Southern Meals That Will Make You Feel at Home

Jenny deRemer

Nov 04, 2025

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When it comes to the best southern dinners, dishes like Slow Cooker Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey, Gumbo with Andouille Sausage and Southern Fried Catfish are must-tries. These recipes offer the comforting and hearty flavors that define southern cooking, perfect for any occasion.

Table of Contents

A Smoky Oven-Braised Pulled Pork Sandwich Recipe

A pulled pork sandwich with melted cheese on a toasted bun, sitting on brown parchment paper.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Forget the smoker—your Dutch oven already graduated summa cum laude in melt-apart pork. One easy braise later and you’ve got juicy, pile-high Oven-Braised Pulled Pork Sandwiches that outshine any barbecue, rain or shine.

Get the Recipe: A Smoky Oven-Braised Pulled Pork Sandwich Recipe

Country Captain Chicken

A plate of white rice topped with a tomato-based chicken stew, garnished with herbs and slivered almonds. A fork rests on the side, with bowls of extra rice and stew nearby.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Country Captain Chicken blends Lowcountry comfort with warm curry spices for a dish that’s both familiar and far-flung. Tender chicken, tomatoes, and a hint of sweetness make this storied Southern staple a flavorful standout.

To learn more: Country Captain Chicken

Southern Smothered Chicken Thighs with Gravy and Rice

A plate of white rice topped with two pieces of chicken covered in brown gravy. A gold fork is placed on the edge of the plate.
Image Credit: Cooks with Soul

Enjoy tender chicken thighs drenched in rich, creamy gravy with Southern Smothered Chicken Thighs with Gravy and Rice. This one-pan meal serves up comfort, making it an excellent choice for cozy family dinners that bring everyone together.
Get the Recipe: Southern Smothered Chicken Thighs with Gravy and Rice

Copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak

Country fried steaks on a platter smothered in white gravy.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak brings home all the crispy, gravy-covered goodness of a roadside favorite—without the road trip. In under an hour, you’ll have tender steak with a golden crust and classic country gravy worth licking the plate for.

To learn more: Copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak

Alabama Chopped Chicken Sandwiches

Sandwiches with chopped chicken, pickles, and creamy white sauce on toasted buns, arranged on a decorative plate.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Alabama Chopped Chicken Sandwiches serve up smoky pulled chicken drenched in creamy white sauce with a vinegary kick. Piled onto toasted buns with pickles, it’s a bold barbecue detour that’s anything but ordinary.

To learn more: Alabama Chopped Chicken Sandwiches

Slow Cooker Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey

A bowl of cooked collard greens mixed with chunks of smoked meat and pieces of onion, accompanied by a cornbread muffin resting on the edge of the bowl. In the background, a bottle is partly visible along with a plate of additional cornbread muffins.
Image Credit: Sense & Edibility

If you want a hassle-free side, try Slow Cooker Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey. These greens simmer slowly, developing deep flavors, and they make an ideal companion to any classic southern meal, perfect for gatherings or Sunday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey

Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

A close-up of a seafood boil featuring shrimp, corn on the cob, and red potatoes, seasoned with herbs and spices. The ingredients are cooked and arranged together in a vibrant, appetizing display.
Image Credit: The Jam Jar Kitchen

Whip up a feast with Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil, combining shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes for a vibrant and flavorful dish. This easy-to-prepare meal brings the essence of southern coastal cooking to your dinner table, perfect for family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

Gumbo with Andouille Sausage, Chicken, and Seafood

A bowl of seafood gumbo with shrimp, sausage, and vegetables, topped with a mound of white rice. A sprig of parsley garnishes the rice. To the left of the bowl, there is a bottle of Tabasco sauce. A spoon and striped napkin are placed to the right.
Image Credit: Sense & Edibility

Dive into the bold flavors of Gumbo with Andouille Sausage, Chicken, and Seafood. This dish boasts a hearty broth filled with savory proteins, making it a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a hearty southern dinner that warms the soul.
Get the Recipe: Gumbo with Andouille Sausage, Chicken, and Seafood

Chicken-Fried Chicken with Creamy Country Gravy

A breaded, fried piece of chicken topped with gravy, placed on a mound of mashed potatoes on a decorative plate; a fork and knife are beside the plate.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Crispy-coated chicken breasts, skillet-fried to deep-gold crunch and drenched in pepper-flecked country gravy—Chicken-Fried Chicken is pure Southern reassurance on a plate, no passport required.

Get the Recipe: Chicken-Fried Chicken with Creamy Country Gravy

Dutch Oven Pulled Pork Recipe

A pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw and barbecue sauce on a bun, placed on a plate.
Image Credit: Sugar & Snap Peas

Experience mouthwatering flavors with Dutch Oven Pulled Pork, where tender pork meets a smoky BBQ rub. This easy recipe cooks low and slow, offering a delicious option for those looking to serve up the best southern flavors at their next dinner.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Pulled Pork Recipe

Country-Style Potato Salad with Eggs

A bowl of creamy potato salad garnished with paprika and fresh parsley. The salad is placed on a colorful checkered cloth with a spoon beside it.
Image Credit: Sense & Edibility

For a creamy and satisfying side, try Country-Style Potato Salad with Eggs. Using fresh russet or Yukon gold potatoes, this dish makes a perfect accompaniment to your favorite southern meals, adding a touch of comfort to your dinner spread.
Get the Recipe: Country-Style Potato Salad with Eggs

Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet

A close-up of a skillet filled with creamy chicken noodle casserole. The dish includes wide egg noodles, diced chicken, peas, and carrots. It's garnished with chopped herbs and a crumbly topping.
Image Credit: Flavor Mosaic

Enjoy a comforting twist on a classic with Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet. This dish mixes tender chicken and veggies with noodles for a cozy meal that captures the heart of southern dinners without the fuss of a traditional pie crust.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet

Easy Fried Flounder with Tartar Sauce

A plate with two fried fish fillets, a lemon wedge, coleslaw, and a bowl of tartar sauce.
Image Credit: The Roots of Home

Delight in Easy Fried Flounder with Tartar Sauce, a crispy and flavorful dish that highlights fresh flounder. Perfect for any dinner, this recipe showcases the best of southern seafood, bringing coastal flavors straight to your dining table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Fried Flounder with Tartar Sauce

Southern Pot Roast

A plate of mashed potatoes topped with sliced beef, carrots, onions, mushrooms, and fresh herbs with a fork resting on the side.
Image Credit: Bites with Bri

Create the ultimate comfort meal with Southern Pot Roast. This dish combines fresh herbs, vegetables, and tender meat for a one-pot dinner that’s perfect for a family gathering, offering a taste of traditional southern goodness everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Southern Pot Roast

Green Beans and Potatoes Recipe (Southern Style)

A bowl containing red potatoes and green beans mixed with a brown sauce on a green surface, accompanied by a napkin and a jug.
Image Credit: Bites with Bri

Green Beans and Potatoes Recipe (Southern Style) brings together crispy bacon, fresh green beans, and tender potatoes. This classic side dish complements any main course, making it a delightful addition to southern-style dinners that your family will crave.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans and Potatoes Recipe (Southern Style)

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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!

Read More About Me

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