Dishes That Take You Straight Down South

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Craving authentic southern-flavored dishes? From Oven-Baked Deep South Barbecue Ribs to Sweet Cornbread and Squash Casserole, these recipes bring Southern comfort right to your kitchen. Whether you’re in the mood for Southern Ambrosia Salad or a comforting bowl of Crock Pot Southern Grits, these southern-flavored dishes are perfect for any occasion. Easy, flavorful, and packed with soul, these recipes are sure to become family favorites.

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

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

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

Air Fryer Corn Casserole

A close-up of a baked corn casserole in a blue Staub dish. The dish is topped with crumbled cheese, chopped chives, and corn kernels. A spoon is scooping out a portion, revealing a golden, textured interior.
Image Credit: xoxoBella

Air Fryer Corn Casserole combines the rich flavor of bacon and creamy cornbread pudding for a dish that pairs perfectly with any Southern-inspired meal. Made with Jiffy cornbread mix, it’s a quick, easy side that’s sure to become a family favorite. This dish is perfect for a potluck or any casual gathering, adding a comforting touch to your table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Corn Casserole

Southern Ambrosia Salad

A bowl containing marshmallows, cherries, grapes, oranges, and pecans, with a cherry on top.
Image Credit: The Country Cook

Southern Ambrosia Salad brings together a sweet mix of pineapple, grapes, and maraschino cherries for a refreshing side that’s great for any Southern-style feast. With creamy Cool Whip and a hint of coconut, it adds a light, tropical flair to your meal. This easy, no-cook dish is always a hit at family gatherings and potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ambrosia Salad

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

Easy Homemade Mexican Horchata

A glass of creamy horchata topped with ground cinnamon sits on a white surface. Nearby are cinnamon sticks, a small white pitcher, and a soft pink cloth. The scene conveys a calm, refreshing atmosphere.
Image Credit: xoxoBella

Easy Homemade Mexican Horchata offers a cool, creamy drink that’s both refreshing and flavorful. Made with rice milk and a touch of cinnamon, this sweet beverage complements a variety of Southern-flavored dishes, adding a unique, homemade touch. Serve it chilled for a satisfying drink option at your next gathering.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Mexican Horchata

Crock Pot Southern Grits

A bowl of creamy grits topped with melted butter and pepper, with a spoon and a jar of an orange-hued beverage in the background.
Image Credit: The Country Cook

Crock Pot Southern Grits takes the classic Southern comfort food and makes it even easier. The slow-cooked, buttery grits come out creamy and smooth every time, making them the perfect side dish for everything from fried chicken to shrimp. This easy recipe brings a taste of Southern tradition to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Southern Grits

Sweet Cornbread

A slice of cornbread with butter and honey on a floral plate, accompanied by a honey dipper, a jar of amber liquid, and a striped cloth.
Image Credit: The Country Cook

Sweet Cornbread offers a moist, honey-sweetened treat that pairs well with any hearty Southern meal. Whether baked in a cast-iron skillet or a baking pan, this cornbread adds a comforting, slightly sweet element to your plate. It’s the perfect side to complement everything from chili to BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cornbread

Black Beans With Eggs

Black Beans With Eggs
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

Eggs poached in seasoned black beans served over a bed of rice with fresh onion and cilantro makes a fast, filling, and budget-friendly meal!
Get the Recipe: Black Beans with Eggs

Oven Baked Deep South Barbecue Ribs

Grilled barbecue ribs with a shiny glaze, arranged on a yellow plate.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Oven Baked Deep South Barbecue Ribs let you enjoy tender, flavorful ribs without needing to fire up the grill. With a rich, tangy sauce and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, these ribs are perfect for a cozy dinner. This easy oven method makes it possible to enjoy Southern-style BBQ all year round.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Deep South Barbecue Ribs

Squash Casserole

A plate of baked squash casserole topped with crumbled crackers and garnished with herbs on a blue-patterned dish.
Image Credit: The Country Cook

Squash Casserole transforms a simple summer vegetable into a rich, creamy side dish that can easily become the star of your meal. With a crispy topping and smooth, cheesy filling, this casserole is a great option to serve alongside Southern-flavored dishes like fried chicken or roast pork.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole

Air Fryer Crab Cakes with Garlic Lemon Chipotle Aioli

A plate of golden-brown crab cakes garnished with parsley and lemon slices, accompanied by a creamy dipping sauce in a small bowl. The crab cakes are mixed with herbs and red peppers.
Image Credit: xoxoBella

Air Fryer Crab Cakes with Garlic Lemon Chipotle Aioli offers a quick and healthier twist on a classic favorite. The crispy, golden crab cakes are served with a spicy, creamy aioli that adds a bold punch of flavor. These make a great appetizer or main dish to complement the bold tastes of Southern-inspired meals.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Crab Cakes with Garlic Lemon Chipotle Aioli

Baked Beans

A close up image of Homemade BBQ Baked Beans in a black pan with a spoon.
Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Skip the mushy disappointment of canned beans! These Homemade BBQ Baked Beans are a flavor explosion waiting to happen.
Get the Recipe: Baked Beans

Southern Home Fries

The image shows a skillet containing cooked diced potatoes, red and green peppers, and onions, with a metal spatula beside it.
Image Credit: The Country Cook

Southern Home Fries combine crispy, golden potatoes with peppers and onions for a hearty side that pairs well with breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Seasoned to perfection, they bring a comforting Southern flavor to your meal, whether served alongside eggs or as a side to fried chicken.
Get the Recipe: Southern Home Fries

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

Deeply Southern Tea Cakes

A snowflake-shaped cookie decorated with white icing and blue and white snowflake designs rests on a cooling rack. Other cookies with similar snowflake patterns are partially visible in the background.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Deeply Southern Tea Cakes are a true Southern classic, with a rich history that connects generations. These soft, buttery cookies bring a taste of the South that has been passed down for years, perfect for any family gathering or special occasion. Their simple ingredients and comforting flavor make them a must-have when you want to serve something with authentic Southern roots.
Get the Recipe: Deeply Southern Tea Cakes

Beer Braised Collard Greens

Beer Braised Collard Greens
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

Collard greens braised in beer provides a unique flavor and a tender texture.
Get the Recipe: Beer Braised Collard Greens

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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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