Southern Comfort Food That Will Make You Wish You Were Born Below The Mason Dixon Line

ByJenecca Posted on

Save For Later

Southern Mac and Cheese

Closeup of Southern Mac and Cheese.
Southern Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Rich and velvety mac & cheese, finished with a crispy breadcrumb topping, delivers the ultimate comfort food experience. Ready in under an hour, this hearty dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mac and Cheese

Chicken Fried Steak

Chicken Fried Steak on an off white plate with a bamboo placement.
Chicken Fried Steak. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

This chicken fried steak is coated in a triple layer of extra-crispy batter and finished with a rich, creamy white gravy on top. A classic southern comfort dish, it's a favorite that can be easily prepared at home, offering a delicious and satisfying meal. The crispy coating perfectly complements the tender steak, making it a go-to for those craving hearty, homemade comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Steak

Black-Eyed Peas and Greens

Black-eyed peas and greens in two white bowls.
Black-Eyed Peas and Greens. Photo credit: The Happier Homemaker.

Black-eyed peas and greens bring together rich flavors and a taste of Southern tradition. Whether you're celebrating the New Year or in need of a hearty, comforting dish that can serve a crowd, this recipe is the ideal solution. Packed with wholesome ingredients, it's sure to satisfy both the palate and the soul.
Get the Recipe: Black-Eyed Peas and Greens

Biscuits and Gravy

Closeup of Biscuits and Gravy.
Biscuits and Gravy. Photo credit: 100 Days of Real Food.

Biscuits and gravy is a beloved Southern breakfast staple! The biscuits are tender and flaky, paired with a hearty, flavorful gravy. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's a family favorite. Whether it's for weekend brunch, special gatherings, or the holidays, this comforting dish is always a hit. Plus, it's the perfect way to start the day with a warm and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Biscuits and Gravy

Southern Oxtails

Smothered southern oxtails served over rice.
Southern Oxtails. Photo credit: Chicken Fried Kitchen.

This Southern Oxtails Recipe is all about slow-cooking tough oxtails until they become irresistibly tender and melt in your mouth. The rich, savory gravy, crafted from simple ingredients like onions, garlic, and common spices, perfectly complements the succulent meat, making it the ultimate comfort dish. Serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty, soul-warming meal that’s perfect for any time. It's the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast.
Get the Recipe: Southern Oxtails

Cheddar Cheese Grits

Close up overhead of a white bowl filled with cheddar cheese grits and garnished with cheese and minced parsley.
Cheddar Cheese Grits. Photo credit: Delicious Little Bites.

Cheddar Cheese Grits are wonderfully rich and creamy, coming together with just a few simple ingredients in under 30 minutes. This classic southern-style dish pairs perfectly with all your favorite breakfast staples. It's a comforting and flavorful addition to any morning meal, sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Cheese Grits

Southern Macaroni Salad

Bacon macaroni salad in a large white bowl.
Southern Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Happy Simple Living.

This easy Southern macaroni salad with bacon is a great choice for summer barbecues, potlucks, family gatherings, or picnics. It features a delightful mix of tender pasta, crunchy vegetables, cheese, and crispy bacon, all tossed in a creamy, flavorful dressing. The dressing is a simple blend of mayonnaise, ranch dressing, and a touch of balsamic vinegar, adding a rich, savory taste with a hint of sweetness that complements the bacon perfectly. It's a crowd-pleaser that will be a hit at any summer event. You can also make it ahead of time for easy meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Southern Macaroni Salad

Skillet Cornbread

Up close picture of corn bread with butter.
Skillet Cornbread. Photo credit: Tessie's Table.

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, golden slice of cornbread fresh out of the skillet. This Skillet Cornbread recipe brings together the hearty taste of cornmeal, a touch of sweetness, and the irresistible crispiness that comes from baking in a cast iron skillet. Whether served as a side for family meals, weeknight dinners, or festive holiday feasts, this cornbread is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Plus, it pairs beautifully with everything from soups to barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Cornbread

Jambalaya

Close up image of a large white pot filled with cooked jambalaya made with white rice, chicken, andouille sausage, and shrimp, and garnished with chopped parsley and green onions.
Jambalaya. Photo credit: The Forked Spoon.

Jambalaya is a timeless one-pot dish packed with chicken, sausage, shrimp, and rice, making it absolutely hard to resist. This simple recipe captures the authentic flavors of Cajun and Creole cuisine, featuring Cajun seasoning and starting with the finely chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery known as the "holy trinity" of Cajun cooking. With bold spices and hearty ingredients, it's a comforting meal perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Jambalaya

Gumbo

Large white bowl filled with seafood and sausage gumbo with white rice.
Gumbo. Photo credit: The Forked Spoon.

This gumbo recipe brings together the ideal blend of Cajun spices with tender chicken, savory Andouille sausage, and fresh seafood, all simmering in a rich, roux-based broth and served alongside a hearty portion of rice. It's the ultimate comforting dish that captures the flavors of New Orleans, perfect for any time of the year. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this gumbo is sure to satisfy.
Get the Recipe: Gumbo

Blackberry Dumplings

Overhead view of Blackberry Dumplings.
Blackberry Dumplings. Photo credit: JCP Eats.

Blackberry Dumplings are a delightful and distinctive Southern treat. If you're unfamiliar with them, these dumplings feature juicy, sweet blackberries wrapped in soft, biscuit-like dough that’s simmered to perfection. They're served warm, drenched in a rich blackberry sauce. The combination of flavors is absolutely heavenly! It's a must-try dish that embodies the comforting charm of Southern cooking.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Dumplings

Kentucky Hot Brown Dip

A display of Kentucky Hot Brown Dip.
Kentucky Hot Brown Dip. Photo credit: JCP Eats.

The Kentucky Hot Brown Dip is a creamy, decadent appetizer inspired by the classic Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich. This dip combines layers of rich, cheesy goodness with the savory flavors of turkey and crispy bacon, all baked to bubbly perfection. Topped with fresh tomatoes and served with toasted bread or crackers, it's a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for any gathering or game day.
Get the Recipe: Kentucky Hot Brown Dip

Smoked Pork Tenderloin

Plated serving of pork for dinner.
Smoked Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: The Feathered Nester.

Smoked pork tenderloin is a perfect balance of flavors, offering a savory crust paired with tender, juicy pork that melts in your mouth. This guide simplifies the smoking process, showing that it's easier than it might seem. By following the best techniques for smoking pork tenderloin, anyone can achieve moist, succulent meat that’s sure to wow their dinner guests. With just a little practice, this dish will become a go-to favorite for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork Tenderloin

Brunswick Stew

Red-handled Dutch oven with Shortcut Brunswick Stew on a wooden board with a white kitchen towel, a bowl of stew, and a small wooden bowl with chopped parsley.
Brunswick Stew. Photo credit: Little Black Skillet.

This Brunswick stew is an ideal make-ahead meal, loaded with a mix of frozen and fresh vegetables like corn, lima beans, potatoes, and tomatoes. Featuring pulled BBQ pork from a favorite local barbecue joint, along with chopped cooked chicken (whether leftover or rotisserie), and a splash of bottled BBQ sauce, this easy-to-prepare stew comes together quickly. It's a convenient dish for hectic weeknights, offering both hearty flavors and simplicity. Plus, it can be made in advance, making it a go-to option for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Brunswick Stew

New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

A white plate with shrimp, lemon and bread.
New Orleans BBQ Shrimp. Photo credit: Coley Cooks.

New Orleans BBQ Shrimp is a traditional Cajun dish that's rich, buttery, and packed with flavor, ready in just 20 minutes. The shrimp are sautéed in a savory sauce made with garlic, beer, Worcestershire, Creole spices, and a generous amount of butter. It's a mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to impress any crowd, making it perfect for Mardi Gras festivities. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up every bit of the flavorful sauce!
Get the Recipe: New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

Southern Blueberry Cobbler

Side view of southern blueberry cobbler in white casserole dish.
Southern Blueberry Cobbler. Photo credit: Chef Savvy.

Southern Blueberry Cobbler is about to become your favorite summer dessert! Juicy, fresh blueberries are mixed with a touch of lemon zest and sugar, then covered with a rich, buttery cake batter. Serve this delightful cobbler warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect treat. It's a simple yet satisfying dessert that brings the taste of summer to your table every time!
Get the Recipe: Southern Blueberry Cobbler

Texas Twinkies

Texas Twinkies with barbecue sauce.
Texas Twinkies. Photo credit: The Urban Cowgirl.

Texas Twinkies are jalapenos stuffed with a creamy mixture of chopped brisket, cream cheese, and pepper jack cheese, wrapped in bacon, and smoked to perfection. These delicious bites are glazed with a sweet barbecue sauce and broiled until caramelized, creating a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors. Ideal for barbecue parties or gatherings, they offer a unique twist on traditional jalapeno poppers, with the added depth of smoked brisket.
Get the Recipe: Texas Twinkies

Pulled Pork Burger

Pulled pork burger on wooden plate.
Pulled Pork Burger. Photo credit: In The Kitch.

Southerners are known for their incredible cooking, and if you grew up in a Southern household, you probably have fond memories of those delicious, hearty, and often indulgent dishes. This recipe for pulled pork burgers with a zesty special sauce brings a touch of that Southern charm, offering a unique twist on the classic BBQ burger. Best of all, with minimal prep, your slow cooker takes care of most of the work, leaving you with tender, flavorful pork. Serve these at your next gathering, and they’re sure to be a crowd favorite!
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Burger

Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken

Hands holding a plate with Crock Pot Mississippi chicken on mashed potatoes.
Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken. Photo credit: Slow Cooker Meals.

This Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken features juicy chicken breasts slow-cooked in a rich, flavorful sauce made with ranch dressing mix, tangy pepperoncini peppers, and butter. It's a twist on the traditional Mississippi pot roast, swapping beef for chicken! This easy recipe makes for a perfect weeknight dinner with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken

Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet Potato pie with two pieces cut in the pan.
Sweet Potato Pie. Photo credit: I Heart Eating.

This traditional Southern sweet potato pie recipe transforms fresh sweet potatoes and a handful of simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dessert that's guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any Thanksgiving gathering. Its rich, creamy texture and warm spices make it the perfect holiday treat to share with family and friends.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Pie

More MSN Round Ups

Let know what you think

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *