I Grew Up on These 39 Southern Dishes – Still Make ’Em Today
Cool air, golden leaves, and the scent of something rich and buttery baking—October just begs for comfort food. From sausage gravy over flaky biscuits to slow-cooked BBQ ribs, these Southern recipes bring serious cozy vibes to your fall table. Whether you’re prepping for a potluck, Sunday dinner, or just need something warm and nostalgic, you’ll find biscuits, casseroles, and crowd-pleasing sides in the mix. Trust me—you’ll want to make room for seconds.
Classic Southern Sausage Gravy with Flaky Biscuits

This sausage gravy and biscuits recipe sets the stage for a cozy Southern morning, with savory sausage and warm, flaky biscuits creating the ultimate comfort food breakfast. Ideal for relaxed weekends or special brunches, it’s a beloved classic that brings everyone to the table.
Get the Recipe: Classic Southern Sausage Gravy with Flaky Biscuits
Tender Southern Sweet Potato Cornbread

Sweet potato cornbread adds a tender, lightly spiced twist to a Southern favorite, with subtle cinnamon notes and a moist texture. It’s a family-friendly recipe that sneaks in extra veggies while delivering classic comfort.
Get the Recipe: Tender Southern Sweet Potato Cornbread
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings – Southern Style

Old fashioned crock pot chicken and dumplings delivers tender chicken and soft dumplings in a creamy, comforting sauce. A nostalgic, slow-cooked Southern classic made simple.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings – Southern Style
Cheesy Green Tomato Casserole with a Crunchy Topping

Green tomato casserole is a warm, cheesy Southern side layered with tangy tomatoes, sweet onions, and a buttery topping. It’s a creamy, comforting bake that shines at potlucks and family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Green Tomato Casserole with a Crunchy Topping
Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls with a Southern Twist

These pimento cheese sausage balls are a flavorful twist on a Southern staple, combining the creamy tang of pimento cheese with the hearty bite of sausage. Perfect for potlucks, game days, or brunch spreads, they’re a crowd-pleasing, bite-sized treat.
Get the Recipe: Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls with a Southern Twist
Sweet and Savory Pineapple Casserole Southern-Style

This pineapple casserole brings together the unexpected yet delicious mix of sweet pineapple, sharp cheddar, and a buttery cracker topping. It’s a standout dish that always draws attention at potlucks and family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Savory Pineapple Casserole Southern-Style
Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes with Southern Flavor

Air fryer fried green tomatoes offer the crispy, tangy taste of the Southern classic in a faster, healthier version. Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes with Southern Flavor
Spicy Pimento Cheese Spread with Jalapeños

Pimento cheese spread combines sharp cheddar, cream cheese, pimentos, and a hint of spice for a tangy, creamy Southern favorite. Perfect with crackers or veggies, it’s a go-to appetizer or snack.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Pimento Cheese Spread with Jalapeños
Southern Corn Fritters with Lobster and Aioli

These sweet corn and lobster fritters are crisp, golden bites that pair beautifully with a spicy aioli. Whether served as an appetizer or main dish, they offer an upscale take on a comforting favorite.
Get the Recipe: Southern Corn Fritters with Lobster and Aioli
Vegan Collard Greens with Southern Seasoning

Southern vegan collard greens are rich, tangy, and smoky thanks to maple syrup, vinegar, and optional liquid smoke. A plant-based version of the Southern staple, they’re perfect for holidays or everyday meals.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Collard Greens with Southern Seasoning
Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes in 15 Minutes

Southern fried green tomatoes are golden, crunchy, and full of tangy flavor, made with a cornmeal and panko coating. This quick 15-minute recipe is ideal for potlucks and casual Southern-style appetizers.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes in 15 Minutes
Creamy Southern Coleslaw with a Tangy Kick

Southern coleslaw is a creamy, sweet-and-tangy side that comes together in minutes with crisp cabbage and a simple dressing. It’s a must-have for barbecues, picnics, or weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Southern Coleslaw with a Tangy Kick
Slow Cooked Country Style Ribs with Southern BBQ Flavor

Crock pot country style ribs are slow-cooked in a tangy mustard BBQ sauce for tender, flavorful results with minimal prep. Ideal for Sunday dinners or gatherings, this recipe makes Southern hosting simple and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooked Country Style Ribs with Southern BBQ Flavor
Carolina Pulled Pork Loin in the Slow Cooker

Pulled pork loin in the slow cooker transforms lean pork into a juicy, Carolina-style BBQ dish with a homemade mustard-honey sauce. It’s a versatile favorite for potlucks, meal prep, or family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Carolina Pulled Pork Loin in the Slow Cooker
Instant Pot Southern Boiled Peanuts

This Instant Pot boiled peanuts recipe delivers classic salty Southern flavor with a tender bite in under two hours. It’s a quick and nostalgic snack perfect for game days or casual get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Southern Boiled Peanuts
Skillet Southern Cornbread with Crisp Edges

Southern cornbread is a rustic, golden favorite made with simple ingredients and cooked in a cast-iron skillet for crispy edges and rich corn flavor. It’s a nostalgic side dish that feels just like home.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Southern Cornbread with Crisp Edges
Caramelized Southern Fried Apples

Southern fried apples are tender slices tossed in a buttery cinnamon-sugar glaze, perfect as a sweet side or easy dessert. Serve them warm with ice cream for a comforting Southern treat.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Southern Fried Apples
Refreshing Homemade Southern Sweet Tea

Southern sweet tea is a smooth and refreshing drink made with black tea and sugar, balanced by a hint of baking soda. It’s an iconic beverage for summer gatherings or any time you want a taste of the South.
Get the Recipe: Refreshing Homemade Southern Sweet Tea
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans with Bacon

Crock Pot green beans slow cook with smoky bacon and aromatic seasonings for a no-fuss side dish. It’s an easy, flavorful recipe that the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans with Bacon
Make-Ahead Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole

Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole layers fluffy biscuits, sausage, eggs, and creamy gravy into a hearty, make-ahead dish. Ideal for brunches or holiday mornings, it’s a satisfying all-in-one bake.
Get the Recipe: Make-Ahead Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole
Southern Cheese Straws Inspired by the Masters

This Masters Golf Tournament copycat cheese straws recipe delivers buttery, cheesy sticks with Southern flair. A nostalgic snack perfect for parties, holidays, or a taste of Augusta at home.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cheese Straws Inspired by the Masters
Easy Home-Canned Boiled Peanuts

Canning boiled peanuts makes it easy to enjoy this salty Southern snack year-round. With green peanuts and optional Cajun seasoning, it’s a flavorful and nostalgic treat to have on hand.
Get the Recipe: Easy Home-Canned Boiled Peanuts
Southern Baked Corn Casserole with Cheesy Crust

Baked corn casserole is a creamy, cheesy side dish with a sweet corn base and a golden top. It’s easy to prepare and always a hit at potlucks and family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Southern Baked Corn Casserole with Cheesy Crust
Crock Pot Boiled Peanuts with Classic Southern Flavor

Crock Pot boiled peanuts are a classic Southern snack with salty, tender flavor and an optional kick of spice. Traditionally served in paper bags, they’re ideal for game day or road trips.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Boiled Peanuts with Classic Southern Flavor
Southern Hummus with Black-Eyed Peas

Black eyed pea hummus blends the earthy flavor of black eyed peas with creamy texture and spices for a Southern-inspired twist on a Mediterranean classic. It’s a unique, savory dip perfect for entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Southern Hummus with Black-Eyed Peas
Toasted Buttery Pecans – A Holiday Favorite

Buttery pecans are a cherished Southern holiday snack, often enjoyed warm and roasted with just a touch of sweetness. They evoke cozy memories and are perfect for gifting or festive snacking.
Get the Recipe: Toasted Buttery Pecans – A Holiday Favorite
Sweet & Spicy Southern-Style Chili

This Southern chili combines sweet and spicy flavors with ground beef, sausage, BBQ sauce, and baked beans for a hearty meal. It’s a bold, comforting dish ideal for game days and casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Southern-Style Chili
Creamy Crock Pot Corn on the Cob

Crock Pot corn on the cob simmers in a creamy milk bath for sweet, tender, and buttery results. A fuss-free Southern side dish, it’s great for summer cookouts and easy entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Crock Pot Corn on the Cob
Instant Pot Low Country Seafood Boil

This Instant Pot low country boil features snow crab, potatoes, and corn in a zesty, one-pot Southern seafood feast. With just 10 minutes of prep, it’s a quick and festive dinner for a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Low Country Seafood Boil
One-Pot Southern Green Beans, Potatoes, and Sausage

Green beans, potatoes, and sausage come together in this hearty Southern skillet dish that’s perfect for weeknight meals. It’s a cozy, all-in-one dinner with down-home flavor.
Get the Recipe: One-Pot Southern Green Beans, Potatoes, and Sausage
Spicy Firecracker Snack Crackers with Ranch Flavor

Firecrackers are bold, zesty snack crackers made by transforming plain saltines into spicy, ranch-seasoned bites. A Southern favorite for gatherings or road trips, they’re incredibly addictive.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Firecracker Snack Crackers with Ranch Flavor
Quick & Easy Two-Ingredient Southern Biscuits

These 2-ingredient biscuits are soft, fluffy, and buttery, made simply with self-rising flour and cream. They’re a quick, foolproof addition to any meal, perfect for last-minute hosting.
Get the Recipe: Quick & Easy Two-Ingredient Southern Biscuits
Hearty Ranch Style Beans with Southwest Spices

Ranch style beans bring together pinto beans, tomatoes, and smoky spices like cumin and chili powder for a hearty, Southwestern-inspired dish. It’s an easy comfort food with bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Ranch Style Beans with Southwest Spices
Creamy Cajun Chicken in the Crock Pot

This Cajun chicken crock pot recipe features tender chicken in a creamy, spicy gravy with bold Southern flavors. Great over rice or noodles, it’s perfect for effortless weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cajun Chicken in the Crock Pot
Really, Really Good Old Fashioned Rice Pudding

Rice pudding is a creamy, cinnamon-kissed dessert made with simmered rice and milk for a cozy, old-fashioned treat. It’s simple, comforting, and always satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Really, Really Good Old Fashioned Rice Pudding
Ultra-Moist Kentucky Butter Cake with Buttery Glaze

Kentucky butter cake is a moist, golden pound cake soaked in a rich butter glaze for indulgent flavor in every bite. This easy Southern favorite is perfect for holidays or anytime baking.
Get the Recipe: Ultra-Moist Kentucky Butter Cake with Buttery Glaze
Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese

Inspired by Poole’s Diner, this macaroni and cheese recipe is ultra-creamy and packed with bold cheddar flavor. It’s a restaurant-style take on the classic comfort food side.
Get the Recipe: Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese
Southern Chicken Fried Steak with Homemade White Gravy

Southern chicken fried steak features a crispy, golden coating and creamy white gravy, ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a hearty, classic comfort food that never goes out of style.
Get the Recipe: Southern Chicken Fried Steak with Homemade White Gravy
Southern Dill Potato Salad

Creamy red potato salad with dill is a bright and tangy side dish perfect for barbecues and potlucks. Its simple ingredients and fresh flavor make it a summer favorite.
Get the Recipe: Southern Dill Potato Salad
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