35 Southern Holiday Foods You Need on Your Christmas Table
If your Christmas table isn’t already loaded with Southern holiday foods, this list will change that in a hurry. From slow-cooked maple glazed ham and ultra creamy mac and cheese to crispy cast iron cornbread, candied yams, and easy peach cobbler, every dish brings big flavor and down-home comfort. Whether you’re planning a full Southern spread or just adding a few new sides like green bean casserole or collard greens with ham hock, these recipes are made for sharing. Scroll through to find Southern holiday foods that will earn a permanent spot on your Christmas menu.
Slow-Cooked Maple Glazed Ham
This slow-cooked ham turns out incredibly juicy with a sweet, tangy glaze that melts into every slice. It’s a low-effort main dish that feels special enough for any celebration.
Get the Recipe: Slow-Cooked Maple Glazed Ham
Savory Southern Cornbread Dressing with Sausage

Rich with savory flavor, this Southern cornbread dressing is a must for any holiday spread. The addition of sausage makes it hearty enough to steal the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Savory Southern Cornbread Dressing with Sausage
Ultra Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

This slow cooker mac and cheese is velvety smooth and packed with cheesy goodness. It’s an easy, comforting favorite that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Ultra Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
Southern-Style Black Eyed Peas and Greens

This cozy mix of black eyed peas and collard greens delivers bold flavor with a comforting Southern feel. A timeless dish that brings warmth to the table all year round.
Get the Recipe: Southern-Style Black Eyed Peas and Greens
Crispy Cast Iron Cornbread

Baked until golden in a cast iron skillet, this cornbread is crisp on the outside and tender inside. It’s a no-fuss classic that brings a rustic touch to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Cast Iron Cornbread
Cream Cheese Deviled Eggs with a Twist

These cream cheese deviled eggs are smooth, tangy, and just a little indulgent. They’re a crowd-pleasing appetizer that works for every occasion.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Deviled Eggs with a Twist
Slow Cooked Collard Greens with Ham Hock

These slow-cooked collard greens are rich, smoky, and melt-in-your-mouth tender. The ham hock adds depth that makes this dish unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooked Collard Greens with Ham Hock
Zesty Southern Pimento Cheese Spread

Creamy, spicy, and perfectly tangy, this pimento cheese spread is the ultimate Southern snack. Serve it up at gatherings or enjoy it solo with crackers or veggies.
Get the Recipe: Zesty Southern Pimento Cheese Spread
Comforting Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

This crock pot chicken and dumplings recipe is cozy, creamy, and effortlessly comforting. It’s a nostalgic one-pot meal that tastes like home.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings
Easy Baked Corn Casserole

With a creamy base and golden topping, this baked corn casserole is always a hit. It’s a simple side that fits right in at potlucks or holiday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Easy Baked Corn Casserole
Southern Sweet Potato Cornbread

This sweet potato cornbread is moist, flavorful, and subtly spiced for extra warmth. It’s a surprising twist on tradition that the whole table will love.
Get the Recipe: Southern Sweet Potato Cornbread
Plant-Based Southern Collard Greens

These vegan collard greens bring all the smoky, tangy flavor without any meat. It’s a wholesome twist on a Southern staple that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Get the Recipe: Plant-Based Southern Collard Greens
Classic Amish Potato Salad

Creamy and slightly sweet, this Amish potato salad is a nostalgic side that’s perfect for sharing. It’s a tried-and-true favorite that never goes out of style.
Get the Recipe: Classic Amish Potato Salad
Southern Biscuits with Sausage Gravy

Fluffy biscuits smothered in rich, peppery sausage gravy make this dish a true Southern comfort breakfast. It’s hearty, homemade, and guaranteed to satisfy.
Get the Recipe: Southern Biscuits with Sausage Gravy
Spicy Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls

These sausage balls with pimento cheese pack big flavor into bite-sized snacks. They’re fast, cheesy, and always the first to disappear at parties.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls
Sweet and Cheesy Pineapple Casserole

This pineapple casserole blends sweet, savory, and buttery in the most unexpected way. It’s a quirky Southern side that surprises and delights at every bite.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Cheesy Pineapple Casserole
Quick & Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried green tomatoes are golden, crunchy, and tangy with just the right bite. This quick recipe brings Southern charm to the table in under 15 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Quick & Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes
Creamy Classic Southern Coleslaw

Cool, crisp, and creamy, this Southern coleslaw is the ideal sidekick for barbecues and family dinners. It’s ready in minutes and always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Classic Southern Coleslaw
Warm Cinnamon Fried Apples

These Southern fried apples are tender, buttery, and kissed with warm spices. Serve them as a side or sweet treat straight from the skillet.
Get the Recipe: Warm Cinnamon Fried Apples
Slow Cooked Green Beans with Bacon

These crock pot green beans are loaded with savory flavor and cooked until perfectly tender. A hands-off side that tastes like it simmered all day—because it did.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooked Green Beans with Bacon
Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Bake

This biscuits and gravy breakfast casserole is rich, filling, and made to feed a hungry crowd. It’s a make-ahead favorite that’s perfect for weekends or holidays.
Get the Recipe: Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Bake
Copycat Masters Cheese Straws

These crispy, cheesy straws bring the flavor of the Masters Golf Tournament to your home. They’re a Southern classic perfect for snacking or entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Masters Cheese Straws
Southern Black Eyed Pea Hummus

This black eyed pea hummus adds a Southern twist to a classic dip with earthy, creamy notes. It’s perfect for casual snacking or as a unique party appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Southern Black Eyed Pea Hummus
Toasty Buttery Roasted Pecans

These roasted buttery pecans are a timeless Southern snack with irresistible crunch. Perfect for gifting, grazing, or holiday tables.
Get the Recipe: Toasty Buttery Roasted Pecans
French Onion Smothered Pork Chops

These pork chops are cooked in a rich, cheesy French onion-style sauce that’s packed with flavor. It’s a one-pan wonder perfect for cozy weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Smothered Pork Chops
Quick & Easy 2-Ingredient Biscuits

These fluffy biscuits require just two ingredients and come together in a flash. Perfect for breakfast spreads or last-minute dinner sides.
Get the Recipe: Quick & Easy 2-Ingredient Biscuits
Easy Peach Cobbler with Store-Bought Crust

This old-fashioned peach cobbler is warm, fruity, and wrapped in a flaky shortcut crust. Serve it with ice cream for a dessert that feels homemade and heartwarming.
Get the Recipe: Easy Peach Cobbler with Store-Bought Crust
Cheesy Sausage and Grits Breakfast Bake

This sausage and grits casserole is creamy, hearty, and packed with bold flavor. A comforting dish that works for brunch, dinner, or any time in between.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Sausage and Grits Breakfast Bake
Crispy Southern Fried Okra

Southern fried okra is bite-sized, crunchy, and totally addictive. It’s a quick-fry favorite that brings nostalgic charm to any plate.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Southern Fried Okra
Stovetop Sweet Candied Yams

These stovetop candied yams are tender, sweet, and glazed to perfection. A cozy holiday side dish with timeless appeal.
Get the Recipe: Stovetop Sweet Candied Yams
Classic Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans

This sweet potato casserole is creamy and topped with a crunchy brown sugar pecan crust. It’s a holiday must-have that delivers warmth in every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Classic Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans
Southern Green Bean Casserole

Creamy, savory, and topped with crispy onions, this Southern green bean casserole is comfort in a dish. It’s a classic side that everyone looks forward to.
Get the Recipe: Southern Green Bean Casserole
Air Fryer Buttermilk Biscuits

These air fryer buttermilk biscuits come out fluffy, golden, and ready in minutes. A fast and foolproof way to enjoy homemade biscuits anytime.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buttermilk Biscuits
Savory Butternut Squash and Bacon Bake

This savory casserole pairs sweet butternut squash with smoky bacon and a crunchy topping. It’s a standout side for fall gatherings or holiday feasts.
Get the Recipe: Savory Butternut Squash and Bacon Bake
Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken with Gravy

Chicken fried chicken is crispy, juicy, and smothered in creamy gravy for the ultimate comfort food. It’s a Southern classic that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken with Gravy
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