Nothing brings people together like a big spread of comfort food that’s been passed down through generations. Southern classics make any gathering feel like home, whether it’s a Sunday dinner or a last-minute get-together. 17 tried-and-true favorites keep that tradition alive, filling the table with dishes meant to be shared. No one ever leaves hungry, and there’s always a debate over who’s taking home the last portion.
Pecan Pie Brownies
Combining two beloved desserts into one, these treats are a real crowd-pleaser. Imagine a layer of rich, fudgy brownies topped with a crunchy, sweet pecan pie filling. It’s Pecan Pie Brownies, a perfect option when you can’t decide between chocolatey goodness and nutty sweetness. They’re ideal for sharing, making every gathering a bit more special.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Brownies
Funeral Potatoes
Have you ever been to a potluck and found a dish so comforting that it feels like a warm hug? Funeral Potatoes are just that kind of dish, with a creamy, cheesy inside and a crispy topping. They’re named for their popularity at gatherings following funerals, but these potatoes are a hit at any event, offering solace and satisfaction in every bite. It’s a simple dish that brings people together in good times and bad, making it a staple in Southern kitchens.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
There’s something about a dish that fills the room with its aroma, making everyone’s stomach rumble in anticipation. Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy is one such recipe, where the chicken comes out perfectly tender, and the gravy adds a rich layer of flavor. It’s a hearty meal that promises to leave no one hungry, blending simplicity with a touch of elegance.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
Southern Sausage Cheese Balls
For those times you need a snack that packs a punch of flavor, look no further. Southern Sausage Cheese Balls combine the spice of sausage with the melt-in-your-mouth quality of cheese, creating little bites of bliss. They’re the perfect starter to get any party started, and trust me, it’s hard to stop at just one. This recipe is a testament to the magic that happens when cheese meets sausage, making them a favorite at any Southern gathering.
Get the Recipe: Southern Sausage Cheese Balls
Southern Ham Salad
When it’s too hot to turn on the oven, nothing hits the spot quite like a cool, refreshing salad. Southern Ham Salad takes this concept up a notch, with a mix of textures and flavors that are sure to please. This dish is a great way to use up leftover ham, transforming it into a new and exciting treat. Whether spread on crackers or eaten straight from the spoon, it’s a versatile recipe that brings a touch of Southern charm to your table.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad
Country Sausage Gravy
There’s no better way to start a day than with a breakfast that feels like a warm embrace. Country Sausage Gravy drizzled over fresh, fluffy biscuits does just that, offering a hearty start to any morning. This gravy, with its rich and creamy texture, harbors a depth of flavor that’s both robust and comforting. It’s the kind of recipe that makes getting out of bed on a lazy morning absolutely worth it.
Get the Recipe: Country Sausage Gravy
Cheese Ball
Need a centerpiece for your snack table that’s as beautiful as it is delicious? The Cheese Ball is a showstopper, combining various cheeses and seasonings into one ball of taste explosion. It’s not just fun to look at; it’s also incredibly fun to eat, with guests gathering around to chip off their own cheesy bite. This dish proves that sometimes, the simplest ideas can be the most popular, making any gathering a bit more festive.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ball
Southern Mash
Smooth, buttery, and fluffy is what you’ll think of when you sink your fork into Southern Mash. This side dish complements any meaty main and is often a hit with kids and adults alike. Lending itself to a spread of toppings, it allows for personal customizations at family dinners. It’s a shared bowl of comfort that makes you feel right at home.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash
Mississippi Mud Pie
Who can resist the allure of a dessert named Mississippi Mud Pie? Layers of crumbly crust, rich chocolate, and fluffy whipped cream make it an anticipated treat. It’s the dessert that closes out dinner parties with applause, a crowd-pleaser that satisfies the sweet tooth. Sharing a slice evokes memories of southern hospitality at its finest.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Pie
Mini Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread
Imagine pulling apart bread stuffed with the melty perfection of brie and the tart sweetness of cranberries. Mini Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread is exactly that – a festive, shareable snack that’s perfect for any gathering. This dish combines the gooey appeal of melted cheese with the zing of cranberries, all wrapped up in soft, fluffy bread. It’s a fun, hands-on eating experience that brings smiles and satisfaction to any table.
Get the Recipe: Mini Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread
Pineapple Casserole
Pineapple Casserole brings a surprising twist of sweet and savory to the table. It’s a side dish that sparks curiosity and invites everyone to try just a spoonful more. With its warm presence, it’s become a celebrated dish at southern meals, blending tradition with a touch of the unexpected. This casserole is often a talking point, adding an upbeat vibe to communal dining.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Casserole
Macaroni Salad
Need something cool and refreshing on your picnic table? Macaroni Salad is the answer, offering a creamy complement to grilled dishes. It’s a versatile staple that fits in at any outdoor gathering or potluck, inviting all to spoon onto their plates. Casual and crowd-pleasing, it’s a reliable dish that rarely sees leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad
Hoppin John
Ringing in good fortune with every bite, Hoppin John is a cherished southern tradition. This dish is communal at its core, often shared during celebrations as a token of prosperity. Its simplicity and heartiness embody the spirit of the south. While it’s a staple for certain occasions, its comforting presence is welcomed year-round at any family table.
Get the Recipe: Hoppin John
Sweet Potato Casserole
There’s something special about the blend of textures in Sweet Potato Casserole that makes it stand out. It’s sweet, yet not overpowering, and forms a part of many cherished family meals. This dish finds its way to holiday spreads, yet it’s versatile enough for weekend dinners. Sharing it evokes a feeling of nostalgia for many, creating warmth in every scoop.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole
Loaded Tater Tots
Loaded Tater Tots are where fun meets flavor on your plate. They’re piled with a variety of toppings that invite customization and conversation. Best enjoyed in good company, these tots become the life of the party, especially among the young or the young at heart. They’re not just a snack; they’re a playful centerpiece that engages everyone.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Tater Tots
Blueberry Shortcake
Celebrate the joy of fresh fruit with a dessert that perfectly balances sweetness and tartness. Blueberry Shortcake layers juicy blueberries with fluffy, slightly sweet biscuits and a dollop of cream on top. It’s a refreshing end to any meal, offering a burst of berry flavor with each bite. This shortcake is not just a dessert; it’s an ode to simplicity, showcasing how a few quality ingredients can shine together.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Shortcake
Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Sourdough Bowl
Who says you can’t eat your bowl? With Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Sourdough Bowl, you get to do just that, enjoying a creamy, cheesy soup served in an edible bread bowl. This dish turns a simple soup into a comforting experience, combining the heartiness of the soup with the sourdough’s tang. It’s the perfect meal for those chilly days when all you want is something to warm you up from the inside out.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Sourdough Bowl