Deep South Recipes to Make Now

Jenny deRemer

Aug 11, 2025

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

These deep South recipes celebrate the bold, comforting, and unmistakable flavors of the South—from smoky, saucy mains to nostalgic, sugar-dusted desserts. Dig into mouthwatering dishes like Oven-Braised Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Southern Chicken and Waffles, and sweet, crowd-pleasing classics like Southern Peach Cobbler, Brown Sugar Cake, and Pecan Pie Bars. Whether you’re after something tangy like Carolina BBQ Sauce or a slice of Kentucky Bourbon Pie, this collection brings Southern charm straight to your kitchen.

Table of Contents

Carolina Bbq Sauce

A close-up of a spoon resting in a bowl filled with thick, dark barbecue sauce.
Image credit: Erren Hart for Erren’s Kitchen.

Experience the genuine taste of the Carolinas with our signature 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. Whether you’re a BBQ aficionado or just love the thrill of the grill, this sauce is sure to become your new go-to for deliciously tender and full-flavored meats.

GET THE RECIPE: Carolina Bbq Sauce

Alabama White Sauce

A spoon lifting creamy, pepper-speckled dressing from a mason jar.
Photo 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 THE RECIPE: Alabama White Sauce

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.
Photo Credit: The Kitchen is My Playground.

This punch bowl cake layers moist cake, fresh strawberries, and creamy coconut pudding. The combination of flavors and textures makes this Southern summer dessert a delightful surprise, perfect for feeding a crowd at a summer potluck.
GET THE RECIPE: Southern Strawberry-Coconut Punch Bowl Cake

Brown Sugar Cake

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

Kentucky Bourbon Pie

A slice of pie topped with a dollop of whipped cream on a white plate.
Photo 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 THE RECIPE: Kentucky Bourbon Pie

Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce

A small glass bowl of barbecue sauce sprinkled with black pepper sits on a wooden surface, next to a bunch of fresh parsley. Behind the bowl, there is a hexagonal glass bottle filled with more barbecue sauce. The background is dark and blurred.
Photo Credit: Umamiology.

This sauce brings a unique twist to your summer grilling with its blend of Dr Pepper and spices. It’s perfect for adding a sweet and slightly tangy flavor to ribs or chicken. Ideal for cookouts, it enhances the taste of your grilled dishes effortlessly. The easy preparation makes it a convenient choice for BBQ enthusiasts. Enjoy a flavorful BBQ experience with this standout sauce.
GET THE RECIPE: Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce

Southern Peach Cobbler

A peach cobbler topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, served with a spoon.
Photo 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 THE RECIPE: Southern Peach Cobbler

Pecan Pie Bars

A large shrimp in gravy over cheese grits.
Image Credit: Ally Roomberg for 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 THE RECIPE: Pecan Pie Bars

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

Pineapple BBQ Sauce

A close-up of a clear glass filled with a reddish-brown sauce, possibly sweet and sour sauce, with visible chunks of ingredients. A twisted metal spoon is standing up in the sauce. The background is slightly blurred.
Photo Credit: Out Grilling.

Offering a tropical twist with the sweetness of pineapple, this sauce is ideal for summer BBQs. Perfect for glazing ribs and chicken, it adds a fruity and tangy flavor. Easy to prepare, it brings a fresh and vibrant taste to your grilling. Perfect for those looking to add a unique touch to their BBQ. Make your BBQ memorable with this pineapple-infused sauce.
GET THE RECIPE: Pineapple BBQ Sauce

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.
Image credit: Erren Hart for 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 THE RECIPE: Coconut Cake

Pickled Sweet Peppers with Shallots & Thyme

A jar of pickled peppers on a refrigerator shelf.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Wooey, Hot-N-Sweet! Time to level up your brat game! Ditch the usual toppings and give your sausages a bold, tangy twist with my speedy recipe for Pickled Sweet Peppers, packed with flavor from shallots and thyme. Get ready for flavor that’ll elevate your grill game!

GET THE RECIPE: Pickled Peppers

Strawberry Biscuits

Freshly baked strawberry scones on a parchment-lined tray, surrounded by whole strawberries.
Photo 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 THE RECIPE: Strawberry Biscuits

Oven-Braised Pulled Pork Sandwiches

A pulled pork sandwich with melted cheese, pickled vegetables, and coleslaw on a bun is served on brown paper. In the background, there is a glass of beer and a yellow drink.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for 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 pulled pork sandwiches that capture the traditional spirit of this regional specialty.

GET THE RECIPE: Pulled Pork Sandwich

Sausage and Gravy Recipe with Best Homemade Biscuits

Collard greens in a bowl with ham pot liquor.
Image Credit: Cooks With Soul.

Savor the flavors of the South with this classic breakfast of old-fashioned buttermilk biscuits and homemade sausage gravy. The biscuits are perfectly flaky, made with real butter, and pair wonderfully with the rich, creamy country gravy. This ultimate comfort food is perfect for special mornings and has become a favorite for Saturday breakfasts.

GET THE RECIPE: Sausage and Gravy Recipe with Best Homemade Biscuits

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

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

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

GET THE 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.
Photo 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 THE RECIPE: Blackberry Cobbler

Pecan Pie Recipe

A big breakfast plate of home fries, with sausages and eggs.
Image Credit: Ally Roomberg for 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 THE RECIPE: Pecan Pie

Caribbean Johnny Cakes (Authentic Crucian Recipe)

Baked bread on a plate.
Image Credit: Cooks With Soul.

Discover how to make Caribbean Johnny Cakes with this straightforward recipe. These Johnny Cakes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them golden and delightful. They are versatile enough to be served as part of a Caribbean breakfast, a savory dinner, or even as a snack on their own.

GET THE RECIPE: Caribbean Johnny Cakes (Authentic Crucian Recipe)

Sweet Potato Pie

A plate of cheesy eggs and biscuits smothered in southern ham gravy.
Image Credit: Ally Roomberg for 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 THE RECIPE: Sweet Potato Pie

Southern Chicken and Waffles

Waffle with fried chicken, sliced strawberries, blueberries, and syrup on a plate, plus a cup of syrup beside it.
Image Credit: Cooks With Soul.

These Southern-style chicken and waffles make a perfect pair! The fried chicken tenders are notably crunchy and well-seasoned, complementing the simple yet delicious buttermilk waffles with their crispy, golden edges beautifully. Serve this delightful combination with spicy maple syrup or top it with fresh fruit for an extra burst of flavor.

GET THE RECIPE: Southern Chicken and 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!

Categorized as:

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

Leave a comment

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