26 Tried and True Southern Recipes for Your Kitchen

This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy + disclosures for details.

Whether you’re aiming to perfect grandma’s Deviled Eggs or whip up fluffy biscuits, these Southern recipes promise foolproof results. With options ranging from 3-Ingredient Biscuits and savory Smothered Pork Chops to comforting and creamy Shrimp and Grits and Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake, these dishes are not just meals; they are celebrations of Southern tradition and hospitality. Southern cuisine, renowned for its comforting and welcoming nature, turns every meal into a gathering. These recipes cater to all, from seasoned chefs to beginners seeking straightforward, delightful dishes. If you’re looking to infuse your cooking with the spirit of the South, these recipes provide a delicious introduction to the rich flavors and heartwarming comforts of Southern food, making them ideal for anyone wanting to expand their repertoire of comfort foods.

Easy 3 Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits

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

For starters, hone your baking skills with this no-fail Southern recipe for 3-Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits from Not Entirely Average. Using only butter, self-rising flour, and buttermilk, you can bake a batch of fluffy, golden biscuits that are the perfect addition to any southern meal. These biscuits are ideal for anyone looking for simple yet delicious comfort food recipes. They offer a taste of southern living in every bite and are perfect to be served as a side dish, baked into a sausage gravy and biscuit casserole, or enjoyed with your favorite honey or jam. Make them at home and savor a piece of the South.

GET THE RECIPE: Homemade Biscuits

Copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak

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

Copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak Recipe brings the South straight to your home kitchen in just 45 minutes! Commonly known as chicken-fried steak in the Southern United States, this dish features seasoned cube steak coated in a golden-brown crust, perfectly complemented by a rich and creamy white sawmill gravy that’ll have you craving seconds and thirds!

GET THE RECIPE: Chicken Fried Steak

Hummingbird Poke Cake

ie-canva_free__studio_philippines-chapati_flour-2655979
Image Credit: Lyuba Brooke for Will Cook for Smiles

Indulge in this irresistibly tender Hummingbird Poke Cake, perfect for the blossoming seasons of spring and summer. In this rendition, we enhance the ease factor by transforming it into a poke cake, infusing each crumb with an extra layer of lusciousness courtesy of a velvety, sweet sauce. Topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, its flavors and textures are bound to captivate your senses!

GET THE RECIPE: Hummingbird Poke Cake

Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits

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

This easy Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits recipe is a game-changer, made completely from scratch that promises to outshine any store-bought version. Once you experience the fresh, buttery flavor of homemade biscuits combined with the sweet juiciness of ripe strawberries, you’ll be convinced to make them yourself every time. Perfect for a summer dessert or a special treat, this recipe shows just how rewarding baking from scratch can be. Give it a try, and you might find yourself saying goodbye to pre-packaged options for good!

GET THE RECIPE: Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits

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

Ask any self-respecting Southerner, and they’ll tell you that the ultimate Southern comfort dessert is Nilla Wafer Banana Pudding, a delicious scratch-made layered trifle boasting creamy vanilla pudding, Nilla Wafers, and luscious Cool Whip! This make-ahead, no-bake dessert is a breeze to whip up, utilizing simple ingredients sure to please a crowd. With just a few minutes of prep time, you can create a delicious masterpiece perfect for any occasion.

GET THE RECIPE: Banana Pudding

Easy Homemade Corn Muffins

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

This Easy Homemade Corn Muffins recipe is truly a standout! These muffins boast a delightfully crusty exterior while maintaining a soft, tender cornbread interior, striking the perfect balance of textures. Simple to make, they are ideal for anyone looking to whip up a quick batch of muffins that taste like homemade perfection. Enjoy them as a warm, comforting side dish or a treat all on their own.

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

Serve a slice of nostalgia with Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake, a timeless recipe that delivers a big, beautiful, moist cake perfect for any occasion! With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can quickly whip up an easy cake batter that transforms into the BEST old-fashioned cream cheese pound cake you can imagine. And here’s the best part – it’s all achieved through a two-step method! Yes, you read that right – two simple steps stand between you and a delectable pound cake that rivals those crafted by any Southern baker. So why wait?

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

This {Best Ever} Easy Crab Cakes recipe offers the ultimate in flexibility by allowing you to use either fresh or canned crab meat. This versatility means you can enjoy making these delicious crab cakes anytime without needing a special trip to the store. Whether you opt for the convenience of canned or the freshness of just-caught crab, this recipe promises a delightful seafood experience that’s straightforward and satisfying.

GET THE RECIPE: Crab Cakes

Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice & Scratch Pan Gravy

A dinner plate filled with rice and topped with a fried chicken cutlet and scratch-made country gravy.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

There’s nothing quite as comforting as breaded cutlets fried to a perfect golden brown and served alongside a savory pan gravy. Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice & Scratch Pan Gravy is pure homey goodness. While this dish may not boast extravagant flavors or elaborate presentation, it captures the heart and soul of Southern American cooking in every forkful. Bringing together crispy fried chicken and American-grown rice, each element may seem ordinary. However, when plated together and paired with scratch-made pan gravy, they form a harmony that whistles Dixie.

GET THE RECIPE: Fried Chicken

Fried Cabbage

ie-canva_free__studio_philippines-chapati_flour-2655979
Image Credit: Lyuba Brooke for Will Cook for Smiles

Fried Cabbage is a straightforward side dish that packs a lot of flavors using just a few ingredients. Made primarily with cabbage, leeks, and bacon, it’s seasoned simply with salt and pepper, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through. This dish is quick to prepare, typically ready in about 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a fast and tasty addition to any meal!

GET THE RECIPE: Fried Cabbage

Cornmeal Biscuits with Country Sausage and Watermelon Rind Preserves

Cornmeal sausage breakfast biscuits with pickled watermelon rind preserves on the side.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

This recipe for Cornmeal Biscuits with Country Sausage and Watermelon Rind Preserves intrigues and satisfies with its unexpected combination of tastes. The method is straightforward for the beginner, pairing the rustic texture of cornmeal biscuits with rich, savory country sausage, all complemented by the sweet tanginess of watermelon rind preserves. It’s a perfect blend of flavors that encapsulates innovative Southern cooking. Whether serving it up for breakfast or as a grab-and-go on the run, watermelon preserves will leave you with one question: how have you never tasted these before? I share a link to purchase the preserves, too!

GET THE RECIPE: Breakfast Biscuits

Smothered Pork Chops

Pork chops in mushroom gravy.
Image Credit: Erren Hart for Erren’s Kitchen

This Smothered Pork Chops recipe is wonderfully simple to prepare and absolutely scrumptious. It’s an ideal one-pan meal that serves as the ultimate comfort food for a relaxing evening at home. Perfect for those who love savory and hearty dishes, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

GET THE RECIPE: Smothered Pork Chops

Southern Deviled Eggs with Pimento Cheese

A deviled egg assembled with southern pimento cheese spread.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

If there is a single food guaranteed to appear at every Southern gathering, it is surely the Deviled Egg. Add pizzazz to your tailgate or cookout with this variation on the classic. Southern Deviled Eggs with Pimento Cheese incorporate bold and creamy pimento cheese and the typical ingredients for which these two-bite handhelds are famous. So, if you are ready to steal the spotlight at your next event, these deviled eggs are a sure bet.

GET THE RECIPE: Deviled Eggs

Jalapeno Cornbread

ie-canva_free__studio_philippines-chapati_flour-2655979
Image Credit: Lyuba Brooke for Will Cook for Smiles

Homemade Jalapeño Cornbread is a fantastic alternative to boxed mixes, offering a richer taste with a blend of sweet and spicy flavors. This simple recipe combines the zestiness of jalapeños with the richness of sharp cheddar cheese, making it a perfect companion for chili and soups. The addition of cheese not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful texture to the bread. Quick and easy to prepare, this cornbread is a crowd-pleaser that you’ll find yourself returning to time and again!

GET THE RECIPE: Jalapeno Cornbread

“Chicken on The Ritz” Casserole

A spoonful of chicken casserole with a Ritz cracker topping.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

This “Chicken on The Ritz” Casserole uses fewer than ten ingredients to create a velvety, creamy sauce that’s perfect for busy nights. Starting with a tender rotisserie chicken speeds up this easy, satisfying meal, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.

GET THE RECIPE: Ritz Cracker Chicken

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

Prepare for breakfast casserole deliciousness as we recreate Bob Evans’ famous Sausage Gravy recipe! With just a bag of all-purpose flour and a skillet, we’ll whip up a batch of this savory delight. Then, we’ll layer it with biscuits to create a mouthwatering casserole that’s perfect for brunch, weekend breakfast, or even breakfast for dinner. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish will become a family favorite. Plus, it reheats beautifully for leftovers!

GET THE RECIPE: Biscuit and Gravy Casserole

Best Southern Corn Pudding

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

Southern Corn Pudding is farm to table fare, accompanying everything from grilled steak to the Thanksgiving dinner turkey! Baked until gorgeously golden brown, spoonsful of ‘creamy corn pudding bliss’ grace the dinner table in this classic southern dish. If serving as part of a holiday meal, it compliments everything from holiday ham and turkey to a green bean casserole!

GET THE RECIPE: Corn Casserole

Zesty Buffalo Chicken Salad

A bowl of French onion noodles alongside creamy Swedish meatballs.
Image Credit: Lyuba Brooke for Will Cook for Smiles

This Buffalo Chicken Salad offers a spicy and flavorful update to the classic chicken salad. Infused with sriracha sauce for a fiery kick, and mixed with crunchy celery, green onions, and creamy Monterrey Jack cheese, this salad combines a variety of textures and tastes. It’s a perfect dish for those who enjoy a bold flavor profile in their salads. Enjoy it as a standalone meal or serve it as an exciting side at your next gathering.

GET THE RECIPE: Buffalo Chicken Salad

Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Casserole

Beef and noodle casserole in a baking dish.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Experience the ultimate in comfort food with this delicious Sour Cream Beef and Noodle Casserole recipe! Tender egg noodles are cooked to perfection and then smothered in a creamy sauce before being baked with ground beef and sausage for a hearty and satisfying weeknight meal. Your family will love this classic dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the dinner table.

GET THE RECIPE: Beef Noodle Casserole

Tailgater Frito Pie with Cowgirl Chili

Fritos corn ships smothered in chili con carne and jalepenos.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Experience the ultimate comfort dish when America’s favorite snacking chip sheds the ‘school lunchbox image’ and meets chili con carne in Tailgater Frito Pie with Cowgirl Chili. This easy-to-make Southern cult classic layers crunchy Fritos with hearty chili and melted cheese are perfect for game day tailgates or an out-of-the-ordinary family meal. Frito Pie delivers big flavors with minimal effort. 

GET THE RECIPE: Frito Pie

A Sweet, Sticky, Spicy Bourbon Glaze

A spoon drizzling a sticky bourbon glaze into a pot.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Taste the recipe with well over 100 5-Star reviews! Then unleash the bold flavors of this Sweet, Sticky, Spicy Bourbon Glaze over ribs, chicken, or shrimp to add a deliciously complex layer of flavor. It’s a must-have method for any barbecue enthusiast. Infused with the rich taste of bourbon and a harmonious blend of sweetness and spice, this glaze is perfect for transforming simple grilled dishes into gourmet creations.

GET THE RECIPE: Bourbon Sauce

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 spectacular for the tastebuds. This dish features succulent shrimp cooked to perfection and served over creamy, cheesy, buttery grits. Infused with a blend of spices and garnished with fresh green onions, it offers a comforting taste that’s both rich and satisfying. Perfect for brunch or a luxurious dinner, this recipe is a staple and beloved Southern favorite!

GET THE RECIPE: Shrimp and Grits

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

Featuring high-quality Wagyu beef, this luxurious Wagyu Meatloaf recipe is exceptionally tender and rich in flavor. Topped with a savory glaze that enhances the meat’s natural juiciness, it veers off from a classic dish. Wagyu meatloaf promises a memorable dining experience that combines comfort with elegance.

GET THE RECIPE: Meatloaf

Fried Apples

A bowl of shrimp and cheese grits with garlic honey butter.
Image Credit: Lyuba Brooke for Will Cook for Smiles

These Fried Apples feature tender sautéed slices sweetened with brown sugar and spiced with a warm, aromatic blend. This versatile recipe can serve as a delightful side dish or as a topping for pancakes and waffles. It’s also a delicious way to enhance ice cream, turning it into a special dessert.

GET THE RECIPE: Fried Apples

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

Discover the sweet charm of the South with this delightful Butter Pecan Cookie recipe! Each pecan cookie is packed with crunchy pecans and baked to a perfect golden brown, offering a deliciously buttery texture and rich, nutty flavor. These cookies scream Southern all around, ideal for any occasion, including holiday gatherings or as a treat with some afternoon tea.

GET THE RECIPE: Butter Pecan Cookies

Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake

A thick slab of praline cheesecake with an apple pie bottom.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

This luxurious Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake dessert is a versatile masterpiece, blending bourbon’s smooth, rich flavors with the crunchy, nutty goodness of pecans. Whether it’s for a festive celebration or a sophisticated treat to enjoy any day, this cheesecake is the perfect choice. It elevates any dining experience, impressing your guests and satisfying your sweet tooth. It’s a dessert that epitomizes Southern charm and elegance, inspiring you to explore its versatility in different settings.

GET THE RECIPE: Praline Cheesecake

Want to save this recipe?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you'll get new recipes from us every week!

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!

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *