, dressed with mayo, Romaine, and a whole bunch of deliciousness! Got steak? You won’t need all but a pound and a half of beef to garner SIX of these gorgeous, over-stuffed poor boy steak sandwiches. Great for tailgates, cookouts, or dinner in between weeknight kid activities.

GET THE RECIPE: Po Boy

Jalapeno Popper Pork Chops

Three cooked meat garnished with chopped parsley on a black tray.
Photo Credit: Out Grilling.

Spice up your dinner with these Jalapeno Popper Pork Chops! Juicy pork chops are stuffed with a creamy, spicy jalapeno cheese mixture and wrapped in crispy bacon. This dish packs a punch and is perfect for those who love a little heat with their meal.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Popper Pork Chops

Cornmeal Biscuits with Country Sausage and Watermelon Rind Preserves

Two country biscuits with sausage and pickled watermelon rinds preserves.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Savor the South in every bite with these tender cornmeal biscuits, packed with flavorful country sausage and sweet watermelon rind preserves – a breakfast treat that’s pure Southern comfort!

GET THE RECIPE: Sausage Biscuits

Orange Creamsicle Bars

An orange cheesecake bar with an orange slice on top.
Image Credit: Jacqueline Piper for PiperCooks

Make these easy, creamy cheesecake bars with a no-bake filling and just 7 ingredients. The only baking involved is for the graham cracker crust. With freshly squeezed Cara Cara orange juice, whipping cream, and cream cheese, they taste just like an orange creamsicle.

GET THE RECIPE: Orange Creamsicle Bars

Beef Tips in Creamy Mushroom Pan Sauce

A dinner plate loaded with mashed potatoes and beef tips in brown gravy with mushrooms.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Indulge in a rich and savory Southern delight with this quick and easy recipe for beef tips smothered in a decadent creamy mushroom sauce – a mouthwatering dinner ready in just 30 minutes!

GET THE RECIPE: Beef Tips in Gravy

Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

A toasted bun filled with shredded beef and caramelized onions.
Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches. Photo credit: Pumpkin ‘N Spice.

French dip sandwiches are a classic comfort food, and this slow cooker version makes them super easy. Just cook the beef with some onions and seasonings, and then serve on crusty rolls with a side of au jus for dipping.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

Best Southern Ham Gravy with Cheesy Biscuits and Eggs

A plate of cheesy eggs and biscuits smothered in southern ham gravy.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Southern breakfast is a delightful affair, with the rich flavors of smoky ham gravy drizzled over cheesy biscuits, perfectly complemented by velvety soft scrambled eggs. The best part? These mouthwatering dishes are a breeze to make from scratch. Some of my all-time favorite recipes can be whipped together in mere minutes, effortlessly pleasing every palate around the table. Amidst the daily hustle and bustle, there’s nothing quite like gathering together, taking a well-deserved break, and savoring the food and company. And, as it turns out, many of these easy-to-make delights are commonly served over biscuits right here in the heart of the South!

GET THE RECIPE: Ham Gravy

Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes in a bowl topped with a swirl of brown sauce.
Image Credit: Jacqueline Piper for PiperCooks

These aren’t your average mashed potatoes! Brown butter and fresh thyme add a touch of gourmet to this creamy and comforting dish. With just 4 ingredients, it’s easy enough for a weeknight meal but special enough to grace your holiday table.

Get the recipe: Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

Oven Baked Deep South Barbecue Ribs

A plate of food with a fork and knife, with Barbecue and Ribs.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Think ribs are only for BBQ pros? Think again! With a little patience, you can achieve tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs in the comfort of your own oven. No need for a pit or special skills – just time and a craving for delicious Deep South barbecue flavor!

GET THE RECIPE: Oven Baked Ribs

Best-Ever Breakfast Casserole

A serving of savory bread topped with chopped parsley on a white plate, with a fork beside it.
Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

This breakfast casserole combines eggs, sausage, cheese, and hash browns into one delicious dish. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s great for feeding a family or prepping for the week. Just bake until golden and bubbly for a satisfying start to your day.
Get the Recipe: Best-Ever Breakfast Casserole

Tailgater Frito Pie with Cowgirl Chili

overhead photo of Frito Pie Casserole on a tray
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Elevate a classic snack to a whole new level with this game-day twist: crispy Fritos meet hearty chili con carne in a flavorful fusion that’s perfect for tailgating or a cozy night in!

GET THE RECIPE: Frito Pie

Shirred Eggs (Baked Eggs)

A piece of crusty bread dipped into a baked egg dish garnished with chopped chives and black pepper, served in a white ramekin.
Photo Credit: The Heirloom Pantry.

Shirred eggs are baked with a touch of cream and a sprinkle of herbs, resulting in a rich and creamy dish. They’re incredibly easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings. Perfect for a simple yet elegant breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Shirred Eggs (Baked Eggs)

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

Prepare for breakfast casserole deliciousness as we recreate Bob Evans’ famous sausage gravy recipe! With just a bag of all-purpose flour and a skillet, we’ll whip up a batch of this savory delight. Then, we’ll layer it with biscuits to create a mouthwatering casserole that’s perfect for brunch, weekend breakfast, or even breakfast for dinner. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish will become a family favorite. Plus, it reheats beautifully for leftovers!

GET THE RECIPE: Biscuit and Gravy Casserole

Shrimp and Crab Lemon Garlic Pasta

A close-up of shrimp scampi pasta with linguine, garnished with parsley and shredded cheese. Cooked shrimp in a light, garlic butter sauce on top of a bed of pasta.
Photo Credit: Dancing Through the Rain.

Combining shrimp and crab with lemon and garlic, this summer pasta is perfect for a light yet filling dinner when you want more than a salad.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Crab Lemon Garlic Pasta

A Recipe for Charleston Pickled Spiced Shrimp

Pickled shrimp and vegetables on toasted rye with aioli.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Charleston Pickled Spiced Shrimp is a recipe that promises an unforgettable encore. Begin by grilling hearty slices of rye bread until perfectly charred, then slather them with a luscious sherry aioli. Next, pile on a colorful array of crunchy veggies, including onion, celery, carrot, fennel, and vibrant red bell pepper, all pickled to perfection in an irresistible blend of Champagne vinegar and aromatic celery seed brine. And let’s not forget the star of the show – shrimp, gently poached in a fragrant bath infused with zesty lemon zest and the unmistakable kick of Old Bay Seasoning. 

GET THE RECIPE: Pickled Shrimp

Easy Strawberry Galette

A pastry with strawberries.
Image Credit: Erren Hart for Erren’s Kitchen

This simple Strawberry Galette recipe is an easy and adaptable dessert option. It combines fresh strawberries and puff pastry with a splash of orange for a scrumptious finish, making it a popular choice for any occasion.

GET THE RECIPE: Strawberry Galette

The 3 Ingredient Ham Glaze Recipe That Makes a Gigantic Difference

Quick and Easy 3-Ingredient Ham Glaze! Story Poster Image
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Take your holiday ham to the next level with a sweet and tangy glaze that’s incredibly easy to make. With just three ingredients, you’ll create a flavor combination that’s sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more. It’s the perfect way to add a little extra something special to your holiday meal!

GET THE RECIPE: Ham Glaze

Sweet Crock Pot Pulled Pork

A close-up of a barbecue pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw in a bun.
Photo Credit: Homemade Hooplah.

This Southern crock pot pulled pork is sweet, tender, and incredibly easy to make. Just set it and forget it, and come back to a pot full of delicious, shredded pork. Serve it on buns with a side of coleslaw for a classic Southern meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Crock Pot Pulled Pork

Best Southern Corn Pudding

A spoonful of creamy baked corn casserole.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Southern Corn Pudding is farm to table fare, accompanying everything from grilled steak to the Thanksgiving dinner turkey! Baked until gorgeously golden brown, spoonsful of ‘creamy corn pudding bliss’ grace the dinner table in this classic southern dish. If serving as part of a holiday meal, it compliments everything from holiday ham and turkey to a green bean casserole!

GET THE RECIPE: Corn Casserole

Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Grilled and sliced chicken breast topped with grated cheese and parsley, served on a bed of pasta.
Photo Credit: A Full Living.

Cajun Chicken Alfredo combines the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce with bold Cajun seasoning, making it a standout dish for impressing guests. The hint of spice adds excitement to your dinner table. Easy to prepare, it’s an excellent choice for busy hosts. Serve over pasta for a comforting and delicious meal. Your guests will appreciate this flavorful twist.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Creamy Sweet Potato and Muenster Gratin

A casserole of sweet potatoes layered with Muenster cheese.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

The epitome of southern comfort food might be this Creamy Sweet Potato and Muenster Gratin. This rendition of potato gratin takes the beloved Southern staple sweet potato to unparalleled heights of richness with minimal effort required. This dish embodies the perfect marriage of creamy and cheesy, offering a savory counterpart to the iconic Southern sweet potato casserole. This potato bake effortlessly steals the spotlight, giving even your main course a run for its money in the flavor department.

