Home » 31 Southern Picks People Remember From Last Year and Still Ask About

31 Southern Picks People Remember From Last Year and Still Ask About

Special dishes have a reputation for sticking around, and these 31 Southern favorites are no exception. Folks are still chatting about them, sending messages for recipes, and hoping to spot them at every potluck or party. Each pick brings something familiar to the table, making gatherings just a bit more memorable. There’s just something about these choices that folks can’t help but ask for, even a year later.

A square slice of corn pudding casserole with eggs, red bell pepper, and chives sits on a white plate with a serving spoon underneath.
Classic Corn Pudding Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Old Fashioned Lazy Daisy Oatmeal Cake

A fork holds a bite of Old Fashioned Lazy Daisy Oatmeal Cake above a black plate with more cake pieces, with dried lavender in the background.
Old Fashioned Lazy Daisy Oatmeal Cake. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Families last year often talked about how much they enjoyed Old Fashioned Lazy Daisy Oatmeal Cake at gatherings and reunions. It stands out for its moist, homey texture and unique topping, which brings everyone back for another slice. This recipe makes a sweet ending for meals and sparks happy memories for those who grew up with homemade cakes. So many people continue to ask for it, wanting that familiar taste they remember.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Lazy Daisy Oatmeal Cake

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A white bowl filled with fried cabbage with pieces of bacon sits on a white surface with a blue cloth nearby.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

People continue to mention Fried Cabbage with Bacon in conversations about memorable Southern meals. Bacon and cabbage come together for a dish that’s simple yet leaves a lasting impact, which explains why it sees regular requests. Both the aroma and flavor blend are impossible to forget and have proven crowd-pleasing year after year. This recipe fits well on any dinner table and keeps drawing fans.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

A white rectangular plate with slow cooker porcupine meatballs, garnished with fresh herbs.
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Friends often recall serving Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs at casual gatherings, making it a Southern classic they return to time and again. Beef and rice shaped into meatballs with a rich tomato sauce feel like comfort food at its best. Many see it as a reliable pick because cleanup is easy and everyone asks for seconds. Lasting popularity comes from both flavor and the ease of a slow cooker.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

Peanut Butter and Date Chocolate Bark

A stack of Peanut Butter and Date Chocolate Bark pieces sits on a wooden board.
Peanut Butter and Date Chocolate Bark. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Dessert tables are never quite the same after someone sets out Peanut Butter and Date Chocolate Bark at a party. This sweet treat blends dates and peanut butter for a combination loved by old and young alike. It’s known by many for being easy to make and hard to forget among Southern picks. Requests for this bark keep coming, proving its strong impression from last year’s events.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter and Date Chocolate Bark

Southern Succotash

A white bowl filled with Southern Succotash with a serving spoon resting on the side.
Southern Succotash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Family diners and potlucks see frequent appearances from Southern Succotash, which remains a requested staple in many households. Lima beans and corn mixed with bell pepper and tomatoes bring nostalgic comfort to those at the table. People appreciate how it complements mains or stands alone as a reliable side. Its spot among Southern favorites is set because memories of shared meals keep it in demand.
Get the Recipe: Southern Succotash

Sheet Pan Roasted Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts, & Potatoes

A plate of roasted vegetables including potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and squash, garnished with fresh herbs, with a serving spoon on a white plate.
Sheet Pan Roasted Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts, & Potatoes. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Many home cooks point to Sheet Pan Roasted Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts, & Potatoes as the secret to rave reviews at gatherings. All the roasted vegetables come together in one pan, saving time and creating a dish full of flavor and color. Relatives and friends visiting for any meal remember the recipe and ask for it long after. With easy prep and a hit among many preferences, it continues to shine.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts, & Potatoes

Easy Cheesy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

A serving of Cheesy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole sits on a white plate next to a fork.
Easy Cheesy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Potluck favorites always include Easy Cheesy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole because it’s requested by name. The combination of creamy chicken and a crunchy cracker topping becomes a memory-maker for Southern crowds. People mention how good leftovers taste and how simple it is to prepare on busy days. Last year’s excitement has not faded, and its reputation carries into this year, too.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies

A white plate with seven Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies on a marble surface, surrounded by a cup of coffee, a spoon, a bowl of nut butter, oats, and a striped cloth.
Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Cookie plates disappear quickly once someone adds Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies to the spread. No oven time makes this recipe an easy choice for cooks of all ages, which could explain its steady popularity. Whenever these cookies show up, both children and adults reach for them first, igniting stories about the last time they tasted one. People still ask how to make them for quick and sweet treats.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies

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.

Home cooks recall turning to 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken again and again for quick, no-fuss meals that fill everyone up. With only basic pantry items and chicken, it turns out consistently tender and flavorful. Listeners often ask about this recipe at get-togethers because the short ingredient list makes it accessible to anyone. Its reputation continues due to ease, reliability, and the appreciation of everyone who tries it.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

Oven Roasted Tomato Soup

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

Warm, smooth bowls of Oven Roasted Tomato Soup receive enthusiastic comments from those who tried it last year. Roasting tomatoes first adds depth that stays with you, and people fondly remember enjoying every spoonful. It’s mentioned as the go-to bowl for pairing with classic grilled cheeses at lunch or dinner parties. Requests for the recipe show its strong place among what people want to revisit.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Tomato Soup

3-Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

A metal spatula lifts a slice of 3-Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole from a glass baking dish.
3-Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Family gatherings see regular requests for 3-Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole since it’s delicious, memorable, and easy to make. Cheese and broccoli combine with just one more simple ingredient to create this dish that stands out. Relatives appreciate not only the taste but also the no-stress preparation, especially for large groups. It remains popular, with many asking when it will make a reappearance.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

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.

Friends rave about enjoying Broccoli Cheddar Soup In A Sourdough Bowl thanks to the warm, comforting feeling it brings. Creamy cheese blended with fresh broccoli fills a freshly baked bread bowl, creating an experience everyone remembers. Homemade soup and sourdough together prove crowd-pleasing every time, making it a standout among other picks. Conversations continue about who brought it and when it’ll be served again.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup In A Sourdough Bowl

Butternut Squash Mash with Parmesan

A baked Butternut Squash Mash with Parmesan, garnished with chopped nuts and herbs, served on parchment paper, accompanied by a fork, knife, and a blue checkered cloth.
Butternut Squash Mash with Parmesan. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Holiday or weeknight dinners feel incomplete without Butternut Squash Mash with Parmesan on the menu. Smooth mash topped with just the right amount of parmesan gives a distinct flavor that many want to try again. Hosts hear steady requests for the recipe after every meal, so it’s become a reliable choice for returning guests. People like how it brings something familiar yet special to the table.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Mash with Parmesan

Graham Cracker Cake

A square slice of Graham Cracker Cake on a white plate, with a cake server, blue cloth, and mini marshmallows nearby.
Graham Cracker Cake. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Children and adults both speak fondly of Graham Cracker Cake, often recalling it as a sweet memory from last year’s gatherings. Soft cake layers held together by creamy filling make every bite a moment to remember. Those who tasted it want to recreate it, leading to continued recipe exchanges among Southern circles. People remember both its flavor and how quickly it disappeared from dessert tables.
Get the Recipe: Graham Cracker Cake

Biscuit & Gravy Bake

A wooden spoon holds a serving of biscuits and gravy with sausage, over a baking dish filled with the same dish, garnished with chopped herbs.
Biscuit & Gravy Bake. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Everyone at the table tends to pause for Biscuit & Gravy Bake when it is set down at breakfast or brunch, knowing leftovers will be claimed quickly. Warm, fluffy biscuits with tasty sausage gravy baked together become a highlight of many meals. This recipe earns nods for being uncomplicated and always enjoyed, especially in larger family settings. Guests often ask when it’s making a return appearance.
Get the Recipe: Biscuit & Gravy Bake

