Southern plates have a way of making any table feel like a backyard gathering, even if the grill is nowhere in sight. These 19 choices capture that easygoing mood where food is simple, filling, and always welcome. It’s less about a fancy presentation and more about comfort, which speaks for itself. The best part is that each plate feels like an invitation to sit back and laugh a little longer.
Country Sausage Gravy
Smooth yet hearty, this dish is all about comfort in every bite. Country Sausage Gravy turns simple ingredients into something deeply satisfying and filling, making it perfect for mornings with family. The rich texture pairs perfectly with warm biscuits or bread for soaking up every bit of flavor. There’s no fuss about it, just straightforward goodness from the backyard to the belly.
Get the Recipe: Country Sausage Gravy
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
Potatoes get an irresistible makeover here, perfect for backyard-style dining. Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes combine crunch with bold flavor, creating a side you won’t soon forget. The way they crisp up on the outside while staying soft in the middle is a balance that stands out. Pair these with your favorite main, or just enjoy them as they are.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
Berry Trifle
Layers of sweetness and texture make this dish one to remember. Berry Trifle stacks fresh berries, creaminess, and soft cake into a dessert that feels light yet indulgent at the same time. Every spoonful captures just the right amount, offering contrast in flavors and textures. It’s the kind of dessert that fits well with backyard-style meals and gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Berry Trifle
Southern Mash
Mashed dishes don’t get much better than this when it comes to classic, comforting eats. Southern Mash might feel simple, but its creamy texture and rich taste make it a crowd-pleaser. It’s a favorite for soaking up sauces or complementing meats fresh off the grill. From casual dinners to backyard spreads, this one hits the spot every time.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash
Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge
For a touch of sweetness and nostalgia, this dessert brings something special to the table. Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge has a smooth texture with bold peanut flavor, making it hard to resist going back for seconds. It’s easy to imagine sharing these treats by the fire or during relaxed evenings with loved ones. Perfect for any Southern-style feast.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge
Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Sourdough Bowl
Comfort doesn’t have to mean ordinary, and this hearty offering proves it. Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Sourdough Bowl combines creamy soup with crusty bread for a meal you can truly dig into. The flavors blend perfectly while the bread bowl stays sturdy enough to hold up until the last bite. It’s a dish that brings warmth to every gathering, not just in taste, but in style.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Sourdough Bowl
Southern Spiced Brownies
Bringing backyard gatherings into dessert form, this treat doesn’t hold back on flavor. Southern Spiced Brownies are rich but balanced, offering an added kick that takes them beyond traditional desserts. They’re made for sharing, though you might not want to. Outdoor meals or lazy afternoons feel perfect with this dessert in hand.
Get the Recipe: Southern Spiced Brownies
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Fried chicken always fits the vibe of backyard-style cooking, especially here. Buttermilk Fried Chicken promises juicy bites paired with a crunchy coating that’s hard to beat. This chicken pairs well with tons of Southern sides, or it shines on its own as an unforgettable main. It’s about bringing comfort and satisfaction straight to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Collard Dip
A twist on a backyard favorite that fits any table filled with Southern eats, this dish delivers. Collard Dip brings a creamy texture infused with deep flavor that pairs well with crackers, bread, or fresh veggies. It feels right at home on casual tables or during bigger celebrations. Sharing it turns any gathering into something more enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Collard Dip
Spaghetti Bread
Turning simple comfort food into something unique, this dish sets itself apart. Spaghetti Bread blends soft-baked goodness with rich, saucy pasta for the ultimate combination. It’s casual and fun while still feeling hearty enough to be a crowd favorite at backyard-style meals. No one can resist grabbing a slice, and maybe one more after that.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bread
Smoked Trout Dip
For an easy starter or something to keep guests coming back, this dish gets it right. Smoked Trout Dip balances rich fish flavor with creamy texture for an appetizer that’s both tasty and memorable. Whether served at outdoor gatherings or as an everyday snack, it brings together smoky charm with bold flavor. Perfect for dipping and sharing.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Trout Dip
Homemade English Muffins
Side dishes can be as memorable as mains, and that’s clear here. Homemade English Muffins deliver a soft interior with a slightly crisp surface, making them versatile for pairing or just enjoying plain. From slathering with spreads to building small sandwiches, they’re as good for everyday meals as they are for backyard-style spreads.
Get the Recipe: Homemade English Muffins
Hot Crab and Pimento Cheese Dip
Seafood meets Southern charm with this warm and shareable starter. Hot Crab and Pimento Cheese Dip doesn’t shy away from bold, inviting flavors, blending crab meat into a creamy base perfect for dipping. It belongs on tables filled with a variety of snacks and dishes, especially at outdoor meals or backyard gatherings. Small bites make it easy to enjoy together.
Get the Recipe: Hot Crab and Pimento Cheese Dip
Southern Farmhouse Feta and Veggie Salad
Light yet full of interest, this dish makes veggies shine with backyard inspiration. Southern Farmhouse Feta and Veggie Salad layers fresh flavors with a hint of richness from the cheese, creating a colorful and irresistible side. It fits easily into outdoor meals or larger spreads but holds its own in everyday lunches, too. The mix of balance and ease makes it special.
Get the Recipe: Southern Farmhouse Feta and Veggie Salad
Pineapple Casserole
A bit of sweet meets savory in this dish in a way that’s fun and unexpected. Pineapple Casserole turns simple ingredients into a flavorful mix that pairs well with grilled meats or as a standalone side. Its contrasting flavors make it stand out on any table where Southern plates are served. Adding it to your backyard spread is always a good idea.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Casserole
Southern Ham Salad
Turning up the flavor in the most simple way, this option proves small bites can shine. Southern Ham Salad blends textures and bold flavor into a shareable dish that works great for sandwiches or crackers. It’s easy to pass around and pairs with just about any meal at backyard-style gatherings. Whether casual or more special, it stays crowd-friendly all the time.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad
Fried Green Tomatoes
Backyard spreads stay incomplete without this dish on the menu. Fried Green Tomatoes bring crunch and tanginess together for a food that works as an appetizer or snack. Pair them with a dipping sauce or eat them straight; they’re perfect either way. It’s one of those easy yet memorable items that always feels right at Southern gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Fried Green Tomatoes
Italian Herbed Chicken and Veggie Bake Foil Pack
Combining one-pan convenience with satisfying flavor, this meal gives everything needed for outdoor-inspired cooking. Italian Herbed Chicken and Veggie Bake Foil Pack blends juicy chicken and colorful vegetables into a dish that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. It’s perfect for sharing during warm meals with others. You’ll love how each bite feels packed with something good.
Get the Recipe: Italian Herbed Chicken and Veggie Bake Foil Pack
Oven Baked Ribs
Big flavor with just the right texture makes this dish unforgettable during backyard meals. Oven Baked Ribs offer the kind of richness that goes perfectly with Southern sides or just as a stand-alone favorite. The tender finish keeps every bite enjoyable while the flavors speak for themselves. It’s a centerpiece worth having at any spread designed for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs