A Northerner’s Guide to 60 Easy Southern Recipes for Every Home Cook
Updated Aug 08, 2024
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As a Northerner who never grew up with the rich flavors and traditions of Southern cooking, I thought I’d never master the art of frying chicken, baking sweet potato pie, or perfecting barbecued ribs baked in my oven. But, driven by a passion for good food and a desire to connect with the rich cultural heritage of the South – sparked by a move halfway down the Eastern seaboard – I set out to learn. With time, experimentation, and practice, I transformed from a novice cook into a confident Southern food enthusiast. Now, I’m excited to share recipes from fellow home cooks in this collection of 60 easy, approachable Southern recipes that are achievable regardless of your background, geography, or skill level. Join me on a most delicious journey!
Table of Contents
- A Sweet, Sticky, Spicy Bourbon Glaze
- Peach Cobbler Pound Cake
- Best Southern Corn Pudding
- Smoked Bologna with A Hot Honey Glaze
- Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake
- Tomato Bacon Jam
- Copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak
- Pineapple BBQ Sauce
- Coconut Lovers Dream Cake with Coconut Buttercream Frosting
- Creamy Sweet Potato and Muenster Gratin
- Blueberry BBQ Sauce
- Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce
- Brown Sugar Cake
- Kentucky Bourbon Pie
- Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce
- Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes
- Easy 3 Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits
- Southern Peach Cobbler
- Pecan Pie Bars
- Copycat Chick-Fil-A Peach Milkshake
- Pickled Sweet Peppers with Shallots & Thyme
- Fresh Blueberry Peach Pie
- Copycat Bob Evans Sausage Gravy and Biscuit Casserole
- Easy 15 Minute Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cream Pie
- Blackberry Cobbler
- Red Velvet Cheesecake
- Oven Baked Home Fries Recipe with Sausages and Sunny Eggs
- Best-Ever Breakfast Casserole
- Chicken on the Ritz Casserole
- Strawberry Biscuits
- Smoked Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwiches
- Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
- One Pan Chicken Drumsticks and Potatoes
- Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Casserole
- Carolina Bbq Sauce
- Alabama White Sauce
- A Sweet Sunshine by The Slice Strawberry and Lemon Pie
- Southern Pimento Cheese Nachos
- Green Bean Casserole with Bacon
- Cornmeal Biscuits with Country Sausage and Watermelon Rind Preserves
- Million Dollar Bacon Recipe
- Beef Tips in Creamy Mushroom Pan Sauce
- Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Pig Pickin’ Cake
- Hummingbird Poke Cake
- Best Southern Ham Gravy with Cheesy Biscuits and Eggs
- Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict
- Oven Baked Deep South Barbecue Ribs
- Hummingbird Cake
- Tailgater Frito Pie with Cowgirl Chili
- Southern Strawberry-Coconut Punch Bowl Cake
- A Recipe for Charleston Pickled Spiced Shrimp
- The Best Fresh Savory Tomato Pie
- The 3 Ingredient Ham Glaze Recipe That Makes a Gigantic Difference
- Piquant White Cheddar Pimento Cheese
- Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice & Scratch Pan Gravy
- Sweet Potato Pie
- Butter Pecan Cookies – Classic Southern Cookie Recipes
- Easy Layered Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Trifle
- Pecan Pie Recipe
A Sweet, Sticky, Spicy Bourbon Glaze
Add some Southern flair to your BBQ with this sweet, sticky, and spicy bourbon glaze. It’s perfect for brushing on ribs, chicken, or even shrimp, giving them a beautiful, caramelized finish. The combination of sweetness and heat will have everyone raving.
GET THE RECIPE: A Sweet, Sticky, Spicy Bourbon Glaze
Peach Cobbler Pound Cake
Peach cobbler pound cake combines two Southern favorites into one delectable dessert. With a buttery, dense pound cake base and a topping of juicy peaches and cinnamon, this Southern summer dessert is a taste of summer. Serve it warm with ice cream.
GET THE RECIPE: Peach Cobbler Pound Cake
Best Southern Corn Pudding
Southern Corn Pudding: a farm-to-table classic perfect for any occasion. Baked golden brown, this creamy delight complements grilled steak, holiday ham, turkey, and green bean casserole, bringing warmth and comfort food bliss to every dinner table.
GET THE RECIPE: Corn Casserole
Smoked Bologna with A Hot Honey Glaze
Elevate your BBQ game with this Southern smoked bologna, glazed with a spicy honey mix that’s both sweet and fiery. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that will have your guests coming back for seconds. Slice it thick and serve with a side of your favorite slaw.
GET THE RECIPE: Smoked Bologna with A Hot Honey Glaze
Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Indulge in Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake, a timeless recipe that yields a moist and beautiful cake perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and an easy two-step method, you can create a decadent old-fashioned cream cheese pound cake that rivals any Southern bakers!
GET THE RECIPE: Pound Cake
Tomato Bacon Jam
Tomato Bacon Jam is a versatile condiment that adds a burst of flavor to any dish. Sweet tomatoes and smoky bacon combine with onions and garlic to create a rich, savory spread. Use it on burgers, sandwiches, or even as a dip for crackers.
GET THE RECIPE: Tomato Bacon Jam
Copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak
Copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak Recipe brings the South straight to your home kitchen in just 45 minutes! Commonly known as chicken-fried steak in the Southern United States, this dish features seasoned cube steak coated in a golden-brown crust, perfectly complemented by a rich and creamy white sawmill gravy that’ll have you craving seconds and thirds!
GET THE RECIPE: Chicken Fried Steak
Pineapple BBQ Sauce
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
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
Creamy Sweet Potato and Muenster Gratin
Elevate Southern comfort food with Creamy Sweet Potato and Muenster Gratin, a rich and creamy potato bake that takes sweet potatoes to new heights. This effortless, cheesy masterpiece steals the spotlight with its savory flavor, rivaling even the main course.
GET THE RECIPE: Potatoes Au Gratin
Blueberry BBQ Sauce
This sauce offers a sweet and tangy flavor with the addition of blueberries, making it ideal for summer BBQs. Perfect for glazing chicken and pork, it adds a fruity note to your dishes. Easy to prepare, it brings a fresh and vibrant taste to your grilling. Perfect for those looking to experiment with unique flavors. Enjoy a standout BBQ with this blueberry-infused sauce.
GET THE RECIPE: Blueberry BBQ Sauce
Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce
This mustard-based sauce is a staple for South Carolina BBQ, known for its tangy and slightly sweet flavor. Perfect for pulled pork and grilled chicken, it adds a distinctive taste to your summer cookouts. Easy to make, it’s a practical choice for any BBQ enthusiast. Perfect for those who enjoy a tangy twist in their BBQ sauces. Make your BBQ sessions memorable with this classic sauce.
GET THE RECIPE: Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce
Brown Sugar Cake
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
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
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
Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes
These aren’t your average mashed potatoes! Brown butter and fresh thyme add a touch of gourmet to this creamy and comforting dish. With just 4 ingredients, it’s easy enough for a weeknight meal but special enough to grace your holiday table.
GET THE RECIPE: Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes
Easy 3 Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits
With just three simple ingredients, you can create flaky, tender biscuits that are a masterclass in Southern baking – even if you’re a beginner! These easy-to-make treats are sure to earn you a reputation as a skilled baker.
GET THE RECIPE: Buttermilk Biscuits
Southern Peach Cobbler
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
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
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
Pickled Sweet Peppers with Shallots & Thyme
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
Fresh Blueberry Peach Pie
Fresh Blueberry Peach Pie combines the best of summer fruits in one delightful dessert. The sweet peaches and juicy blueberries create a flavor explosion that’s perfect for summer picnics.
GET THE RECIPE: Fresh Blueberry Peach Pie
Copycat Bob Evans Sausage Gravy and Biscuit Casserole
Indulge in Bob Evans’ famous sausage gravy recipe, recreated in a mouthwatering breakfast casserole! With just flour and a skillet, whip up this savory delight, layer with biscuits, and enjoy a quick and easy brunch or breakfast favorite that reheats beautifully for leftovers.
GET THE RECIPE: Biscuit and Gravy Casserole
Easy 15 Minute Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cream Pie
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
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
Red Velvet Cheesecake
Your family and friends will be captivated by this exquisite Red Velvet Cheesecake! It features a crisp Oreo base and a smooth filling enriched with cocoa and buttermilk.
GET THE RECIPE: Red Velvet Cheesecake
Oven Baked Home Fries Recipe with Sausages and Sunny Eggs
Start your day with a hearty, one-pan wonder that combines crispy, golden home fries, savory sausages, and perfectly cooked eggs – a breakfast trifecta that’s sure to become a morning favorite!
