Welcome to our blog, where we celebrate the heart and soul of Southern cuisine! In the South, dinner is a cherished time when families and friends come together to enjoy comforting and flavorful dishes. From crispy fried chicken to creamy mac and cheese, the best Southern dinner recipes are a testament to the region's rich culinary heritage.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the most beloved Southern dinner recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings and transport you to the charm and warmth of the South. So grab a seat at our virtual table and get ready to indulge in some mouthwatering Southern fare!
1. Southern Stewed Chicken
Southern Stewed Chicken is a classic Southern dish that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting dinner. This recipe features well-seasoned chicken that is browned for extra flavor, simmered in a homemade gravy, and served over rice.
The chicken is tender and falls off the bone, while the gravy is rich and savory. The addition of potatoes adds a delicious element to the dish. Overall, Southern Stewed Chicken is a must-try for anyone looking for a true taste of Southern home cooking.
2. Black Folks Southern Chicken Spaghetti
Black Folks Southern Chicken Spaghetti is a unique and flavorful twist on traditional spaghetti. This soul food dish features succulent shredded chicken and spaghetti noodles coated in a delicious mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes, and cheddar cheese.
Seasoned with onion, garlic, salt, and black pepper, it offers a burst of yummy flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more. A must-try for those looking for a hearty and satisfying Southern dinner option.
3. Southern Fried Chicken
Southern Fried Chicken is a classic comfort food that captures the essence of Southern cuisine. With a crispy and flavorful breading on the outside and a tender and moist center, it's a dish that appeals to everyone.
This recipe emphasizes the importance of seasoning each layer, resulting in a deliciously seasoned chicken. Served with your favorite homestyle sides, it's a true taste of the South.
4. Classic Southern Potato Salad
Classic Southern Potato Salad is a flavor-packed, traditional side dish that embodies the essence of Southern cuisine. This recipe showcases simple pantry staples like mayonnaise, hard-boiled eggs, and relish, along with classic Southern elements such as smoked paprika and celery.
The use of Yukon Gold potatoes adds a creamy texture, while the addition of chicken stock enhances the flavor. With its tangy and luscious taste, this potato salad is a must-have for any cookout or Southern-inspired meal.
5. Grandma's Classic Biscuits and Sausage Gravy
Grandma's Classic Biscuits and Sausage Gravy is a quick and easy southern dinner recipe that has been a family favorite for decades.
The flaky homemade biscuits perfectly complement the flavorful sausage gravy, making it a crowd-pleasing dish for breakfast, brunch, or brinner. With simple ingredients and ready in under 20 minutes, this versatile recipe is a must-try for both kids and adults.
6. Chicken Pot Pie
This Southern chicken pot pie recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines cooked chicken, mixed vegetables, and a savory gravy. The addition of heavy cream and a buttery, flaky pie crust takes this classic dish to the next level.
With the perfect balance of seasonings, including chicken bouillon and Famous Dave's Country Roast Chicken Seasoning, this soul food recipe is a must-try for anyone craving a warm and satisfying meal.
7. Southern Sticky Chicken
Southern Sticky Chicken is a mouthwatering, old-fashioned baked chicken recipe that combines sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. The chicken is marinated, seared, and then roasted to perfection, resulting in a sticky and flavorful coating.
The sauce, made with honey, ketchup, soy sauce, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and garlic, adds a caramelized sweetness with a hint of heat. This recipe is best made with bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces for juicy and tender results. Whether you prefer dark or white meat, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for a delicious southern dinner.
8. Southern Fried Cabbage
Southern Fried Cabbage is a beloved Southern side dish or main meal that is a staple in traditional Southern cooking. This savory and versatile dish is made by cooking fresh cabbage in bacon drippings or butter, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying dish.
It can be served as a side dish or as the main course, and pairs well with other Southern favorites like pan-fried potatoes and cornbread. Whether enjoyed on its own or with added meat, Southern Fried Cabbage is a delicious and comforting dish that showcases the flavors of the South.
9. Southern Potato Salad
Southern Potato Salad is a classic and delicious side dish that is perfect for any southern dinner. Made with chunks of potato, hard boiled eggs, and pickle relish, it has a creamy mayo-based dressing that adds tanginess and flavor.
