Delicious Southern Staples for Every Occasion

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Get ready to sink your teeth into a feast of Southern classics that’ll have you feeling like you’re sitting on a front porch with the sun setting in the background. From Oven Baked Deep South Barbecue Ribs to a decadent Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake, these dishes bring the flavor and comfort you need for any occasion. Whether you’re craving crispy chicken with herbed Carolina gold rice and scratch pan gravy or need a showstopper like A Sweet Sunshine by the Slice Strawberry and Lemon Pie, you’re in for a Southern food experience that’s big on flavor and low on effort. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or a laid-back Sunday supper, this collection of dishes will have you saying “y’all” after every bite.

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.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average.

When it comes to Southern barbecue, these Oven Baked Deep South Barbecue Ribs capture the essence of smoky, tender meat without the need for a grill. Coated in a rich, tangy sauce and baked to perfection, these ribs showcase why the South is famous for its barbecue traditions. They’re a great addition to any gathering and exemplify the kind of bold, flavorful dishes that belong in the best Southern soul food recipes.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Deep South Barbecue Ribs

Southern Pimento Cheese Nachos

Pimento cheese nachos in a skillet topped with melted cheese, sliced sausage, sour cream, tomatoes, green onions, corn, and cilantro.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Southern Pimento Cheese Nachos offer a bold, cheesy snack that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. Topped with rich, creamy pimento cheese and crisp tortilla chips, this dish is perfect for sharing. It’s a creative way to enjoy a Southern classic, highlighting why the best soul food recipes from the South are all about bringing people together over great food.
Get the Recipe: Southern Pimento Cheese Nachos

Copycat Chick-Fil-A Peach Milkshake

Three tall glasses filled with peach milkshakes, each topped with whipped cream and garnished with a peach slice. Red and white striped straws are inserted in each milkshake. The glasses are arranged against a dark wooden background.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

The Copycat Chick-Fil-A Peach Milkshake offers the creamy, fruity sweetness of fresh peaches blended with smooth ice cream. As one of the best soul food-inspired drinks from the South, this milkshake is a refreshing treat that celebrates the region’s love for all things sweet. Perfect for cooling down on a hot day, it’s a taste of summer in every sip.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chick-Fil-A Peach Milkshake

Easy Layered Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Trifle

A close-up of a dessert in a glass bowl featuring layers of vanilla wafers, creamy pudding, and a generous dollop of whipped cream on top. Scattered vanilla wafers surround the bowl on a dark surface.
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The Easy Layered Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Trifle is a beloved Southern dessert that brings together creamy pudding, ripe bananas, and crunchy Nilla wafers. As one of the best soul food desserts from the South, this trifle offers layers of sweet, comforting flavors that are sure to please at any gathering. It’s a treat that captures the simplicity and charm of Southern cooking.
Get the Recipe: Easy Layered Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Trifle

Tailgater Frito Pie with Cowgirl Chili

A dish featuring a hearty and colorful Frito pie. The casserole includes layers of corn chips, chili, melted cheese, cherry tomatoes, chopped green onions, and slices of fresh jalapeño, all baked in a rustic, round ceramic dish.
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The Tailgater Frito Pie with Cowgirl Chili combines crunchy corn chips with a hearty, spiced chili, offering up a fun and filling dish that’s perfect for game day or casual get-togethers. This Southern-style comfort food is full of flavor and texture, making it a standout among soul food-inspired dishes. It’s a playful take on Southern favorites, showing just how inventive the best Southern recipes can be.
Get the Recipe: Tailgater Frito Pie with Cowgirl Chili

Oven Baked Home Fries Recipe with Sausages and Sunny Eggs

A white plate with a breakfast arrangement featuring two pieces of toast with eggs cooked in the middle (egg-in-a-hole style). The plate also has roasted potato chunks, sausage links, and two small heart-shaped toast pieces on the side. The background is light-colored.
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The Oven Baked Home Fries Recipe with Sausages and Sunny Eggs offers a complete, hearty breakfast that embodies Southern comfort. Crispy potatoes, savory sausages, and sunny-side-up eggs come together in this dish, making it a perfect example of why the best soul food recipes from the South are all about filling meals with big flavors. Great for brunch or a lazy weekend breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Home Fries Recipe with Sausages and Sunny Eggs

Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake

A close-up of a Bundt cake with a golden-brown crust, generously drizzled with white icing. The cake is presented on a wooden board, with the icing showcasing an artistic, dripping pattern, highlighting the cake's rich texture.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

This Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake is a decadent, buttery dessert that embodies Southern hospitality in every bite. The tangy cream cheese adds richness, making this cake one of the best soul food dessert recipes from the South. It’s a classic choice for any gathering, offering a slice of sweetness that’s impossible to resist.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Casserole

A close-up view of a baked dish featuring noodles mixed with ground meat and topped with melted cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper. The dish is in a white baking dish and appears golden and bubbling from the oven.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

The Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Casserole is a rich and filling dish, combining ground beef, tender noodles, and creamy sour cream sauce. It’s an excellent choice for showcasing Southern comfort food at its best, as this hearty casserole hits all the right notes of warmth and flavor. Definitely one of the best soul food-inspired meals to enjoy on a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Casserole

Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice & Scratch Pan Gravy

A plate of breaded and fried chicken cutlet topped with brown gravy sits on a bed of white rice. The dish is garnished with chopped fresh herbs and accompanied by a sprig of parsley. A striped yellow and white napkin is placed beside the plate on a wooden table.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice & Scratch Pan Gravy is a comforting Southern meal that combines crispy, juicy chicken with the fragrant flavors of Carolina Gold rice. The homemade pan gravy ties everything together, making this dish a perfect representation of why Southern cooking is beloved for its comforting, made-from-scratch meals. This recipe truly captures the best of Southern soul food traditions.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice & Scratch Pan Gravy

One Pan Chicken Drumsticks and Potatoes

A skillet filled with roasted chicken drumsticks, sliced carrots, and sliced potatoes, garnished with lemon slices and herbs. Three whole tomatoes surround the skillet on a light-colored surface, and a gray napkin partially rests under the skillet's handle.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

This One Pan Chicken Drumsticks and Potatoes recipe is a fuss-free Southern dinner packed with flavor. Juicy chicken drumsticks are baked alongside seasoned potatoes, creating a savory, comforting meal that makes weeknight dinners easy and delicious. It’s the kind of simple, hearty dish that belongs among the best soul food recipes from the South, offering that comforting, home-cooked feel.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Chicken Drumsticks and Potatoes

Best Southern Ham Gravy with Cheesy Biscuits and Eggs

Close-up of a breakfast sandwich with flaky biscuits filled with scrambled eggs, bacon bits, and creamy gravy. The sandwich appears to be rich and hearty, with the gravy generously covering the eggs and biscuit layers.
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For the ultimate Southern breakfast, this Best Southern Ham Gravy with Cheesy Biscuits and Eggs has everything you need. Rich, savory ham gravy poured over fluffy biscuits, topped off with perfectly cooked eggs, makes this a true comfort classic. It’s an iconic choice that highlights why the best soul food recipes from the South are loved for their homestyle warmth and hearty ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Best Southern Ham Gravy with Cheesy Biscuits and Eggs

Best Southern Corn Pudding

A baked casserole dish filled with a golden-brown mixture of diced vegetables, corn, and herbs, topped with fresh thyme and green onions, on a wooden surface.
Photo Credit: Not Entirely Average.

This Best Southern Corn Pudding is a Southern staple, blending sweet corn with a creamy, custard-like base. As one of the best soul food recipes from the South, this side dish is perfect for any occasion, providing a comforting, home-cooked flavor that’s hard to beat. Its sweet and savory balance makes it a true crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Best Southern Corn Pudding

Chicken on the Ritz Casserole

Close-up of a spoonful of creamy, cheesy chicken casserole topped with crispy, golden breadcrumbs, being scooped from a bowl. The dish appears rich and comforting, with herbs sprinkled on top, highlighting the textures of the melted cheese and crunchy topping.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Chicken on the Ritz Casserole is a creamy, crunchy, and comforting dish that brings Southern charm to your dinner table. Made with tender chicken, buttery Ritz crackers, and a creamy filling, this casserole is a classic representation of homestyle cooking in the South. It’s a great example of the best soul food recipes from the South, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Chicken on the Ritz Casserole

Copycat Bob Evans Sausage Gravy and Biscuit Casserole

a white plate, with Bob Evans Sausage Gravy Recipe and scrambled eggs
Sausage Gravy and Biscuits Casserole. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