GET THE RECIPE: Sheet Pan Breakfast
Best-Ever Breakfast Casserole
This breakfast casserole combines eggs, sausage, cheese, and hash browns into one delicious dish. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s great for feeding a family or prepping for the week. Just bake until golden and bubbly for a satisfying start to your day.
GET THE RECIPE: Best-Ever Breakfast Casserole
Chicken on the Ritz Casserole
With just a handful of straightforward ingredients, you can create a rich and creamy sauce that takes this scrumptious ‘Chicken on The Ritz’ Casserole to the next level – perfect for hectic evenings. Plus, if you have a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken on hand, you’re already halfway to a stress-free dinner!
GET THE RECIPE: Ritz Chicken Casserole
Strawberry Biscuits
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
Smoked Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwiches
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
Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
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
One Pan Chicken Drumsticks and Potatoes
One Pan Chicken Drumsticks and Potatoes is a convenient, flavorful dish ideal for impressing guests. The chicken and potatoes cook together, absorbing each other’s delicious flavors. Simple to prepare and bake, it’s perfect for a busy evening. This hearty meal is sure to please everyone at the table. A practical choice for a stress-free dinner.
GET THE RECIPE: One Pan Chicken Drumsticks and Potatoes
Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Casserole
Pasta lovers, rejoice! This creamy sour cream noodle bake is the ultimate comfort food indulgence, packed with savory beef and al dente noodles – a satisfying treat that will hit all the right spots!
GET THE RECIPE: Sour Cream Noodle Bake
Carolina Bbq Sauce
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
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
A Sweet Sunshine by The Slice Strawberry and Lemon Pie
This Strawberry and Lemon Pie is pure sunshine in a slice, making it the ultimate summer dessert. The tartness of lemon balances beautifully with sweet strawberries, creating a refreshing treat for warm days.
GET THE RECIPE: Strawberry Lemon Pie
Southern Pimento Cheese Nachos
Take your nachos up a notch with Southern Pimento Cheese Nachos. Creamy, tangy pimento cheese melts beautifully over the chips, creating a rich and flavorful bite. Add some pickled jalapeños and bacon bits for extra Southern charm.
GET THE RECIPE: Southern Pimento Cheese Nachos
Green Bean Casserole with Bacon
Creamy comfort meets crispy crunch! This homemade green bean casserole boasts a luxurious sauce from scratch and a golden, breaded topping for a textural experience that’s just as delightful as the taste.
GET THE RECIPE: Green Bean Casserole with Bacon
Cornmeal Biscuits with Country Sausage and Watermelon Rind Preserves
Savor the South in every bite with these tender cornmeal biscuits, packed with flavorful country sausage and sweet watermelon rind preserves – a breakfast marvel that’s pure Southern comfort!
GET THE RECIPE: Sausage Biscuits
Million Dollar Bacon Recipe
Million Dollar Bacon lives up to its name with a blend of sweet and spicy flavors. Thick-cut bacon is coated in brown sugar, black pepper, and a touch of cayenne, then baked until caramelized. It’s an addictive treat that’s perfect for brunch or snacking.
GET THE RECIPE: Million Dollar Bacon Recipe
Beef Tips in Creamy Mushroom Pan Sauce
Indulge in a rich and savory Southern delight with this quick and easy recipe for beef tips smothered in a decadent creamy mushroom sauce – a mouthwatering dinner ready in just 30 minutes!
GET THE RECIPE: Beef Tips in Gravy
Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Elevate your side dish game with our decadent Mashed Sweet Potatoes, a delightful twist on the classic spud. This sumptuous recipe yields a velvety-smooth mash infused with a rich, buttery flavor that’s sure to become a new favorite. Whether you’re looking for a comforting complement to your favorite protein or a deliciously filling vegetarian option, these mashed sweet potatoes are the perfect choice for any meal.
GET THE RECIPE: Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Pig Pickin’ Cake
Pig Pickin’ Cake is a delightful Southern summer dessert featuring layers of moist yellow cake, crushed pineapple, and whipped topping. The refreshing pineapple adds a tropical twist perfect for hot summer days and potlucks.
