If you grew up in the South, you know that food isn’t just about eating—it’s about tradition, comfort, and bringing people together. From crispy fried corn to rich and creamy mac and cheese, these recipes are the heart and soul of Southern cooking. And if you haven’t made them yet, well, you might just need to turn on that stove and earn your Southern stripes! This roundup is packed with 31 must-try recipes that capture the flavors, history, and charm of Southern cuisine. Get ready to dive into classic, comforting, and downright delicious Southern favorites!

Creamy Mac And Cheese Recipe

Crock pot macaroni and cheese being scooped up with a spoon
Creamy Mac And Cheese Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

My slow cooker mac and cheese combines the creamy richness of butter, Velveeta, half and half, and cheddar cheese—all the comforting ingredients that make Southern cooking so beloved. This recipe is a quick nod to the South’s tradition of indulgent, homey flavors, with just 20 minutes of prep for pure comfort in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mac And Cheese Recipe

Chicken And Dumplings

Homemade chicken and dumplings
Chicken And Dumplings. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Old fashioned crock pot chicken and dumplings recipe creates soft chewy dumplings, tender chicken and veggies smothered in a creamy sauce.
Get the Recipe: Chicken And Dumplings

Fluffy Cornbread Biscuits

corn bread
Fluffy Cornbread Biscuits. Image Credit: Butter and Baggage

A Southern dinner isn’t complete without a side of cornbread or a buttery biscuit. Try these easy Buttermilk Cornbread Biscuits for the best of both worlds! They’re moist and fluffy with a great cornbread taste.
Get The Recipe: Fluffy Cornbread Biscuits

Southern Seafood Boil

Lowcountry boil made in an instant pot crab legs potatoes and corn
Southern Seafood Boil. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

An Instant Pot adaptation of the classic Southern seafood boil, featuring snow crab legs, fresh corn, and tender potatoes for a quick and impressive one-pot dinner.
Get the Recipe: Southern Seafood Boil

Southern Boiled Peanuts

crock pot boiled peanuts
Southern Boiled Peanuts. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

Instant Pot boiled peanuts in the shell are a southern snack served traditionally in a brown paper bag that has a salty and sometimes spicy delicious flavor.
Get the Recipe: Southern Boiled Peanuts

Delicious Cheese Straws

masters cheese straws homemade recipe
Delicious Cheese Straws. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Crispy, cheesy, and full of Southern charm, these homemade cheese straws are perfect for parties and gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Delicious Cheese Straws

Classic Peach Cobbler Recipe

homemade peach cobbler with store pie crust
Classic Peach Cobbler Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This easy peach cobbler with premade pie crust recipe only takes about 15 minutes to prepare using fresh, canned, or frozen peaches.
Get the Recipe: Classic Peach Cobbler Recipe

Southern Style Green Beans

A rectangular white plate filled with cooked green beans and pieces of bacon, placed on a checked cloth.
Southern Style Green Beans. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Tender green beans slow-cooked with bacon and savory seasonings make for a delightful side dish that’s full of Southern charm.
Get the Recipe: Southern Style Green Beans

Deviled Eggs

A white plate with seven deviled eggs, each topped with a smooth yellow filling and garnished with small green parsley leaves. The plate sits on a soft yellow cloth.
Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

Make the creamiest and most flavorful deviled eggs with cream cheese using this easy recipe. The rich filling combines cream cheese, mayonnaise, and mustard for a tangy and smooth result that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs

Southern Collard Greens

A plate of cooked greens, such as collard greens, topped with various seeds and nuts. The dish is served on a white, hexagon-patterned plate with a fork on the side. The greens appear glossy and well-seasoned.
Southern Collard Greens. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

A vegan-friendly take on the classic, this recipe offers collard greens with a hint of maple sweetness and a punch of apple cider vinegar sourness.
Get the Recipe: Southern Collard Greens

Sweet Potato Pie

A pumpkin pie with a slice removed, topped with dollops of whipped cream arranged in a circle. The crust is golden brown, and the table surface features some dessert forks nearby.
Sweet Potato Pie. Photo credit: Easy Southern Desserts.

Sweet Potato Pie with Condensed Milk is a slice of Southern comfort, with a creamy sweet potato filling wrapped up in a flaky pie crust. After an hour in the oven, you’ll get a sweet pie with a not-too-runny filling. It’s the perfect addition to any holiday table or whenever you’re craving a slice of the South.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Pie

Fried Corn Recipe

A white bowl filled with seasoned corn kernels garnished with chopped herbs is on a white surface. Surrounding it are small bowls containing more herbs and red seasoning. A striped cloth and empty white bowl with spoons are nearby.
Fried Corn Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This easy fried corn recipe combines Cajun seasoning, smoky paprika, and butter to create a quick and flavorful side dish ready in just 15 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Fried Corn Recipe

Southern Egg Salad Recipe

egg salad masters recipe
Southern Egg Salad Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This Southern egg salad combines finely chopped eggs with creamy mayonnaise for a smooth, delectable spread, reminiscent of the famous Masters Tournament sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Southern Egg Salad Recipe

Pimento Cheese Recipe

spicy pimento cheese
Pimento Cheese Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

Whipped up in less than 15 minutes, it features a blend of cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese and cream cheese with pimentos, mayonnaise, and pickled jalapeños for an extra kick of zesty flavor. Serve chilled or at room temperature with a side of crackers, veggies, or chips for dipping.
Get the Recipe: Pimento Cheese Recipe

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Pulled pork on a plate with two forks
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

I like using my slow cooker when I need to feed a crowd of friends pulled pork as the main dish. The slow and gentle cooking process helps to break down the tough fibers in the pork, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is similar to slow cook open pit BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Classic Southern Lobster Corn Fritters Recipe

Lobster corn critters on a plate and spicy aioli sauce in a small bowl with lemon zest and chopped green onion.
Classic Southern Lobster Corn Fritters Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

Sweet corn and lobster make winning combination in this easy corn fritter recipe. Serve them up with a spicy aioli as an appetizer or main course.
Get the Recipe: Classic Southern Lobster Corn Fritters Recipe

Flavorful Pecan Pie

Close-up of sliced pecan pie on a white plate. The pie has a golden crust and a rich, glossy filling topped with whole pecans. A pie server is lifting one slice.
Flavorful Pecan Pie. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

Enjoy the rich flavors of pecan pie, a beloved Southern dessert, made without corn syrup. This simple recipe uses just a few ingredients to create a perfectly sweet, nutty filling and flaky crust. Rooted in the South’s love for pecans, this dish brings a touch of tradition and charm to your table.
Get the Recipe: Flavorful Pecan Pie

Hearty Navy Beans Recipe

crock pot navy beans
Hearty Navy Beans Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Learn to cook navy beans with simple ingredients like dried beans, onion, garlic, broth, and a savory ham hock for a hearty Southern dish.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Navy Beans Recipe

Creamy Cajun Smothered Chicken With Gravy

cajun chicken and gravy
Creamy Cajun Smothered Chicken With Gravy. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This dish features tender chicken breasts smothered in a flavorful Cajun gravy, embodying the essence of Creole cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cajun Smothered Chicken With Gravy

Southern Chicken Salad Recipe

extra creamy chicken salad on rye bread
Southern Chicken Salad Recipe. Photo Credit: Intentional Hospitality

This chicken salad recipe is quick and easy, taking less than 15 minutes to prepare. The best part is that you can customize it to your liking with a variety of add-ins. I will provide you with some great ideas to elevate this simple recipe and create your own unique version.
Get The Recipe: Southern Chicken Salad Recipe

Pound Cake

Augusta National buttery pound cake
Pound Cake. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Looking for the perfect pound cake recipe? This Moist and Buttery Pound Cake Recipe is a classic moist Southern pound cake infused with a creamy, sweet, buttery flavor. Its soft, dense texture is absolutely perfect for soaking up fresh, juicy strawberries.
Get The Recipe: Pound Cake

Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

A white rectangular casserole dish filled with a baked breakfast casserole, likely featuring eggs, sausage, and cheese. The dish is placed on a blue and white striped cloth, with a spoon and a stack of white plates nearby.
Biscuits and Gravy Casserole. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

This Biscuits and Gravy Casserole is a stick-to-your-ribs dish made with savory breakfast sausage, eggs, fluffy buttermilk biscuits, and a rich peppered gravy. Perfect for making ahead and serving for breakfast or brunch!
Get the Recipe: Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

Easy Baked Corn Casserole

A white ceramic dish filled with baked crab dip topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped green herbs. A wooden spoon and a napkin sit nearby on a light surface.
Easy Baked Corn Casserole. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

Baked corn casserole is a Southern staple that’s both comforting and easy to make. Its creamy texture, sweet corn, and golden cheesy topping make it a standout side dish for any potluck or family dinner. With only 15 minutes of prep, it’s a quick way to bring tradition and flavor to the table!
Get the Recipe: Easy Baked Corn Casserole

Southern Candied Yams Recipe

A black bowl filled with glazed candied yams, showcasing richly caramelized pieces. The dish is placed on a light cloth background, emphasizing the deep brown and orange hues of the yams.
Southern Candied Yams Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage

You can’t beat these super simple, 3-ingredient Candied Yams. Tender and sweet with a caramelized sauce, you’ll have them on the table in 30 minutes. A classic Thanksgiving side dish that begins with canned sweet potatoes or yams and you don’t even need an oven.
Get the Recipe: Southern Candied Yams Recipe

Iconic Southern Pimento Cheese Sandwich

Master's pimento cheese sandwich
Iconic Southern Pimento Cheese Sandwich. Photo Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Looking to recreate the iconic pimento cheese sandwiches from the Masters golf tournament concession stands? My Masters Pimento Cheese Sandwich Recipe is a classic copycat recipe from the famous Augusta National concession stands.
Get The Recipe: Iconic Southern Pimento Cheese Sandwich

Bacon and Bourbon Baked Beans

baked beans with bacon and burbon
Bacon and Bourbon Baked Beans. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Here is the perfect side dish for your next potluck, BBQ, or summer party – slow-cooked sweet and savory bourbon baked beans. This yummy recipe features a medley of flavors, including sweet barbecue sauce, crispy bacon, brown sugar, and a touch of your favorite bourbon. Best part, it’s super easy to make with minimal cleanup.
Get The Recipe: Bacon and Bourbon Baked Beans

Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers

A close-up of a creamy dessert with a spoon, likely a banana pudding, showing layers of custard or pudding, with a crumbly topping, possibly vanilla wafer crumbs. A portion of the dessert is scooped out from a round dish and served in a small glass.
Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers Image Credit: Easy Southern Desserts

Banana pudding is a classic Southern dessert featuring layers of bananas, creamy vanilla pudding, and crunchy vanilla wafer cookies for a no-bake dessert that is as delicious as it is easy to make. Made with instant pudding mix, this simple recipe is perfect for both novices and experts in the kitchen. You can’t have a cook-out or BBQ without it.
Get The Recipe: Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers

Easy Pan-Seared Tilapia with Lemon Butter

Lemon butter tilapia
Easy Pan-Seared Tilapia with Lemon Butter. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Enjoy this lemon butter tilapia in a pan, which is infused with a hint of tart lemon, cilantro, and sweet, creamy butter that creates a delicious dinner for your family. The best part is, it only takes 10 minutes to make this main dish.
Get The Recipe: Easy Pan-Seared Tilapia with Lemon Butter

Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Copycat Recipe

cracker barrel hash brown
Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Copycat Recipe. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

This hash brown casserole copycat recipe is made with thawed hash browns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, onion, and cheddar cheese and can be prepared in the oven or slow cooker. It is the perfect side dish for any meal, and the whole family will love it.
Get The Recipe: Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Copycat Recipe

Easy Southern Tomato Pie Recipe

A baked tomato tart in a white dish on a wooden surface. The tart is topped with sliced red and yellow tomatoes, chopped herbs, and small cheese pieces. A bunch of fresh basil and a white cloth are in the background.
Easy Southern Tomato Pie Recipe. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest

Southern Tomato Pie is simply layers of fresh garden tomatoes, shallots, basil and a delicious cheese mixture in a pie crust and baked until golden and bubbly. This savory side dish or appetizer is one of the best ways to use up some of your fresh garden tomatoes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Southern Tomato Pie Recipe

Pork Ribs Dry Rub

bbq ribs and sauce
Pork Ribs Dry Rub. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

You will become a BBQ star with your friends and family. Just don’t tell them you didn’t need to light the grill! These ribs turn out perfect every time.
Get The Recipe: Pork Ribs Dry Rub

35 Easy Desserts Anyone Can Make (Yes, Even You!)

Close-up of hands breaking a chocolate chip cookie in half. The cookie is golden-brown with melted chocolate chips inside, showcasing a gooey texture.
35 Easy Desserts Anyone Can Make (Yes, Even You!). Image credit: Intentional Hospitality

Making dessert has never been easier! No special skills, fancy ingredients, or hours in the kitchen—just quick, delicious desserts anyone can make. Even if you’ve never baked before, you’ll be whipping up rich brownies, no-bake cheesecakes, and irresistible dump cakes in no time! From gooey s’mores brownies and creamy millionaire pie to 5-minute chocolate mug cake and easy peach cobbler. Each recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, so you can enjoy homemade desserts without the fuss. Find your next favorite sweet fix! Get All The Recipes: 35 Easy Desserts Anyone Can Make (Yes, Even You!)