17 Southern recipes so good, you’ll start keeping buttermilk and cornmeal on hand at all times

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These 17 Southern recipes have a way of making regular pantry items suddenly feel like they’re missing something. After one or two, you’ll start keeping certain ingredients around just in case. They’re simple, no-nonsense, and hit that comfort zone most meals wish they could. Great for weeknights, weekend gatherings, or any time you want food that feels like it’s been around forever. Good luck going back to your usual after this.

A black bowl containing egg noodles topped with Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken and garnished with parsley, accompanied by a pickled pepper.
Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Southern Style Pickled Shrimp

Close-up Southern Style Pickled Shrimp with lemon slices and dill on a jar.
Southern Style Pickled Shrimp. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Ever thought of making your snacks more interesting? You’re not alone. Sharing platters get a new best friend with a unique twist, showcasing flavors that bring conversations to life. Now, it isn’t just about the chips and dips; Southern Style Pickled Shrimp takes center stage. This is where the charm of southern hospitality meets the ease of grabbing a bite, ensuring that your gatherings will never lack the joy of something uniquely delicious.
Get the Recipe: Southern Style Pickled Shrimp

Chicken Bog

A black plate with a serving of Chicken Bog.
Chicken Bog. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Have you ever stumbled upon a dish so comforting, it feels like a warm hug? Well, there’s this one pot wonder that does just that. Chicken Bog combines simplicity with heartiness in such a way that each spoonful feels like coming home. It’s not your everyday meal, but it definitely earns its place at the table when you’re craving something that fills you up and warms your soul.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bog

Easiest Slow Cooker Rump Roast

A plate of slow cooker rump roast with potatoes, carrots, onions, and a sprig of rosemary on a white dish.
Easiest Slow Cooker Rump Roast. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Imagine that you walk in the door, and the aroma hits you. That’s the magic of a slow cooker doing its work. Easiest Slow Cooker Rump Roast is that go-to dish for busy days when you want a meal that feels like someone spent hours in the kitchen, but you actually just tossed everything in and let time do its thing. It becomes the hero on days when convenience is king. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to gather around the table for a no-fuss dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easiest Slow Cooker Rump Roast

Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese

Two black cast iron pans filled with mac and cheese sit on cork trivets on a white wooden surface.
Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Now, who doesn’t hold a special place in their heart for a creamy, cheesy dish that reminds them of childhood? Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese is the epitome of comfort food. It’s that dish that doesn’t need to try hard to impress; its simplicity is its superpower. The golden, crusty top hiding a molten core of cheesy goodness is what food dreams are made of. It’s probably the one dish that can bring everyone to the table in no time.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese

Oven Roasted Tomato Soup

Two bowls of oven-roasted tomato soup with cream swirls.
Oven Roasted Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Gimme Soup.

Sometimes, all you need is a bowl of soup to make everything feel alright. Enter Oven Roasted Tomato Soup, a dish that transforms a classic favorite into a richer, more robust experience. This isn’t just any soup; it’s a reassurance that the simple things in life can bring the most joy. Served with a side of crunchy bread, it’s the meal you turn to for comfort, conversation, and the unmatched satisfaction of dunking.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Tomato Soup

Smoked Brisket Chili

Two bowls of smoked brisket chili, tomatoes, and bread.
Smoked Brisket Chili. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When the rich, deep flavors of brisket meet the hearty, comforting embrace of chili, you get Smoked Brisket Chili. This dish is a testament to the fact that some things are just meant to be together. It’s the ultimate bowl of warmth for when you need a little spice in your life and a lot of comfort in your belly. The slow-cooked tenderness of the meat intertwined with the bold chili flavors makes every bite a tasty adventure.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brisket Chili

Low-Carb Mississippi Chicken

Low-Carb Mississippi Chicken garnished with parsley is served on a slate platter with yellow peppers.
Low-Carb Mississippi Chicken. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Watching your carbs doesn’t mean you have to compromise on flavor, and Low-Carb Mississippi Chicken stands as delicious proof. It’s the kind of dish that keeps your meal plan on track without feeling like you’re missing out. Bursting with flavor and tender to the core, this dish makes you wonder why all healthy options can’t be this satisfying. It’s a weekday staple that promises a hassle-free cooking experience and a filling, tasty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Low-Carb Mississippi Chicken

Creamy Shrimp & Corn Chowder With Chipotle

A white bowl of creamy shrimp & corn chowder on a white plate.
Creamy Shrimp & Corn Chowder With Chipotle. Photo credit: Gimme Soup.

