31 Southern Classics To Ring In The New Year with Good Luck
The smell of slow-cooked black-eyed peas, smoky collard greens, and sizzling skillet cornbread is how the South loves to ring in the New Year. This collection of Southern classics to ring in the New Year brings together good-luck staples like black-eyed pea soup, collard greens with bacon, and pork roast, plus party-ready bites from pimento cheese sausage balls to fried green tomatoes. Scroll through the gallery to find slow cooker mains, make-ahead sides, and nostalgic snacks that help you welcome the year with big flavor and a little extra luck.
Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Pea Soup with Smoky Spices
This hearty slow cooker soup blends creamy black-eyed peas, smoky chipotle, chili powder, and sweet potatoes for a Southern-inspired meal. Blending part of the beans adds a rich texture, while the slow simmer builds deep flavor with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Pea Soup with Smoky Spices
Sticky Slow Cooker Pork Loin Roast

This tender pork loin is slow-cooked in a sticky, savory-sweet glaze that’s perfect for cozy family dinners or casual entertaining. The rich flavors develop beautifully in the crock pot, making it a low-effort comfort food favorite.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Slow Cooker Pork Loin Roast
Creamy Black-Eyed Pea Hummus

A Southern twist on a classic dip, this black-eyed pea hummus is creamy, slightly nutty, and perfect with pita, veggies, or crackers. It’s a fresh, flavorful appetizer with a nod to tradition.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Black-Eyed Pea Hummus
20-Minute Maple Glazed Pork Chops

These sweet and savory maple-glazed pork chops are pan-seared to perfection and ready in under 30 minutes. Ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute guests, they balance bold flavor with simple prep.
Get the Recipe: 20-Minute Maple Glazed Pork Chops
Slow Cooker Collard Greens with Ham Hock

Slow-cooked collard greens turn silky and smoky with tender chunks of ham hock and classic Southern seasonings. It’s the kind of dish that fills your home with irresistible aroma and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Collard Greens with Ham Hock
Skillet Southern Cornbread

This classic Southern cornbread is made in a cast iron skillet for crisp edges, a crumbly texture, and deep corn flavor—just like Grandma used to make.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Southern Cornbread
Black-Eyed Peas & Collard Greens with Bacon

A comforting pot of black-eyed peas and collard greens simmered with smoky bacon brings classic Southern flavor to your table. A traditional dish that’s easy enough for weeknights, yet perfect for New Year’s Day.
Get the Recipe: Black-Eyed Peas & Collard Greens with Bacon
Cornbread Dressing with Sausage

This moist, flavorful Southern dressing starts with homemade cornbread and is packed with savory sausage, fresh herbs, and vegetables. A holiday table favorite with timeless appeal.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Dressing with Sausage
Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes

These oven-roasted sweet potatoes come out perfectly crisp on the edges and tender inside. With caramelized flavor and simple seasoning, they’re an easy side that always impresses.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Make-Ahead Cranberry Chutney

This spiced cranberry chutney with apples and ginger is a flavorful, make-ahead holiday side that’s sweet, tart, and aromatic. It’s a festive upgrade from traditional cranberry sauce.
Get the Recipe: Make-Ahead Cranberry Chutney
Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls

These four-ingredient sausage balls get a flavorful twist with rich, creamy pimento cheese. Perfect for potlucks, brunches, or game day, they’re quick to make and full of Southern charm.
Get the Recipe: Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls
15-Minute Southern Fried Green Tomatoes

These golden fried green tomatoes are crispy, tangy, and ready in just 15 minutes. A true Southern classic that makes an irresistible appetizer or snack.
Get the Recipe: 15-Minute Southern Fried Green Tomatoes
Creamy Southern Coleslaw

This classic coleslaw features crunchy cabbage in a creamy, sweet, and tangy dressing with a hint of celery seed. Ready in minutes and perfect for barbecues and family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Southern Coleslaw
Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts

This easy Instant Pot recipe delivers salty, tender Southern-style boiled peanuts in under two hours. A nostalgic snack perfect for gatherings, game days, or road trip cravings.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts
Texas Caviar (Black-Eyed Pea Dip)

This vibrant no-cook dip combines black beans, black-eyed peas, and fresh veggies in a zesty lime-cumin dressing. A colorful and bold appetizer that’s perfect for parties.
Get the Recipe: Texas Caviar (Black-Eyed Pea Dip)
Sweet Potato Cornbread with a Southern Twist

This moist, slightly sweet cornbread gets extra flavor and nutrition from mashed sweet potatoes. A cozy, comforting side dish perfect for any Southern meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cornbread with a Southern Twist
Creamy Baked Corn Casserole

With a golden top and creamy center, this baked corn casserole is a potluck favorite that comes together in just 15 minutes of prep. Sweet, savory, and utterly satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Baked Corn Casserole
Spicy Pimento Cheese Spread

This bold Southern spread blends cheddar, cream cheese, pimentos, and jalapeños for a creamy, spicy dip that’s perfect for parties or everyday snacking.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Pimento Cheese Spread
Lobster Corn Fritters with Spicy Aioli

Sweet corn and tender lobster come together in crispy fritters that make an elegant appetizer or light main dish. Serve with spicy aioli for an extra kick.
Get the Recipe: Lobster Corn Fritters with Spicy Aioli
Vegan Southern Collard Greens

These plant-based collard greens are sweet, smoky, and tangy, thanks to maple syrup, vinegar, and optional liquid smoke. A comforting, meat-free version of the Southern staple.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Southern Collard Greens
Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes

These sweet potatoes roast to crispy, caramelized perfection with a tender center. A go-to side dish that’s simple, flavorful, and always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Blueberry Cornmeal Quick Bread

This soft and lightly sweet bread blends juicy blueberries with the delicate texture of cornmeal. It’s perfect as a breakfast treat or a dessert-like slice with coffee.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cornmeal Quick Bread
Roasted Buttery Pecans

These oven-roasted pecans are rich, buttery, and lightly salted—an easy, nostalgic snack that’s perfect for the holidays or gifting.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Buttery Pecans
Southern Pineapple Casserole

This sweet and savory casserole pairs juicy pineapple with sharp cheddar and buttery crackers. An unexpected potluck favorite that always disappears first.
Get the Recipe: Southern Pineapple Casserole
Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a creamy sauce come together in this easy crock pot comfort food. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal that tastes homemade.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings
Country-Style Crock Pot Ribs

These slow-cooked country-style ribs are fall-apart tender and coated in a tangy mustard BBQ sauce. A simple, crowd-pleasing recipe perfect for Sunday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Country-Style Crock Pot Ribs
Oven-Baked Pork and Sauerkraut

Tender pork roast bakes with tangy sauerkraut, sweet apples, and brown sugar in this easy one-pan dish. A comforting meal that brings people together with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Pork and Sauerkraut
Cream Cheese Deviled Eggs

These deviled eggs are extra creamy thanks to a blend of cream cheese, mayo, and mustard. They’re quick, flavorful, and always a party favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Deviled Eggs
Instant Pot Low Country Boil

This quick version of the classic seafood boil features crab, potatoes, and corn, all cooked in the Instant Pot for easy entertaining. Big flavor with just 10 minutes of prep.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Low Country Boil
Baked Southern Mac and Cheese

This ultra-creamy macaroni and cheese is rich and cheesy with a golden baked top. Inspired by Poole’s Diner, it’s comfort food at its finest.
Get the Recipe: Baked Southern Mac and Cheese
Sweet Potato Cornbread

Moist and flavorful, this sweet potato cornbread adds a subtle sweetness and earthy depth to a classic Southern favorite. Perfect with soups, stews, or on its own.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cornbread
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