Sweet ‘n Savory Soul-Warming Southern Eats

Jenny deRemer

Updated Aug 29, 2024

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Feeling the need for some Southern hospitality in your kitchen? We’ve got a collection of recipes that’ll transport you straight to the heart of the South. Whether you’re craving something crispy, creamy, or just downright comforting, these Southern classics will hit the spot and then some. So, grab a fork and get ready for a taste of home!

Table of Contents

Tangy Apricot BBQ Sauce (for Grilling, Glazing & Dipping!)

A jar of thick, homemade apricot sauce with a spoon in it sits on a wooden table. Fresh apricots, halved and whole, are scattered around, with a cooking pot and a brush in the background. The scene evokes a rustic kitchen atmosphere.
Photo Credit: The Sage Apron.

This sauce offers a tangy twist with the sweetness of apricots, ideal for summer grilling. Perfect for glazing, dipping, and grilling, it adds a fruity and tart note to your BBQ dishes. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s a great choice for gatherings. This versatile sauce complements chicken, pork, and seafood beautifully. Make your BBQ memorable with this unique flavor.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Apricot BBQ Sauce (for Grilling, Glazing & Dipping!)

A Sweet, Sticky, Spicy Bourbon Glaze

A spoon with thick, golden-brown sauce containing small dark particles hovers over a stainless steel pot partially filled with the same liquid.
Photo Credit: Not Entirely Average.

Combine the sweetness of bourbon with a hint of spice for a glaze that’s perfect for summer grilling. It enhances the flavor of meats like ribs and chicken with its rich and sticky texture. Easy to make and great for adding depth to your BBQ dishes. Perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their sauces. This distinctive glaze will make your summer BBQs standout.
Get the Recipe: A Sweet, Sticky, Spicy Bourbon Glaze

Crock Pot Triple Chocolate Bread Pudding

A close-up of a bowl filled with a rich, gooey chocolate dessert topped with scoops of vanilla ice cream. A spoon is seen scooping some of the chocolate mixture, blending the melted ice cream with the decadent dessert.
Crock Pot Triple Chocolate Bread Pudding. Photo credit: I Heart Eating.

Treat yourself to a chocolate lover’s dream with this Crock Pot Triple Chocolate Bread Pudding. It’s packed with rich chocolate flavors from chocolate chips, cocoa, and chocolate bread, making it an irresistible dessert. Its indulgent taste and slow cooker convenience make it a favorite among Southern slow cooker desserts.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Triple Chocolate Bread Pudding

Slow Cooker Brunswick Stew

A white bowl filled with a colorful and hearty Brunswick stew with pieces of chicken, corn, okra, lima beans, tomatoes, and a couple of golden cornbread slices on the side. A silver spoon rests in the bowl, and the bowl is placed on a white plate.
Slow Cooker Brunswick Stew. Photo credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

Brunswick stew is a Southern classic that’s sure to warm your soul. This slow cooker version uses chicken, pork, and beef, combined with corn, lima beans, and tomatoes in a rich, flavorful broth. A touch of barbecue sauce adds a sweet and smoky note, making this stew a true crowd-pleaser and perfect for comforting meals.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Brunswick Stew

Slow Cooker Cranberry Cobbler

A plated dessert featuring a slice of cherry cobbler with a crumbly golden-brown topping. The cobbler is served with a generous dollop of whipped cream on top. The filling showcases glistening cherries, and the dish is presented on a white plate against a light background.
Slow Cooker Cranberry Cobbler. Photo credit: Flavorful Eats.

Treat yourself to a delightful Slow Cooker Cranberry Cobbler that’s bursting with tart cranberries and a sweet, buttery topping. This dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a comforting Southern classic. Its ease of preparation in a slow cooker makes it a popular choice among Southern slow cooker desserts.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cranberry Cobbler

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

An overhead view of a white baking dish filled with sweet potato casserole topped with toasted marshmallows. A spoon rests inside the dish. Next to it is a plate with a serving of the casserole, a small bowl of marshmallows, and a striped cloth.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows. Photo credit: I Heart Eating.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows is a classic southern-inspired dish perfect for Thanksgiving. The creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with toasted marshmallows create a delightful combination of textures and flavors. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings the warmth and comfort of southern cooking to your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

Cheesy Cheddar Broccoli Casserole

This image shows a colorful plate with a baked dish featuring broccoli florets, gooey melted cheese, and crusty pieces of bread or pasta. The plate has a vibrant floral design, and a blue-patterned cloth is partially visible in the upper right corner.
Cheesy Cheddar Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Cheesy Cheddar Broccoli Casserole is a perfect example of southern-inspired comfort food. With tender broccoli and melty cheddar cheese, this dish brings creamy goodness to any meal. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and perfect for family dinners. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting textures that make this casserole a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cheddar Broccoli Casserole

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Casserole

A white bowl filled with a baked dish topped with melted cheese and garnished with sliced spring onions. A spoon is scooping out a portion, revealing a creamy texture underneath.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

This Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for holiday meals. Using fresh potatoes, it’s a fantastic freezer-friendly holiday recipe to prepare now and enjoy later. The creamy, cheesy goodness pairs wonderfully with any main dish. Make it ahead and simply bake when you’re ready to serve, saving you precious time during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Casserole

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

A green cast iron pot filled with a cooked dish of ground meat, cabbage, rice, and tomatoes, garnished with chopped herbs. The pot is placed on a white table next to a white plate and a brown cloth napkin.
Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are a quick and easy 30-minute dinner idea. This dish takes all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but skips the fuss of rolling. It’s a hearty, comforting meal that’s ready in no time. Perfect for a busy weeknight when you need a home-cooked dinner fast!
Get the Recipe: Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Piquant White Cheddar Pimento Cheese

a glass bowl filled, with Piquant White Cheddar Pimento Cheese
Pimento Cheese. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Think ‘zesty grilled cheese, ultimate burger topping, and perfect partner for saltines’ when you think Piquant White Cheddar Pimento Cheese.

GET THE RECIPE: Pimento Cheese

Coosaw Island Creamy Cold Crab Dip

A bowl of food on a plate, with Cream and Crab dip.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Experience the transformative power of South Carolina’s Lowcountry, where a visit can shift your perspective on, well, everything! And what better way to accelerate this newfound enlightenment than with a refreshing cold beer and a decadent bowl of Coosaw Island Creamy Cold Crab Dip? Trust us, clarity has never tasted so good!

Get the Recipe: Coosaw Island Creamy Cold Crab Dip

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

Ham Gravy and Biscuits

A plate with biscuits topped with scrambled eggs and a thick sauce.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Southern breakfast isn’t complete without a comforting combo of flavors, and smoky southern ham gravy plays the lead role! This rich and savory sauce is the perfect complement to fluffy, cheesy biscuits and soft scrambled eggs. Every decadent bite is a tribute to Southern comfort food at its finest.

Get the recipe: Ham Gravy and Biscuits

Easy 3 Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits

A biscuit with jelly.
Photo Credit: Not Entirely Average.

With just three simple ingredients, you can create flaky, tender biscuits that are a masterclass in Southern baking – even if you’re a beginner! These easy-to-make treats are sure to earn you a reputation as a skilled baker.

Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Biscuits

Butterscotch Cheesecake Bars

Several squares of crumbly dessert bars with a creamy filling, topped with a streusel-like layer, arranged on a white plate.
Photo credit: Simply Stacie.

Indulge in the rich flavor of butterscotch with these cheesecake bars. As a delicious choice in cheesecake bar recipes, they offer a sweet and creamy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and full of butterscotch goodness, these bars are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Simple, sweet, and irresistible!
Get the Recipe: Butterscotch Cheesecake Bars

Southern Comeback Sauce

A ramekin filled with a creamy dipping sauce, topped with a sprinkle of pepper, surrounded by crispy crinkle-cut fries. Some fries are dipped into the sauce, creating an appetizing presentation.
Photo Credit: The Cookin’ Chicks.

This versatile sauce is a Southern favorite that’s great for summer grilling. Combining a creamy base with tangy and spicy elements, it’s ideal for various meats and vegetables. Easy to prepare, it adds a flavorful kick to your BBQ. Perfect for cookouts when you want to impress your guests. Make your BBQ truly memorable with this distinctive sauce.
Get the Recipe: Southern Comeback Sauce

Alabama White Sauce

A wooden spoon filled with creamy, speckled orange sauce is held above a glass jar of the same sauce. The sauce appears to have a smooth texture and contains visible spices and herbs.
Photo Credit: Amanda’s Cookin’.

This unique sauce stands out with its creamy texture and tangy flavor, making it perfect for grilled chicken and pork during summer BBQs. A traditional choice for BBQ enthusiasts, it’s easy to whip up and complements your grilling perfectly. It adds a distinctive taste that’s both refreshing and bold. Great for those who enjoy a non-traditional BBQ sauce. Enhance your BBQ spread with this classic sauce.
Get the Recipe: Alabama White Sauce

Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce

A pulled pork sandwich topped with coleslaw and yellow sauce on a white plate, with a jar of yellow sauce and a colorful cloth in the background.
Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

This mustard-based sauce is a staple for South Carolina BBQ, known for its tangy and slightly sweet flavor. Perfect for pulled pork and grilled chicken, it adds a distinctive taste to your summer cookouts. Easy to make, it’s a practical choice for any BBQ enthusiast. Perfect for those who enjoy a tangy twist in their BBQ sauces. Make your BBQ sessions memorable with this classic sauce.
Get the Recipe: Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce

Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares

A slice of cheesecake topped with whipped cream, banana slices, and crumbled cookies, served on a white plate with a fork beside it.
Photo credit: Chenée Today.

These banana pudding cheesecake squares are a nostalgic treat that combines creamy banana pudding with a rich cheesecake layer. Ideal for picnics or family gatherings, these cheesecake bar recipes are both easy to make and incredibly delicious. Enjoy the comforting taste of banana pudding in a convenient bar form. They’re sure to be a hit with everyone!
Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares

Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Crisp

A close-up of a spoonful of baked oatmeal topped with vibrant red cranberries. The oatmeal appears creamy with a mix of textures from oats and fruit, and it is placed in a white bowl with more cranberries scattered around.
Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Crisp. Photo credit: I Heart Eating.

Enjoy a delightful combination of tart and sweet with this Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Crisp. Fresh cranberries and apples are topped with a crunchy oat topping, making it a perfect dessert to treat yourself. Its blend of flavors and ease of preparation make it a standout among Southern slow cooker desserts.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Crisp

Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Spice Cake

A plate of apple crisp is topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Caramel drizzle surrounds the dessert, and a fork lies beside it on the white plate.
Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Spice Cake. Photo credit: Yellow Bliss Road.

This Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Spice Cake is a perfect way to treat yourself. Loaded with tender apple slices and warm spices, it’s topped with a luscious caramel glaze that will make your kitchen smell amazing. Its use of the slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it a top pick for Southern slow cooker desserts.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Spice Cake

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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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