15 Southern Family Dinners

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If you’re craving comfort food with big Southern flavors, this list of Southern meal ideas has you covered. Dive into classics like Smothered Turkey Necks and Southern Smothered Turkey Wings or spice things up with Nashville Hot Chicken and Cajun Shrimp. Whether it’s the smoky goodness of Southern Baked Beans or the crowd-pleasing Southern Spicy Shrimp & Rice Recipe, these dishes bring the soul of Southern cooking straight to your table.

Cajun Salmon Burgers

Cajun Salmon Burgers
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

Shelf-stable canned salmon plus a few more pantry staples make an incredibly easy and flavorful Cajun Salmon Burgers, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Salmon Burgers

Key West Crab and Lobster Bisque

Key West Crab and Lobster Bisque
Photo credit: xoxoBella

This Key West crab and lobster bisque made in a slow cooker is a breeze to whip up. Each spoonful is packed with seafood goodness and a creamy texture that hits the spot. For seafood fans seeking a tasty and cozy meal, this crockpot seafood bisque is spot on.
Get the Recipe: Key West Crab and Lobster Bisque

Smothered Turkey Necks

The image features a rich brown meat stew garnished with sliced green onions and herbs.
Image Credit: Kenneth Temple

With Cajun spices and a rich gravy, Smothered Turkey Necks bring a bold Southern flair to your table. Slow-cooked for maximum tenderness, these turkey necks are a fantastic choice when you’re craving authentic Southern meal ideas.
Get the Recipe: Smothered Turkey Necks

Nashville Hot Chicken

Crispy fried chicken glazed with spicy sauce on parchment paper, accompanied by sliced pickles and golden fries. A light green cloth is partially visible in the corner.
Image Credit: Recipes from a Pantry

For those who like it spicy, Nashville Hot Chicken serves up perfectly fried chicken coated in a fiery sauce. This dish is a must for fans of Southern heat, making it a standout among classic meal ideas.
Get the Recipe: Nashville Hot Chicken

Southern Smothered Turkey Wings

The image shows seasoned, cooked chicken on a bed of rice, garnished with chopped green onions and herbs. A fork and knife are partially visible on the side.
Image Credit: Kenneth Temple

Southern Smothered Turkey Wings are fall-off-the-bone tender, drenched in flavorful gravy that pairs perfectly with rice. This recipe makes for a classic Southern-style comfort meal that’ll make any dinner unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Southern Smothered Turkey Wings

Southern Spicy Shrimp & Rice Recipe

A dark dish featuring shrimp curry, white rice, sliced jalapeños, and cherry tomatoes.
Image Credit: Chili Pepper Madness

With a rich tomato-based sauce, Southern Spicy Shrimp & Rice brings the warmth of Southern cooking to your table. Served over fluffy rice, this dish is an ideal pick for quick yet comforting Southern flavors.
Get the Recipe: Southern Spicy Shrimp & Rice Recipe

Smothered Green Beans

A plate with cooked green beans, crispy prosciutto pieces, and diced onions.
Image Credit: Budget Delicious

Smothered Green Beans come together in just 20 minutes with five simple ingredients, making them a go-to Southern-inspired side dish. Packed with flavor, these beans add a savory touch to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Smothered Green Beans

Cajun Shrimp Recipe

Cooked shrimp on a metal surface with herbs sprinkled on top.
Image Credit: Chili Pepper Madness

Spicy and quick, Cajun Shrimp cooks up fast with a blend of Cajun seasonings and tender shrimp. Ideal for adding Southern heat to pastas or salads, it’s a fantastic meal choice that’s ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Shrimp Recipe

Smoked Pork Tenderloin

A wooden board with sliced, seasoned pork tenderloin and a bowl of colorful salad featuring tomatoes, carrots, and cabbage on a marble surface. A striped cloth is placed next to the dish.
Image Credit: The Feathered Nester

Smoked Pork Tenderloin delivers melt-in-your-mouth goodness with rich smoky flavors, perfect for those craving Southern-style barbecue at home. With simple tips, it’s easy to achieve tender perfection right from your backyard grill.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork Tenderloin

Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Rice

Chicken, sausage, and rice in instant pot with wooden spoon.
Photo credit: call Me PMc

Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Rice is a delicious one pot Cajun meal that’s ready in 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Rice

Southern Baked Beans

Baked beans mixed with pieces of bacon being stirred with a wooden spoon.
Image Credit: Little Sunny Kitchen

Slow-cooked with a smoky-sweet flavor, Southern Baked Beans bring a comforting touch to any barbecue or family gathering. Skip the canned beans and enjoy this flavorful side that’s easy to whip up for all your cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Southern Baked Beans

Blackened Chicken Tenders

The image shows grilled chicken pieces with a charred surface, garnished with sprigs of herbs.
Image Credit: The Feathered Nester

Bursting with Cajun spice, Blackened Chicken Tenders are quick to cook and full of bold flavor. This Southern favorite makes a tasty addition to salads or can be served as a main in just 15 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Chicken Tenders

Cajun Seafood Rice Casserole

Shrimp and rice in a skillet.
Photo credit: call Me PMc

Cajun Seafood Rice Casserole is packed with bold flavors and comforting warmth. It’s both spicy and filling.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Seafood Rice Casserole

Best Southern Tuna Salad Recipe

A bed of lettuce topped with chicken salad and garnished with dill.
Image Credit: The Fresh Cooky

Best Southern Tuna Salad Recipe adds a Southern touch with ingredients like pickle relish and smoked paprika. Ideal for sandwiches, this tuna salad is a tasty twist on a classic lunch option that’s quick to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Best Southern Tuna Salad Recipe

Creole White Beans With Chicken

A bowl of white rice topped with a colorful mixture of beans, shredded vegetables, and herbs. A fork is placed in the bowl, ready to take a bite. The dish is set on an orange cloth.
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

These flavorful Creole White Beans are full of vegetables, Creole spices, and belly filling power. Make a pot on Sunday afternoon and stay full all week.
Get the Recipe: Creole White Beans with Chicken

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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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