No Frills, Just Flavor: The Ultimate Southern Recipe Collection

Jenny deRemer

Mar 19, 2025

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Southern cooking isn’t just food—it’s a warm hug on a plate, and we’ve got the best of it right here. From the creamy comfort of The Best Homemade Chicken and Dumplings to the rich, deep flavors of Southern Shrimp Gumbo, this lineup is pure Southern charm. Got a sweet tooth? Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake and Southern Blackberry Cobbler with Pie Crust are ready to steal the show. And let’s not forget the classics—Sweet Southern Cornbread alongside Red Beans and Rice is a match made in food heaven. Whether you’re craving something cheesy, buttery, or straight-up indulgent, these Southern recipes bring the flavor—and maybe a little extra butter, too!

Table of Contents

Sweet Southern Cornbread Recipe

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A slice of golden cornbread drizzled with honey, with a honey dipper resting above, on parchment paper and garnished with sage.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Sweet Southern Cornbread boasts a golden crust and a moist, tender crumb with just the right touch of sweetness in every bite!

To learn more: Sweet Southern Cornbread Recipe

Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake

A close-up of a creamy pecan cheesecake topped with caramelized pecans on a wooden serving board, accompanied by a decorative napkin.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake isn’t just a treat—it’s a bold, boozy, nutty flavor extravaganza in every bite!

To learn more: Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake

Southern Shrimp Gumbo

A bowl of shrimp and sausage gumbo, featuring rice on top, garnished with green onion, in a rich, flavorful broth.
Image Credit: The Country Cook

Southern Shrimp Gumbo is a hearty Louisiana classic—brimming with Cajun spices, fresh veggies, sausage, and shrimp for a bold, year-round feast!

To learn more: Southern Shrimp Gumbo

Homemade Meatloaf with Creamy Onion Gravy

A hearty plate featuring meatloaf with gravy, creamy mashed potatoes, and fresh rosemary garnished on a rustic surface.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Homemade Meatloaf With Creamy Onion Gravy takes classic comfort to the next level—rich, savory, and perfected for a family-approved feast!

To learn more: Homemade Meatloaf with Creamy Onion Gravy

Best Southern Corn Pudding

Creamy corn casserole baked with golden corn kernels, green onions, and herbs, topped with a crispy golden crust.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

My Best Southern Corn Pudding is a farm-fresh favorite, pairing perfectly with everything from sizzling steak to holiday turkey!

To learn more: Best Southern Corn Pudding

Southern Blackberry Cobbler with Pie Crust

A bowl of warm berry cobbler topped with two scoops of vanilla ice cream, served on a dark textured surface.
Image Credit: Dutch Oven Daddy

Southern Blackberry Cobbler is the essence of Southern hospitality, baked in a cast-iron skillet for that perfect rustic charm and golden, bubbling goodness!

To learn more: Southern Blackberry Cobbler with Pie Crust

Easy Layered Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Trifle

A glass bowl filled with banana pudding, topped with whipped cream and crushed vanilla wafers, surrounded by whole wafers.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding is a no-bake Southern classic—layers of creamy vanilla pudding, Nilla Wafers, and fluffy Cool Whip, perfect for feeding a crowd!

To learn more: Easy Layered Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Trifle

The Best Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

A white plate holds tender chicken pieces in a creamy sauce, garnished with parsley and sliced peppers, served over fluffy dumplings.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Best Chicken And Dumplings is the ultimate Southern comfort—hearty, creamy, and loaded with fluffy drop dumplings, perfect for feeding a hungry crew!

To learn more: The Best Homemade Chicken and Dumplings

Red Beans and Rice

A bowl of savory beans with sausage and okra, garnished with parsley, served alongside fluffy rice and cornbread.
Image Credit: Averie Cooks

Red Beans And Rice With Sausage is a Louisiana classic—rich, smoky, and hearty, this easy dish brings pure Southern comfort to the table!

To learn more: Red Beans and Rice

Southern Mashed Potatoes Recipe with A Parmesan Crust

Close-up of creamy, golden-brown mashed potatoes, showcasing a crispy top, served alongside slices of meat on a plate.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Southern Mashed Potatoes With A Parmesan Crust take mashed potatoes to the next level—whipped with cream, riced to perfection, and baked under a golden Parmesan topping!

To learn more: Southern Mashed Potatoes Recipe with A Parmesan Crust

Vintage Watergate Cake Recipe

a close up picture of the side of a pistachio flavored watergate layer cake with nuts
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Vintage Watergate Cake is a retro delight—soft pistachio cake meets fluffy whipped frosting for an effortlessly delicious anytime treat!

To learn more: Vintage Watergate Cake Recipe

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

A spoonful of sweet potato casserole topped with crunchy pecans, showcasing its creamy texture and rich color.
Image Credit: The Country Cook

Easy Southern Sweet Potato Casserole features a velvety sweet potato filling and a buttery brown sugar streusel for the perfect balance of cozy and crunchy!

To learn more: Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

Old Fashioned Hummingbird Cake Recipe

The image features a hummingbird cake with cream frosting and pecans on top, displayed on a white stand. A missing slice reveals the cake's moist layers. Flowers and greenery are arranged in front of the cake.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Old-Fashioned Hummingbird Cake blends banana bread and pineapple into one irresistibly moist, Southern favorite that’s stood the test of time!

To learn more: Old Fashioned Hummingbird Cake Recipe

Cheesy Cheddar Broccoli Casserole

A close-up of a cheesy casserole with broccoli and baked bread, served in a colorful decorative bowl.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Cheesy Cheddar Broccoli Casserole is pure comfort—tender broccoli, gooey cheddar, and a flavorful twist that keeps you coming back for more!

To learn more: Cheesy Cheddar Broccoli Casserole

Fried Apples Recipe (Southern Style)

A cast iron skillet filled with caramelized apple slices, surrounded by green apples and cinnamon sticks on a checkered cloth.
Image Credit: Kylee Cooks

Southern-Style Fried Apples strike the perfect balance—tangy, sweet, and warmly spiced, making them an irresistible side or dessert!

To learn more: Fried Apples Recipe (Southern Style)

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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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