Best Southern Recipes

Welcome to the wonderful world of Southern cuisine! Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering culinary roadtrip with this collection of 139 Best Southern Recipes.

Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a beginner, these tried-and-true classic Southern recipes will leave you craving for more. And remember, not all Southern food is fried! Savor the South and enjoy this collection of timeless Southern recipes!

So, grab your apron, dust off your cast-iron skillet, and let’s get to cooking!

Classic Southern Favorites

From cozy family gatherings, family reunions, potlucks to lively celebrations, Southern food has always held a special place in our hearts and on our plates.

It’s a tapestry of flavors that reflects the rich cultural heritage and culinary traditions of the American South. This recipe collection is a treasure trove of the best Southern recipes that pay homage to the South.

• 1. Fried Chicken Sandwich: Classic Southern-style crispy fried chicken nestled on a bun with lettuce, tomato, dill pickle, onion and a good dollop of mayonnaise.
• 2. Shrimp and Grits: Creamy grits topped with sautéed shrimp and a flavorful sauce.
• 3. Biscuits and Gravy: Flaky buttermilk biscuits served with savory sausage gravy.
• 4. Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy: Tenderized cube steak seasoned and battered, then fried to a golden brown; serve with cream gravy.
• 5. Gumbo: A hearty stew with a mix of meats, seafood, and vegetables, thickened with a roux.
• 6. Cornbread: A Southern staple, often served alongside meals or as a base for cornbread dressing.
• 7. Collard Greens: Slow cooked greens flavored with bacon or smoked ham hocks and lightly seasoned with a Louisiana pepper sauce.
• 8. Braised Short Ribs: slow cooked ribs in a rich and flavorful sauce; serve with grits.
• 9. Corned Beef and Cabbage: A slow-cooker recipe featuring seasoned corned beef, tender cabbage, carrots and new potatoes simmered in a savory broth.
• 10. Fried Green Tomatoes: Tart green tomatoes coated in cornmeal and fried until crispy.
• 11. Pecan Pie: A rich and sweet pie made with pecans and a gooey filling.
• 12. Shrimp Po’ Boy: A classic Louisiana sandwich filled with fried shrimp, lettuce, and remoulade sauce.
• 13. Red Beans and Rice: A comforting dish of red beans, sausage, and rice cooked together.
• 14. Meatloaf with Tomato Sauce: Seasoned ground beef baked and topped with a homemade tomato sauce. Nothing beats Mom’s Meatloaf recipe!
• 15. Baked Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy and cheesy macaroni baked until golden and bubbly.
• 16. Banana Pudding: Layers of sliced bananas, vanilla pudding, and vanilla wafers.
• 17. Beef Tenderloin: Tender prime beef seasoned and cooked to perfection.
• 18. Fried Catfish: Cornmeal-breaded catfish fillets fried until crispy and golden.
• 19. Sweet Tea: A Southern staple, cold and sweetened iced tea.
• 20. Peach Cobbler: A warm and comforting dessert with fresh peaches and a buttery crust.
• 21. Chicken Fried Steak: Tenderized steak breaded and fried, served with country gravy.
• 22. Buttermilk Pie: A custard-like pie made with buttermilk, sugar, and vanilla.
• 23. Grits: A popular Southern breakfast dish made from ground corn, often served with butter and cheese.
• 24. Fried Okra: Fresh okra coated in cornmeal and fried until crispy.
• 25. Pimento Cheese: A creamy spread made from cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and diced pimentos, often served with crackers or as a sandwich filling.
• 26. Buttermilk Biscuits: Tender and fluffy biscuit recipe that comes together in no time.

These recipes represent a mix of traditional Southern dishes and favorites enjoyed across the region. Enjoy exploring the flavors of the South!

Best Southern Fried Recipes

These Southern fried recipes showcase the Southern love for crispy and flavorful dishes. Enjoy trying out these delicious options!