Imagine a dish that brings the sweetness of corn and the decadent sea-kissed taste of shrimp together, then wraps them in a velvety, smoky warmth. Creamy Shrimp & Corn Chowder with Chipotle does just that. With each spoonful, you’re transported to a place where comfort food meets an edge of excitement. It’s a bowlful that doesn’t just feed the body; it soothes the soul with its rich flavors and creamy texture.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Shrimp & Corn Chowder With Chipotle

Roast Pork with Apples

A plate of Pork Roast with Apples on a table.
Roast Pork with Apples. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s something about the classic combination of pork and apples that feels like it’s straight out of a storybook. Roast Pork with Apples upgrades this pairing to new heights, presenting a dish that’s as succulent as it is comforting. It’s the kind of meal that demands attention, not just for its mouthwatering aroma but for the way it flawlessly balances sweet and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Roast Pork with Apples

Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes

A plate with Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes.
Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

When you think salads can’t surprise you anymore, along comes a dish that tosses the rulebook out the window. Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes is a vibrant celebration of flavors that you wouldn’t normally expect to find together, yet here they are, mingling like old friends. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, juicy peaches and the robust taste of tomatoes, making every bite a refreshing experience.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes

Cream of Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

Two bowls of cream of butternut squash & sweet potato soup garnished with herbs on a wooden table.
Cream of Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup. Photo credit: Gimme Soup.

On those days when you crave something soothing, a bowl of Cream of Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup answers the call. It’s like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket, each spoonful gradually easing away the chill. This dish excels in its simplicity, allowing the natural sweetness of the vegetables to shine through, enhanced by a silky texture that’s nothing short of indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots in a white bowl.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Ever wonder how to recreate those restaurant favorites at home? Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots let you do just that, bringing a touch of nostalgia right to your dining table. This side dish is remarkably easy to whip up, yet it packs a flavor punch that can upgrade any meal from ordinary to memorable. It’s a sweet and tender nod to the simplicity of well-made comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

A bowl of Texas roadhouse chili with jalapenos and beans.
Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe turns your kitchen into your new favorite restaurant. It captures the essence of what makes chili an enduring favorite: a richness and depth of flavor that fills you up and warms you through. Make it once, and it might just become your go-to, proving that some recipes are too good to keep locked away in a restaurant kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

Two bowls of Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

There’s something about dumplings that makes any dish feel like a celebration of comfort. Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins brings this comfort home, allowing you to recreate a beloved classic with ease. It’s a nod to the simple joys of home-cooked meals, offering a taste of nostalgia with every bite. This dish makes no apologies for being straightforward and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins

Southern Ham Salad

A bowl of Southern ham salad and a plate of croissants on a wooden table.
Southern Ham Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Think beyond the usual salad with a dish that’s more about flavor than frills. Southern Ham Salad breaks the mold, offering a vibrant mix of taste and texture that’s as far from boring as you can get. Perfect as a spread or a standalone dish, it’s versatile, easy to make, and even easier to enjoy. It’s the answer to the perennial question of how to use leftovers creatively, proving that a little ingenuity can turn the simple into the sublime.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad

Red Pepper & Tomato Soup

A bowl of red pepper and tomato soup next to a plate of bread and a spoon.
Red Pepper & Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When simplicity and flavor collide, you get a dish like Red Pepper & Tomato Soup. It’s the definition of comfort in a bowl, marrying the sweetness of red peppers with the tangy depth of tomatoes. Ideal for those moments when you need a food-based pick-me-up, this soup delivers. Plus, it’s as delicious to look at as it is to eat, with its vibrant colors making it a feast for the eyes as well. It’s the sort of meal that promises warmth.
Get the Recipe: Red Pepper & Tomato Soup

Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken

A black bowl containing egg noodles topped with Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken and garnished with parsley, accompanied by a pickled pepper.
Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Imagine coming home to a meal that’s ready to serve and packed with flavor. That’s the promise of Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken. It’s a dish that practically cooks itself, lending your busy schedule a helping hand without sacrificing taste. Here’s a meal that combines convenience with mouthwatering results, ensuring you get to enjoy a delicious dinner without the hustle.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken

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