There’s nothing quite like walking into Grandma’s house on Christmas and being greeted by the smell of Southern Christmas dinner recipes simmering away. From sausage-studded cornbread dressing and slow cooked collard greens with ham hock to glazed slow cooker ham, creamy mac and cheese, candied yams, and cinnamon-spiced fried apples, this spread is all about rich comfort and tradition. These Southern Christmas dinner recipes lean on the slow cooker, cast iron, and make-ahead sides so you can serve a feast that feels lovingly homemade without being stuck in the kitchen all day.

Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

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Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This old-fashioned crock pot chicken and dumplings recipe delivers tender chicken, soft dumplings, and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s the kind of easy, nostalgic comfort food that feels like a warm hug. Ideal for busy weeknights or slow Sundays.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Ultra Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Ultra Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This ultra creamy slow cooker mac and cheese is as easy as it is comforting. Loaded with cheesy goodness, it’s perfect for busy nights or cozy weekends. The hardest part is boiling the pasta—after that, it’s smooth sailing.
Get the Recipe: Ultra Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Creamy Southern Corn Casserole

Creamy Southern Corn Casserole. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Creamy Southern corn casserole brings together sweet corn and a golden cheesy crust for the ultimate comfort side. With just 15 minutes of prep, this dish is ideal for potlucks, holidays, or weeknight dinners. Its soft, creamy texture makes it a hit every time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Southern Corn Casserole

Glazed Slow Cooker Ham

Glazed Slow Cooker Ham. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This glazed slow cooker ham recipe turns out juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor from brown sugar, maple syrup, and pineapple juice. It’s a low-effort, high-reward main dish perfect for holidays or casual get-togethers. Just set it and forget it until mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Glazed Slow Cooker Ham

Slow Cooked Collard Greens with Ham Hock

Slow Cooked Collard Greens with Ham Hock. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

These slow cooked collard greens with smoky ham hock are the epitome of Southern comfort food. Simmered in the crock pot, they turn silky and savory with every bite. The aroma alone lets everyone know something delicious is on the way.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooked Collard Greens with Ham Hock

Cream Cheese Deviled Eggs

Cream Cheese Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Cream cheese deviled eggs are a smooth, flavorful upgrade to the classic version. Made with mayo, mustard, and tangy cream cheese, they’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or a simple holiday snack. Quick to make and always the first to go.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Deviled Eggs

Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls

Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

These pimento cheese sausage balls are warm, cheesy, and packed with Southern charm. Made with just four ingredients, they come together fast and deliver savory, crowd-pleasing flavor in every bite. A staple at brunches, parties, and potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls

Crock Pot Southern Green Beans

Crock Pot Southern Green Beans. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

These crock pot green beans cook low and slow with smoky bacon, onion, and spices for a simple, satisfying side. Perfect for busy days or big family meals, this recipe is a fuss-free way to add Southern flavor to your table.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Southern Green Beans

Sweet Potato Cornbread with Southern Spice

Sweet Potato Cornbread with Southern Spice. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This sweet potato cornbread offers a tender, moist bite with hints of cinnamon and earthy sweetness. It’s a cozy twist on a Southern staple that even picky eaters will love. Serve it as a side or a snack—it’s delicious either way.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cornbread with Southern Spice

Buttery Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

Buttery Crockpot Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

These buttery crockpot mashed potatoes are the definition of comfort food made easy. Creamy, rich, and hands-off, they’re ideal for holidays or weeknight dinners alike. No boiling, just smooth perfection from the slow cooker.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce

Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This slow cooker cranberry sauce is sweet, tangy, and stress-free, making holiday prep a breeze. Just toss everything in the pot and let the warm, spiced aroma fill your kitchen. It’s a festive favorite that practically makes itself.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce

Southern Sausage Cornbread Dressing

Southern Sausage Cornbread Dressing. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This comforting Southern sausage cornbread dressing starts with homemade buttermilk skillet cornbread and builds flavor with savory sausage and fresh herbs. It’s the dish everyone returns to for seconds at holiday dinners or Sunday feasts. Drying the cornbread in advance ensures it absorbs all the rich, savory goodness.
Get the Recipe: Southern Sausage Cornbread Dressing

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Rolled in cranberries and pecans, this creamy cheese ball strikes the perfect balance of sweet and savory. It’s simple to make, easy to serve, and always vanishes fast at parties. Ideal for holiday gatherings or casual snacking.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

Black Eyed Peas and Collard Greens with Bacon

Black Eyed Peas and Collard Greens with Bacon. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This black eyed peas and collard greens recipe brings together smoky bacon, tender greens, and rich Southern tradition. It’s a hearty, comforting dish perfect for New Year’s Day or any time you crave something warm and soulful.
Get the Recipe: Black Eyed Peas and Collard Greens with Bacon

Classic Sausage Gravy and Biscuits

Classic Sausage Gravy and Biscuits. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This classic sausage gravy and biscuits recipe delivers the ultimate Southern-style breakfast comfort. Rich, creamy gravy over flaky biscuits makes for a cozy start to any morning. Ideal for weekends, brunches, or lazy Sundays.
Get the Recipe: Classic Sausage Gravy and Biscuits

Sweet and Spicy Southern Chili Recipe

Sweet and Spicy Southern Chili Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This southern chili recipe is a sweet and spicy dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with bold, comforting flavor. Made with ground beef, sausage, BBQ sauce, and baked beans, this is perfect for casual dinners, game day gatherings, or church potlucks. Enjoy it as a make-ahead crowd-pleaser that brings everyone to the table.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Southern Chili Recipe

Vegan Southern Collard Greens

Vegan Southern Collard Greens. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

These vegan Southern collard greens are smoky, sweet, and tangy—no meat needed. With maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and optional liquid smoke, they’re full of bold flavor and perfect for plant-based meals or holiday spreads.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Southern Collard Greens

Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes

Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

These crispy fried green tomatoes are a golden Southern classic with a crunchy cornmeal crust. Ready in just 15 minutes, they’re a perfect appetizer or side dish for potlucks, picnics, or anytime cravings hit.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes

Spicy Pimento Cheese Party Spread

Spicy Pimento Cheese Party Spread. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This spicy pimento cheese party spread blends sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and jalapeños for a bold Southern twist. Creamy and tangy with a hint of heat, it’s a go-to appetizer for everything from game days to afternoon snacks. Serve it with crackers or veggies for an easy crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Pimento Cheese Party Spread

Classic Cast Iron Southern Cornbread

Classic Cast Iron Southern Cornbread. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This cast iron Southern cornbread is crumbly, golden, and full of rich corn flavor. Baked until crisp on the edges, it’s a timeless side that pairs perfectly with soups, stews, or holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Classic Cast Iron Southern Cornbread

Cinnamon Spiced Southern Fried Apples

Cinnamon Spiced Southern Fried Apples. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

These Southern fried apples are tender, buttery, and spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg for a cozy treat. Whether served as a side or dessert, they’re irresistible with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Spiced Southern Fried Apples

Make-Ahead Holiday Cranberry Chutney

Make-Ahead Holiday Cranberry Chutney. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This make-ahead holiday cranberry chutney blends tart cranberries with apples, ginger, and warm spices for a festive twist. It’s sweet, slightly tangy, and fills the kitchen with holiday magic. A vibrant upgrade to classic sauce.
Get the Recipe: Make-Ahead Holiday Cranberry Chutney

Creamy Cajun Smothered Chicken

Creamy Cajun Smothered Chicken. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This creamy Cajun smothered chicken is rich, bold, and bursting with Southern spice. Simmered in a slow cooker, it’s easy to make and perfect served over rice, potatoes, or noodles for a cozy, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cajun Smothered Chicken

Stovetop Candied Yams

Stovetop Candied Yams. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

These stovetop candied yams are tender, buttery, and coated in a cinnamon-scented glaze. Rich and nostalgic, they’re a must for holiday tables and comforting side dishes all year long.
Get the Recipe: Stovetop Candied Yams

Chicken Fried Chicken with Gravy

Chicken Fried Chicken with Gravy. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Chicken fried chicken with gravy is a crispy, golden Southern favorite that’s both hearty and satisfying. Juicy inside and crunchy outside, it’s topped with creamy gravy for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Chicken with Gravy

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