This Copycat Bob Evans Sausage Gravy and Biscuit Casserole offers a warm, hearty breakfast with layers of flaky biscuits and creamy sausage gravy. It’s a dish that perfectly represents the best soul food recipes from the South, offering that classic Southern comfort in every bite. Ideal for family brunches, this casserole combines rich flavors with the coziness of a Southern diner.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Bob Evans Sausage Gravy and Biscuit Casserole

Smoked Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwiches

A sandwich overflowing with tender, shredded pulled pork nestled in a soft bun. The meat has a mix of crispy burnt ends and juicy shreds. A red and white checkered cloth and a small bowl of coleslaw are visible in the background.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Nothing says Southern comfort like a classic Smoked Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwich. This recipe features tender, smoky pork, perfectly paired with a tangy vinegar-based sauce, making it a standout among the best soul food classics from the South. Served on a soft bun, it’s a must-have for BBQ lovers, showcasing the depth of Southern pitmaster traditions.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Pickled Sweet Peppers with Shallots & Thyme

A glass jar containing sliced red, yellow, and orange peppers with onions and a sprig of thyme on top.
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These Pickled Sweet Peppers with Shallots & Thyme are a Southern favorite, adding just the right balance of sweet and tangy to any dish. Perfect for adding a kick of flavor to sandwiches or as a garnish, this pickled mix highlights why Southern food is all about bold, homemade goodness. These peppers are a wonderful side or topping that keeps the best soul food recipes from the South fresh and exciting.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Sweet Peppers with Shallots & Thyme

A Sweet, Sticky, Spicy Bourbon Glaze

A close-up of a spoon being dipped into a thick, dark marinade sauce with visible seeds and spices.
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This Sweet, Sticky, Spicy Bourbon Glaze is a deliciously bold sauce that combines sweet, smoky bourbon with a kick of heat. It’s ideal for adding Southern flair to your grilled meats, making it a standout among the best soul food recipes from the South. Whether you’re glazing chicken or ribs, this flavorful glaze will bring out the best in your BBQ.
Get the Recipe: A Sweet, Sticky, Spicy Bourbon Glaze

Creamy Sweet Potato and Muenster Gratin

An overhead view of a round baking dish with red handles, filled with creamy, baked scalloped sweet potatoes. The dish shows a mix of thinly sliced orange sweet potatoes and a creamy sauce, garnished with herbs. A piece of the dish has been scooped out with a spoon.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

The Creamy Sweet Potato and Muenster Gratin combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the creamy richness of Muenster cheese. This dish exemplifies why the best soul food recipes from the South shine, offering a comforting balance of flavors in every bite. Perfect for holidays or family dinners, it’s a Southern side dish that brings warmth to the table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sweet Potato and Muenster Gratin

Piquant White Cheddar Pimento Cheese

A glass bowl of white cheddar pimento cheese with a silver spoon rests on burlap, surrounded by autumn leaves.
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This Piquant White Cheddar Pimento Cheese offers a sharp and creamy twist on a Southern classic. The white cheddar gives it a bold flavor that pairs perfectly with the signature pimento kick, making this spread a must-try for any Southern food fan. Whether served with crackers or as a sandwich filling, this dish belongs among the best soul food spreads from the South.
Get the Recipe: Piquant White Cheddar Pimento Cheese

Cornmeal Biscuits with Country Sausage and Watermelon Rind Preserves

A plate featuring two golden-brown biscuits sandwiching sausage patties, accompanied by a serving of fruit preserves or jelly. A fork rests on the plate next to the preserves. The food is presented on a wooden surface.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Enjoy the comforting flavors of the South with Cornmeal Biscuits with Country Sausage and Watermelon Rind Preserves. These flaky cornmeal biscuits provide the perfect base for savory country sausage, while the sweet and tangy watermelon rind preserves add a delightful contrast. This dish exemplifies why Southern recipes are treasured, combining sweet and savory elements that celebrate the best soul food traditions from the South.
Get the Recipe: Cornmeal Biscuits with Country Sausage and Watermelon Rind Preserves

The 3 Ingredient Ham Glaze Recipe That Makes a Gigantic Difference

A metal roasting pan holds a baked ham covered with a glossy glaze.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This 3 Ingredient Ham Glaze Recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their ham with minimal effort. The simple combination of ingredients creates a sticky, flavorful glaze that enhances the natural taste of the ham, making it a Southern staple for holiday feasts. Its simplicity and bold flavor make it a must-have in the best Southern soul food recipes.
Get the Recipe: The 3 Ingredient Ham Glaze Recipe That Makes a Gigantic Difference