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

A plate of Chicken Tetrazzini topped with melted cheese and sprinkled with chopped herbs, with a fork and napkin beside it.
Easy Chicken Tetrazzini. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Potlucks and family dinners keep featuring Easy Chicken Tetrazzini because it’s consistently both popular and simple to prepare. Creamy noodles and shredded chicken create a main dish that leaves a strong impression. Requests for this recipe keep popping up, even among those trying it for the first time. Its charm endures, as people love bringing comfort and ease to their event menus.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

Biscuit-Topped Chicken Pot Pie

A baking dish filled with Biscuit-Topped Chicken Pot Pie.
Biscuit-Topped Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Memories linger around Biscuit-Topped Chicken Pot Pie at community dinners, leading many to ask for the recipe time after time. Stewed chicken and vegetables with golden biscuits on top make for a dish everyone remembers fondly. This combination draws praise for flavor and the familiar feeling of being cared for. It holds its spot among Southern picks, best loved by families and neighbors alike.
Get the Recipe: Biscuit-Topped Chicken Pot Pie

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.

Enthusiastic conversations last year centered around Cream of Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup. Creamy bowls with hints of sweetness became a go-to offer for everything from small get-togethers to larger gatherings. People mention fondly the smooth texture and unforgettable flavor, which spurred many to ask for seconds. Its popularity thrives as more people leave events asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

Easy Patty Melt

A stack of two patty melt sandwiches with caramelized onions and melted cheese on toasted bread, placed on parchment paper atop a wooden board.
Easy Patty Melt. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Stories about favorite comfort foods often include Easy Patty Melt as a cherished classic. Juicy beef, grilled onions, and melty cheese together make this sandwich hard to beat for informal dinners. People still mention the happiness this dish brings to busy nights at home or casual lunches with friends. Crowds request it frequently, hoping to enjoy the tasty blend of flavors again soon.
Get the Recipe: Easy Patty Melt

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

A plate with pieces of fried chicken garnished with parsley, with a bowl of sauce and a striped cloth in the background.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Family reunions are often remembered for the perfectly golden Buttermilk Fried Chicken that steals attention. Crispy skin combined with juicy meat proves why this recipe sees constant requests year after year. It represents Southern cooking at its finest and is asked for by guests who want a memorable meal. Homes across the region keep this dish on rotation, making it a favorite for both new and old generations.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Classic Hoppin’ John

A close-up of a bowl filled with Classic Hoppin’ John.
Classic Hoppin’ John. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Stories around the dinner table usually involve Classic Hoppin’ John and its timeless combination of rice, peas, and bacon. People love its ability to bring families together over a shared plate, contributing to lasting memories. Hosts receive regular requests for it, ensuring every hungry guest gets a taste. Its reputation continues as a Southern staple that never goes out of style.
Get the Recipe: Classic Hoppin’ John

Squash Casserole

A serving of squash casserole with a crumb topping is plated on a white dish.
Squash Casserole. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Potlucks and Sunday lunches call for Squash Casserole, a recipe that didn’t fade from memory after last year’s gatherings. Blended yellow squash, cheese, and breadcrumbs make this comfort dish something many remember fondly. Those who enjoyed it once often request it again, hoping to recapture a taste they loved. Whether served as a side or main, it keeps a strong presence among the South’s favorites.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole

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.