GET THE RECIPE: Pig Pickin’ Cake
Hummingbird Poke Cake
Indulge in this irresistibly tender Hummingbird Poke Cake, perfect for the blossoming seasons of spring and summer. In this rendition, we enhance the ease factor by transforming it into a poke cake, infusing each crumb with an extra layer of lusciousness courtesy of a velvety, sweet sauce. Topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, its flavors and textures are bound to captivate your senses!
GET THE RECIPE: Hummingbird Poke Cake
Best Southern Ham Gravy with Cheesy Biscuits and Eggs
Indulge in a classic Southern breakfast, featuring smoky ham gravy, cheesy biscuits, and velvety scrambled eggs. The best part? These mouthwatering dishes are easy to make from scratch and can be whipped up in mere minutes, perfect for gathering together and savoring the moment.
GET THE RECIPE: Ham Gravy
Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict
Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict! Tender pulled pork meets perfectly poached eggs, all drizzled with a creamy hollandaise sauce. This dish offers a delightful twist on a classic, blending savory and rich flavors. It’s sure to be a hit at your morning table or brunch spread.
GET THE RECIPE: Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict
Oven Baked Deep South Barbecue Ribs
Think ribs are only for BBQ pros? Think again! With a little patience, you can achieve tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs in the comfort of your own oven. No need for a pit or special skills – just time and a craving for delicious Deep South barbecue flavor!
GET THE RECIPE: Oven Baked Ribs
Hummingbird Cake
Hummingbird Cake is a traditional Southern pleasure, crafted with a blend of sweet pineapple, ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and crunchy nuts, all perfectly complemented by a creamy and tangy cream cheese frosting. A truly irresistible treat that brings together everything that is wonderful about dessert in every bite!
GET THE RECIPE: Hummingbird Cake
Tailgater Frito Pie with Cowgirl Chili
Elevate a classic snack to a whole new level with this game-day twist: crispy Fritos meet hearty chili con carne in a flavorful fusion that’s perfect for tailgating or a cozy night in!
GET THE RECIPE: Frito Pie
Southern Strawberry-Coconut Punch Bowl Cake
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
A Recipe for Charleston Pickled Spiced Shrimp
Savor the flavor of Charleston Pickled Spiced Shrimp, a show-stopping dish featuring grilled rye bread, luscious sherry aioli, and a colorful medley of pickled veggies. The star of the show: tender shrimp poached in a zesty lemon and Old Bay Seasoning broth, guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
GET THE RECIPE: Pickled Shrimp
The Best Fresh Savory Tomato Pie
This Savory Tomato Pie features a flaky crust, layers of ripe tomatoes, and a cheesy filling. It’s a Southern classic that’s perfect for using up your garden’s bounty. Enjoy it warm from the oven or at room temperature for a delicious summer meal.
GET THE RECIPE: The Best Fresh Savory Tomato Pie
The 3 Ingredient Ham Glaze Recipe That Makes a Gigantic Difference
Take your holiday ham to the next level with a sweet and tangy glaze that’s incredibly easy to make. With just three ingredients, you’ll create a flavor combination that’s sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more. It’s the perfect way to add a little extra something special to your holiday meal!
GET THE RECIPE: Ham Glaze
Piquant White Cheddar Pimento Cheese
Think ‘zesty grilled cheese, ultimate burger topping, and perfect partner for saltines’ when you think Piquant White Cheddar Pimento Cheese.
GET THE RECIPE: Pimento Cheese
Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice & Scratch Pan Gravy
Experience the heart and soul of Southern cooking with Crispy Chicken, Herbed Carolina Gold Rice, and Scratch Pan Gravy. This comforting dish combines crispy fried chicken, flavorful rice, and savory pan gravy for a harmonious, homey delight that’s pure Southern goodness.
GET THE RECIPE: Fried Chicken
Sweet Potato Pie
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
Butter Pecan Cookies – Classic Southern Cookie Recipes
Indulge in a sweet blast from the past with these classic Butter Pecan Cookies, fresh from the oven! Soft, buttery, and nutty, these tender treats are perfect for satisfying your summer snacking cravings. Get ready to savor the warmth and nostalgia in every bite!
GET THE RECIPE: Butter Pecan Cookies
Easy Layered Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Trifle
Indulge in classic Southern comfort with Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding, a no-bake, make-ahead dessert featuring creamy vanilla pudding, Nilla Wafers, and Cool Whip. Quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion!
GET THE RECIPE: Banana Pudding
Pecan Pie Recipe
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