This potato salad is a crowd-pleaser and is great for potlucks, picnics, and BBQs. It can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient and tasty addition to any meal.
10. Southern Fried Cabbage and Sausage
Southern Fried Cabbage and Sausage is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is sure to please the whole family. This recipe combines tender green cabbage with pre-cooked andouille sausage, onions, garlic, and a blend of Cajun spices for a delicious Southern twist.
The addition of brown sugar and apple cider vinegar adds a touch of sweetness and acidity to balance the flavors. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this one-pan skillet dish is a must-try for any Southern dinner.
11. Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta with Sausage is a flavorful and delicious southern dinner recipe. The combination of large shrimp, smoked sausage, and homemade Cajun sauce creates a restaurant-quality pasta dish.
The dish is easy to make and perfect for both special occasions and busy weeknights. The creamy sauce, seasoned with Cajun spices, adds a spicy kick to the dish. Overall, this recipe is a hit and a must-try for those who enjoy Cajun flavors.
12. Crockpot Smothered Chicken
Crockpot Smothered Chicken is the epitome of southern comfort food. This easy-to-make recipe results in tender and juicy chicken smothered in a creamy sauce that is simply divine. Perfect served over rice or mashed potatoes, this dish is a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
It's budget-friendly and requires minimal prep time, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights. Whether you're a fan of classic comfort food or looking to try something new, this recipe is a must-try.
13. Mississippi Pot Roast
Mississippi Pot Roast is a flavorful and tender dish made with a chuck roast cooked in a slow cooker. It is seasoned with ranch dressing mix, au jus seasoning mix, and pepperoncinis, which give it a unique and delicious flavor.
The roast is cooked until it is fork tender and can be served with mashed potatoes or cheesy hashbrown casserole. This recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a mouthwatering southern dinner option.
14. Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
Chicken and Sausage Gumbo is a classic Louisiana dish that is a must-try for any fan of Southern cuisine. This flavorful gumbo combines smoked sausage, tender chicken, and Cajun spices for a comforting and delicious meal. It's a dish that gets even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers or freezing.
Serve it with white rice and a side of Cajun Potato Salad for a flavor combination that will knock your socks off. Overall, Chicken and Sausage Gumbo is a hearty and satisfying Southern dinner that is worth the time and effort to make.
15. Creamy Southern Mashed Potatoes
Creamy Southern Mashed Potatoes are a simple and delicious comfort food. Made with Idaho potatoes, butter, sour cream, milk, and salt, these mashed potatoes are creamy, smooth, and full of rich potato flavor.
They pair well with traditional Thanksgiving sides or can be enjoyed as a side dish for any weeknight dinner. Leftovers can be repurposed into tasty mashed potato pancakes. Overall, Creamy Southern Mashed Potatoes are a must-try for potato lovers seeking a comforting and satisfying dish.
16. Instant Pot Jambalaya
Instant Pot Jambalaya is a flavorful New Orleans-style meal made with chicken, andouille sausage, shrimp, and lots of spice. It is easy to cook in a pressure cooker and doesn't take much time.
The combination of ingredients, including diced tomatoes, rice, Creole seasoning, and Tabasco sauce, creates a delicious and spicy one-dish meal. Serve with crusty French bread for a complete southern dinner.
17. Southern Smothered Chicken and Gravy
Southern Smothered Chicken and Gravy is a classic soul food dish that features tender chicken thighs smothered in homemade brown gravy. Served on top of white rice, this comforting and flavorful recipe is perfect for fall and can easily feed a large family.
The gravy is smooth and rich, adding a delicious depth of flavor to the dish. Overall, this Southern Smothered Chicken and Gravy recipe is a must-try for anyone craving a taste of the South.
18. Smothered Pork Chops
The Southern Smothered Pork Chops recipe is a true delicacy of the South. Lightly breaded pork chops are smothered in a rich, savory, and well-seasoned brown gravy, resulting in a perfect Southern classic.
It's a comforting and flavorful dish that pairs well with sides like garlic mashed potatoes and collard greens. If you're a fan of soul food, these smothered pork chops are a must-try.
19. Old Fashioned Peach Cobbler
Old Fashioned Peach Cobbler is a classic Southern dessert loved by many. This recipe features a delicious combination of melted butter, peaches, and a dumpling-like filling. It's a nostalgic and easy-to-make dish that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
The cobbler bakes to a golden brown, creating a bubbly and irresistible dessert. Perfect for any occasion or unexpected guests, this recipe is a go-to for a quick and delicious treat.
20. Bourbon Pecan Chicken
Bourbon Pecan Chicken is a mouthwatering southern dish that combines the flavors of bourbon, pecans, Dijon mustard, and honey. The chicken breasts are coated in a mixture of pecans and bread crumbs, then pan-fried and finished in the oven for a moist and juicy texture.
The sauce, made with honey, bourbon, Dijon mustard, cayenne pepper, and heavy cream, adds a sweet and spicy kick to the dish. This recipe is perfect for both casual meals and special occasions, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
21. Easy Southern Style Green Beans
The Easy Southern Style Green Beans recipe is a delightful and mouth-watering side dish that perfectly captures the essence of Southern cooking. With the combination of fresh green beans, crispy bacon, and savory onions, these green beans are tender and flavorful.
Simmered for an hour in chicken broth, they are a comforting and satisfying addition to any meal. Whether paired with fried chicken, brisket, or ham, these Southern Green Beans are a must-try for anyone looking to experience the delicious flavors of the South.
22. Easy Chicken and Noodles
Easy Chicken and Noodles is a quick and satisfying southern dinner recipe. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a variety of veggies, it's the ultimate comfort food. The recipe can be easily customized with different types of pasta or even substituted with rice, quinoa, or couscous.
The dish can also be made with "dumplings" by using biscuit dough. The wide egg noodles are perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. Overall, this recipe offers a flavorful and hearty meal without the long hours in the kitchen.
23. Southern Collard Greens
Southern Collard Greens are a flavor-packed, authentic Southern dish that is a true labor of love. This recipe features tenderly braised greens and smoked meat, resulting in a rich and robust pot likker (broth). The dish is versatile, perfect for any time of day, and is a staple at holiday gatherings.
These collard greens have gained recognition, being featured in Taste of the South Magazine and receiving rave reviews. Overall, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the bold and hearty flavors of Southern cuisine.
24. Southern Pea Salad
Southern Pea Salad is a versatile and delicious side dish that is perfect for any holiday meal. Made with sweet peas, hard-boiled eggs, bacon or ham, green onion, cheddar cheese, and a creamy dressing of mayonnaise and sour cream, this salad is packed with flavor and texture. It can be served on lettuce leaves or enjoyed on its own.
The addition of bacon or ham adds a savory element that takes this salad to the next level. With the option to customize by adding tomatoes, green pepper, pickles, pimentos, or water chestnuts, this salad allows for endless variations. Overall, Southern Pea Salad is a crowd-pleasing dish that will impress your family and friends.
25. Southern Black Eyed Peas and Collard Greens
Southern Black Eyed Peas and Collard Greens is a classic New Year's dish that combines the flavors of tender collard greens and savory black eyed peas. The addition of ham or bacon enhances the taste, giving it a true southern flair.
This hearty and flavorful meal is a tradition that brings good luck and prosperity. Serve it with cornbread or butter biscuits for a complete southern dinner experience.
26. Southern Ghoulash
Southern Ghoulash is a classic southern comfort food dish that is perfect for a hearty dinner. Made with ground beef, tomato sauce, and pasta, this one-pot meal is quick and economical.
With a hint of heat from Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes, it adds a kick to the dish. The addition of corn gives it a unique twist. Overall, Southern Ghoulash is a delicious and satisfying meal that will warm you up on a cold winter night.
27. Ham and Beans
Ham and Beans is a classic southern comfort food dish that features navy beans cooked in flavorful ham broth. The recipe calls for smoked ham hocks or leftover ham bone, along with onions, carrots, and diced ham.
It can be made into a soup by adding more broth, and is traditionally served with cornbread. This hearty and delicious dish is perfect for a comforting dinner.
