10+ Southern Recipes to Savor and Share

Southern recipes are a beloved part of American cooking, known for their rich flavors and comforting dishes. This article will guide you through some classic recipes if you want to enjoy the warm, hearty meals that have defined Southern hospitality. From savory main dishes to sweet treats, the flavors of the South can bring a taste of tradition to your kitchen.

In exploring Southern cuisine, you’ll find a variety of ingredients that highlight the region’s unique culinary heritage. These recipes not only satisfy your hunger but also tell a story of culture and community.

Get ready to dive into the delicious world of Southern cooking that is sure to please your family and friends.

1) Fried Catfish

Fried catfish is a classic Southern dish that’s popular for its crispy texture and flavorful taste. It’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy meal at home.

To start, you need fresh catfish fillets. A quick soak in buttermilk helps make the fish tender.

After soaking, coat the fillets in a mixture of cornmeal and spices for a crunchy crust.

Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (about 175°C). Fry the catfish for 3 to 5 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown. Serve with your favorite sides, like coleslaw or hushpuppies.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs fresh catfish fillets
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 1/2 cups cornmeal
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak catfish fillets in buttermilk for 30 minutes.
2. Mix cornmeal, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
4. Coat catfish fillets in the cornmeal mixture.
5. Fry fillets for 3 to 5 minutes per side until golden.

2) Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a comforting dish loved by many. It features creamy cheese and a delicious baked top. This recipe often uses a mix of cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack for extra flavor.

You can also add eggs for a custard-like texture. The result is a flavorful, gooey treat that’s perfect as a side or main dish.

You’ll want to match the richness of the dish with your favorite sides, like collard greens or cornbread. It’s perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or any time you crave a taste of the South.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: bread crumbs for topping

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions and drain.
3. In a bowl, mix the cheeses, eggs, evaporated milk, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine the macaroni and cheese mixture in a baking dish.
5. Top with bread crumbs if desired.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbly. Enjoy!

3) Buttermilk Biscuits

Buttermilk biscuits are a classic Southern treat. They are known for their flaky, tender texture. You can enjoy them for breakfast or as a side dish.

To start, you need cold butter and buttermilk. These ingredients help create the light texture you want. Mixing them into your flour is key.

When baking, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Bake your biscuits for about 10-12 minutes until they are golden brown.

These biscuits are perfect with butter, jam, or honey. They can also be used for sandwiches, adding a Southern touch to any meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cold butter
• 1 cup buttermilk

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. Grate in the cold butter and mix until crumbly.
4. Add buttermilk and stir until combined.
5. Roll out dough and cut into biscuits.
6. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.

4) Banana Pudding

Banana pudding is a beloved Southern dessert. It’s made with layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fresh banana slices, and crispy vanilla wafers. This sweet treat is perfect for gatherings or just a cozy night in.

To make it, you’ll need simple ingredients. The best part is that you can enjoy it chilled or let it set for a few hours. Each spoonful combines smooth pudding and soft bananas for a delightful texture.

Ingredients

• 2 cups vanilla pudding
• 4 ripe bananas
• 1 box vanilla wafers
• 1 cup whipped topping

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the vanilla pudding according to package instructions.
2. Slice the bananas.
3. In a dish, layer vanilla wafers, banana slices, and pudding.
4. Repeat layers until you reach the top.
5. Spread whipped topping on the last layer.
6. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

5) Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings is a classic Southern dish that warms the heart. It features tender chicken in a rich broth, paired with fluffy dumplings. This comforting meal is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home.

To make this dish, start by cooking your chicken in broth. You can use fresh chicken or leftover cooked chicken. The broth adds great flavor, so make sure to season it well.

Next, you’ll prepare the dumplings. They are typically made using flour, baking powder, milk, and seasonings. Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the bubbling broth until they are cooked through.

Enjoy your chicken and dumplings with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor!

Ingredients

• 2-3 chicken breasts (about 3 cups cooked chicken)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 quarts chicken broth
• 2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 cup milk

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil and cook the chicken until browned.
2. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
3. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and milk.
4. Drop spoonfuls of dough into the pot.
5. Cover and cook for about 15-20 minutes until dumplings are done.

6) Red-Eye Gravy

Red-eye gravy is a classic Southern dish that pairs perfectly with breakfast. Made from just a few ingredients, it combines the rich flavors of ham drippings and strong black coffee. This gravy is quick to prepare, taking about 15 minutes.

To make red-eye gravy, you start by frying country ham. Once the ham is done, you keep the drippings in the pan. Then, you add brewed coffee and let it simmer for a few minutes.

This sauce is often served over grits or biscuits, adding a savory touch to your meal. It’s an easy way to bring Southern flavor to your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• Country ham
• Black coffee
• Salt and pepper (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Fry the country ham in a skillet over medium heat until browned.
2. Remove the ham and keep the drippings in the pan.
3. Pour in brewed black coffee.
4. Stir and simmer for 3-5 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper if desired.

7) Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and grits is a classic Southern dish that combines creamy grits with flavorful shrimp. It’s comforting and easy to make at home. You can use stone-ground grits for the best texture.

Start by cooking the grits in chicken stock. Stir in cream and butter for a rich taste. While the grits cook, sauté shrimp with spices like garlic and paprika.

Serve the shrimp on top of the grits, and enjoy this delicious meal. It’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil chicken stock in a pot.
2. Slowly add grits, stirring continuously.
3. Cook until thick, about 20-25 minutes.
4. Stir in cream and butter.
5. In a pan, sauté garlic in oil.
6. Add shrimp and paprika, cooking until shrimp pinks.
7. Serve shrimp over grits, garnishing with green onions.

8) Hush Puppies

Hush puppies are a popular Southern dish. These small, fried balls of cornmeal mixture are often enjoyed as a side with fried fish or other meals.

To make hush puppies, you’ll blend cornmeal, flour, buttermilk, and seasonings. The result is a slightly sweet, crispy treat that many people love.

You can add chopped onions or peppers for extra flavor. Fry them until they turn golden brown for the perfect texture.

Hush puppies are great for gatherings and casual meals. They bring a touch of Southern charm to your table.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add buttermilk and chopped onion, stirring until combined.
3. Heat oil in a frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
4. Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil.
5. Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

9) Biscuits and Gravy

Biscuits and gravy is a classic Southern dish that is hearty and satisfying. Flaky biscuits are smothered in spicy sausage gravy, making it a favorite for breakfast or brunch.

To make this dish, start with homemade or store-bought biscuits. Prepare a savory sausage gravy using pork sausage, flour, milk, and seasonings.

This meal is best served warm, right after cooking. It’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy morning at home.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup cold butter (cut into cubes)
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 pound pork sausage
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for gravy)
• 2 cups milk (for gravy)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in butter until crumbly.
4. Stir in milk until combined.
5. Roll out dough and cut into biscuits. Then, bake until golden.
6. Cook sausage in a skillet until browned.
7. Stir in flour, then gradually add milk. Cook until thickened.
8. Season gravy with salt and pepper.
9. Serve biscuits topped with gravy. Enjoy!

10) Skillet Cornbread

Skillet cornbread is a classic Southern dish that’s crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. It’s perfect as a side dish for chili or a main meal. You can easily make it in a cast-iron skillet for that authentic taste.

To prepare, you will need a few simple ingredients. Using self-rising cornmeal makes it easy, and the bacon drippings add a rich flavor. Don’t forget to preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) for the best texture.

Ingredients

• 2 cups self-rising cornmeal mix
• 1/4 cup bacon drippings or vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 ½ cups buttermilk or regular milk
• ½ teaspoon baking soda

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Heat the skillet with bacon drippings or oil.
3. Mix the cornmeal, baking soda, eggs, and milk in a bowl.
4. Pour the batter into the hot skillet.
5. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
6. Enjoy!