31 Fall Recipes Every Southern Grandma Knows By Heart
There’s something about fall in the South — that first whiff of cinnamon, a crock pot bubbling in the kitchen, and recipes passed down from Grandma’s handwritten cards. From slow cooker chicken and dumplings to sweet potato spice cake with cream cheese frosting, these cozy Southern recipes are steeped in nostalgia and made for crisp evenings. Whether you’re looking for comfort food classics, potluck favorites, or Sunday supper inspiration, you’ll want to save every one. Trust me—your kitchen’s about to smell amazing.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings (Old-Fashioned Style)

This old fashioned crock pot chicken and dumplings recipe delivers tender chicken and soft, chewy dumplings in a creamy, comforting sauce. It’s an effortless, nostalgic meal that tastes just like something Grandma would make, perfect for cozy nights.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings (Old-Fashioned Style)
Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls with 5-Minute Prep

These apple pie filled cinnamon rolls bring together warm cinnamon swirls and a gooey apple filling for the ultimate breakfast-meets-dessert treat. They’re quick to make and bursting with comforting flavors in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls with 5-Minute Prep
Cajun Smothered Chicken with Creamy Gravy

This Cajun chicken crock pot recipe brings bold Southern flavors with a creamy twist, making it a go-to for easy dinners. Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta for a hearty and flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Smothered Chicken with Creamy Gravy
Skillet Southern Fried Apples with Cinnamon

Southern fried apples are tender slices sautéed in buttery cinnamon sugar with a touch of nutmeg for extra warmth. They work beautifully as a sweet side or dessert, especially when served with vanilla ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Southern Fried Apples with Cinnamon
Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls (4-Ingredient Southern Snack)

Pimento cheese sausage balls elevate the classic Southern party appetizer with cheesy, savory richness and a hint of spice. Ideal for potlucks or game days, they’re quick to prepare and always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls (4-Ingredient Southern Snack)
Easy Apple Cobbler with Cake Mix Topping

This apple cobbler with cake mix is a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert full of cozy fall flavors. It’s easy to throw together and makes the kitchen smell amazing as it bakes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Apple Cobbler with Cake Mix Topping
Slow Cooker Meatballs in Creamy Gravy

These slow cooker meatballs with creamy gravy are a rich and hearty dish perfect for serving as an appetizer or main course. The slow cook method makes them ultra tender and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Meatballs in Creamy Gravy
Classic Cast Iron Southern Cornbread

Southern cornbread made in a cast iron skillet has crisp edges, a crumbly texture, and deep corn flavor. It’s a classic comfort food that captures the essence of traditional Southern cooking.
Get the Recipe: Classic Cast Iron Southern Cornbread
Crescent Roll Cinnamon Buns in 30 Minutes

Crescent roll cinnamon rolls offer a shortcut to homemade flavor using flaky dough and buttery cinnamon sugar. They’re perfect for busy mornings when you want that warm, bakery-style treat without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Crescent Roll Cinnamon Buns in 30 Minutes
One-Pan Apple Glazed Pork Chops

Apple roasted pork chops combine seared meat, tart apples, and warm spices in one skillet for an easy, rustic dinner. With just 15 minutes of prep, it’s a great option for fall meals and effortless hosting.
Get the Recipe: One-Pan Apple Glazed Pork Chops
Southern Sweet Potato Cornbread with a Hint of Cinnamon

This sweet potato cornbread recipe adds a hint of cinnamon and natural sweetness to a Southern staple. It’s moist, flavorful, and a great way to sneak in extra veggies without sacrificing taste.
Get the Recipe: Southern Sweet Potato Cornbread with a Hint of Cinnamon
One-Pot Green Beans, Potatoes & Sausage

Green beans, potatoes, and sausage come together in this hearty Southern one-pot meal, perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. It’s full of comforting flavors and ideal for feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: One-Pot Green Beans, Potatoes & Sausage
Creamy Southern Sausage Gravy and Biscuits

Sausage gravy and biscuits are the ultimate Southern breakfast comfort food, especially when made in a big skillet for sharing. The savory gravy and flaky biscuits create a cozy, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Southern Sausage Gravy and Biscuits
Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup with Herbs

This chicken tortellini soup combines tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and Italian herbs in a creamy broth. It’s a cozy, comforting dish with flavors reminiscent of homemade Italian cooking.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup with Herbs
Crock Pot Sirloin Tip Roast with Vegetables

The crock pot sirloin tip roast recipe yields tender beef in a rich, savory gravy with vegetables. It’s a simple, hands-off meal perfect for weeknights or casual entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Sirloin Tip Roast with Vegetables
Easy Pecan Pie Without Corn Syrup

This easy pecan pie recipe skips the corn syrup without sacrificing flavor. The result is a rich, nutty dessert with classic Southern charm.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pecan Pie Without Corn Syrup
Ultra Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Slow cooker mac and cheese is a creamy, cheesy comfort food that practically cooks itself. It’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks, and the hardest part is just boiling the pasta.
Get the Recipe: Ultra Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes (Southern Style in 15 Minutes)

Southern fried green tomatoes are a crispy, golden snack or appetizer made with tangy slices coated in cornmeal and panko. They’re quick to make and full of bold, nostalgic flavor.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes (Southern Style in 15 Minutes)
Baked Chicken and Coconut Rice Casserole

This chicken and rice casserole features coconut milk, jasmine rice, and juicy chicken baked into one cozy, flavor-packed dish. It’s an easy weeknight dinner with a delicious twist.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken and Coconut Rice Casserole
Hearty Southern Chili with Sausage and BBQ Flavor

This Southern chili recipe blends BBQ sauce, sausage, ground beef, and baked beans into a sweet and spicy bowl of comfort. Perfect for casual dinners, game days, or church gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Southern Chili with Sausage and BBQ Flavor
Vegan Southern Collard Greens with Maple & Smoke

Southern vegan collard greens combine maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and optional smoke flavor for a sweet, tangy, and savory side dish. It’s a meat-free take on a comforting classic that’s still packed with bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Southern Collard Greens with Maple & Smoke
Cheesy Sausage and Potato Soup for Chilly Days

This sausage and potato soup is a hearty, soul-warming meal ideal for chilly days or feeding a crowd after church. It’s simple to make and full of rich, savory goodness.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Sausage and Potato Soup for Chilly Days
Mini Chicken Pot Pies with Flaky Biscuit Crust

Chicken mini pot pies are a quick and cozy dish featuring shredded chicken, veggies, and cheese wrapped in biscuit dough. They’re perfect for casual dinners or bite-sized sharing.
Get the Recipe: Mini Chicken Pot Pies with Flaky Biscuit Crust
Slow Cooker Carolina Pulled Pork with Homemade Sauce

Pulled pork loin in the slow cooker delivers tender, flavorful meat in a tangy Carolina-style BBQ sauce. It’s great for meal prep, potlucks, or an easy weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Carolina Pulled Pork with Homemade Sauce
Pumpkin Pie with Buttery Graham Cracker Crust

This pumpkin pie in a graham cracker crust is a creamy, spiced twist on a holiday classic that skips the fuss of traditional pie dough. It’s an easy favorite that’s become a family tradition.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pie with Buttery Graham Cracker Crust
Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Soup (Slow Cooker)

Slow cooker chicken pot pie soup captures the comforting flavors of a classic pot pie in an easy-to-make creamy soup. It’s a go-to for cold nights or relaxed family meals.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Soup (Slow Cooker)
Warm Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce

Apple bread pudding is a warm, spiced dessert with tender apples and a rich custard base baked to golden perfection. It’s a nostalgic Southern treat that’s perfect for fall or holiday tables.
Get the Recipe: Warm Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce
Sweet Potato Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Sweet potato cake is a moist, spiced dessert topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, offering a comforting twist on traditional fall bakes. It’s a standout for family gatherings or holiday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Roasted Stuffed Acorn Squash with Savory Filling

Stuffed acorn squash is a wholesome fall dish filled with grains, veggies, and savory spices. It’s as satisfying as it is cozy, whether served as a side or vegetarian main.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Stuffed Acorn Squash with Savory Filling
Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with White Gravy

Southern chicken fried steak is a crispy, golden comfort food classic served with creamy white gravy. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a down-home dinner anytime.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with White Gravy
Creamy Southern Country Gravy from Scratch

Southern country gravy is a rich, creamy sauce made from pan drippings, flour, and milk—ideal for topping biscuits, fried chicken, or mashed potatoes. It’s a classic comfort food staple that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Southern Country Gravy from Scratch
Loved these recipes? TAP TO FOLLOW Intentional Hospitality for daily recipes and easy hosting ideas.