Gumbo, Grits, and Sweet Tea—Southern Cooking Done Right

This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy + disclosures for details.

Ready to spice up dinner time? Whether you’re craving the crispy goodness of Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken, the saucy kick of Hot and Spicy Shrimp and Grits, or a comforting plate of Southern Style Potato Salad on the side, we’ve got you covered. Looking for something different? Try the rich flavors of Chicken and Sausage Gumbo or indulge in some creamy Pimento Cheese Grits. No matter your craving, these chicken recipes are about to make your weeknights a whole lot more flavorful! Click through for the full spread!

Dr Pepper Cake

Dr Pepper Cake at its finest
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This Dr Pepper combines rich, chocolatey cake with Dr Pepper soda to create a crave-able cake that’s just what the doctor ordered!
Get the Recipe: Dr Pepper Cake

Chicken and Sausage Gumbo Recipe with Okra Pilaf

Delicious Chicken and Sausage Gumbo Recipe with Okra Pilaf ready to be enjoyed
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This Chicken and Sausage Gumbo recipe is a super flavorful stew served over our okra rice pilaf. A delicious and EASY gumbo recipe!
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Sausage Gumbo Recipe with Okra Pilaf

Pimento Cheese Grits

ie-canva_free__studio_philippines-chapati_flour-2655979
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Cheese grits are a Southern classic, great for breakfast, snacks, or sides. We’ve enhanced them with pimento cheese for a creamy, cheesy treat that’s simply delicious.

Get the Recipe: Pimento Cheese Grits

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

Black Eyed Pea Dip

Black Eyed Pea Dip
Photo credit: Namely Marly

Packed with plant-based protein and tons of zesty southwestern flavor, this black eyed pea dip is an addictively delicious way to kick off any party or Taco Tuesday feast.
Get the Recipe: Black Eyed Pea Dip

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

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

Air Fryer Okra Fries

Spiced air fryer okra fries served with a yogurt dip on a plate with fresh parsley.
Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen

Air fryer okra is the BEST way to enjoy this often overlooked vegetable. The air fryer turns what many refer to as a “slimy” texture into crispy, crunchy okra fries. Seasoned simply but irresistibly, this recipe will have you falling in love with okra!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Okra Fries

Black Eyed Peas (Stovetop)

A delightful Black Eyed Peas (Stovetop)
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Black Eyed Peas are a classic Southern dish. This black eyed pea soup recipe with bacon is the perfect thing to eat for New Year’s.
Get the Recipe: Black Eyed Peas (Stovetop)

Easy Collard Greens

Cooked collard greens are in a cast iron skillet with a wooden spoon.
Photo credit: Minimalist Baker

These Easy Collard Greens are cooked in minutes with coconut oil, garlic, and seasonings. Add some coconut bacon to keep this recipe light and healthy, while still loaded with flavor!
Get the Recipe: Easy Collard Greens

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

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

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

Texas Sheet Cake

Texas Sheet Cake
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

Texas Sheet Cake might be the ultimate chocolate cake. It’s incredibly easy to make and has a buttery richness with a pure chocolate punch.
Get the Recipe: Texas Sheet Cake

Sweet Peach Iced Tea

Sweet Peach Iced Tea
Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Infused with the flavor of fresh peaches, this iced tea is a sweet and refreshing beverage that’s ideal for cooling down on a sunny day.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Peach Iced Tea

Hot and Spicy Shrimp and Grits

ie-canva_free__studio_philippines-chapati_flour-2655979
Image Credit: Cooks With Soul

This Hot and Spicy Shrimp and Grits brings together the bold heat of Nashville Hot Chicken and the rich comfort of Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits. The shrimp are bathed in a spicy cayenne cream sauce, then nestled on top of creamy, buttery stone-ground grits for the ultimate Southern-inspired dish.

Get the Recipe: Hot and Spicy Shrimp and Grits

Nutty Chocolate Oat Bars

A hand holds a healthy peanut butter square with a bite taken out. There are chocolate chips on top and more of the squares in the background.
Photo credit: Healthy Happy Life

These Nutty Chocolate Oat Bars deliver a nutty, oat-filled, chocolate-loaded bar that’s oh-so luscious. These bars are made without refined sugar and are still rich and delcious. walnuts, rolled oats, banana, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Get the Recipe: Nutty Chocolate Oat Bars

Want to save this recipe?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you'll get new recipes from us every week!

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!

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *