Real Southern Cooking for Real Families

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When it comes to Southern cooking, it’s all about sticking to the tried-and-true recipes that have been passed down through generations. From crispy fried chicken to creamy mac and cheese, these dishes are the heart and soul of Southern comfort food. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just getting started, these recipes will make you feel right at home.

Air Fryer Fried Chicken

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Air Fryer Fried Chicken in all its glory
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This Air Fryer Fried Chicken with a crispy cornflake crust is a yummy alternative to traditional fried chicken. Juicy, tender, and flavorful!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Easy 3 Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits

A stack of buttermilk biscuits beside a spoon covered with jelly.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Using only butter, self-rising flour, and buttermilk, you can bake a batch of fluffy, golden biscuits that are the perfect addition to any southern meal. These biscuits are ideal for anyone looking for simple yet delicious comfort food recipes.

GET THE RECIPE: Homemade Biscuits

Copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak

Chicken fried steak with country gravy.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

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

Hummingbird Poke Cake

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Image Credit: Lyuba Brooke for Will Cook for Smiles

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

Oven Fried Chicken Breast Recipe

Tasty Oven Fried Chicken Breast Recipe on display
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This oven baked chicken breast recipe creates the juiciest, crispiest chicken for easy dinners. Baked instead of fried for a healthier dish!
Get the Recipe: Oven Fried Chicken Breast Recipe

Cheddar Iron Skillet Cornbread

Iron skillet cornbread filled with vegetables and cheese.
Photo credit: One Hot Oven

Try this made-from-scratch Cheddar Iron Skillet Cornbread that’s full of veggies for an easy quick bread to pair with soups and salads.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Iron Skillet Cornbread

Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

Delicious Fried Mac and Cheese Balls ready to be enjoyed
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

These fried mac and cheese balls are cheesy, crispy, and beyond comforting. It’s one delicious bite perfect for game day and parties.
Get the Recipe: Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits

A strawberry shortcake.
Image Credit: Erren Hart for Erren’s Kitchen

This easy Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits recipe is a game-changer, made completely from scratch that promises to outshine any store-bought version. Once you experience the fresh, buttery flavor of homemade biscuits combined with the sweet juiciness of ripe strawberries, you’ll be convinced to make them yourself every time.

GET THE RECIPE: Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits

Fried Fish Sandwich

Fried Fish Sandwich served fresh
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

These crispy fried fish sandwiches are so easy to make. Beer batter adds the best crunch to fish fillets, and don’t forget the tartar sauce!
Get the Recipe: Fried Fish Sandwich

Easy Layered Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Trifle

Layers of banana pudding, Nilla wafer cookies, and whipped cream.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Ask any self-respecting Southerner, and they’ll tell you that the ultimate Southern comfort dessert is Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding, a delicious scratch-made layered trifle boasting creamy vanilla pudding, Nilla Wafers, and luscious Cool Whip! This make-ahead, no-bake dessert is a breeze to whip up, utilizing simple ingredients sure to please a crowd.

GET THE RECIPE: Banana Pudding

Fried Zucchini Fritters

Fried Zucchini Fritters
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

This quick no-bake chocolate cheesecake recipe comes together in just 15 minutes! It’s light, airy, and oh-so chocolatey, rich, and decadent!
Get the Recipe: Fried Zucchini Fritters

Easy Homemade Corn Muffins

Cornbread muffins on a wire cooling rack.
Image Credit: Erren Hart for Erren’s Kitchen

This Easy Homemade Corn Muffins recipe is truly a standout! These muffins boast a delightfully crusty exterior while maintaining a soft, tender cornbread interior, striking the perfect balance of textures.

GET THE RECIPE: Easy Homemade Corn Muffins

Fried Chicken Sandwich

Fried Chicken Sandwich
Photo credit: xoxoBella

This delicious Fried Chicken Sandwich recipe offers a delectable upgrade from the typical fast-food version. Picture a perfectly seasoned, golden-brown coating enveloping succulent chicken, complemented by mouthwatering toppings.
Get the Recipe: Fried Chicken Sandwich

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

Garlic Cheesy Cornbread Drop Biscuits (Easy Cornbread Recipe)

Garlic Cheesy Cornbread Drop Biscuits (Easy Cornbread Recipe) in all its glory
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Cheesy Cornbread Drop Biscuits are EASY, delicious, and perfect for dinners when you want that little something extra. This easy cornbread recipe can be made in no time with the help of cornbread mix and a few extra ingredients!
Get the Recipe: Garlic Cheesy Cornbread Drop Biscuits (Easy Cornbread Recipe)

Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake

A pound cake with sugar glaze.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Serve a slice of nostalgia with Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake, a timeless recipe that delivers a big, beautiful, moist cake perfect for any occasion! With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can quickly whip up an easy cake batter that transforms into the BEST old-fashioned cream cheese pound cake you can imagine.

GET THE RECIPE: Pound Cake

Chicken Fried Steak Patty Melt

Chicken Fried Steak Patty Melt whole on a plate.
Photo credit: call Me PMc

Chicken Fried Steak Patty Melt is an old-fashioned recipe for crisp-on-the-outside tender cube steak used instead of hamburger in a traditional patty melt.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Steak Patty Melt

Everyday Cornbread

Everyday Cornbread
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

This Easy Homemade Cornbread is quick, easy, delicious, and it makes a great side dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
Get the Recipe: Everyday Cornbread

{Best Ever} Easy Crab Cakes

Crabcakes on a plate with a lemon wedge.
Image Credit: Erren Hart for Erren’s Kitchen

This {Best Ever} Easy Crab Cakes recipe offers the ultimate in flexibility by allowing you to use either fresh or canned crab meat. This versatility means you can enjoy making these delicious crab cakes anytime without needing a special trip to the store.

GET THE RECIPE: Crab Cakes

Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice & Scratch Pan Gravy

A dinner plate filled with rice and topped with a fried chicken cutlet and scratch-made country gravy.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

There’s nothing quite as comforting as breaded cutlets fried to a perfect golden brown and served alongside a savory pan gravy. Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice & Scratch Pan Gravy is pure homey goodness.

GET THE RECIPE: Fried Chicken

Fried Cabbage

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Image Credit: Lyuba Brooke for Will Cook for Smiles

Fried Cabbage is a straightforward side dish that packs a lot of flavors using just a few ingredients. Made primarily with cabbage, leeks, and bacon, it’s seasoned simply with salt and pepper, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through.

GET THE RECIPE: Fried Cabbage

Cornmeal Biscuits with Country Sausage and Watermelon Rind Preserves

Cornmeal sausage breakfast biscuits with pickled watermelon rind preserves on the side.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

This recipe for Cornmeal Biscuits with Country Sausage and Watermelon Rind Preserves intrigues and satisfies with its unexpected combination of tastes. The method is straightforward for the beginner, pairing the rustic texture of cornmeal biscuits with rich, savory country sausage, all complemented by the sweet tanginess of watermelon rind preserves.

GET THE RECIPE: Breakfast Biscuits

Smothered Pork Chops

Pork chops in mushroom gravy.
Image Credit: Erren Hart for Erren’s Kitchen

This Smothered Pork Chops recipe is wonderfully simple to prepare and absolutely scrumptious. It’s an ideal one-pan meal that serves as the ultimate comfort food for a relaxing evening at home. Perfect for those who love savory and hearty dishes, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

GET THE RECIPE: Smothered Pork Chops

Southern Deviled Eggs with Pimento Cheese

A deviled egg assembled with southern pimento cheese spread.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

If there is a single food guaranteed to appear at every Southern gathering, it is surely the Deviled Egg. Southern Deviled Eggs with Pimento Cheese incorporate bold and creamy pimento cheese and the typical ingredients for which these two-bite handhelds are famous.

GET THE RECIPE: Deviled Eggs

Jalapeno Cornbread

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Image Credit: Lyuba Brooke for Will Cook for Smiles

Homemade Jalapeño Cornbread is a fantastic alternative to boxed mixes, offering a richer taste with a blend of sweet and spicy flavors. This simple recipe combines the zestiness of jalapeños with the richness of sharp cheddar cheese, making it a perfect companion for chili and soups.

GET THE RECIPE: Jalapeno Cornbread

“Chicken on The Ritz” Casserole

A spoonful of chicken casserole with a Ritz cracker topping.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

This “Chicken on The Ritz” Casserole uses fewer than ten ingredients to create a velvety, creamy sauce that’s perfect for busy nights. Starting with a tender rotisserie chicken speeds up this easy, satisfying meal, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.

GET THE RECIPE: Ritz Cracker Chicken

Copycat Bob Evans Sausage Gravy and Biscuit Casserole

A plate of scrambled eggs and hot sausage biscuit and gravy casserole.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Prepare for breakfast casserole deliciousness as we recreate Bob Evans’ famous Sausage Gravy recipe! With just a bag of all-purpose flour and a skillet, we’ll whip up a batch of this savory delight. Then, we’ll layer it with biscuits to create a mouthwatering casserole that’s perfect for brunch, weekend breakfast, or even breakfast for dinner.

GET THE RECIPE: Biscuit and Gravy Casserole

Best Southern Corn Pudding

A spoonful of creamy baked corn casserole.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Southern Corn Pudding is farm to table fare, accompanying everything from grilled steak to the Thanksgiving dinner turkey! Baked until gorgeously golden brown, spoonsful of ‘creamy corn pudding bliss’ grace the dinner table in this classic southern dish.

GET THE RECIPE: Corn Casserole

Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Casserole

Beef and noodle casserole in a baking dish.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Experience the ultimate in comfort food with this delicious Sour Cream Beef and Noodle Casserole recipe! Tender egg noodles are cooked to perfection and then smothered in a creamy sauce before being baked with ground beef and sausage for a hearty and satisfying weeknight meal. Your family will love this classic dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the dinner table.

GET THE RECIPE: Beef Noodle Casserole

Tailgater Frito Pie with Cowgirl Chili

Fritos corn ships smothered in chili con carne and jalepenos.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Experience the ultimate comfort dish when America’s favorite snacking chip sheds the ‘school lunchbox image’ and meets chili con carne in Tailgater Frito Pie with Cowgirl Chili. This easy-to-make Southern cult classic layers crunchy Fritos with hearty chili and melted cheese are perfect for game day tailgates or an out-of-the-ordinary family meal. Frito Pie delivers big flavors with minimal effort. 

GET THE RECIPE: Frito Pie

Charleston Shrimp and Grits with Crab Gravy

A bowl of shrimp and grits with crab gravy.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Charleston Shrimp and Grits with Crab Gravy is spectacular for the tastebuds. This dish features succulent shrimp cooked to perfection and served over creamy, cheesy, buttery grits. Infused with a blend of spices and garnished with fresh green onions, it offers a comforting taste that’s both rich and satisfying.

GET THE RECIPE: Shrimp and Grits

How To Make the Best Damn Wagyu Meatloaf

A dinner plate heaped with meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, and Brussels sprouts.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Featuring high-quality Wagyu beef, this luxurious Wagyu Meatloaf recipe is exceptionally tender and rich in flavor. Topped with a savory glaze that enhances the meat’s natural juiciness, it veers off from a classic dish. Wagyu meatloaf promises a memorable dining experience that combines comfort with elegance.

GET THE RECIPE: Meatloaf

Fried Apples

A bowl of shrimp and cheese grits with garlic honey butter.
Image Credit: Lyuba Brooke for Will Cook for Smiles

These Fried Apples feature tender sautéed slices sweetened with brown sugar and spiced with a warm, aromatic blend. This versatile recipe can serve as a delightful side dish or as a topping for pancakes and waffles. It’s also a delicious way to enhance ice cream, turning it into a special dessert.

GET THE RECIPE: Fried Apples

Butter Pecan Cookies

A pile of pecan sandies cookies with a single pecan nut in each center.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Discover the sweet charm of the South with this delightful Butter Pecan Cookie recipe! Each pecan cookie is packed with crunchy pecans and baked to a perfect golden brown, offering a deliciously buttery texture and rich, nutty flavor. These cookies scream Southern all around, ideal for any occasion, including holiday gatherings or as a treat with some afternoon tea.

GET THE RECIPE: Butter Pecan Cookies

Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake

A thick slab of praline cheesecake with an apple pie bottom.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

This luxurious Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake dessert is a versatile masterpiece, blending bourbon’s smooth, rich flavors with the crunchy, nutty goodness of pecans. Whether it’s for a festive celebration or a sophisticated treat to enjoy any day, this cheesecake is the perfect choice. It elevates any dining experience, impressing your guests and satisfying your sweet tooth. It’s a dessert that epitomizes Southern charm and elegance, inspiring you to explore its versatility in different settings.

GET THE RECIPE: Praline Cheesecake

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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