Down-Home Southern Recipes to Cook Now

Jenny deRemer

Jun 13, 2025

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Craving something hearty, homemade, and undeniably Southern? This collection of Southern recipes has everything from skillet favorites like Fried Potatoes and Onions and Johnny Cakes, to down-home classics like Turkey and Ham Pie, Copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak, and Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake. Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner or just want comfort on a plate, these dishes are simple to make and full of Southern charm!

Table of Contents

Fried Potatoes and Onions

Country fried potatoes and onions.
Image Credit: Erren Hart for Erren’s Kitchen

Fried Potatoes and Onions are crisp, golden, and always a hit. This Southern staple adds savory flair to breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

GET THE RECIPE: Fried Potatoes and Onions

Johnny Cakes {Cornbread Pancakes}

Sweet potato pancakes.
Image Credit: Erren Hart for Erren’s Kitchen

Johnny Cakes combine the crunch of cornbread with the ease of pancakes. Crispy-edged and fluffy inside, they’re a breakfast classic.

GET THE RECIPE: Johnny Cakes {Cornbread Pancakes}

Easy Po’ Boy Steak Sandwich

Hoagie rolls stuffed with steak and lettuce and peppers with a dressing.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

This Po’ Boy Steak Sandwich is stacked with grilled, marinated beef and all the fixings. Big flavor, easy prep—perfect for cookouts or game day.

GET THE RECIPE: Po Boy

Stuffed Deviled Crab: A South Carolina Lowcountry Classic

A brush basting deviled crab with sherried butter.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Stuffed Deviled Crab is rich, buttery, and full of coastal Southern flavor. Serve it in retro tins or real shells for an authentic Gullah presentation.

GET THE RECIPE: Deviled Crab

Best Southern Corn Pudding

A spoonful of creamy baked corn casserole.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Southern Corn Pudding is creamy, golden, and always welcome next to turkey, ham, or grilled meat. This classic side brings farm-to-table comfort in every bite.

GET THE RECIPE: Corn Casserole

Cherry Crumble

A woman spooning cherry cobbler from a dish.
Image Credit: Erren Hart for Erren’s Kitchen

Cherry Crumble is the perfect blend of tart fruit and crisp topping. Serve warm with ice cream for a no-fuss dessert everyone loves.

GET THE RECIPE: Cherry Crumble

Best Southern Ham Gravy with Cheesy Biscuits and Eggs

A plate of cheesy eggs and biscuits smothered in southern ham gravy.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

This Ham Gravy with Cheesy Biscuits and Eggs is rich, smoky, and straight from the heart of Southern breakfast tradition. It’s quick to make and impossible to forget.

GET THE RECIPE: Ham Gravy

Mint Julep Cocktail

Mint Julip cocktails.
Image Credit: Erren Hart for Erren’s Kitchen

The Mint Julep Cocktail brings fresh mint, crushed ice, and Southern charm to any gathering. It’s cool, classic, and always crowd-pleasing.

GET THE RECIPE: Mint Julep Cocktail

Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits

Fluffy biscuits.
Image Credit: Erren Hart for Erren’s Kitchen

Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits are golden outside, fluffy inside, and totally irresistible. Slather with butter or build your favorite biscuit sandwich.

GET THE RECIPE: Buttermilk Biscuits

Copycat Bob Evans Sausage Gravy and Biscuit Casserole

A plate of scrambled eggs and hot sausage biscuit and gravy casserole.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

This Biscuit and Gravy Casserole layers flaky biscuits with rich sausage gravy for the ultimate comfort bake. Great for breakfast, brunch, or breakfast-for-dinner.

GET THE RECIPE: Biscuit and Gravy Casserole

Turkey and Ham Pie

Ham and turkey pot pie with a spoon.
Image Credit: Erren Hart for Erren’s Kitchen

Turkey and Ham Pie turns holiday leftovers into a savory, comforting main dish. Wrapped in pastry, it’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for cozy dinners.

GET THE RECIPE: Turkey and Ham Pie

Healthy Fried Chicken

Fried chicken on a cutting board.
Image Credit: Erren Hart for Erren’s Kitchen

This Healthy Fried Chicken is oven-crisped for all the crunch with less fat. A lighter take on a Southern classic that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

GET THE RECIPE: Healthy Fried Chicken

Easy Layered Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding Trifle

Layers of banana pudding, Nilla wafer cookies, and whipped cream.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

This Banana Pudding Trifle is no-bake Southern comfort—layers of pudding, wafers, and whipped topping in every creamy spoonful. Make it ahead and watch it disappear.

GET THE RECIPE: Banana Pudding

Easy Homemade Corn Muffins

Cornbread muffins on a wire cooling rack.
Image Credit: Erren Hart for Erren’s Kitchen

These Easy Homemade Corn Muffins are crusty on the outside, tender on the inside. The perfect side for chili, barbecue, or just a pat of butter.

GET THE RECIPE: Easy Homemade Corn Muffins

Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake

A pound cake with sugar glaze.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake is rich, moist, and made with just two easy steps. A timeless, crowd-pleasing favorite for any occasion.

GET THE RECIPE: Pound Cake

{Best Ever} Easy Crab Cakes

Crabcakes on a plate with a lemon wedge.
Image Credit: Erren Hart for Erren’s Kitchen

These Easy Crab Cakes use fresh or canned crab for a fuss-free seafood dish. Crisp outside, tender inside—ideal for appetizers or mains.

GET THE RECIPE: Crab Cakes

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

Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice is classic comfort on a plate. Golden cutlets, scratch-made gravy, and Southern-grown rice make every bite count.

GET THE RECIPE: Fried Chicken

Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes

A bowl of creamy mashed sweet potatoes with butter.
Image Credit: Erren Hart for Erren’s Kitchen

These Mashed Sweet Potatoes are buttery, smooth, and naturally sweet. A vibrant, cozy side dish perfect for any Southern spread.

GET THE RECIPE: Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Creamy Sweet Potato and Muenster Gratin

A casserole of sweet potatoes layered with Muenster cheese.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Creamy Sweet Potato and Muenster Gratin is a cheesy, rich bake that transforms humble sweet potatoes into the star of the table.

GET THE RECIPE: Potatoes Au Gratin

Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits

A strawberry shortcake.
Image Credit: Erren Hart for Erren’s Kitchen

Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits are buttery, flaky, and layered with juicy berries. Scratch-made and sweeter than anything store-bought.

GET THE RECIPE: Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits

Carolina BBQ Sauce

A spoon dipping into barbecue sauce.
Image Credit: Erren Hart for Erren’s Kitchen

Carolina BBQ Sauce blends mustard, vinegar, and spice for tangy, bold flavor. Brush it on pork, chicken, or anything hot off the grill.

GET THE RECIPE: Carolina BBQ Sauce

Copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak

Chicken fried steak with country gravy.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

This Country Fried Steak delivers Southern comfort fast—seasoned cube steak in a golden crust, topped with creamy sawmill gravy.

GET THE RECIPE: Chicken Fried Steak

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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!

Read More About Me

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