A Hearty Taste of the South You Won’t Forget

Jenny deRemer

Oct 30, 2025

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When it comes to Southern dinners the flavors are bold, comforting and unforgettable. These hearty main dishes bring warmth to the table, making them perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknights. I love how these meals can transport you straight to the heart of the South, even if you’re miles away. With simple ingredients and a little love, you can create a dining experience that feels like home. Join me as we explore Southern dinner mains that will make your evenings special and memorable!

Table of Contents

Chicken on the Ritz Casserole

A close-up of a spoonful of creamy casserole topped with a crumbly, golden-brown crust. Bits of green herbs are visible, and the background shows more of the dish in a white bowl.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Chicken on the Ritz Casserole is comfort food at its finest, combining creamy chicken with buttery Ritz cracker crumbs for that perfect southern touch. This casserole is easy to put together and bakes into a warm, satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. It’s a great southern dinner main that will have your family coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Chicken on the Ritz Casserole

Rodney Scott’s BBQ Ribs Recipe

A close-up of a stack of barbecued ribs with a rich, glazed coating. The ribs are arranged in a pyramid shape, showcasing their juicy, tender texture and charred edges, set against a simple background.
Image Credit: Destination BBQ

Rodney Scott’s BBQ Ribs Recipe brings the authentic flavors of southern BBQ right to your dinner table. These ribs are slow-cooked to perfection, seasoned with a bold rub, and finished with a tangy sauce. It’s the ideal southern dinner main for any BBQ lover, perfect for a casual gathering or family feast. These ribs deliver a smoky, savory experience that embodies the essence of classic southern cooking.
Get the Recipe: Rodney Scott’s BBQ Ribs Recipe

Southern Pecan Glazed Ham

A glazed ham topped with pecans is being sliced with a knife. The ham is surrounded by slices of orange and garnished with parsley on a white platter.
Image Credit: Noshing With The Nolands

A true centerpiece for any southern feast, this Southern Pecan Glazed Ham combines the sweetness of pecans with a savory, succulent ham. The glaze caramelizes beautifully, adding a touch of crunch and sweetness to every bite. This main dish is perfect for holiday dinners or special occasions, offering that traditional southern charm with a little extra flair.
Get the Recipe: Southern Pecan Glazed Ham

Blackened Chicken Tenders

Grilled chicken pieces seasoned with herbs and spices are arranged on a white plate. The chicken is charred and garnished with fresh thyme sprigs.
Image Credit: The Feathered Nester

These Blackened Chicken Tenders pack a punch of southern heat, with their perfectly seasoned crispy exterior. The smoky spices bring out the best in the chicken, making it a perfect choice for a main dish with southern flair. Serve these with a side of cornbread or coleslaw for a truly satisfying dinner meal.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Chicken Tenders

The Best Seafood Boil Recipe with Garlic Butter Sauce

A seafood boil featuring crab legs, shrimp, and lobster tail, surrounded by corn on the cob, potatoes, and sausages. A bowl of melted butter with seasoning is placed at the center. The dish is served on a table covered with paper.
Image Credit: Sweet Tea + Thyme

This Best Seafood Boil Recipe with Garlic Butter Sauce is a showstopper southern dinner main. With a combination of shrimp, crab, corn, and potatoes, all drenched in a buttery garlic sauce, it’s the perfect dish to gather around and dig into with friends and family. It’s full of the bold, briny flavors that make southern cooking so irresistible.
Get the Recipe: The Best Seafood Boil Recipe with Garlic Butter Sauce

Copycat Bob Evans Sausage Gravy and Biscuit Casserole Recipe

A baked dish with golden brown cheesy bread squares in a glass baking dish on a wooden surface. A beige cloth napkin is in the background.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

For a hearty southern meal, this Copycat Bob Evans Sausage Gravy and Biscuit Casserole delivers layers of flaky biscuits and savory sausage gravy. It’s the perfect main dish for a family dinner, bringing all the best parts of southern comfort to your plate in one delicious bake.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Bob Evans Sausage Gravy and Biscuit Casserole Recipe

Easy New Orleans-Style Skillet Barbecue Shrimp

A hand garnishing a pan of shrimp scampi with chopped green onions and parsley. The dish features shrimp, lemon slices, and a garlic-butter sauce. A wooden spoon rests in the pan, and a small bowl of green onions is partially visible.
Image Credit: Little Black Skillet

This Easy New Orleans-Style Skillet Barbecue Shrimp is a perfect way to enjoy a flavorful southern dinner with minimal effort. The shrimp are cooked in a rich, buttery sauce with a kick of spice, giving it that unmistakable Louisiana flair. It’s a great main course for those who want to bring a taste of the South to their dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up all the sauce!
Get the Recipe: Easy New Orleans-Style Skillet Barbecue Shrimp

Parsley Pesto Salmon Recipe

a white baking dish, with salmon fillet and vegetables
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

For a fresh and flavorful main, try this Parsley Pesto Salmon Recipe. The homemade parsley pesto adds a vibrant layer of flavor to the tender, flaky salmon, making it an excellent choice for a southern-inspired seafood dinner. It’s light, yet satisfying, and pairs wonderfully with simple sides like rice or roasted vegetables. Perfect for a healthy southern dinner.
Get the Recipe: Parsley Pesto Salmon Recipe

Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice & Scratch Pan Gravy

A plate of breaded and fried chicken cutlet topped with brown gravy sits on a bed of white rice. The dish is garnished with chopped fresh herbs and accompanied by a sprig of parsley. A striped yellow and white napkin is placed beside the plate on a wooden table.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

With its golden-crusted chicken and herb-infused rice, Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice & Scratch Pan Gravy brings classic southern flavors to your dinner table. The pan gravy ties everything together, making it a satisfying and wholesome main dish. Serve this with sautéed greens for a truly southern meal.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice & Scratch Pan Gravy

Smoked Brisket Sandwich

Close-up of a pulled pork sandwich topped with colorful coleslaw on a bun. The slaw is a mix of purple and green cabbage with creamy dressing. Slices of pickles are visible beneath the pork. The bun is slightly shiny, suggesting it's freshly baked.
Image Credit: Sweet Tea + Thyme

Smoked Brisket Sandwich brings a southern BBQ favorite right to your dinner plate. With rich, smoky brisket piled high on a soft bun, it’s a simple yet hearty way to enjoy leftover brisket. This sandwich is the perfect main dish for a southern-inspired dinner, full of bold flavors and satisfying textures. Add your favorite barbecue sauce and a side of coleslaw to complete this classic meal.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brisket Sandwich

Red Beans and Rice Recipe

A bowl filled with red beans and rice, topped with sliced sausage and garnished with chopped cilantro. The dish is placed on a dark, rustic surface with a checkered cloth towel partially visible on the side. A spoon is dipping into the bowl.
Image Credit: The Cookie Rookie

This classic Red Beans and Rice Recipe brings a taste of southern Creole to your kitchen. With smoky sausage, hearty beans, and a blend of spices, it’s a perfect one-pot meal. Simple yet flavorful, this main dish is a great choice for an easy, filling dinner that’s packed with southern tradition.
Get the Recipe: Red Beans and Rice Recipe

Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy

A plate of chicken fried steak topped with creamy white gravy, garnished with fresh parsley. The dish is accompanied by a side of mashed potatoes. The plate is set on a white surface next to a blue napkin and silverware.
Image Credit: The Cookie Rookie

Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy is a true southern classic, with a crispy fried exterior and creamy gravy that makes every bite feel like comfort food. It’s an easy choice for a southern dinner, perfect alongside mashed potatoes and green beans. This main dish is sure to satisfy anyone looking for that down-home flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy

Farm to Table Thick Beef Stew Recipe

A hearty stew in a white bowl, featuring chunks of beef, potatoes, and carrots in a rich brown broth. Garnished with a sprig of parsley, the meal is accompanied by a fresh roll with butter on the side. A spoon and orange napkin are nearby.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Nothing says southern homestyle cooking like a warm bowl of Thick Beef Stew. Packed with tender chunks of beef and hearty vegetables, this stew offers a wholesome, comforting meal. The rich broth and slow-cooked goodness make it an ideal choice for any southern dinner main menu, especially when paired with warm bread for dipping.
Get the Recipe: Farm to Table Thick Beef Stew Recipe

Herb Crusted Pork Loin with Zinfandel Reduction

Sliced roast beef arranged on a white oval platter, garnished with fresh parsley. The meat has a cooked exterior with a juicy pink center, shown on a light-colored surface.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

If you’re craving something a bit more refined, this Herb Crusted Pork Loin with Zinfandel Reduction offers southern comfort with a sophisticated twist. The flavorful crust pairs beautifully with the wine reduction, making it a standout dinner main for any southern meal. Pair it with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes to round out the experience.
Get the Recipe: Herb Crusted Pork Loin with Zinfandel Reduction

Perfectly Perfect Barbecued Chicken Drumsticks

Close-up of glazed chicken drumsticks cooking on a grill, coated in a thick, reddish-brown barbecue sauce. The chicken appears juicy and well-seasoned, with grill marks visible on the hot metal grate beneath.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

These Perfectly Perfect Barbecued Chicken Drumsticks bring all the smoky, tangy flavors of the South straight to your plate. With crispy skin and juicy meat, these drumsticks are an ideal choice for a southern dinner main that’s both fun and flavorful. Great for backyard BBQs or family dinners, they’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Perfect Barbecued Chicken Drumsticks

Smoked Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwiches

A sandwich overflowing with tender, shredded pulled pork nestled in a soft bun. The meat has a mix of crispy burnt ends and juicy shreds. A red and white checkered cloth and a small bowl of coleslaw are visible in the background.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

A staple of southern barbecue, these Smoked Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwiches offer tender, smoky pork on a fluffy bun. Topped with coleslaw and served with pickles, these sandwiches are perfect for a casual southern dinner main. The vinegar-based sauce gives them that signature Carolina flavor that everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Grilled Peri Peri Chicken with Sauce

Close-up of glazed chicken thighs garnished with herbs, next to a serving of yellow rice topped with small green herbs.
Image Credit: Erren’s Kitchen

For a southern dinner main with bold, spicy flavors, try Grilled Peri Peri Chicken with Sauce. The marinade, made with chili and garlic, packs a punch while the grilling adds a smoky finish to the tender chicken. Serve it with rice or a fresh salad for a dinner that’s both exciting and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peri Peri Chicken with Sauce

Chicken Cordon Bleu Roll Ups

A close-up of sliced chicken cordon bleu. The dish features breaded and baked chicken breasts, stuffed with ham and melted cheese. The outer layer is golden brown and crispy, while the inside is juicy and filled with creamy cheese and ham layers.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

These Chicken Cordon Bleu Roll Ups offer a fun take on a classic southern dinner main, blending savory ham, gooey cheese, and tender chicken in each bite. Baked to golden perfection, these roll-ups are a great way to impress at dinner while keeping things simple. Serve them with a side of roasted veggies or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Roll Ups

A Recipe for Charleston Pickled Spiced Shrimp

A close-up of a visually vibrant dish featuring pieces of shrimp, red bell peppers, thinly sliced fennel, and fresh dill on a white plate. The dish is garnished with leafy greens, offering a fresh and colorful presentation.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

A Recipe for Charleston Pickled Spiced Shrimp delivers a tangy, spiced flavor that’s perfect for a southern dinner with a twist. The shrimp are marinated in a vinegar-based brine, absorbing all the flavors of the South Carolina Lowcountry. It’s a refreshing and bold seafood option, perfect for serving as a main or alongside a larger spread.
Get the Recipe: A Recipe for Charleston Pickled Spiced Shrimp

How to Smoke a Texas Style Pellet Grill Brisket

Close-up of several slices of juicy, tender smoked brisket with a crispy seasoned crust and a visible smoke ring. The meat appears well-cooked and flavorful, with a rich, marbled texture.
Image Credit: Sweet Tea + Thyme

