45 Old-Fashioned Southern Dishes You Should Know How To Make

From cheese straws and biscuits to sweet tea and peach cobbler, there are classic dishes every Southerner should know how to make.

By

Updated on October 6, 2023

Ben Mim's Perfect Cornbread Recipe — Photo: Brian Woodcock

There are some dishes that every Southerner should know how to make. From cheese straws and biscuits to sweet tea and peach cobbler, these recipes are staples on our dinner tables. They're beloved classics that have been passed down through the generations. We learned these recipes from our mothers and grandmothers—just like they did.

If any of these dishes aren't already in your repertoire, bring out the blank recipe cards. There's nothing like mastering a new dish, trying it out on family and friends, and tweaking the recipe until you know it's finally perfect. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these classic Southern dishes are bound to have a special place on the table and in your heart.

01 of 45

Old-School Squash Casserole

squash casserole on a plate with a casserole dish behind it — Photographer: Fred Hardy II, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Props Stylist: Christina Brockman

Squash casserole is a staple dish found at meat-and-three diners and at church covered-dish suppers. With its creamy sauce and cracker topping, we can see why.

02 of 45

Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried Green Tomatoes — Jennifer Davick

This hyper-Southern dish is so popular that there have been books and films dedicated to it. Tangy tomatoes and a crisp cornmeal coating make an irresistible pair.

03 of 45

Our Favorite Buttermilk Biscuit

Our Favorite Buttermilk Biscuit on a plate with jam and butter — Will Dickey

When in doubt, whip up a batch of classic buttermilk biscuits. They're perfect perched on the edge of your dinner plate or served for dessert alongside a warm cobbler or a scoop of jam.

04 of 45

Classic Sweet Tea

Classic Sweet Tea — Alison Miksch; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

If you arrive for a Southern-style meal, a glass of sweet tea is sure to be on offer. This recipe features strong tea and sweetness that's not overpowering.

05 of 45

Classic Deviled Eggs

basic deviled eggs — Southern Living

Every Southerner should have a deviled eggs recipe. Add your own flourishes, or borrow one of our recipes and make it your own. Any backyard barbecue, shower, or luncheon should have plenty of deviled eggs on the menu.

06 of 45

Basic Pimiento Cheese

Basic Pimiento Cheese — Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox

No matter the day or occasion, pimiento cheese is an easy choice. Serve it as a dip, a spread, or between two slices of bread.

07 of 45

Tomato Tea Sandwiches

Tomato Tea Sandwiches — Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele

You just can't have an elegant Southern luncheon or shower without an array of dainty tea sandwiches. This tomato sandwich is dressed with an herbed sauce, and red onion adds crunch.

08 of 45

Ben Mims' Perfect Cornbread

Ben Mim's Perfect Cornbread Recipe — Brian Woodcock

The best way to make classic Southern cornbread? In a skillet—with browned butter. Hands down.

09 of 45

Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding

a square dish of banana pudding with baked meringue — Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

You can never have too many servings of this delicious dessert. It's just indulgent enough.

10 of 45

Southern Shrimp and Grits

Gulf Coast Shrimp and Grits — Iain Bagwell

You don't have to be on the Gulf Coast to enjoy shrimp and grits—but it sure helps. Smoked Andouille, Tabasco, and mushrooms ramp up the flavor of this creamy dinner.

11 of 45

Mama's Fried Chicken

Mama's Fried Chicken — Southern Living

Who knows fried chicken better than a Southern mama? We rest our case. Now you'll know the secret to the best fried chicken too.

12 of 45

Mint Julep

Mint Julep Garden Party — Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Rachael Burrow

Mint Juleps aren't just for the Derby. They're a refreshing cocktail choice for any and all hot summer days down South.

13 of 45

Fresh Peach Cobbler

Fresh Peach Cobbler — Photographer: Fred Hardy II, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Props Stylist: Christina Brockman

Once peaches come into season in the summertime, you know that peach cobbler is soon to follow. This version is easy—and tasty.

14 of 45

Double-Crust Chicken Pot Pies

Double-Crust Chicken Pot Pies — Hector Manuel Sanchez

When a meal begins with a scoop of chicken pot pie—flaky on top and steaming inside—you know it's going to be one for the books.

15 of 45

Caramel Cake

Caramel Cake — Jennifer Davick

Every Southern baker needs an old-fashioned cake recipe for those occasions when they want to impress. This one does the trick.

16 of 45

Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and Dumplings

Arguably the ultimate comfort food, this meal is a perennial cold-weather favorite. This recipe features fluffy homemade dumplings, just like home.

17 of 45

Hummingbird Cake

Hummingbird Cake on a green cake stand — Photographer: Fred Hardy II, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Props Stylist: Christina Brockman

No Southern celebration is complete without a slice of heavenly Hummingbird Cake. With moist, fruit-studded cake layers and cream cheese frosting, it's no wonder it's our most popular cake.

18 of 45

Shrimp and Okra Gumbo

Shrimp and Okra Gumbo — Southern Living

Every Southerner should have a good gumbo recipe at their fingertips. You know, just in case.

19 of 45

Million Dollar Pound Cake

Million Dollar Pound Cake

No one says no to pound cake. This recipe is so popular, it's practically an heirloom.

20 of 45

Crispy Andouille Hush Puppies

Crispy Andouille Hush Puppies — Hector Manuel Sanchez

If you have seafood on the table, you need a few hush puppies, too. Make a double batch of this recipe because they'll disappear quickly.

21 of 45

Tee's Corn Pudding

50 Best Thanksgiving Tee's Corn Pudding — Jennifer Davick

It's not just for Thanksgiving. Corn pudding is welcome at any special occasion. Bonus, this dish doesn't take a lot of time.

22 of 45

Southern-Style Collard Greens

Southern-Style Collard Greens in a white bowl with a bowl of cornbread beside it — Photographer: Fred Hardy II, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Props Stylist: Christina Brockman

When the weather turns cool, we know that the collards are soon to follow. They cook low and slow, but with minimal hands-on time, a pot of these is a must.

23 of 45

Heavenly Key Lime Pie

Heavenly Key Lime Pie — Jennifer Davick

Take a trip to breezy Key West with one bite of this classic Southern pie. This recipe perfectly balances the tart Key lime flavor with the sweet, creamy components.

24 of 45

Sausage Gravy and Biscuits

Sausage Gravy and Biscuits — Southern Living

Two of our favorite things combine to create this comfort breakfast food. There's really no limit on when you can serve this. It's a winner for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.

25 of 45

Utterly Deadly Southern Pecan Pie

Utterly Deadly Southern Pecan Pie — Jennifer Davick

It'd be a shame to make it through autumn without running into a pecan pie or two. This skillet version is a "deadly" delicious variation.

26 of 45

Pan-Fried Okra with Cornmeal

Pan-Fried Okra with Cornmeal Recipe — Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

How do you make your okra? Whether grilled, fried, or pickled, it is a classic of the highest order.

27 of 45

Spicy Cheddar Cheese Straws

Mamau’s Cheese Straws — Southern Living

These are the quickest thing to disappear in the house, at all times. Luckily, they're easy to make.

28 of 45

Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe in a dark casserole pan — Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese

This dish goes from weeknight dinner to the holiday table, and that's true versatility. And it's ready to go in three steps.

29 of 45

Shout Hallelujah Potato Salad

Shout Hallelujah Potato Salad — Hector Manuel Sanchez

When barbecue is on the grill, potato salad needs to be on the table. It's practically a commandment.

30 of 45

Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwiches — Greg DuPree

While every Southerner does barbecue differently, this is a great starter recipe for anyone new to the dish. Thanks to the slow cooker, you'll have tender pulled pork every time.

31 of 45

Best Cornbread Dressing

Best Cornbread Dressing — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Around the holidays, leftover cornbread comes in handy when it comes time to make the dressing. Add in nuts, cheese, bacon, sausage, or apples to create different variations of this timeless dish.

32 of 45

Make-Ahead Sweet Potato Casserole

Make-Ahead Sweet Potato Casserole — Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Emily Neighbors Hall; Prop Stylist: Audrey Davis

Southern sweet potato casserole just isn’t complete without a sweet topping, and this one made with oats and brown sugar fits the bill. You can make the casserole up to four days in advance.

33 of 45

Fresh Corn Spoonbread

Fresh Corn Spoonbread — Iain Bagwell; Styling: Heather Chadduck

While cornbread is the go-to for many Southern meals, this spoonbread should hold equal ranking. Lighter and moister than your favorite corn muffins, this can be served in individual ramekins.

34 of 45

Perfect Pot of Grits

Perfect Pot of Grits — Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

There’s just no getting around it: Every Southerner should master making the perfect pot of grits. This recipe turns a few ingredients into Southern comfort.

35 of 45

Creole Tomato Sandwich

Southern Living Creole Tomato Sandwich sliced and ready to serve — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Tomato sandwiches are essentially Southern. This recipe uses Creole tomatoes grown in Louisiana, but substitute another red summer tomato from your farmers’ market if these aren’t in your area. The homemade mayonnaise is a must.

36 of 45

Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwiches

Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwiches — Southern Living

This open-faced sandwich was created in Kentucky in the 1920s, and it’s been a staple ever since. The creamy Mornay sauce, bacon slices, and juicy tomato are essential turkey toppings.

37 of 45

Texas Sheet Cake with Fudge Icing

Texas Sheet Cake With Fudge Icing — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

Popular at funerals and almost any other event, this fudgy cake may be big, but it doesn’t last long. Pour the warm icing on the still-warm cake for this signature dessert.

38 of 45

Hello Dolly Bars

Hello Dolly Bars — Jennifer Davick; Styling: Lydia DeGaris Pursell

With all the goodness layered in these sweet bars, it’s no wonder they’re a classic. Let cool before cutting into bars.

39 of 45

Alabama White BBQ Sauce

Alabama White BBQ Sauce — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

The South is known for plenty of barbecue, and those in the know reach for this creamy white sauce for topping. Use it on grilled or smoked chicken, or any other meat on your plate.

40 of 45

Praline Key Lime Pie

Praline Key Lime Pie — Jennifer Davick; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck

A true Southern treat, this pie delivers beloved Key lime in a graham cracker-pecan crust. An extra layer of pecans drizzled with caramel makes this worthy of special dinners.

41 of 45

Chicken-and-Brisket Brunswick Stew

Chicken-and-Brisket Brunswick Stew — Iain Bagwell

Every Southern home has its own version of this classic recipe. Brimming with shredded chicken, smoky barbecued beef brisket, and vegetables, this stew is the warm bowl of comfort you crave.

42 of 45

Chicken-Fried Steak with Cream Gravy

Southern Living Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy on a plate to serve with broccoli — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

A true Southern delicacy, thin cube steaks are coated like traditional fried chicken. And the results are so good. Be sure to reserve your drippings to make the creamy white gravy to ladle over the steaks before serving.

43 of 45

Kentucky Slow-Cooker Burgoo

Kentucky Slow-Cooker Burgoo — Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

This classic stew has been showing up on Southern tables since the 1800s. Reach for this recipe when you need to feed a crowd.

44 of 45

Classic Hoppin' John

Southern Living Classic Hoppin John in a bowl to serve with hot sauce on the side — Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

No New Year's celebration is complete without a serving of black-eyed peas, and this traditional dish makes them a meal. Sides of collard greens and cornbread are a must.

45 of 45

Red-Eye Gravy

Red-Eye Gravy with Ham — Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Erin Merhar

Breakfast probably wasn’t complete at your grandparents’ house without some form of gravy. Popular red-eye gravy uses only pan drippings from country ham and strong coffee. Top biscuits, grits, or anything else on your breakfast plate.

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Tell us why!

Related Articles

Southern Living Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy on a plate to serve with broccoli

38 Classic Southern Recipes Every Home Cook Should Know By Heart

Southern Tomato Gravy

6 Types Of Gravy You'll Only Find In The South

Southern Living Pineapple Sandwich on a plate to serve

Pineapple Sandwich

New Tuna Casserole

New Tuna Casserole with Potato Chips

Old-Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie

Old-Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie

Southern Living Sausage Gravy on a biscuit to serve

Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

Old-Fashioned Chicken And Dumplings

Southern Living Old Fashioned Chicken Salad on plates to serve with lettuce and crackers

Old-Fashioned Southern Chicken Salad

Cornbread and Milk

15 "Weird" Southern Snacks We'll Never Stop Loving

Southern Living Tennessee Onions after baking

Tennessee Onions

Tee's Corn Pudding

Tee's Corn Pudding

Chicken-and-Biscuit Pot Pie

Chicken-And-Biscuit Pot Pie

Cornbread Croutons - Southern Living

Cornbread Croutons

Savory Corn Pudding

Savory Corn Pudding

Southern Living Red Eye Gravy served with a biscuit

Southern Living Chili Con Carne in a bowl to serve

Chili Con Carne