GET THE RECIPE: Potatoes Au Gratin

Creamy Scallop Spaghetti

A portion of creamy scallops with spaghetti.
Image Credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes

This Creamy Scallop Spaghetti is a delicious meal that is made with seared scallops in a rich cream sauce and pasta for a quick an rich dish that will comfort you like nothing else.

GET THE RECIPE: Creamy Scallop Spaghetti

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

There’s nothing quite as comforting as breaded cutlets fried to a perfect golden brown and served alongside a savory pan gravy. Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice & Scratch Pan Gravy is pure homey goodness. While this dish may not boast extravagant flavors or elaborate presentation, it captures the heart and soul of Southern American cooking in every forkful. Bringing together crispy fried chicken and American-grown rice, each element may seem ordinary. However, when plated together and paired with scratch-made pan gravy, they form a harmony that whistles Dixie.

GET THE RECIPE: Fried Chicken

Chocolate Pudding Pie

A slice of chocolate pie with whipped cream.
Image Credit: Erren Hart for Erren’s Kitchen

This superb Chocolate Pudding Pie features layers of fluffy whipped cream and a rich, homemade chocolate pudding nestled in a pie crust, all topped off with elegant chocolate curls. It’s the ultimate treat for anyone who adores chocolate!

GET THE RECIPE: Chocolate Pudding Pie

a red plate, piled with Butter Pecan Cookies
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Indulge in a sweet blast from the past with these classic Butter Pecan Cookies, fresh from the oven! Soft, buttery, and nutty, these tender treats are perfect for satisfying your summer snacking cravings. Get ready to savor the warmth and nostalgia in every bite!

GET THE RECIPE: Butter Pecan Cookies

Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops

Two pork chops covered in a creamy herb sauce on a rectangular white plate, garnished with dried herbs. A wooden spoon and a small wooden bowl with herbs are on the side.
Photo Credit: The Feathered Nester.

These ranch pork chops are a comforting and easy meal. Just coat the pork chops in ranch seasoning and let the slow cooker do the rest. They come out tender and full of flavor, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops

Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake

A pound cake with sugar glaze.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Serve a slice of nostalgia with Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake, a timeless recipe that delivers a big, beautiful, moist cake perfect for any occasion! With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can quickly whip up an easy cake batter that transforms into the BEST old-fashioned cream cheese pound cake you can imagine. And here’s the best part – it’s all achieved through a two-step method! Yes, you read that right – two simple steps stand between you and a delectable pound cake that rivals those crafted by any Southern baker. So why wait?

GET THE RECIPE: Pound Cake

Chicken on the Ritz Casserole

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

With just a handful of straightforward ingredients, you can create a rich and creamy sauce that takes this scrumptious ‘Chicken on The Ritz’ Casserole to the next level – perfect for hectic evenings. Plus, if you have a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken on hand, you’re already halfway to a stress-free dinner!

GET THE RECIPE: Ritz Chicken Casserole

Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Chicken

A creamy dish topped with chicken, garnished with lemon slices and chopped herbs.
Photo Credit: Flavorful Eats.

Creamy lemon chicken is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for summer. The slow cooker ensures the chicken stays moist and flavorful, while the lemon adds a bright, tangy note. Pair it with some steamed veggies for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Chicken

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 self-respecting Southerner, and they’ll tell you that the ultimate Southern comfort dessert is Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding, a delicious scratch-made layered trifle boasting creamy vanilla pudding, Nilla Wafers, and luscious Cool Whip! This make-ahead, no-bake dessert is a breeze to whip up, utilizing simple ingredients sure to please a crowd. With just a few minutes of prep time, you can create a delicious masterpiece perfect for any occasion.

GET THE RECIPE: Banana Pudding

Air Fryer Donuts

Three stacked donuts with icing dripping down.
Image Credit: Erika Piper for The Veggie Yaya

These air fryer yeast donuts require just 5 basic ingredients and only 5 minutes to bake! They come out tender on the inside with a slightly crispy outside. Pair them with an easy 3-ingredient glaze!

GET THE RECIPE: Vegan Air Fryer Donuts

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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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