A Sweet Sunshine by The Slice Strawberry and Lemon Pie

A freshly baked tart with a flaky crust, filled with creamy custard, and topped with sliced strawberries and vibrant edible flowers is shown. A metal pie server rests to the side on a checkered tablecloth.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

A Sweet Sunshine by The Slice Strawberry and Lemon Pie blends the bright flavors of strawberries and lemons into a refreshing dessert. The sweetness of the berries and the tartness of the lemon create the perfect balance, making this pie a delightful finish to any meal. It’s a beautiful Southern treat that highlights how the best soul food recipes from the South make the most of fresh, simple ingredients.
Get the Recipe: A Sweet Sunshine by The Slice Strawberry and Lemon Pie

Easy 3 Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits

Close-up of a stack of three fluffy, golden-brown biscuits on a white surface. The biscuits have a flaky texture with distinct layers. In the blurred background, there is a white mug with blue detailing.
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These Easy 3 Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits are a true Southern staple, with fluffy, buttery goodness that melts in your mouth. Whether served with gravy or on their own, these biscuits highlight why the best soul food recipes from the South are loved for their simplicity and heartwarming flavor. A must for any breakfast spread, these biscuits are as easy as they are delicious.
Get the Recipe: Easy 3 Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits

A plate of cookies with pecan nuts on top, boasting a golden-brown baked appearance.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

These Butter Pecan Cookies are a true Southern classic, combining buttery dough with the rich flavor of toasted pecans. They’re a simple yet delicious treat that stands out among the best soul food dessert recipes from the South. Perfect with a cup of coffee or on their own, these cookies deliver that home-baked charm that Southern cooking is known for.
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Cookies – Classic Southern Cookie Recipes

Easy 15 Minute Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cream Pie

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

For a quick and decadent dessert, try the Easy 15 Minute Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cream Pie. This creamy, chocolatey pie combines rich peanut butter with a smooth chocolate layer, creating a dessert that represents the sweet simplicity of Southern soul food. It’s perfect for those who love indulgent flavors without the fuss, capturing the best of Southern sweets.
Get the Recipe: Easy 15 Minute Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cream Pie

Beef Tips in Creamy Mushroom Pan Sauce

A plate of food featuring a serving of shepherd's pie topped with crispy, golden cheese, sautéed mushrooms, and pickled red onions. Next to it is a casserole dish with more shepherd's pie on a grey napkin, alongside gold and black cutlery.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

These Beef Tips in Creamy Mushroom Pan Sauce are a perfect example of why Southern-style meals are known for their comfort and richness. The tender beef tips, combined with a velvety mushroom sauce, make this dish a hearty and flavorful addition to any dinner table. Southern cuisine shines through in this recipe with its emphasis on slow-cooked, homey flavors that truly stand out among the best Southern comfort dishes.
Get the Recipe: Beef Tips in Creamy Mushroom Pan Sauce

A Recipe for Charleston Pickled Spiced Shrimp

A close-up of a visually vibrant dish featuring pieces of shrimp, red bell peppers, thinly sliced fennel, and fresh dill on a white plate. The dish is garnished with leafy greens, offering a fresh and colorful presentation.
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A Recipe for Charleston Pickled Spiced Shrimp brings the flavors of coastal South Carolina to your table. This dish features shrimp marinated in a tangy, spiced brine, offering a refreshing and flavorful seafood option that’s perfect for warm days. The blend of spices and pickling brine makes this a true reflection of the best Southern soul food traditions from the coast.
Get the Recipe: A Recipe for Charleston Pickled Spiced Shrimp

Copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak

Crispy fried chicken fillets topped with cream gravy and garnished with chopped parsley are served on a rustic ceramic plate. The golden-brown breading contrasts with the smooth, white gravy.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

This Copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak brings all the comfort of a Southern diner straight to your kitchen. With its crispy breading and tender, juicy steak smothered in creamy gravy, it’s a must-try dish that truly represents some of the best soul food flavors from the South. Perfect for hearty dinners, this dish showcases the down-home flavors that Southern cooking is famous for.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak

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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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