Grandma didn’t need fancy gadgets—just a skillet, a spoon, and plenty of butter. These 21 Southern classics bring back the kind of meals that made the house smell incredible, and the table feel like home. Some cook low and slow, while others come together quicker than family gossip. Either way, they’re packed with comfort, tradition, and an unspoken rule that seconds are a must.
Creamed Corn
If you’re in for a comforting side dish, think about smooth, rich corn that complements any main course beautifully. Creamed Corn captures the essence of Southern cooking – homey, rich, and something that reminds you of family gatherings. It’s simple to whip up and is a crowd-pleaser thanks to its creamy texture and sweet flavor. Serve it up and watch it disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!”
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn
Southern Spiced Brownies
Craving something with a bit of a kick to satisfy your sweet tooth? Within each bite of Southern Spiced Brownies, you’ll find a kick that sets it apart from your average dessert. These brownies offer a unique twist that’s both bold and irresistibly indulgent. Bring them out at your next gathering, and watch as everyone asks for the secret behind these special treats.
Get the Recipe: Southern Spiced Brownies
Oven Baked Ribs
Picture your fork tenderly pulling apart juicy, flavorful meat straight from a rack of ribs. That’s what you get with Oven Baked Ribs, a dish that fills your kitchen with an aroma that promises a delicious meal ahead. It’s all about slow-cooked goodness here, perfect for when you want to impress with minimal fuss. This dish has a way of making any dinner feel like a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs
Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Fancy a twist on a Southern classic? Shrimp and Grits Casserole combines the traditional savory flavors of shrimp and grits in a baked form that’s really convenient. It’s the kind of dish you bring out when you need a hearty meal to feed a crowd, and it never fails to please. The blend of flavors here is a testament to the heart and soul of Southern cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits Casserole
FDL’S 75 Best Bites
Our cookbook with 75 tasty recipes will be your go-to kitchen companion for easy dinners with ad-free recipes right at your fingertips. Crafted by experienced chefs and recipe developers, this collection offers a treasure trove of tried-and-true dishes that make mealtime a breeze.
Get the Recipe: FDL’S 75 Best Bites
Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge
Everyone knows there’s nothing quite like homemade sweets to bring back cherished memories. Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge has a nostalgic charm that can transport you back to grandma’s kitchen with just one bite. It sticks to the classic, no-fuss approach to fudge that results in the perfect balance of smooth and nutty. This one’s a beloved treat that folks just can’t get enough of.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge
Tuna Noodle Casserole
When you’re looking for a dish that’s both satisfying and reminds you of meals past, consider a hearty centerpiece for your dinner table. Tuna Noodle Casserole blends familiar flavors in a comforting, one-dish meal that’s always a hit. It’s easy, filling, and perfect for those who appreciate a classic touch to their weekday meals. Trust me, it’ll be a regular request at family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Noodle Casserole
Fluffy Sour Cream Biscuits
There’s just something extraordinary about a biscuit that’s baked to golden perfection. That’s where Fluffy Sour Cream Biscuits come in, offering a tender texture that practically melts in your mouth. They’re the ideal addition to any meal, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Hand anyone one of these warm biscuits, and watch them light up with joy.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Sour Cream Biscuits
Pecan Bacon Cheeseball
Picture a centerpiece appetizer that instantly draws people in. Pecan Bacon Cheeseball is that showstopper with its smoky, nutty outer layer and creamy inside. This is what you serve when you want your guests to mingle and rave about the food. It’s got that perfect balance of flavors that makes you keep coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Bacon Cheeseball
Sweet Potato Casserole
Want to talk about comfort in a dish? Well, Sweet Potato Casserole is a testament to Southern dining, combining sweetness and texture in each scoop. Often the star of the show, it brings people together over shared moments of delicious joy. Let it grace your table, and it might just become the talk of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole
Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
Sometimes, you want something that looks as good as it tastes—a dish that’s both a centerpiece and a conversation starter. Cue Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham, with its glistening glaze and tender slices that family and friends will line up for. It brings a sweet and savory dimension to any festive occasion. Plus, its aroma alone could draw a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
Cracker Barrel Cinnamon Roll Pie
Who doesn’t love a sweet treat that combines favorite flavors in every slice? Cracker Barrel Cinnamon Roll Pie does just that, with its warm, spiced filling and a crust that’s perfectly flaky. It gives you that cozy diner feel right at your own kitchen table. Bring this out for dessert, and all eyes (and forks) will be on it.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Cinnamon Roll Pie
Hate Chopping?
Check out this chopper! It makes quick work of chopping veggies, meats, and more! Saving time in the kitchen has never been so easy!
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Talk about melt-in-your-mouth goodness that’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or on its own. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is a foolproof way to get your meat fix with minimal effort and maximum flavor. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it dish that’s ready to satisfy a hungry crowd. This is the kind of hands-off cooking that everyone can get behind.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Southern-Style Broccoli Salad
Maybe you’re after something fresh and crunchy to round out your spread. Southern-Style Broccoli Salad is a vibrant addition to any Southern meal, offering a refreshing crunch with every bite. It’s a dish that brings a hint of green among the richer, heartier offerings. It’s sure to snatch up compliments as fast as it disappears from the plate.
Get the Recipe: Southern-Style Broccoli Salad
Crockpot Slow Cooker Taco Soup
For a dish that’s both easy to prepare and delicious, Crockpot Slow Cooker Taco Soup is ideal. It combines the warmth of soup with the bold flavors typically found in tacos. This soup is perfect for large gatherings or a comforting family dinner. Plus, it’s a fuss-free meal that’s ready to serve with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Hoppin John
On the lookout for a dish that’s steeped in tradition and full of flavors? Hoppin John is deeply rooted in Southern culture and is as tasty as it is symbolic. It’s not just about eating; it’s about experiencing a piece of history with every bite. This is the dish you serve when you want to spark conversations around the table.
Get the Recipe: Hoppin John
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Imagine biting into a crispy, crunchy coating to reveal tender, juicy chicken underneath. That’s the magic of Buttermilk Fried Chicken, a classic that’s always a hit. It’s the epitome of comfort food and the kind of meal that has everyone asking for your secret. Whether it’s a picnic or dinner, this is the dish you count on to win people over.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
Why settle for a standard sandwich when you can have one that’s both familiar and exciting? Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese marries tender pulled pork with gooey cheese between slices of buttery, toasted bread. It takes the grilled cheese experience to a new level. This sandwich is what you turn to when you want a no-fuss meal with a gourmet touch.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Sometimes, the best flavors come from those tried and true recipes that have stood the test of time. Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans offer that classic taste with the convenience of a hands-off approach. They are a side dish that’s nourishing, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with nearly any entrée. Practical and delicious—just like Grandma used to make.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Lemon Loaf Cake
How about ending your meal with something light, tangy, and absolutely scrumptious? Lemon Loaf Cake is a refreshing dessert with a bright flavor that cleanses the palate. It’s great with coffee, tea, or on its own as a sweet finale to any meal. Especially when you want something a bit zingy, this loaf cake hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Loaf Cake
Macaroni Salad
Macaroni Salad is the ultimate side dish, offering a creamy, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with any Southern meal. It’s a picnic staple, bringing together friends and family over a dish that’s both familiar and comforting. Whether it’s a side for barbecue or a light meal on its own, it’s a versatile dish that always pleases. This is the kind of recipe that becomes a tradition, cherished through generations.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad
Southern Crack Chicken Casserole
Craving something decadent that’ll make you feel all cozy inside? Southern Crack Chicken Casserole embodies comfort with its indulgent and rich flavors, perfect for a family dinner or potluck. It’s a dish that sticks to your ribs and leaves you satisfied and content. If you’re aiming to please a crowd, this casserole is your secret weapon.
Get the Recipe: Southern Crack Chicken Casserole