From Brunch to Dinner, 25 Weekend Recipes to Love!

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This collection showcases a variety of classic dishes that have become favorite weekend recipes across the country! It includes everything from the crispy goodness of Healthy Fried Chicken to the smooth richness of a no-bake Chocolate Cheesecake! Each recipe offers a touch of warm hospitality. The menu also features popular dishes such as Corn Casserole, Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits, and the most incredible Crab Cakes, providing options for every taste. Ideal for both novice and seasoned cooks, these recipes offer more than just meals—they invite you to embrace a welcoming spirit.

Oven Baked Home Fries Recipe with Sausages and Sunny Eggs

A big breakfast plate of home fries, with sausages and eggs.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

This all-in-one sheet pan breakfast has it all, featuring a viral Baked Home Fries Recipe accompanied by tasty sausages and sunny eggs!

GET THE RECIPE: Oven Baked Home Fries

Welcome to “Decadent (But Easy!) Southern Desserts,” featuring 20 iconic recipes that to some degree, have rooted histories in the American South. These recipes range from a simple Vanilla Birthday Layer Cake to a rich Sweet Potato Pie. These easy Southern desserts are designed to be approachable for beginners while still engaging for more experienced bakers. Explore this collection of enticing recipes and bring the warmth of Southern baking into your home today!

No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake

Chicken fried steak with country gravy.
Image Credit: Tara Noland for Noshing With The Nolands

This incredible No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake is both luxurious and simple to prepare. It’s an ideal indulgence for transitioning from warm spring afternoons to hot summer days! Additionally, the recipe includes an option to infuse the chocolate filling with a hint of orange, enhancing the flavor even further.

GET THE RECIPE: No-Bake Cheesecake

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

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.

GET THE RECIPE: Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits

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

Southern breakfast is a delightful affair, with the rich flavors of smoky Ham Gravy drizzled over cheesy biscuits, perfectly complemented by velvety soft scrambled eggs. The best part? These mouthwatering dishes are a breeze to make from scratch.

GET THE RECIPE: Ham Gravy

Hummingbird Cake

A spoonful of bourbon glaze dripping back into a hot pan.
Image Credit: Ally Roomberg for Baking A Moment

Hummingbird Cake is a traditional Southern pleasure, crafted with a blend of sweet pineapple, ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and crunchy nuts, all perfectly complemented by a creamy and tangy cream cheese frosting. A truly irresistible treat that brings together everything that is wonderful about dessert in every bite!

GET THE RECIPE: Hummingbird Cake

Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes

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

Mashed Sweet Potatoes offer a scrumptious alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. This recipe creates a creamy, smooth texture with a rich, buttery taste that serves as the perfect complement to any meal. Ideal for adding a touch of sweetness to your dinner table, these mashed sweet potatoes are not only flavorful but also bring a vibrant color and nutritional boost to your plate. Enjoy them as a cozy side dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses!

GET THE RECIPE: Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Johnny Cakes {Cornbread Pancakes}

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

This simple recipe for Johnny Cakes—also known as Cornbread Pancakes—produces crispy yet fluffy pancakes from scratch, achieving perfect results every time. Crafted to bring a touch of Southern to your breakfast or brunch table, these pancakes combine the comforting flavors of traditional cornbread with the ease and convenience of a pancake. They are ideal for those looking to switch up their morning routine with something uniquely delicious.

GET THE RECIPE: Johnny Cakes {Cornbread Pancakes}

Pork Rind and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pork Rind Peanut Butter Cookies.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

If you’re a fan of sweet and salty combinations, rolling cookie dough in salty crushed pork rinds before baking will definitely leave an impression on you! Pork Rind and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies require brown sugar, butter, all-purpose flour, along with classic peanut butter and chocolate chips. The crunchy pork rind ‘crust’ makes these cookies hard to stop eating!

GET THE RECIPE: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits

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

This recipe delivers on flaky, homemade buttermilk biscuits that boast a beautifully golden exterior paired with a soft, fluffy inside. Perfect for any meal of the day, these biscuits are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven, slathered with butter, or use them as the base for a savory biscuit sandwich.