Smoking brisket is a southern main tradition, and this Texas Style Pellet Grill Brisket is all about rich, smoky goodness. With a long, slow cook time, you get perfectly tender beef that melts in your mouth. Serve it sliced on a plate or piled into sandwiches for a true southern BBQ dinner feast.
Get the Recipe: How to Smoke a Texas Style Pellet Grill Brisket

Stuffed Deviled Crab: A South Carolina Lowcountry Classic

A close-up of seafood stuffing being brushed with butter inside scallop shells. The stuffing looks crispy and is garnished with small green and red vegetables. The shell rests on a wooden surface.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Stuffed Deviled Crab is a true southern classic, featuring a rich, flavorful crab stuffing baked to perfection. The blend of crabmeat, spices, and buttery crumbs makes this dish a standout main for any southern dinner. It’s ideal for seafood lovers who want a taste of the Lowcountry with minimal prep but maximum flavor.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Deviled Crab: A South Carolina Lowcountry Classic

The Best Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe

A crispy fried chicken sandwich topped with lettuce, tomato, and pickles on a seeded bun rests on a tray. Curly fries are arranged next to it. In the background, more similar sandwiches are visible, along with jars of mustard and ketchup.
Image Credit: xoxoBella

This Fried Chicken Sandwich brings southern flair with every bite, featuring crispy, juicy chicken on a soft bun. It’s seasoned to perfection and topped with pickles and a creamy sauce, making it an irresistible option for your next southern-style dinner main meal. Serve with fries or a side of coleslaw for that perfect diner feel.
Get the Recipe: The Best Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe

How To Make The Best Damn Wagyu Meatloaf

A sliced meatloaf with a ketchup glaze is served on a copper dish with a wooden spoon. A bowl of cooked Brussels sprouts is in the background. A colorful striped cloth is partially visible on the side.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

This Wagyu Meatloaf takes southern comfort to the next level. The rich flavor of Wagyu beef gives this classic dish a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to beat. With just the right balance of savory seasoning and a perfectly caramelized glaze, it’s an impressive main course for a southern-style dinner. Pair with mashed potatoes and green beans to complete the meal.
Get the Recipe: How To Make The Best Damn Wagyu Meatloaf

Charleston Shrimp and Grits with Crab Gravy

A plate of creamy mashed potatoes topped with succulent shrimp and a rich, savory gravy. The dish is garnished with chunks of crab meat and small pieces of red bell pepper, adding color and texture to the meal. The gravy glistens, blending the flavors together.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

A southern classic with a Lowcountry twist, Charleston Shrimp and Grits with Crab Gravy is the ultimate comfort food. Creamy, buttery grits paired with perfectly cooked shrimp and a rich crab gravy make this dish a standout. It’s a hearty main course that brings the flavors of the southern coast straight to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Charleston Shrimp and Grits with Crab Gravy

Keto Radish Recipes – Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Roasted Radishes

a white platter, with crispy chicken and roasted radishes and red onions
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Roasted Radishes offers a low-carb alternative that doesn’t sacrifice on southern flavor. The roasted radishes take on a potato-like texture, making them a satisfying companion to the tender chicken thighs. This keto-friendly main dish is great for anyone wanting to enjoy a wholesome southern dinner.
Get the Recipe: Keto Radish Recipes – Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Roasted Radishes

Chicken Cutlets with Sundried Tomato Cream Sauce

A metal pan with chicken and sun-dried tomatoes in a cream sauce, garnished with basil leaves, on a marble countertop.
Image credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

These Chicken Cutlets with Sundried Tomato Cream Sauce are a delicious addition to any southern-inspired dinner. The creamy sauce blends sun-dried tomatoes and garlic, making this main dish both rich and comforting. Perfect for an easy meal, the flavors pair well with mashed potatoes or a simple salad, bringing a little taste of southern charm to your table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cutlets with Sundried Tomato Cream Sauce

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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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