Pass the cornbread: 19 Southern recipes that hit just right

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Southern cooking has a way of making a table feel fuller than it already is, and that’s exactly what these 19 recipes pull off. Each one carries that comforting mix of warmth and tradition without trying too hard. They’re the kind of meals that make everyone linger a little longer instead of rushing off. Pass the cornbread, because that’s where the real magic happens.

A freshly baked corn muffin on a white plate, topped with melting butter and honey. Nearby, a split muffin half also has butter, exuding warmth and comfort.
Cornbread Muffins. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

Southern Spiced Brownies

Southern Spiced Brownies in a plate.
Southern Spiced Brownies. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

Chocolate treats get even better when they come with a Southern twist. Southern Spiced Brownies show up at potlucks and quickly disappear, thanks to their perfect hint of spice. Friends often want the recipe after their first bite. There is always something about old favorites with a little extra boldness.
Get the Recipe: Southern Spiced Brownies

Oven Baked Ribs

A stack of oven-baked ribs, garnished with fresh herbs.
Oven Baked Ribs. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

Weekends feel complete when plates are piled high with something tender and smoky. Oven Baked Ribs bring everyone to the table, pulling hands toward seconds and thirds without anyone needing to fire up a grill. Sharing a big platter brings a good mood to any meal. Slow roasting pays off in big flavor with each piece.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

A close-up of crispy buttermilk fried chicken being held in hand, with a small bowl of dipping sauce and garnished parsley in the background.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

Fried chicken always has a place at the heart of a Southern supper. Buttermilk Fried Chicken makes sure every bite tastes just right, crisp on the outside and moist inside. Folks gather around it, swapping stories while reaching for another piece. This staple brings Southern comfort to life on every plate.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge

A stack of creamy old-fashioned peanut butter fudge cut into small squares, placed on parchment paper, with one piece partially bitten and an unwrapped piece in the foreground.
Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

When dessert time comes around, simple is often best. Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge wins over crowds for its melt-in-the-mouth texture and classic appeal. People enjoy grabbing squares straight from the tray. It’s a sweet treat that proves some recipes never lose their charm.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge

Tuna Noodle Casserole

A baking dish of tuna noodle casserole topped with golden breadcrumbs, featuring creamy noodles, green peas, and a serving spoon on the side.
Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

Family meals feel easier when a big bake goes straight from oven to table. Tuna Noodle Casserole is one of those dishes that keeps everyone coming back for warm, hearty helpings. Plates fill up fast, and everyone leaves happy. Generations agree this recipe still hits the right note after all these years.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Noodle Casserole

Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

Golden-brown pulled pork grilled cheese on a plate.
Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

Sometimes a sandwich is all you need to taste something special. Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese combines comfort and bold flavor in every bite, getting people to ask for seconds. Kids and adults both reach for it at lunch. Grilled cheese never goes out of style, especially when you mix in slow-cooked pork.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese

Southern-Style Broccoli Salad

A healthy Southern-style broccoli salad with a mix of broccoli, cheese, bacon, and blueberries.
Southern-Style Broccoli Salad. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

Salads do more than sit on the side when they are this good. Southern-Style Broccoli Salad combines a mix of creamy and crisp elements, ensuring every forkful is interesting. People go back for more at picnics and family gatherings. It stands out as a fresh and filling dish everyone looks forward to.
Get the Recipe: Southern-Style Broccoli Salad

Shrimp and Grits Casserole

Close-up of shrimp and grits casserole with colorful veggies and spices.
Shrimp and Grits Casserole. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

Crawling up the favorite list, casseroles mix classic flavors in every pan. Shrimp and Grits Casserole turns a Southern staple into something hearty and ready for sharing. Folks dish it out for both breakfast and dinner, making sure not to leave a scoop behind. It’s true comfort food for every time of day.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits Casserole

Creamed Corn

A close-up of smooth creamed corn with a creamy texture.
Creamed Corn. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

Side dishes can steal the spotlight during a big meal. Creamed Corn brings a smooth texture that sits well next to every main dish, winning fans young and old. Pass it down the table and watch it disappear. A bowl of this shows why simple Southern cooking is always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn

Macaroni Salad

Macaroni salad garnished with parsley in a white serving dish.
Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

Potlucks and family reunions always have a spot for something cold and creamy. Macaroni Salad holds its own among bigger dishes, keeping things light while still full of flavor. Each spoonful comes with just enough to stand out on your plate. It is always welcome when you want a cool break from heavier foods.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

Cracker Barrel Cinnamon Roll Pie

A close-up image of a slice of Cracker Barrel Cinnamon Roll Pie, showing soft, swirled cinnamon roll layers inside a flaky pie crust, topped with a thick, creamy white icing, served on a white plate.
Cracker Barrel Cinnamon Roll Pie. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

Sweet finishes take a new turn when pie meets classic breakfast. Cracker Barrel Cinnamon Roll Pie comes out warm, ready for slicing up and sharing after any meal. Friends rave about the layers and homey feel. Everyone loves dessert with a twist they didn’t expect.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Cinnamon Roll Pie

Collard Dip

A creamy, cheesy collard dip served in a white ramekin, with melted cheese stretching as someone scoops the dip onto a crispy bread slice.
Collard Dip. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

Crowd-pleasing dips find their way to every kind of gathering. Collard Dip gives people something new to scoop up with crackers or chips, making conversations last longer. Parties move along as the bowl empties fast. It is always nice to serve classics in a brand-new way.
Get the Recipe: Collard Dip

Pecan Bacon Cheeseball

A pecan bacon cheeseball sits on a white plate surrounded by round crackers.
Pecan Bacon Cheeseball. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

When snack tables appear, folks look for something bold and shareable. Pecan Bacon Cheeseball brings together crunch and creaminess, promising lots of flavor in every bite. People help themselves, shaping the snack any way they wish. It is one of those treats everyone tries at least once.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Bacon Cheeseball

Sweet Potato Casserole

Warm and comforting sweet potato casserole served in a dish.
Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

Holiday tables fill with excitement when certain classics show up. Sweet Potato Casserole gets top marks for being sweet, soft, and hard to put down once you’ve started. Ninths and tenths helpings are not out of the question. Kids and adults both pile it high when it comes around.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole

Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Sourdough Bowl

A hearty serving of creamy broccoli cheddar soup in a rustic sourdough bread bowl, with a spoon dipping into the soup, placed on a terracotta plate over a light linen cloth.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Sourdough Bowl. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

Comfort sits in a bread bowl when soup is this thick and hearty. Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Sourdough Bowl is perfect for chilly days or when you need something warm and filling. Tear pieces from the bowl as you eat, making every spoonful different. Soup night never tasted this fun before.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Sourdough Bowl

Smoked Trout Dip

A bowl of creamy smoked trout dip garnished with fresh chives, served on a white tray alongside golden, crispy toasted bread slices.
Smoked Trout Dip. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

Parties get a lift when you serve something just a little new. Smoked Trout Dip breaks away from the usual and gets people coming back with crackers in hand. Small gatherings light up when this smoky spread hits the table. Fans ask for the secret, knowing it’ll stand out every time.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Trout Dip

Hoppin John

A bowl of Hoppin' John, featuring black-eyed peas, rice, and diced ham, garnished with chopped green onions.
Hoppin John. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

Southern kitchens turn to tradition for comfort and good luck. Hoppin John is often shared at big gatherings, matching up well with warm cornbread slices. The plate brings a bit of history to the table along with heartiness that satisfies. Old standbys like this stay close to Southern hearts for a reason.
Get the Recipe: Hoppin John

Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham

A ham covered in a shiny brown sugar glaze surrounded by pineapple slices.
Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

Any feast feels special when something sweet and bold sits at the center of the table. Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham stays juicy and loaded with rich flavor, inviting everyone for seconds. Carving up the perfect slice is half the fun. It always finds a spot beside a fresh plate of cornbread.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham

Cornbread Muffins

A freshly baked corn muffin on a white plate, topped with melting butter and honey. Nearby, a split muffin half also has butter, exuding warmth and comfort.
Cornbread Muffins. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

Meals come together faster with a basket of something warm to pass around. Cornbread Muffins are easy to serve and even easier to enjoy, whether at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You’ll spot people reaching for seconds before their plate is even empty. It’s a Southern staple that always hits just right.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Muffins

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