GET THE RECIPE: Buttermilk Biscuits

Pecan Pie Recipe

A big breakfast plate of home fries, with sausages and eggs.
Image Credit: Ally Roomberg for Baking A Moment

Classic Pecan Pie features a mix of crunchy pecans, a delicate, flaky crust, and a rich, gooey filling made from brown sugar. It’s the perfect conclusion to any holiday feast! Plus, this version is crafted without any corn syrup.

GET THE RECIPE: Pecan Pie

Cherry Crumble

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

There’s truly something special about a warm, freshly-baked cherry crumble. The combination of sweet and tart cherries with a crisp, crunchy topping comes together to form a delightful dessert. Each bite is a perfect balance of fruitiness and textured sweetness, making it a favorite for any occasion. Enjoy it on its own, or elevate the experience with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.

GET THE RECIPE: Cherry Crumble

Mint Julep Cocktail

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

This Mint Julep Cocktail is ideal for any gathering – whether it’s a relaxed summer barbecue or an elegant evening event. It’s designed to leave a lasting impression on your guests!

GET THE RECIPE: Mint Julep Cocktail

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

Turkey and Ham Pie

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

Turn your holiday meal remnants into a delightful Turkey and Ham Pie with this straightforward, family-friendly recipe that’s sure to win everyone over. This dish is a fantastic way to make use of leftover turkey and ham, enveloping them in a savory pastry. Packed with flavor and easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and seasonings, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for post-holiday gatherings or a cozy family dinner.

GET THE RECIPE: Turkey and Ham Pie

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

Healthy Fried Chicken

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

This low-fat recipe for healthy fried chicken features a deliciously crispy coating that’s baked instead of deep-fried, offering a healthier alternative that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Perfect for those looking to enjoy classic comfort food in a more nutritious way, this method ensures you get all the satisfying crunch of traditional fried chicken, but with significantly less fat. Enjoy this lighter version as part of a balanced meal with your favorite sides.

GET THE RECIPE: Healthy Fried Chicken

Creamy Sweet Potato and Muenster Gratin

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

The epitome of southern comfort food might be this Creamy Sweet Potato and Muenster Gratin. This rendition of potato gratin takes the beloved Southern staple sweet potato to unparalleled heights of richness with minimal effort required. This dish embodies the perfect marriage of creamy and cheesy, offering a savory counterpart to the iconic Southern sweet potato casserole. This potato bake effortlessly steals the spotlight, giving even your main course a run for its money in the flavor department.

GET THE RECIPE: Potatoes Au Gratin

Fried Potatoes and Onions

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

Pan-fried potatoes and onions truly are a classic combination that can enhance any meal, from a hearty breakfast to a comforting dinner. This versatile side dish, with its crispy golden potatoes and sweet, caramelized onions, brings simple ingredients together for a flavor that’s hard to beat. It’s perfect for pairing with everything from eggs at breakfast to a main course of meat or fish for dinner. Easy to prepare and universally loved, this dish is a staple in many southern kitchens for good reason.

GET THE RECIPE: Fried Potatoes and Onions

Stuffed Deviled Crab: A South Carolina Lowcountry Classic

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

Check out this easy Stuffed Crab recipe, a luxurious blend of super-rich crab meat stuffing that promises to whisk you away to the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Serve this quintessential Gullah dish in retro crab tins, or contact your local fishmonger to get intact crab shells for an authentic way to showcase this dish. Often referred to as Deviled Crab, this dish resembles traditional crab cakes, lovingly basted with warm butter and sherry sauce, but offers a little heat and an eye-catching presentation. 

GET THE RECIPE: Deviled Crab

Carolina BBQ Sauce

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

Experience the unique flavor of authentic Carolina BBQ sauce, known for its tangy, mustard-infused taste that can truly transform your grilling. This delicious sauce blends the zestiness of mustard with a touch of sweetness and a hint of smokiness, making it perfect for basting on chicken, pork, or beef. It’s an essential for any barbecue enthusiast looking to add a distinctive Southern flair to their dishes.

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

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

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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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