Ditch the Diet—These 16 Southern Dishes Are Worth It

Jenny deRemer

Mar 20, 2025

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Loosen that belt, because we’re serving up Southern comfort in its finest (and butteriest) form. Whether you’re diving into a plate of Garlic Butter Shrimp with Pimento Cheese Grits or piling high some Smoked Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwiches, one thing’s for sure—these recipes don’t mess around. Of course, no true Southern spread is complete without Southern Cornbread Dressing and a side of Cornmeal Biscuits with Country Sausage and Watermelon Rind Preserves (because yes, we even make preserves out of watermelon rinds). And just when you think you can’t eat another bite, a slice of Butter Pecan Cake or Southern Pecan Pie will remind you why dessert is always worth it. Ready to eat like you mean it? Let’s get cooking, y’all!

Table of Contents

Tailgater Frito Pie With Cowgirl Chili

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The image shows corn chips topped with melted cheese, ground meat, sliced jalapeños, cherry tomatoes, and chopped green onions.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Tailgater Frito Pie with Cowgirl Chili takes the classic snack chip from lunchbox staple to game-day legend with hearty chili con carne!

To learn more: Tailgater Frito Pie with Cowgirl Chili

Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets

Shrimp Boil Packets with shrimp, corn cobs, sausage, potatoes and seasoning.
Photo credit: Cooking Classy

All the flavors of the classic shrimp boil but better! Shrimp foil packets cooked on the grill or in the oven. The perfect summer dish!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Boil Packets

Garlic Butter Shrimp with Pimento Cheese Grits

Creamy shrimp and grits dish topped with parsley and spices, featuring tender shrimp immersed in a rich, flavorful sauce.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Garlic Butter Shrimp with Pimento Cheese Grits is a Southern classic—rich, cheesy, and oh-so-good when done right (so don’t mess it up)!

To learn more: Garlic Butter Shrimp with Pimento Cheese Grits

Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe

A close-up of golden, fluffy stuffing mixed with green herbs and bits of bread in a white baking dish. A spoon is partially visible.
Image Credit: Will Cook Smiles

Southern Cornbread Dressing is holiday comfort at its finest—made from scratch with homemade cornbread, savory herbs, and just the right touch of tradition!

To learn more: Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe

Marinated Fresh Fig and Mozzarella Salad

A salad featuring arugula, fresh figs, and prosciutto, drizzled with a light dressing, elegantly plated.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Marinated Fresh Fig and Mozzarella Salad is summer on a plate—juicy figs, creamy mozzarella, and bold flavors, all without touching the oven!

To learn more: Marinated Fresh Fig And Mozzarella Salad

Charleston Shrimp and Grits with Crab Gravy

Close-up of a succulent shrimp in a flavorful, rich sauce, garnished with spices, resting atop a bed of savory ingredients.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Charleston Shrimp and Grits with Crab Gravy stays true to its Gullah roots—rich, soulful, and absolutely unforgettable in every bite!

To learn more: Charleston Shrimp and Grits with Crab Gravy

Pesto Rosso (Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto)

A glass jar filled with vibrant, flavorful pesto and fresh basil leaves beside it, showcasing a rich, textured sauce.
Image Credit: The Savory Cipolla

Pesto Rosso is a bold, vibrant mix of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, crunchy walnuts, and salty Parmesan—pure flavor in every spoonful!

To learn more: Pesto Rosso (Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto)

Homemade Creamy Mac and Cheese

Close-up of creamy macaroni and cheese topped with golden breadcrumbs, showcasing a rich, cheesy texture and warm, inviting colors.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Homemade Creamy Mac and Cheese starts silky on the stovetop, then bakes into a golden, cheesy hug on a plate—pure comfort food magic!

To learn more: Homemade Creamy Mac and Cheese

Cornmeal Biscuits with Country Sausage and Watermelon Rind Preserves

A close-up of a savory sausage patty topped with translucent pickles, nestled between two soft, buttery biscuit halves.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Cornmeal Biscuits with Country Sausage and Watermelon Rind Preserves are the ultimate Southern bite—savory, sweet, and downright irresistible!

To learn more: Cornmeal Biscuits with Country Sausage and Watermelon Rind Preserves

Ambrosia Salad

Ambrosia in small clear bowls with whipped cream and a cherry on top with a pink napkin in the background.
Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

An Ambrosia Salad recipe is a Southern fruit salad made of pineapple, mandarin slices, maraschino cherries, marshmallows, and lots of creamy cool whip!
Get the Recipe: Ambrosia Salad

Copycat Bob Evans Sausage Gravy and Biscuit Casserole Recipe

The image shows a dish with golden-brown cheesy biscuits on top, placed on a light wooden surface next to a towel and an onion.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Copycat Bob Evans Sausage Gravy Casserole stacks fluffy biscuits with rich, savory gravy for a dish so good, seconds are inevitable!

To learn more: Copycat Bob Evans Sausage Gravy and Biscuit Casserole Recipe

Cheddar Bay Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Eggs

A serving of golden, flaky chicken and biscuit casserole in a red dish, with herbs sprinkled on top and a spatula ready to serve.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Cheddar Bay Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Eggs is a hearty, cheesy dream—if you love sausage and eggs, this one’s calling your name!

To learn more: Cheddar Bay Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Eggs

Butter Pecan Cake

A slice of layered pecan cake with creamy frosting sits on a plate, surrounded by nuts and fabric, with a full cake in the background.
Image Credit: Sugar Spun Run

Butter Pecan Cake is pure decadence—soft, moist, packed with crunchy pecans, and smothered in a dreamy brown sugar frosting!

To learn more: Butter Pecan Cake

Arkansas Possum Pie

A slice of layered chocolate and cream pie on a speckled plate, topped with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and chopped nuts, with a fork on the side.
Photo credit: House of Nash Eats

Arkansas Possum Pie by House of Nash Eats is a creamy, layered chocolate and cream cheese pie in a pecan shortbread crust that is sure to please!
Get the Recipe: Arkansas Possum Pie

Farm Recipe Green Tomato and Raspberry Pie

Close-up of a golden-brown pie crust with a flaky surface, hinting at a delicious filling peeking through the top.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Farm Recipe Green Tomato and Raspberry Pie is a one-of-a-kind treat—tangy, sweet, and surprisingly delicious in every bite!

To learn more: Farm Recipe Green Tomato And Raspberry Pie

Southern Pecan Pie

A slice of pecan pie on a serving spatula, showcasing a golden, gooey filling and a flaky crust, with whole pecans sprinkled on top.
Image Credit: The Country Cook

Southern Pecan Pie is a family favorite—rich, buttery, packed with pecans, and kissed with cinnamon for that perfect Southern indulgence!

To learn more: Southern Pecan 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!

Read More About Me

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