Make These Classic Southern Recipes Tonight

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Southern recipes know how to bring the comfort, and this collection doesn’t hold back. From Charleston Shrimp and Grits with Crab Gravy to Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake, these dishes blend tradition, bold flavor, and just the right amount of indulgence. You’ll find flaky Easy 3 Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits, crispy Fried Okra, and Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie that tastes like it came straight from Grandma’s kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, these Southern recipes deliver the goods.

Easy Cinnamon Rolls

Easy cinnamon rolls after being baked and covered in glaze ready to serve in the baking pan.
Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

Puff pastry rolled with cinnamon brown sugar butter filling is baked and covered with a delicious decadent frosting.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cinnamon Rolls

Easy 3 Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits

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

Start with this no-fail Southern recipe for 3-Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits—just butter, self-rising flour, and buttermilk for fluffy, golden biscuits full of down-home comfort.

GET THE RECIPE: Homemade Biscuits

Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie

A slice of Black folks sweet potato pie on a white plate ready to serve
Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

Sweet Potato Pie is a classic Southern dessert with warm fall spices and a rich, creamy filling, all nestled in a flaky, buttery crust—perfect for holidays or Sunday supper.
Get the Recipe: Black Folks Sweet Potato 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 Southern comfort at its finest—plump shrimp over creamy, cheesy grits, finished with spiced crab gravy and green onions for a rich, unforgettable dish.

GET THE RECIPE: Shrimp and Grits

Pineapple Cake (Lighter and Full Fat Version)

An overhead shot of a large pineapple cake with cream cheese frosting and dried pineapple flowers ready to serve
Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

This Easy Pineapple Sheet Cake is moist, tender, and packed with sweet pineapple, molasses flavor, and warm spice—perfect for potlucks, snacks, or sunny-day picnics.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Cake (Lighter and Full Fat Version)

Butter Beans

A large pot of old fashioned creamy butter beans with a silver spoon scooping some on a white background
Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

These Southern Butter Beans are slow-simmered in broth, spices, and liquid smoke until thick, creamy, and full of soul-soothing flavor—true Southern comfort in a pot.
Get the Recipe: Butter Beans

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

Made with rich, tender Wagyu beef and topped with a savory glaze, this elevated meatloaf transforms a classic comfort dish into something truly memorable.

GET THE RECIPE: Meatloaf

Fried Okra

A close up of fried okra on a spoon before serving
Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

Southern Fried Okra fries up golden brown and irresistibly crunchy—simple, classic, and easily one of the best ways to enjoy fresh okra.
Get the Recipe: Fried Okra

Garlic Butter Shrimp with Pimento Cheese Grits

A bowl of shrimp and cheese grits with garlic honey butter.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Grits brings Southern comfort to the next level with rich garlic butter shrimp over creamy stone-ground grits—perfect for brunch or a cozy dinner that feels a little fancy.

GET THE RECIPE: Garlic Butter Shrimp

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

Butter Pecan Cookies bring sweet Southern charm in every bite—golden, buttery, and loaded with crunchy pecans. Perfect for holidays, tea time, or anytime you need a little comfort.

GET THE RECIPE: Butter Pecan Cookies

Green Bean Casserole

Ready-to-eat green bean casserole in a pan, showcasing its crisp top.
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

This quick and easy Green Bean Casserole skips the canned soup for a fresh, modern twist—perfect for holiday tables and weeknight dinners alike.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake

The image features a cheesecake with a thick graham cracker crust, topped with chopped pecans and a glossy caramel sauce. The dessert is partially sliced, showing its creamy interior.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake blends smooth bourbon, crunchy pecans, and rich cheesecake into one unforgettable dessert—equal parts Southern charm and indulgent showstopper.

GET THE RECIPE: Praline Cheesecake

Coconut Bacon Collard Greens (15 minutes!)

Using a wooden spoon to stir Collard Greens with Coconut Bacon in a cast iron skillet
Photo credit: Minimalist Baker

Collard greens are one seriously underappreciated vegetable (hello, health perks). I used to overlook them too—until I figured out what they really need: time, seasoning, and just the right amount of love in the pot.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Bacon Collard Greens (15 minutes!)

Southern Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs topped with paprika and chopped chives, arranged on a decorative plate.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

If you’re new here, know this: I’m deeply suspicious of anyone who doesn’t stalk the deviled egg tray like it’s holding their paycheck. These creamy Southern deviled eggs with sweet pickle relish disappear faster than manners after Sunday service—so go ahead and double the batch.

GET THE RECIPE: Deviled Eggs

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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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