45 Southern Recipes Every Northerner Should Embrace

Jenny deRemer

Updated Oct 08, 2024

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Discover the rich, bold flavors of the South with our handpicked collection of 30 Southern Recipes Every Northerner Should Embrace. From classic comfort foods to savory delights, these recipes showcase the essence of Southern cooking, offering a delicious taste of regional favorites that will transform your meals into a Southern feast.

Table of Contents

Tomato Bacon Jam

A jar with a chunky, reddish-brown mixture and a white spoon inside, resting on a wooden surface.
Tomato Bacon Jam. Image Credit: To Simply Inspire.

Tomato Bacon Jam is a versatile condiment that adds a burst of flavor to any dish. Sweet tomatoes and smoky bacon combine with onions and garlic to create a rich, savory spread. Use it on burgers, sandwiches, or even as a dip for crackers.
Get This Recipe: Tomato Bacon Jam

A Sweet, Sticky, Spicy Bourbon Glaze

A spoon with thick, golden-brown sauce containing small dark particles hovers over a stainless steel pot partially filled with the same liquid.
A Sweet, Sticky, Spicy Bourbon Glaze. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average.

Add some Southern flair to your BBQ with A Sweet, Sticky, Spicy Bourbon Glaze. It’s perfect for brushing on ribs, chicken, or even shrimp, giving them a beautiful, caramelized finish. The combination of sweetness and heat will have everyone raving.
Get This Recipe: A Sweet, Sticky, Spicy Bourbon Glaze

Beef Tips in Creamy Mushroom Pan Sauce

A dinner plate loaded with mashed potatoes and beef tips in brown gravy with mushrooms.
Beef Tips in Creamy Mushroom Pan Sauce. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average.

Indulge in a rich and savory Southern delight with this quick and easy recipe for Beef Tips in Creamy Mushroom Pan Sauce – a mouthwatering dinner ready in just 30 minutes!

Get This Recipe: Beef Tips in Gravy

Copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak

Chicken fried steak with country gravy.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak 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 This Recipe: Chicken Fried Steak

Peach Cobbler Pound Cake

A cake topped with peach pieces, brown sugar crumble, and drizzled with white icing.
Peach Cobbler Pound Cake. Image Credit: Chenée Today.

Peach Cobbler Pound Cake combines two Southern favorites into one delectable dessert. With a buttery, dense pound cake base and a topping of juicy peaches and cinnamon, this Southern summer dessert is a taste of summer. Serve it warm with ice cream.
Get This Recipe: Peach Cobbler Pound Cake

Best Southern Corn Pudding

A spoonful of creamy baked corn casserole.
Best Southern Corn Pudding. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Southern Corn Pudding: a farm-to-table classic perfect for any occasion. Baked golden brown, this creamy delight complements grilled steak, holiday ham, turkey, and green bean casserole, bringing warmth and comfort food bliss to every dinner table.

Get This Recipe: Corn Casserole

Smoked Bologna with A Hot Honey Glaze

A smoked glazed bologna with a checkered pattern on the surface, displayed on a wooden cutting board.
Smoked Bologna with A Hot Honey Glaze. Image Credit: Smoked Meat Sunday.

Elevate your BBQ game with this Southern Smoked Bologna, glazed with a spicy honey mix that’s both sweet and fiery. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that will have your guests coming back for seconds. Slice it thick and serve with a side of your favorite slaw.
Get This Recipe: Smoked Bologna with A Hot Honey Glaze

a red plate, piled with Butter Pecan Cookies
Butter Pecan Cookies – Classic Southern Cookie Recipes. Image Credit: 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 This Recipe: Butter Pecan Cookies

Easy Layered Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Trifle

Layers of banana pudding, Nilla wafer cookies, and whipped cream.
Easy Layered Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Trifle. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average.

Indulge in classic Southern comfort with Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding, a no-bake, make-ahead dessert featuring creamy vanilla pudding, Nilla Wafers, and Cool Whip. Quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion!

Get This Recipe: Banana Pudding

Pecan Pie Recipe

A big breakfast plate of home fries, with sausages and eggs.
Pecan Pie Recipe. Image Credit: Baking A Moment.

Classic Pecan Pie features a mix of crunchy pecans, a delicate, flaky crust, and a rich, gooey filling made from brown sugar. It’s the perfect conclusion to any holiday feast! Plus, this version is crafted without any corn syrup.

Get This Recipe: Pecan Pie

Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake

A pound cake with sugar glaze.
Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Indulge in Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake, a timeless recipe that yields a moist and beautiful cake perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and an easy two-step method, you can create a decadent old-fashioned cream cheese pound cake that rivals any Southern bakers!

Get This Recipe: Pound Cake

Coconut Lovers Dream Cake with Coconut Buttercream Frosting

A yellow layer cake with white frosting and shredded coconut on top sits on a round, gold-colored plate. A slice has been cut out, revealing its interior.
Coconut Lovers Dream Cake with Coconut Buttercream Frosting. Image credit: Erren’s Kitchen.

Charleston, South Carolina’s sultry summer air beckons its most iconic summer dessert, Coconut Cake. This ethereal cake is infused with the sweetness of coconut, punctuated by the satisfying crunch of toasted coconut, and enveloped in a rich, creamy coconut buttercream frosting that’s pure bliss. With its light and airy texture, this heavenly dessert is a true Lowcountry treat, perfect for transporting you to the palmetto-lined streets of Charleston.

Get This Recipe: Coconut Cake

Brown Sugar Cake

A round, glazed bundt cake with a golden brown exterior and drip glaze topping is displayed on a clear surface.
Brown Sugar Cake. Image Credit: Erren’s Kitchen.

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of this Brown Sugar Cake, reminiscent of a classic pound cake. With a hint of tang from buttermilk and a depth of flavor from brown sugar and vanilla, this moist and dense bundt cake is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth at any time of day. Finished with a rich, buttery caramel glaze, this decadent treat is sure to become a favorite for dessert or breakfast.

Get This Recipe: Brown Sugar Cake

Kentucky Bourbon Pie

A slice of pie topped with a dollop of whipped cream on a white plate.
Kentucky Bourbon Pie. Image Credit: Homemade Hooplah.

Kentucky Bourbon Pie is a decadent treat filled with rich chocolate, crunchy pecans, and a splash of bourbon. This Southern summer dessert’s gooey, chocolatey filling contrasts beautifully with the crisp, flaky crust, making it perfect for gatherings.
Get This Recipe: Kentucky Bourbon Pie

Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes in a bowl topped with a swirl of brown sauce.
Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes. Image Credit: PiperCooks

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

Get This Recipe: Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes

Easy 3 Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits

Biscuits stacked up alongside a spoon with jam.
Easy 3 Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average.

With just three simple ingredients, you can create flaky, tender Buttermilk 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 This Recipe: Buttermilk Biscuits

Southern Peach Cobbler

A peach cobbler topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, served with a spoon.
Southern Peach Cobbler. Image Credit: Butter Your Biscuit.

This Southern Peach Cobbler features a sweet, juicy peach filling and a golden, biscuit-like topping. It’s an easy Southern summer dessert that’s bursting with fresh peach flavor and a hint of cinnamon. Serve it warm with ice cream for a classic treat.
Get This Recipe: Southern Peach Cobbler

Pecan Pie Bars

A large shrimp in gravy over cheese grits.
Pecan Pie Bars. Image Credit: Baking A Moment

Pecan Pie Bars mean you get to enjoy all the flavors of traditional pecan pie in a convenient grab-and-go bar. These treats feature a rich, caramel-like pecan filling atop a buttery shortbread base, all crafted without any corn syrup!

Get This Recipe: Pecan Pie Bars

Copycat Bob Evans Sausage Gravy and Biscuit Casserole

A plate of scrambled eggs and hot sausage biscuit and gravy casserole.
Copycat Bob Evans Sausage Gravy and Biscuit Casserole. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average.

Indulge in Bob Evans Sausage Gravy recipe, recreated in a mouthwatering breakfast casserole! With just flour and a skillet, whip up this savory delight, layer with biscuits, and enjoy a quick and easy brunch or breakfast favorite that reheats beautifully for leftovers.

Get This Recipe: Biscuit and Gravy Casserole

Easy 15 Minute Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cream Pie

Easy 15 Minute Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cream Pie.
Easy 15 Minute Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cream Pie. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average.

15 Minute No-Bake Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cream Pie is an incredibly simple dessert to make, requiring just a few ingredients!

Get This Recipe: Peanut Butter Pie

Blackberry Cobbler

A serving of blackberry cobbler topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a white plate, fresh blackberries in the background.
Blackberry Cobbler. Image Credit: Love From the Oven.

Blackberry Cobbler is a simple yet delicious Southern summer dessert that highlights the natural sweetness of ripe blackberries. The fruit filling is topped with a buttery, crumbly crust that’s baked to perfection, making it a favorite at summer gatherings.
Get This Recipe: Blackberry Cobbler

Red Velvet Cheesecake

Macaroni and cheese.
Red Velvet Cheesecake. Image Credit: Baking A Moment

Your family and friends will be captivated by this exquisite Red Velvet Cheesecake! It features a crisp Oreo base and a smooth filling enriched with cocoa and buttermilk.

Get This Recipe: Red Velvet Cheesecake

Chicken on the Ritz Casserole

A spoonful of chicken casserole with a Ritz cracker topping.
Chicken on the Ritz Casserole. Image Credit: 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 This Recipe: Ritz Chicken Casserole

Strawberry Biscuits

Freshly baked strawberry scones on a parchment-lined tray, surrounded by whole strawberries.
Strawberry Biscuits. Image Credit: Live to Sweet.

These Strawberry Biscuits are a sweet comfort food twist on the classic biscuit, with fresh strawberries baked right in. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dessert.
Get This Recipe: Strawberry Biscuits

Smoked Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwiches

A heap of smoked pork on a griddled bun, with coleslaw.
Smoked Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwiches. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Embark on a Carolina-style barbecue adventure! Slow-smoked pork, tender, juicy, and full of flavor, comes together in a mouthwatering pile of Smoked Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwiches that capture the traditional spirit of this regional specialty.

Get This Recipe: Pulled Pork Sandwich

Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

A spoonful of crispy tater tots topped with melted cheese and creamy sauce, mixed with corn and peas.
Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Image 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 This Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Casserole

HERO image for a Sour Cream Noodle Bake casserole.
Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Casserole. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average.

Pasta lovers, rejoice! This creamy Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Casserole 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 This Recipe: Sour Cream Noodle Bake

Carolina Bbq Sauce

A close-up of a spoon resting in a bowl filled with thick, dark barbecue sauce.
Carolina Bbq Sauce. Image Credit: Erren’s Kitchen.

Experience the genuine taste of the Carolinas with our signature Carolina Bbq Sauce, expertly crafted to capture the region’s signature tang and flavor. This mouthwatering blend of apple cider vinegar, mustard, and spices is ideal for marinating, basting, or dipping your favorite grilled meats, adding a depth of flavor that’s both authentic and irresistible.

Get This Recipe: Carolina Bbq Sauce

Alabama White Sauce

A spoon lifting creamy, pepper-speckled dressing from a mason jar.
Alabama White Sauce. Image Credit: Dishes with Dad.

Alabama White Sauce is a unique, tangy Southern mayonnaise-based BBQ sauce that’s a must-try for any grilling enthusiast. It’s perfect for drizzling over grilled chicken or using as a dipping sauce for veggies. Its creamy texture and bold flavor make it a standout at any BBQ.
Get This Recipe: Alabama White Sauce

Southern Pimento Cheese Nachos

A plate of nachos topped with melted cheese, jalapeño slices, ground meat, sour cream, and chopped green onions.
Southern Pimento Cheese Nachos. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average.

Take your nachos up a notch with Southern Pimento Cheese Nachos. Creamy, tangy pimento cheese melts beautifully over the chips, creating a rich and flavorful bite. Add some pickled jalapeños and bacon bits for extra Southern charm.
Get This Recipe: Southern Pimento Cheese Nachos

Green Bean Casserole with Bacon

A spoonful of green beans, bacon pieces, creamy sauce, and breadcrumb topping.
Green Bean Casserole with Bacon. Image Credit: Erren’s Kitchen.

Creamy comfort meets crispy crunch! This Green Bean Casserole with Bacon boasts a luxurious sauce from scratch and a golden, breaded topping for a textural experience that’s just as delightful as the taste.

Get This Recipe: Green Bean Casserole with Bacon

Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes

A bowl of mashed sweet potatoes topped with melted butter and a sprinkle of herbs.
Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes. Image credit: Erren’s Kitchen.

Elevate your side dish game with our decadent Mashed Sweet Potatoes, a delightful twist on the classic spud. This sumptuous recipe yields a velvety-smooth mash infused with a rich, buttery flavor that’s sure to become a new favorite.

Get This Recipe: Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Pig Pickin’ Cake

A cake topped with creamy frosting, orange slices, and a cherry.
Pig Pickin’ Cake. Image Credit: Homemade Hooplah.

Pig Pickin’ Cake is a delightful Southern summer dessert featuring layers of moist yellow cake, crushed pineapple, and whipped topping. The refreshing pineapple adds a tropical twist perfect for hot summer days and potlucks.
Get This Recipe: Pig Pickin’ Cake

Hummingbird Poke Cake

A dinner plate filled with rice and topped with a fried chicken cutlet and scratch-made country gravy.
Hummingbird Poke Cake. Image Credit: Will Cook for Smiles.

Indulge in this irresistibly tender Hummingbird Poke Cake, perfect for the blossoming seasons of spring and summer. In this rendition, we enhance the ease factor by transforming it into a poke cake, infusing each crumb with an extra layer of lusciousness courtesy of a velvety, sweet sauce.

Get This Recipe: Hummingbird Poke Cake

Best Southern Ham Gravy with Cheesy Biscuits and Eggs

A plate of cheesy eggs and biscuits smothered in southern ham gravy.
Best Southern Ham Gravy with Cheesy Biscuits and Eggs. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average.

Indulge in a classic Southern breakfast, featuring Best Southern Ham Gravy with Cheesy Biscuits and Eggs. The best part? These mouthwatering dishes are easy to make from scratch and can be whipped up in mere minutes, perfect for gathering together and savoring the moment.

Get This Recipe: Ham Gravy

Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict

Two pulled pork eggs benedict on a plate with sauce.
Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict. Image credit: Cook What You Love.

Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict! Tender pulled pork meets perfectly poached eggs, all drizzled with a creamy hollandaise sauce.
Get This Recipe: Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict

Oven Baked Deep South Barbecue Ribs

Close-up of a plate filled with barbeque ribs, covered in a rich, dark sauce with slightly charred edges. The ribs are stacked neatly on a light-colored dish, highlighting their juicy and glazed texture.
Oven Baked Deep South Barbecue Ribs. Image Credit: 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 This Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs

Hummingbird Cake

A spoonful of bourbon glaze dripping back into a hot pan.
Hummingbird Cake. Image Credit: Baking A Moment

Hummingbird Cake is a traditional Southern pleasure, crafted with a blend of sweet pineapple, ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and crunchy nuts, all perfectly complemented by a creamy and tangy cream cheese frosting. A truly irresistible treat that brings together everything that is wonderful about dessert in every bite!

Get This Recipe: Hummingbird Cake

Tailgater Frito Pie with Cowgirl Chili

overhead photo of Frito Pie Casserole on a tray
Tailgater Frito Pie with Cowgirl Chili. Image Credit: 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 This Recipe: Frito Pie

Southern Strawberry-Coconut Punch Bowl Cake

A layered dessert in a glass bowl with whipped cream, strawberries, nuts, and coconut flakes, topped with fresh strawberries.
Southern Strawberry-Coconut Punch Bowl Cake. Image Credit: The Kitchen is My Playground.

This Southern Strawberry-Coconut Punch Bowl Cake boasts the flavors and textures that make this Southern dessert a delightful surprise, perfect for feeding a crowd.
Get This Recipe: Southern Strawberry-Coconut Punch Bowl Cake

A Recipe for Charleston Pickled Spiced Shrimp

Pickled shrimp and vegetables on toasted rye with aioli.
A Recipe for Charleston Pickled Spiced Shrimp. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average.

Savor the flavor of Charleston Pickled Spiced Shrimp, a show-stopping dish featuring grilled rye bread, luscious sherry aioli, and a colorful medley of pickled veggies. The star of the show: tender shrimp poached in a zesty lemon and Old Bay Seasoning broth, guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.

Get This Recipe: Pickled Shrimp

The Best Fresh Savory Tomato Pie

A baked vegetable and cheese dish topped with breadcrumbs, served in a metal pie tin.
The Best Fresh Savory Tomato Pie. Image Credit: Boulder Locavore.

This Savory Tomato Pie features a flaky crust, layers of ripe tomatoes, and a cheesy filling. It’s a Southern classic that’s perfect for using up your garden’s bounty. Enjoy it warm from the oven or at room temperature for a delicious summer meal.
Get This Recipe: The Best Fresh Savory Tomato Pie

Piquant White Cheddar Pimento Cheese

a glass bowl filled, with Piquant White Cheddar Pimento Cheese
Piquant White Cheddar Pimento Cheese. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average.

Think ‘zesty grilled cheese, ultimate burger topping, and perfect partner for saltines’ when you think Piquant White Cheddar Pimento Cheese.

Get This Recipe: Pimento Cheese

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.
Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice & Scratch Pan Gravy. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average.

Experience the heart and soul of Southern cooking with Crispy Chicken, Herbed Carolina Gold Rice, and Scratch Pan Gravy. This comforting dish combines crispy fried chicken, flavorful rice, and savory pan gravy for a harmonious, homey delight that’s pure Southern goodness.

Get This Recipe: Fried Chicken

Sweet Potato Pie

A plate of cheesy eggs and biscuits smothered in southern ham gravy.
Sweet Potato Pie. Image Credit: Baking A Moment.

The flavors in this Southern Sweet Potato Pie recipe are perfectly balanced! Enjoy the earthy taste of roasted sweet potatoes mixed with brown sugar and spices, all encased in a delicate, flaky crust.

Get This Recipe: Sweet Potato Pie

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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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