Creative Southern Classics and Modern Comfort Food

This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy + disclosures for details.

These creative Southern recipes put a fresh modern spin on down-home favorites, blending tradition with bold, unexpected flair. From Stuffed Deviled Crab: A South Carolina Lowcountry Classic to Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwich, this roundup covers inventive takes that still feel right at home. Try Sweet Potato & Steak Salad with Carolina Mustard Vinaigrette, cozy up to Cassoulet-Style French Bean Stew, or snack on Southern Pimento Cheese Nachos—each dish adds something new to the Southern table without losing its roots.

Avocado Toast with Jammy Egg

A plate of avocado toast topped with a poached egg, greens, and grated cheese. A fork rests on the plate. There's a glass of red wine and a plaid napkin nearby, with a pepper grinder and fresh leaves on the wooden table.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This Avocado Toast with Jammy Egg recipe elevates a simple classic into a satisfying meal. Creamy avocado, a perfectly cooked jammy egg, and flaky croissant make this a decadent breakfast or brunch option. Top with fresh greens and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a burst of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Toast with Jammy Egg

Chicken Cutlets with Sundried Tomato Cream Sauce

A metal pan with chicken and sun-dried tomatoes in a cream sauce, garnished with basil leaves, on a marble countertop.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

These chicken cutlets are elevated with a simple yet delicious sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Ready in under an hour and made in one pan, this dish is ideal for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Garnish with fresh herbs and parmesan cheese for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cutlets with Sundried Tomato Cream Sauce

Cassoulet-Style French Bean Stew Recipe

a copper bowl, with bean stew and baguette
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This Cassoulet-Style French Bean Stew recipe is sure to become a new family favorite! Packed with hearty meats like pork and duck, and flavorful ingredients like white wine and chicken stock, this dish is perfect for a cozy night in. Serve up this impressive dish for family and friends!
Get the Recipe: Cassoulet-Style French Bean Stew Recipe

Robust Summer Squash Antipasto

a white platter, with Keto Squash Recipes and yellow squash and zucchini with salami
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This vibrant Summer Squash Antipasto salad is a must-try keto recipe, bursting with fresh flavors. Zucchini, yellow squash, salami, and a medley of cheeses are tossed in a tangy white wine vinaigrette. This is a light yet satisfying dish that’s perfect as a side or a light meal.
Get the Recipe: Robust Summer Squash Antipasto

Chicken on the Ritz Casserole

A close-up of a spoonful of creamy casserole topped with crushed crackers and herbs, held above a serving dish.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This Chicken on the Ritz Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Featuring a creamy filling, tender chicken, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies like broccoli or water chestnuts!
Get the Recipe: Chicken on the Ritz Casserole

Stuffed Deviled Crab: A South Carolina Lowcountry Classic

deviled stuffed crabs being basted with butter and with a lemon
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This stuffed crab recipe features a rich crab meat stuffing that will transport you to the South Carolina Lowcountry in a single bite. Flavored with sweet onion, celery, dijon mustard, sherry, and more, it’s perfect as a main course for holidays like Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving! Serve in oven-proof ramekins or disposable aluminum crab tins for easy cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Deviled Crab: A South Carolina Lowcountry Classic

Sweet Potato & Steak Salad with Carolina Mustard Vinaigrette

A plate of food on a table, with Salad and Potato
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This Sweet Potato & Steak Salad with Carolina Mustard Vinaigrette is a hearty and wholesome meal that is perfect for a light dinner or lunch. The salad features sweet potatoes, steak, greens, figs, red onion, and bleu cheese, all tossed in a tangy Carolina mustard vinaigrette. It’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will leave you feeling satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato & Steak Salad with Carolina Mustard Vinaigrette

Butternut Squash Cake Recipe with Buttermilk Glaze

a white plate with a slice of cake
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This Butternut Squash Cake with Buttermilk Glaze is the perfect centerpiece for your fall dessert table. The moist cake is packed with apples, butternut squash, walnuts, and raisins, then drizzled with a tangy buttermilk glaze that seeps into every crevice. It’s an easy dessert that will have everyone reaching for a second slice!
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Cake Recipe with Buttermilk Glaze

Southern Pimento Cheese Nachos

Pimento Cheese Nachos piled in a skillet with melted cheese and jalapeno peppers.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

Take your nachos to the next level with this Southern-inspired recipe! Tangy pimento cheese is the star of the show, perfectly complementing the crispy tortilla chips, spicy chorizo, and fresh toppings. These nachos are sure to be a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Southern Pimento Cheese Nachos

Strawberry Blueberry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

A close up image of a fruit and tomato salad with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This Strawberry Blueberry Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish that perfectly balances crisp greens, juicy berries, and creamy mozzarella. Drizzled with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette, it’s an ideal choice for light spring meals or a refreshing addition to summer cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Blueberry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Herb Crusted Pork Loin with Zinfandel Reduction

a large meat platter with slices of pork loin drizzled in a zinfandel reduction, with herbs and Dijon
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This Herb Crusted Pork Loin recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. The pork loin is tender, juicy, and covered in herbs, and the Zinfandel reduction adds a touch of elegance. You will love this main dish!
Get the Recipe: Herb Crusted Pork Loin with Zinfandel Reduction

One Pan Chicken Drumsticks and Potatoes

A skillet containing roasted chicken drumsticks, potatoes, and bell peppers is placed on a gray napkin. Whole tomatoes are nearby, along with a wooden tray.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This recipe for One Pan Chicken Drumsticks and Potatoes is a dark meat lover’s dream! It’s an easy to make, one pan wonder. Using fresh herbs and simple spices, the drumsticks and vegetables are roasted to perfection.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Chicken Drumsticks and Potatoes

Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwich

A crispy fried chicken sandwich with shredded lettuce and mayonnaise on a brioche bun sits on a wooden board, surrounded by potato chips. A small dish of dipping sauce is nearby, and a bowl with a red and white checkered cloth is in the background.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwich recipe delivers crispy, juicy perfection. The buttermilk marinade ensures a flavorful and tender chicken, while the crispy coating adds the perfect crunch. Enjoy this ultimate homemade comfort food on a toasted brioche bun with your favorite toppings.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Buttery Crisp Cornmeal Waffles

Two golden-brown waffles topped with fresh blueberries, butter, and a dusting of powdered sugar, garnished with a sprig of mint. The waffles are served on a white plate with a fork beside them.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

These crispy cornmeal waffles are the perfect way to start your day. Enjoy them sweet with syrup and fresh fruit or savory with eggs for a satisfying brunch. The touch of cornmeal adds a delightful texture and flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Crisp Cornmeal Waffles

Want to save this recipe?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you'll get new recipes from us every week!

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!

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *