Home » 37 Southern Meals So Good, You’ll Be Looking for Excuses to Make Them Again

37 Southern Meals So Good, You’ll Be Looking for Excuses to Make Them Again

When you’re in the mood for food that brings warmth and comfort, Southern dishes are an excellent choice. Consider how these meals inspire you to explore new recipes and cooking techniques! They have the power to boost any day into a memorable experience. Embrace the joy of home cooking, and you might just find yourself discovering even more opportunities to enjoy these charming dishes.

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs on a platter.
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese

Two black cast iron pans filled with mac and cheese sit on cork trivets on a white wooden surface.
Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Creamy and smooth, this one’s a true comfort food. Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese has been a favorite for years and continues to be a family go-to. The richness of the cheese sauce blends perfectly with tender pasta. It’s easy to prepare and works for any meal, whether you’re hosting or having a quiet night in. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it often.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese

Chicken Bog

A black plate with a serving of Chicken Bog.
Chicken Bog. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Hearty and filling, this dish is perfect for a comforting meal. Chicken Bog is a blend of chicken and rice that comes together in a way that’s hard to resist. It’s the kind of meal that’s easy to love, whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly day or during a busy week. The flavors are simple yet unforgettable, making it a great choice for family dinners. It’s sure to become a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bog

31 of Chef Jenn's FAVE Casseroles!

Recipes for Comfort-Filled Family Meals

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Easiest Slow Cooker Rump Roast

A plate of slow cooker rump roast with potatoes, carrots, onions, and a sprig of rosemary on a white dish.
Easiest Slow Cooker Rump Roast. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Tender and juicy, this roast is a perfect meal for anyone short on time. Easiest Slow Cooker Rump Roast takes minimal prep but delivers maximum flavor. The slow cooking method makes the meat so tender it practically falls apart. It’s a great choice for busy days when you need a hearty meal without a lot of work. You can’t go wrong with this one—it’s easy, delicious, and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Easiest Slow Cooker Rump Roast

Cast Iron Smothered Pork Chops

Plate with Cast Iron Smothered Pork Chops served alongside mashed potatoes and vine tomatoes.
Cast Iron Smothered Pork Chops. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Rich and flavorful, this dish is a standout. Cast Iron Smothered Pork Chops combines juicy pork with a delicious sauce that makes each bite irresistible. It’s perfect for those nights when you want a hearty meal without too much hassle. The pork chops cook evenly, and the sauce adds that extra layer of comfort. Once you try it, it’ll likely become a regular at your table.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Smothered Pork Chops

Creamy Shrimp & Corn Chowder With Chipotle

A white bowl of creamy shrimp & corn chowder on a white plate.
Creamy Shrimp & Corn Chowder With Chipotle. Photo credit: Gimme Soup.

Warm and filling, this chowder has just the right amount of richness. Creamy Shrimp & Corn Chowder With Chipotle gives you a great balance of flavors, thanks to the sweetness of corn and the subtle heat of chipotle. It’s a wonderful choice for those colder days when you crave something hearty but comforting. The shrimp adds texture while the chipotle adds just enough of a kick. You’ll enjoy every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Shrimp & Corn Chowder With Chipotle

Oven Roasted Tomato Soup

Two bowls of oven-roasted tomato soup with cream swirls.
Oven Roasted Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Gimme Soup.

Simple and flavorful, this soup is a classic. Oven Roasted Tomato Soup has a depth of flavor thanks to roasting the tomatoes before blending them into a smooth, comforting soup. It’s perfect for pairing with grilled cheese or simply enjoying on its own. Roasting the tomatoes gives them a unique, almost smoky flavor that you don’t get with the usual methods. This is a great recipe to make again and again.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Tomato Soup

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Two bowls of Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Filling and hearty, this meal brings comfort in every bite. Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings features tender chicken and fluffy dumplings, making it the perfect combination for a cozy meal. It’s just one of those dishes that you’ll want to eat over and over, especially on chilly nights. The simple ingredients come together to create a heartwarming bowl that everyone will enjoy. It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

A white rectangular plate with several meatballs covered in tomato sauce, garnished with chopped basil.
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Hearty and flavorful, this dish is a great way to feed a crowd. Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs bring together ground beef in a simple yet fulfilling way. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, making each meatball tender and delicious. You’ll love the ease of preparing them and the comfort they provide. It’s a great choice for busy families or meal prepping for the week.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips with mushroom gravy over mashed potatoes, garnished with chives on a white plate.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Tender and juicy, this dish brings the steakhouse flavors right to your home. Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips are full of rich flavor and are so easy to make. It’s the kind of meal that feels like you’re eating out without leaving your kitchen. Perfect for a dinner when you want something hearty and comforting without a lot of effort. Once you try it, you’ll be making it regularly.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Texas BLT

Two Texas BLT on a black slate plate.
Texas BLT. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Fresh and hearty, this sandwich takes a classic to the next level. Texas BLT combines crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes in a way that works for any meal of the day. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for a light lunch or a snack. Whether you enjoy it at home or take it on the go, this one’s always a win. It’ll quickly become a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Texas BLT

Roast Pork with Apples

A plate of Pork Roast with Apples on a table.
Roast Pork with Apples. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Tender and juicy, this dish is a perfect combination of flavors. Roast Pork with Apples brings together the sweetness of apples with the richness of pork in a way that’s hard to resist. The apples complement the pork beautifully, adding both flavor and texture. It’s a great choice for a weekend dinner when you want something that’s both hearty and comforting. Once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to it.
Get the Recipe: Roast Pork with Apples

Southern Ham Salad

A bowl of Southern ham salad and a plate of croissants on a wooden table.
Southern Ham Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Creamy and flavorful, this salad brings a fresh take on ham. Southern Ham Salad is a unique blend of ingredients that come together to create a perfect balance of textures. It’s the kind of salad that can easily stand as a meal or be served as a side dish. Perfect for picnics, gatherings, or a simple weeknight dinner, this one is sure to please. It’s a recipe you’ll want to make over and over again.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad

Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots in a white bowl.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Sweet and tender, these carrots are the perfect side dish. Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots cook up to a soft, delicious bite that pairs well with just about any meal. The natural sweetness of the carrots shines through, and the easy preparation makes them an ideal choice for busy nights. You can’t go wrong with this side dish—it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Make them often, and your guests will love them every time.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Oven Baked Ribs

Oven-baked ribs with onion and garlic on top served on a white rectangular plate.
Oven Baked Ribs. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Juicy and full of flavor, these ribs are cooked to perfection. Oven Baked Ribs take the guesswork out of grilling, giving you tender, fall-off-the-bone meat every time. The slow roasting allows the flavors to sink in, making each bite more delicious than the last. Whether you’re serving them for a casual dinner or a special occasion, they’re a hit every time. Once you try them, you’ll never go back to other methods.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs

Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole

Top-down shot of Tuna Noodle Casserole on a dish with a small portion on a black plate.
Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Creamy and comforting, this casserole is an easy meal to love. Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole combines tuna with noodles and a creamy sauce that creates the ultimate comfort food. It’s one of those dishes that’s perfect for busy days when you need something quick, filling, and delicious. You can make it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready. This recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole

Chicken Cobbler with Red Lobster Biscuits

A casserole dish of Chicken Cobbler with Red Lobster Biscuit.
Chicken Cobbler with Red Lobster Biscuits. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Fluffy and golden, this cobbler is a twist on a classic. Chicken Cobbler with Red Lobster Biscuits gives you tender chicken with a biscuit topping that’s soft and flavorful. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner when you want something filling and hearty. The biscuit topping bakes up beautifully, adding a nice contrast to the creamy chicken filling. This dish is both comforting and easy to make, perfect for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cobbler with Red Lobster Biscuits

Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese

Mashed potatoes with cream cheese topped with melted butter and garnished with fresh parsley.
Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Creamy and smooth, these mashed potatoes are a step up from the usual. Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese make a perfect side that’s rich and velvety. The cream cheese adds a slight tang that makes them extra special and different from your regular mashed potatoes. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday meal or a weeknight dinner, they’ll be a hit every time. You’ll never want to make them any other way.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese

Pickled Shrimp Egg Shooters

Two halves of Pickled Shrimp Egg Shooters beside bread on a black slate plate.
Pickled Shrimp Egg Shooters. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Tangy and bold, these shooters are an unexpected treat. Pickled Shrimp Egg Shooters combine shrimp with a tangy brine, giving you a refreshing burst of flavor. They’re great as appetizers or even as a unique party snack. The pairing of pickled shrimp with eggs creates an interesting contrast that keeps you coming back for more. If you’re looking to try something different, this recipe is worth making.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Shrimp Egg Shooters

Low-Carb Mississippi Chicken

Low-Carb Mississippi Chicken garnished with parsley is served on a slate platter with yellow peppers.
Low-Carb Mississippi Chicken. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Tender and full of flavor, this chicken dish is low-carb but still packed with taste. Low-Carb Mississippi Chicken gives you all the flavors you crave without the carbs. It’s easy to make and cooks up perfectly every time. You’ll love how the flavors come together, especially when served with your favorite side. This dish is a great way to enjoy a classic Southern flavor while sticking to a low-carb diet.
Get the Recipe: Low-Carb Mississippi Chicken

Potatoes & Cabbage (Not Colcannon!)

A white rectangular plate with Potatoes & Cabbage garnished with parsley on a patterned surface.
Potatoes & Cabbage (Not Colcannon!). Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Hearty and simple, this meal is perfect for colder days. Potatoes & Cabbage (Not Colcannon!) gives you a filling dish that combines soft potatoes with tender cabbage. It’s a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and doesn’t require a lot of ingredients. This dish has a straightforward flavor that lets the vegetables shine. It’s one of those meals that’s perfect for those nights when you need something warm and filling.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes & Cabbage (Not Colcannon!)

Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

A platter of sheet pan lemon-rosemary chicken with lemon slices, herbs, and garnished with cherry tomatoes.
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Juicy and flavorful, this chicken dish is an easy favorite. Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken combines chicken with aromatic rosemary and a hint of citrus. It’s the kind of meal you can prepare without a lot of effort and still get a delicious result. The simplicity of cooking everything on one sheet pan makes clean-up a breeze. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a weekend gathering.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

Skillet Stroganoff Pie

A Skillet Stroganoff Pie with a small missing portion.
Skillet Stroganoff Pie. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Hearty and rich, this pie has a unique twist on a classic. Skillet Stroganoff Pie combines the creamy goodness of stroganoff with a flaky pie crust. The meat and sauce meld together perfectly, creating a comforting and filling meal. It’s perfect for when you want to enjoy something familiar but with a new spin. Once you try it, it’ll quickly become a regular on your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Stroganoff Pie

Southwestern Chili

Two white bowls of Southwestern chili topped with sour cream are on a table.
Southwestern Chili. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Spicy and bold, this chili is a hearty meal perfect for chilly evenings. Southwestern Chili brings a kick of flavor while still feeling warm and comforting. It’s packed with a mix of ingredients that work together, giving you a hearty and filling dish. The heat is balanced well, and you can easily adjust it to suit your tastes. It’s a great option for meal prepping or a casual family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Southwestern Chili

Tini’s Mac & Cheese with a Twist

A spoonful of Tini’s Mac & Cheese with a Twist is held above a square baking dish filled with the same dish.
Tini’s Mac & Cheese with a Twist. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Creamy and rich, this mac and cheese has a unique touch that sets it apart. Tini’s Mac & Cheese with a Twist combines everything you love about mac and cheese with a new flavor profile that’ll surprise you. It’s easy to make and perfect for both casual meals and more formal gatherings. The twist gives it a fun edge without overshadowing the classic comfort of mac and cheese.
Get the Recipe: Tini’s Mac & Cheese with a Twist

Bacon Fried Corn

Bacon Fried Corn in a serving bowl.
Bacon Fried Corn. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Crispy and flavorful, this side dish is a crowd favorite. Bacon Fried Corn brings together sweet corn and crispy bacon for a combination that’s hard to beat. It’s simple, yet so full of flavor that it works with just about any main dish. The bacon adds a nice crunch and depth that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the corn. It’s one of those sides that everyone will ask for more of.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn

Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

Giant Cheese Stuffed Pasta Shells in two black serving dishes.
Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cheesy and hearty, this dish is a perfect comfort food. Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells are stuffed with a creamy cheese filling that’s both rich and indulgent. The large pasta shells hold the cheese perfectly, creating the ideal bite. It’s a great meal for when you want something filling, and it’s sure to impress guests if you’re serving it for a special dinner. You’ll enjoy every bite of this dish.
Get the Recipe: Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Two servings of Cowboy Cornbread Casserole on plates.
Cowboy Cornbread Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Hearty and filling, this casserole is a perfect combination of flavors. Cowboy Cornbread Casserole brings together cornbread with a hearty filling that’s sure to keep you full. It’s a great choice for a family dinner or even a potluck. The flavors mix in a way that makes each bite more enjoyable than the last. It’s easy to make, and you can adjust it based on what you have in your pantry.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

4 ingredient slow cooker chicken on a black platter.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Simple and quick, this chicken dish is perfect for busy nights. 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken gives you tender, juicy chicken with very little prep. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with a delicious and flavorful meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. It’s a go-to recipe when you need something easy but still want a comforting meal. This will quickly become a favorite for busy weeks.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

Corned Beef Hash Casserole

Corned Beef Hash Casserole in a square baking dish.
Corned Beef Hash Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Hearty and rich, this casserole brings corned beef together with potatoes in a filling meal. Corned Beef Hash Casserole makes use of leftovers or ingredients you likely have on hand, making it perfect for a last-minute meal. The mix of textures and flavors makes it both fulfilling and comforting. It’s a great dish for breakfast or dinner, and it’s easy to make in advance for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Hash Casserole

Mississippi Mud Potatoes

A spoonful of Mississippi Mud Potatoes with herbs, held above a dish.
Mississippi Mud Potatoes. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Hearty and comforting, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Mississippi Mud Potatoes combine tender potatoes with a rich and flavorful sauce. It’s a simple, filling side that works with just about any meal. The potatoes soak up all the flavor, making each bite better than the last. If you’re looking for an easy yet delicious side dish, this is one you’ll want to make often.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Saucy Smothered Pork Chops

Golden-brown Saucy Smothered Pork Chops topped with a creamy mushroom and onion gravy, garnished with red pepper flakes.
Saucy Smothered Pork Chops. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Rich and flavorful, this pork chop recipe is a winner. Saucy Smothered Pork Chops combines tender pork with a rich-flavored sauce that’s perfect for pouring over rice or mashed potatoes. The slow cooking method ensures the meat is juicy and the sauce has time to soak in all its flavors. It’s a comforting dish that’s ideal for feeding a family. Once you try it, it’ll be one you make again and again.
Get the Recipe: Saucy Smothered Pork Chops

Mississippi Chicken – Slow Cooker

Mississippi Chicken - Slow Cooker with herbs and two yellow peppers on a white rectangular plate.
Mississippi Chicken – Slow Cooker. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Tender and juicy, this chicken recipe is a real crowd-pleaser. Mississippi Chicken – Slow Cooker uses the slow cooker to create perfectly cooked chicken with a flavorful sauce. The slow cooking method ensures that the chicken is moist and tender every time. It’s perfect for a busy day when you want something easy but still full of flavor. Once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Chicken – Slow Cooker

Cream of Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

Two bowls of cream of butternut squash & sweet potato soup garnished with herbs on a wooden table.
Cream of Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup. Photo credit: Gimme Soup.

Creamy and rich, this soup is the perfect comfort food. Cream of Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup combines two hearty vegetables into a velvety smooth blend that’s both warming and flavorful. It’s great for chilly days or when you want a filling soup that’s a little different from the usual. The natural sweetness of the squash and sweet potatoes shines in every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes

A plate with Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes.
Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Fresh and light, this salad is perfect for warm weather. Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes gives you a great balance of sweetness from the peaches and a touch of acidity from the tomatoes. It’s a refreshing salad that can easily be a side or a light main dish. The grilling adds depth to the peaches, giving it a unique flavor. This one’s perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peach Salad with Tomatoes

Cabbage and Potatoes with Bacon

A platter of Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon and garnished with parsley.
Cabbage and Potatoes with Bacon. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Hearty and filling, this dish is an easy weeknight meal. Cabbage and Potatoes with Bacon brings together simple ingredients to create a flavorful combination that’s perfect for any dinner. The potatoes are tender, and the bacon adds a nice crunch that pairs well with the cabbage. It’s a great side dish or even a main meal when you’re craving something easy and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Potatoes with Bacon

Broccoli Cheddar Soup In A Sourdough Bowl

Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Sourdough Bowl with spoon on a round brown plate.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup In A Sourdough Bowl. Photo credit: Gimme Soup.

Creamy and filling, this soup is perfect for colder months. Broccoli Cheddar Soup In A Sourdough Bowl combines the rich, creamy goodness of cheddar soup with the crunch of sourdough. The soup is smooth and comforting, with the broccoli adding texture and freshness. Eating it from the sourdough bowl makes the meal even more enjoyable, as the bread soaks up all the delicious flavors.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup In A Sourdough Bowl

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs on a platter.
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Crispy and tender, this chicken dish is a perfect combination of flavors. Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy gives you juicy chicken thighs baked to perfection, topped with a creamy onion gravy. The crispy skin and tender meat make for a great contrast with the smooth, rich gravy. It’s an easy recipe that delivers a comforting, filling meal every time. This is one you’ll want to make often.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy

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