• 27. Fried Shrimp: Crispy battered and fried shrimp served with a dipping sauce.
• 28. Fried Catfish Po’ Boy: Fried catfish fillets served on a French bread roll with lettuce, tomato, and remoulade sauce.
• 29. Fried Salmon Cakes: Seasoned canned salmon with celery, onion lightly breaded and pan fried.
• 30. Fried Oysters: Plump oysters coated in a cornmeal or flour mixture and fried until golden.
• 31. Fried Frog Legs: Delicate and tender frog legs breaded and fried until crispy.
• 32. Fried Corn on the Cob: Fresh corn on the cob coated in a seasoned batter and fried to perfection.
• 33. Fried Bologna Sandwich: Thick-cut bologna pan-fried until crispy and served on bread with condiments.
• 34. Fried Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops coated in seasoned flour and fried until golden and juicy.
• 35. Fried Potato Cakes: Leftover mashed potatoes never tasted so good!
• 36. Fried Green Tomatillos: Tangy tomatillos sliced and fried until golden and slightly softened.
• 37. Fried Trout: Quick and easy pan fried trout recipe featuring a light Dijon coating and topped with smoked almonds.
• 38. Fried Sweet Plantains: Ripe plantains sliced and fried until caramelized and sweet.
• 39. Fried Salmon Patties: Seasoned salmon combined with celery and red onion, lightly breaded and pan fried to a light golden brown. Served with Remolaude sauce.
• 40. Fried Green Peppers: Thick slices of green bell peppers coated in batter and fried until crisp.
• 41. Fried Oyster Po’ Boy: Crispy fried oysters served on a French bread roll with lettuce, tomato, and remoulade sauce.
• 42. Fried Pork Rinds: Crispy, airy, and seasoned fried pork skin, often served as a snack.
• 43. Fried Green Tomatoes with Remoulade: Sliced green tomatoes breaded and fried, served with a tangy remoulade sauce.
• 44. Fried Steak Fingers: Crispy and flavorful strips of seasoned beef strips served with a white cream gravy just like at your local Dairy Queen!
• 45. Fried Eggplant: Slices of eggplant coated in a seasoned batter or bread crumbs and fried until golden.
• 46. Fried Meat Pies: A Louisiana favorite, these flavorful meat pies can be fried or baked.
• 47. Fried Okra Fritters: Chopped okra mixed with cornmeal batter and fried until golden brown.
• 48. Fried Chicken Tenders: Boneless chicken strips coated in a seasoned flour or bread crumb mixture and fried until crispy.
• 49. Fried Potatoes: Crispy golden pan fried potatoes are the perfect Southern side dish.
• 50. Fried Apple Pies: Flaky pastry filled with sweetened apple slices, fried until golden brown.

Picture yourself savoring a crispy, golden-fried piece of perfectly seasoned buttermilk fried chicken, or imagine the enticing aroma of slow-cooked pulled pork, or the delicious flavor of Mom’s Meatloaf. These Southern recipes will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the South.

Best Southern Vegetable Recipes

These vegetable recipes highlight some of the best Southern recipes out there. The diverse flavors and preparations found in Southern cuisine across the South. Enjoy exploring these delicious Southern vegetable dishes!

• 51.Steamed Brussels Sprouts: Seasoned and steamed, then served with a horseradish dipping sauce.
• 52. Collard Greens: Slow-cooked greens flavored with bacon or ham hocks for a savory side dish.
• 53. Corn Pudding: A creamy and comforting casserole made with sweet corn, eggs, and milk.
• 54. Southern Style Green Beans: Fresh green beans cooked with bacon or ham for added flavor.
• 55. Sweet Potato Casserole: Mashed sweet potatoes topped with a pecan and marshmallow streusel.
• 56. Speckled Butter Beans: Creamy and buttery butter beans cooked with seasonings for a classic Southern side.
• 57. Fried Green Tomatoes: Tart green tomatoes coated in cornmeal and fried until crispy.
• 58. Hoppin’ John: A dish made with black-eyed peas, rice, and flavored with bacon or ham.
• 59. Squash Casserole: Yellow squash baked with a cheesy breadcrumb topping.
• 60. Creamed Corn: Fresh corn kernels cooked in a rich and creamy sauce.
• 61. Cabbage Rolls: Tender cabbage rolls stuffed with seasoned beef and topped with a zesty tomato sauce.
• 62. Candied Yams: Sweet potatoes simmered in a buttery, syrupy glaze until tender.
• 63. Stewed Tomatoes and Okra: Fresh tomatoes cooked down with okra, onions, peppers, and seasonings.
• 64. Purple Hull Peas: A refreshing and simple side dish! Seasoned field peas are the perfect side dish to any Southern meal.
• 65. Southern Style Baked Beans: Slow-cooked baked beans with maple syrup, onion, bell pepper and spices.
• 66. Fried Eggplant: Sliced eggplant coated in batter or breadcrumbs, then fried until golden.
• 67. Tomato Pie: A savory pie made with ripe tomatoes, cheese, and herbs baked in a flaky crust.
• 68. Southern Style Coleslaw: Shredded cabbage and carrots dressed in a creamy and tangy dressing.
• 69. Pickled Okra: Okra pods pickled in a vinegar-based brine for a tangy and crunchy snack.
• 70. Summer Squash Casserole: A delicious casserole made with yellow summer squash, onions, cheese, and a buttery cracker topping.
• 71. Fried Yellow Squash: coated in a cornmeal batter, then quick-fried until golden and crispy.
• 72. Sauteed Yellow Squash and Onions: Slow simmered summer squash nestled in a rich and flavorful broth.
• 73. Creamed Spinach: Tender spinach leaves cooked in a creamy sauce with garlic and spices.
• 74. Fried Green Beans: Crispy battered and fried green beans, perfect for snacking or as an appetizer.
• 75. Potato Cakes: Leftover mashed potatoes mixed with egg and flour then quick- fried until golden brown.

Best Southern Casserole Recipes

Some of the best Southern recipes are in the form of a creamy casserole. Here’s a collection of some of the most popular casserole recipes in the South. Perfect for potluck dinners or family gatherings.

• 76. Cornbread Dressing: Traditional Southern fare made with homemade cornbread, seasoned bread crumbs and the Holy Trinity.
• 77. Broccoli Rice Casserole: A creamy casserole made with cooked rice, broccoli, and cheddar cheese.
• 78. Chicken Spaghetti Casserole: Seasoned, shredded chicken nestled in a creamy cheesy bed of spaghetti then baked to perfection.
• 79. Squash Casserole: Yellow squash baked with a cheesy breadcrumb topping.
• 80. Tuna Noodle Casserole: A classic casserole made with tuna, noodles, peas, and a creamy sauce, often topped with breadcrumbs.
• 81. Turnip Green Cornbread Casserole: A hearty side dish with homemade cornbread, turnip or mixed greens and cheese.
• 82. Sausage Breakfast Casserole: A hearty breakfast casserole with sausage, eggs, cheese, and bread, often prepared overnight for easy morning baking.
• 83. Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole: A crowd-pleasing casserole made with shredded hash browns, cheese, and a creamy sauce.
• 84. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows: Mashed sweet potatoes topped with a layer of marshmallows and often a pecan or streusel topping.
• 85. Chicken and Rice Casserole: Tender chicken and rice baked with a flavorful sauce, with mixed vegetables of carrots, green peas and celery.
• 86. Baked Pineapple Casserole: A hearty casserole with bread, cheddar cheese and sweet pineapple! A perfect combination of flavors!
• 87. Green Bean Casserole: A classic holiday side dish made with green beans, homemade cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions.
• 88. Corn Pudding Casserole: A creamy and slightly sweet casserole made with corn, eggs, milk, and sometimes cheese.
• 89. Chicken Pot Pie Casserole: A comforting casserole with a creamy chicken and vegetable filling, topped with a flaky pastry or biscuit crust.
• 90. Hamburger Casserole: Ground beef cooked with onions, peppers, and other vegetables, mixed with pasta or rice and topped with cheese.
• 91. Macaroni and Cheese Casserole: A baked casserole with creamy and cheesy macaroni, often with a breadcrumb topping.
• 92. Seafood Casserole: A rich and creamy casserole made with a mix of seafood like shrimp, crab, or fish, and a flavorful sauce.
• 93. Chicken Enchilada Casserole: Layers of tortillas, shredded chicken, cheese, and enchilada sauce baked until bubbly.
• 94. Eggplant Parmesan Casserole: Sliced and breaded eggplant layered with marinara sauce, cheese, and sometimes pasta, then baked until golden.
• 95. Spinach and Artichoke Casserole: A creamy and cheesy casserole made with spinach, artichokes, and a blend of cheeses.
• 96. Sausage and Rice Casserole: A flavorful casserole with sausage, rice, and vegetables, often seasoned with herbs and spices.
• 97. Chicken Broccoli Casserole: A comforting casserole with tender chicken, broccoli, and a creamy sauce, often topped with cheese and breadcrumbs.
• 98. Mexican Cornbread Casserole: A spicy and savory casserole made with cornbread mix, ground beef, corn, and cheese.
• 99. Chicken Divan Casserole: Cooked chicken and broccoli baked in a creamy sauce, often topped with cheese and breadcrumbs.
• 100. Tamale Pie Casserole: A Tex-Mex inspired casserole with a layer of cornbread topped with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and sometimes black beans or corn.

Best Southern Dessert Recipes

Southern cuisine is not just about the savory flavors for your dinner table. It’s also about dessert! These classic Southern dessert recipes will never let you down.

These Southern dessert recipes offer a variety of flavors and textures. Enjoy indulging in these sweet treats!

• 101. Banana Pudding: Layers of sliced bananas, vanilla pudding, and vanilla wafers.
• 102 Peach Cobbler: A warm and comforting dessert with fresh peaches and a buttery crust.
• 103 Lemon Icebox Pie: A Southern classic! This light and refreshing no bake icebox pie is a summer staple in the South.
• 104. Bread Pudding: A rich and custardy dessert made with bread, milk, eggs, and often flavored with cinnamon and raisins.
• 105. Pecan Pralines: Sweet and nutty candies made with pecans, sugar, and butter.
• 106. Key Lime Pie: A tangy and refreshing pie made with key lime juice and a graham cracker crust.
• 107. Mississippi Mud Pie: A decadent pie with layers of chocolate, marshmallows, and whipped cream.
• 108. Coconut Cake: A moist and fluffy cake layered with coconut frosting and topped with shredded coconut.
• 109. Red Velvet Cake: A classic Southern cake with a vibrant red color and a rich cocoa flavor, typically paired with cream cheese frosting.
• 110. Chess Pie: A sweet and simple pie made with eggs, butter, sugar, and a touch of cornmeal or vinegar.
• 111. Hummingbird Cake: A moist and fruity cake with bananas, pineapples, and pecans, typically frosted with cream cheese icing.
• 112. Bourbon Pecan Pie: A Southern twist on pecan pie with the addition of bourbon for a rich and boozy flavor.
• 113. Sweet Tea Sorbet: A refreshing frozen dessert inspired by the popular Southern drink, sweet tea.
• 114. Salted Caramel Cheesecake: A creamy cheesecake with a salted caramel topping.
• 115. Coconut Cream Pie: A luscious pie filled with creamy coconut custard and topped with whipped cream and toasted coconut.
• 116. Texas Sheetcake: A single layer chocolate sheet cake, featuring a rich chocolate pecan frosting. Easy cake recipe and great for large groups!
• 117. Blackberry Cobbler: A delicious cobbler made with juicy blackberries and a buttery biscuit topping.
• 118. Lane Cake: A layered cake filled with a rich mixture of nuts, dried fruits, and often soaked in bourbon or rum.
• 119. Apple Crisp: Sweet and crunchy, this easy baked apple dessert is perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• 120. Buttermilk Pie: A custard-like pie made with buttermilk, sugar, and vanilla.
• 121. Sweet Potato Pound Cake: A dense and moist pound cake made with sweet potatoes and warm spices.
• 122. Bananas Foster: Sliced bananas cooked in a buttery rum sauce, often served over vanilla ice cream.
• 123. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: Sliced pineapple rounds arranged on the bottom of a cake pan and topped with a buttery brown sugar glaze, then baked with a fluffy cake batter.
• 124. Coconut Custard Pie: A creamy and coconutty custard baked in a flaky pie crust.
• 125. Apple Cake: Fresh chopped apples are the key to this delicious and easy cake!

Best Tex-Mex Recipes

Some of the best Southerm recipes incorporate a little Mexican cuisine. These are a collection of the best Southern Tex-Mex recipes out there. Each one will add a burst of flavor and excitement to your next gathering!

• 126. Enchiladas: Roll up tortillas filled with seasoned meat (such as beef, chicken, or cheese) and smother them in a flavorful sauce before baking.
• 127. Fajitas: Marinated strips of grilled meat (commonly beef or chicken) served alongside sautéed peppers and onions. Fill warm tortillas with the sizzling goodness and top with guacamole and sour cream.
• 128. Quesadillas: A Tex-Mex classic, these cheesy delights feature flour tortillas filled with melted cheese and often accompanied by savory ingredients like grilled chicken, sautéed vegetables, or spicy chorizo.
• 129. Tex-Mex Chili con Carne: A hearty and authentic Texas chili recipe made with ground beef, tomatoes, onions, and an assortment of spices. Enjoy it alone or as a topping for hot dogs, nachos, or rice.
• 130. Chicken Carnitas: Succulent, marinated chicken slow-cooked in seasonings, shredded and served in warm tortillas.
• 131. Sour Cream Enchilada Sauce: Creamy sour cream sauce with tangy Monterrey Jack cheese and jalapeno. Serve over enchiladas, tamales or as a dip with crisp tortilla chips.
• 132. Guacamole: A refreshing avocado-based dip blended with lime juice, cilantro, onions, and tomatoes. Perfect for scooping with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos and nachos.
• 133. Tamales: Steamed bundles of masa dough filled with various savory fillings like shredded pork, chicken, or cheese. Wrapped in corn husks, tamales are a beloved Tex-Mex treat often enjoyed during festive occasions.
• 134. Ranchero Sauce: Zesty tomato based sauce made with roasted tomatoes, jalapenos and fresh lime juice. Serve as a Tex-Mex dip, salsa or sauce.
• 135. Red Enchilada Sauce: A tangy and vibrant sauce made with chili powder, cumin, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime juice. It adds a burst of freshness and zing to any Tex-Mex dish.
• 136. Tomalito: A sweet corn casserole made with cornmeal and served as a Tex-Mex side dish
• 137. Mexican Rice: Fragrant rice cooked in a tomato-based broth with onions, garlic, and spices. It’s the perfect side dish for any Tex-Mex feast.
• 138. Queso Dip: Creamy cheese dip perfect for dipping crisp tortilla chips or as a sauce on tamales or enchiladas.
• 139. Michelada: No Tex-Mex feast is complete without the quintessential beer-based cocktail. Serve this refreshing beer and tomato drink over ice with a salt rimmed glass.

Whether you’re planning a backyard barbeque, a family reunion, a Sunday brunch, or a festive holiday feast, this collection of the best Southern recipes has got you covered.

From soul-soothing soul food to zesty Creole, Cajun and Tex-Mex delights, these are the best Southern recipes that bring an authentic taste of the South to any occasion.