Friends reminisce about Creamy Shrimp & Corn Chowder With Chipotle since its introduction at group meals. Shrimp, sweet corn, and smoky chipotle blend into a chowder that leaves guests asking for refills. Heat and cream together make the recipe stand out, which is why it’s requested again and again. People remember not just the flavor but also the buzz it created at the table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Shrimp & Corn Chowder With Chipotle

Southern Tomato Pie

A slice of tomato pie being lifted with a serving utensil from a white fluted dish. A whole tomato pie is visible in the dish, garnished with tomato slices and basil.
Southern Tomato Pie. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Mouths begin to water just hearing about Southern Tomato Pie, an unforgettable staple at many Southern tables. Juicy tomatoes layered with cheese and herbs inside a homemade crust turn simple ingredients into a celebrated dish. People swap stories about first trying it, which sparks a flood of requests for the recipe. It continues to make regular appearances at family get-togethers and community suppers.
Get the Recipe: Southern Tomato Pie

Smothered Pork Chops

Smothered Pork Chops on a white plate, served with a fork and knife, next to a small bowl of salt and a sprig of parsley.
Smothered Pork Chops. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Home cooks keep coming back to Smothered Pork Chops because of their rich taste and heartiness. Pork chops are transformed through slow simmering in brown gravy with onions, creating a dish everyone remembers. Whenever someone hosts a meal, guests ask if this recipe will make an appearance. Its popularity lingers each year, thanks to both its comforting qualities and simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Smothered Pork Chops

Grandma’s Twice-Baked Potato Casserole

Grandma’s Twice-Baked Potato Casserole topped with chopped green onions and bacon, surrounded by fresh green onions.
Grandma’s Twice-Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Plenty of laughter and good conversation surround Grandma’s Twice-Baked Potato Casserole, which many recall fondly from last year’s dinners. Creamy mashed potatoes with cheese, bacon, and green onions make this casserole an instant classic. Guests often leave asking for a copy of the recipe to recreate it at home. Its strong following ensures it’s not likely to disappear from dinner menus anytime soon.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Twice-Baked Potato Casserole

Chicken Bog

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

People remember Chicken Bog as a soulful, flavorful rice and chicken dish that unites Southern families. Smoked sausage and tender pulled chicken upgrade the humble ingredients into something special. Many who tried it last year pass the recipe to friends, starting a cycle of frequent requests. Reunions and potlucks often aren’t complete without this comforting pick on the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bog

Southern Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole

A square baking dish filled with Southern Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole and topped with strips of cooked bacon; a wooden spoon holds a serving.
Southern Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Children and adults alike keep asking for Southern Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole after tasting it at neighborhood get-togethers. Ground beef and sweet baked beans layered with tangy barbecue sauce offer a profile nobody forgets. Its easy preparation and heartiness make it ideal for weeknight suppers or larger events. Southern families regularly mark it as a top recipe to repeat.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole

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.

Large family meals often feature this Easiest Slow Cooker Rump Roast for its tender result with little effort. Ingredients come together in a slow cooker, leaving plenty of time for socializing or tackling other dishes. Relatives and friends remember how flavorful and comforting this main dish tasted. It keeps being a top pick, thanks to both its convenience and its taste that’s talked about long after.
Get the Recipe: Easiest Slow Cooker Rump Roast

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.

Conversation continues around Chicken Cobbler with Red Lobster Biscuits thanks to its creative spin on traditional favorites. Tender chicken under a layer of tasty biscuits is what draws crowds at any meal. Many who try it cannot stop praising the easy biscuit topping and the hearty filling beneath. This recipe stays in rotation because people keep asking to see it back on their tables.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cobbler with Red Lobster Biscuits

Classic Corn Pudding Casserole

A square slice of corn pudding casserole with eggs, red bell pepper, and chives sits on a white plate with a serving spoon underneath.
Classic Corn Pudding Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Any event with Classic Corn Pudding Casserole is sure to get requests for seconds, making it a Southern hallmark. Sweet corn blended with eggs and milk results in a side dish loved at holiday gatherings and after-church lunches. Reputation for taste and texture keeps it among the most-remembered picks from last year. The dish continues to spark requests for its recipe, confirming its place at the table.
Get the Recipe: Classic Corn Pudding Casserole

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