Iconic Southern Comfort Recipes That Break All the Rules

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Southern comfort food never goes out of style, and this collection proves why. From fall-apart tender Oven-Braised Pulled Pork Sandwiches and crispy, golden Fried Green Tomatoes to rich, cheesy Easy Cheesy Tennessee Onions, these recipes bring the heart of the South straight to your table. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or a festive feast, these iconic dishes are ready to shine!

Oven-Braised Pulled Pork Sandwiches

A pulled pork sandwich with melted cheese on a toasted bun, sitting on brown parchment paper.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

Who needs a smoker when the Dutch oven can handle pork like a pro? Juicy and fall-apart tender, this sandwich is already a masterpiece—but add Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce and it’s unforgettable!
Get the Recipe: Oven-Braised Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Easy Cheesy Tennessee Onions

Close-up of baked onion slices in a baking dish, topped with herbs and displaying a golden-brown, caramelized surface.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This cheesy onion casserole knows how to grab attention. Rich, savory, and ridiculously easy, Tennessee Onions shine at holidays, potlucks, or even stacked on burgers for game night. Gooey, golden, and downright irresistible—this side always steals the spotlight!
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Tennessee Onions

Southern Deviled Eggs with Pimento Cheese

Pimento cheese deviled eggs on a white plate, each topped with paprika and herbs.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

Deviled eggs get a bold Southern makeover when pimento cheese joins the mix. Brimming with tangy flavor, a hint of spice, and those classic pickled touches, this recipe merges two beloved staples into one unforgettable bite!
Get the Recipe: Southern Deviled Eggs with Pimento Cheese

Sweet & Spicy Bourbon Glaze

A spoon drizzles a thick, brown sauce with visible spices back into a metal pot.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This bourbon sauce brings heat, sweetness, and savory depth together in one glossy spoonful—and the best part is, it comes together with everyday pantry staples. A handful of simple ingredients is all it takes to get things simmering!
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Bourbon Glaze

Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried Green Tomatoes
Photo credit: Culinary Hill

It’s more than just a movie! This Fried Green Tomatoes recipe is a real favorite dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Get the Recipe: Fried Green Tomatoes

Chicken Fried Chicken with Creamy Country Gravy

Breaded fried steak with white gravy, mashed potatoes with herbs, a fork, knife, and small gravy pitcher on a plate.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

Sink your fork into a slice of Southern hospitality! This crunchy yet juicy Chicken Fried Chicken recipe delivers an iconic Southern comfort food experience in just 45 minutes. Whip up crispy, golden-fried chicken smothered in creamy country gravy for a dinner that warms your soul and fills your belly with the right amount of satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Chicken with Creamy Country Gravy

Sweet Peach Tea

Peach sweet tea in two glasses surrounded by a pitcher, fresh peaches and mint
Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

Homemade peach sweetened simple syrup is mixed with fresh brewed tea and poured over mint-studded ice to make a chilled, refreshing Southern Peach Sweet Tea.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Peach Tea

Charleston Shrimp and Grits with Crab Gravy

A close-up of shrimp and grits with succulent shrimp, velvety grits, bits of vibrant red pepper, and a rich, seasoned sauce.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This dish isn’t just a meal, it’s a celebration! Experience a symphony of flavors that’s not only spectacular to taste, but also faithful to the rich culinary history of Charleston.
Get the Recipe: Charleston Shrimp and Grits with Crab Gravy

Fried Okra

Fried Okra
Photo credit: Culinary Hill

Turn to this southern comfort recipe when you’re ready for the best crispy side dish. This Fried Okra dish is easy to make and creates a crispy bite that you’ll love, especially when paired with the best dipping sauces.
Get the Recipe: Fried Okra

Southern Tomato Pie

Southern Tomato Pie
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This Southern Tomato Pie delivers a butter crust infused with fresh tomatoes, a creamy custard, and all the right seasonings. It’s so good you’ll want to eat it with a spoon straight from the pan, but we recommend a plate and a fork!
Get the Recipe: Southern Tomato Pie

Pan Fried Steak

Pan Fried Steak
Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Discover the art of crafting the perfect pan-seared steak using this straightforward tutorial. Just a handful of ingredients are all it takes to create your ultimate steak.
Get the Recipe: Pan Fried Steak

Hot Honey Chicken

grilled hot honey chicken on platter with peach pico de gallo.
Photo credit: Two Peas and Their Pod

If you are looking for a new chicken recipe to try, I highly recommend this easy grilled Hot Honey Chicken. Hot honey is a versatile condiment that combines the sweetness of honey with the heat of chili peppers. It is great drizzled over pizza, biscuits, vegetables, salmon, and even chicken! The hot honey gives the…
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken

Southern Style Potato Salad

Southern Style Potato Salad
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

This classic Southern Style Potato Salad uses both mustard and mayonnaise for a super flavorful dressing that is rich, tangy, and creamy.
Get the Recipe: Southern Style Potato Salad

Fried Cabbage and Noodles

Fried Cabbage And Noodles
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

Fried Cabbage and Noodles is a simple and inexpensive comfort food that can be served as a side dish or the base to full meal.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage and Noodles

Arnold Palmer

Glasses of arnold palmer (iced tea and lemonade).
Photo credit: Culinary Hill

Named for the professional golfer, an Arnold Palmer is a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage made with equal parts iced tea and lemonade.
Get the Recipe: Arnold Palmer

Southern Pineapple Casserole

Southern Pineapple Casserole
Photo credit: Simply Stacie

This classic Southern Pineapple Casserole is the perfect mix of sweet and savory, with an irresistibly buttery topping that’s addicting.
Get the Recipe: Southern Pineapple Casserole

Sweet Southern Cornbread

Slices of cornbread rest on parchment paper, with honey being drizzled over them. A plate with butter sits in the background.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

Sweet Southern cornbread never fails to hit the spot—its golden crust cracks just right to reveal a tender, buttery interior. This buttermilk version balances crisp edges with a soft, fluffy center, making it ideal alongside rich stews or simply enjoyed warm with a swipe of butter!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Southern Cornbread

Black Eyed Peas

Black Eyed Peas
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

Black Eyed Peas are a flavorful, budget-friendly, and nutrient packed meal for New Year’s Day or any day of the year!
Get the Recipe: Black Eyed Peas

Cheese Grits

Cheese Grits
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

These cheese grits are extra rich, creamy, and flavorful. They make a hearty and comforting breakfast or a delicious side dish with dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Grits

Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken

Air fryer fried chicken legs and thighs in a pile on a wooden cutting board.
Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings

Air fryer fried chicken is tender & juicy on the inside with a crispy coating. Enjoy air fryer fried chicken at home with less grease & mess!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken

Creamy Chicken Hominy Soup

A bowl of mexican chicken chowder with corn and black beans.
Photo credit: call Me PMc

Creamy Chicken Hominy Soup is a delectable creation that marries tender chicken with the earthy richness of hominy, complemented by a creamy, cheesy broth that beckons with every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Hominy Soup

The BEST Authentic Frogmore Stew (Low Country Boil Recipe)

Overhead shot of hand picking up blue crab at seafood boil gathering
Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

This Authentic Frogmore Stew or Low Country Boil Recipe is a wonderful one-pot seafood crowd-pleaser packed with shrimp, crab, sausage, corn, beer, citrus flavors, and spices galore! 
Get the Recipe: The BEST Authentic Frogmore Stew (Low Country Boil Recipe)

Creamy Butter Beans Recipe (Southern Soul Food)

A close-up of a large red pot filled with thick, creamy, beige-colored soup or stew. The dish contains pieces of meat and appears hearty and savory. A ladle is partially submerged on the right-hand side of the pot.
Image Credit: Cooks with Soul.

This classic Southern recipe for creamy butter beans cooks large lima beans slowly in a rich broth seasoned with smoked turkey and the essential “holy trinity” of Southern cooking: bell pepper, celery, and onion. This combination infuses the dish with deep, savory flavors, making it a staple in soul food cuisine.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Butter Beans

Pan Fried Fish

Pan Fried Fish
Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Indulge in the ease of whipping up this incredible weeknight dinner featuring incredibly crispy pan-fried fish, ready in just 20 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Pan Fried Fish

Best Southern Fried Catfish

A white plate with blue stripes holds a serving of golden-brown fried catfish nuggets, arranged in a circular pattern. The nuggets appear crispy and well-seasoned. The background is a clean white surface.
Image Credit: Cooks with Soul.

Southern fried catfish holds a revered spot in classic Southern cuisine and is an essential recipe to master, particularly if you’re delving into Black soul food traditions. While it’s a deep-fried dish, its cultural significance and delicious taste make it a must-learn for any culinary enthusiast, symbolizing a culinary rite of passage.

Get the Recipe: Best Southern Fried Catfish

Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwich

A fried chicken sandwich with lettuce and mayonnaise in a bun, served with potato chips on a patterned plate.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

A Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwich is pure comfort between two buns. The tangy marinade keeps the chicken juicy, the seasoned breading fries up golden and crunchy, and a toasted bun with lettuce and mayo seals the deal—one bite and you’re hooked!

Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Best Salmon Croquettes (Easy Southern Recipe)

Golden-brown crab cakes drizzled with sauce and garnished with chopped green onions, served on a blue plate with a lemon wedge and dipping sauce on the side.
Photo Credit: Cooks with Soul.

These salmon croquettes offer a delightful crunch on the outside with a soft, flavorful inside. Crafted from canned salmon mixed with peppers and onions, this Southern staple is not only simple to prepare but also irresistibly tasty. Ideal for any meal, whether it’s a hearty breakfast, a laid-back brunch, or a comforting dinner.

Get the Recipe: Best Salmon Croquettes

Southern Smothered Pork Chops

A skillet filled with three pork chops covered in creamy gravy. The skillet is placed on a light grey cloth on a grey surface. In the top right corner, there is a bowl of white rice.
Image Credit: Cooks with Soul.

Our classic Southern smothered pork chops recipe starts with thick, juicy pork chops fried to a golden perfection and drenched in a savory onion gravy. This rich, creamy dish is a staple for a hearty Sunday dinner, embodying the essence of soul food.

Get the Recipe: Southern Smothered Pork Chops

Sweet Potato Biscuits

A beautifully presented photo of Sweet Potato Biscuits
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

These flaky, homemade sweet potato biscuits are a comforting addition to any holiday table. Plus, they’re so quick and easy to make!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Biscuits

Jerk Seasoned Collard Greens

Jerk Seasoned Collard Greens
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

Sweet, spicy, and savory, these Jerk Seasoned Collard Greens are a hearty and flavorful side dish that also makes great leftovers!
Get the Recipe: Jerk Seasoned Collard Greens

Pimento Cheese

A glass bowl of white cheddar pimento cheese with a silver spoon rests on burlap, surrounded by autumn leaves.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

Say hello to White Cheddar Pimento Cheese with a bold streak! Smooth, sharp, and carrying a little attitude, it’s just as good piled high on crackers as it is scooped up with veggies—or swiped straight from the bowl when the coast is clear!
Get the Recipe: Pimento Cheese

Southern Oven-Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Herb Crust

Sliced pork tenderloin topped with a golden sauce is arranged on a plate beside a small jar of sauce with a spoon.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

Pork tenderloin is a Southern favorite, and this recipe proves why. A day-long soak in Italian dressing, a hot sear, and a butter finish create bold, steakhouse-style flavor—especially with a drizzle of Jezebel sauce on top!
Get the Recipe: Southern Oven-Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Herb Crust

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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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