![Tomato, Cheddar, and Bacon Pie](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.southernliving.com/thmb/Ing92RnflKWjrCldE_o6GkO3oGQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2201601_fivet8175_0_0_0-2000-686e054e113b4160bdf25baef1f58cbd-e425847dd77c4a1186f53b6414f3ad66.jpg)
Hector Sanchez
In the South, summertime is best spent with classic Southern comfort food that makes the most of the bountiful harvest housed at the farmers' market. Tomatoes, peas, corn, squash, berries, and peaches—we're packing them into any casserole dish or cast-iron skillet we can get our hands on. These summer dishes cure our cravings for fresh and bright produce by pouring them into old-fashioned Southern favorites like creamy casseroles, fried delicacies, and gooey cobblers. Here are the classic Southern recipes we're making all summer long.
Zucchini, Squash, And Corn Casserole
![Southern Living Zucchini Squash and Corn Casserole ready to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/YcbpWi0Mfz1LCmPsiu5pfOSd2Fc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Zucchini_Squash_Corn_Cassereole_002-caee154b8cde430682a8d2deaf3db0d2.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Bound together with a creamy filling and topped with breadcrumbs and Asiago cheese, this fresh trio of zucchini, squash, and corn makes for an all-star summer dish.
Shout Hallelujah Potato Salad
![Shout Hallelujah Potato Salad - Southern Living](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/NsZjXJc3sUz2h10-MyLkTTemvYQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Shout_Hallelujah_Potato_Salad_001-330c89ec8366436cb1287c7bc44b97d0.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
What summer picnic is complete without classic yellow potato salad? The traditional recipe always pleases a Southern crowd, especially when paired with some burgers or honey-baked ham.
Fried Green Tomatoes
![fried green tomatoes stacked](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Q8W6zWVuYauyZuoV9Ba-7lHmbL4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Fried_Green_Tomatoes_001-2fc4075dc0e44a308c912a695173285c.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Rebecca Cummins
Fried green tomatoes aren't just a Southern classic—these perfectly crispy slices are THE Southern classic. There are few ways we wouldn't eat them, whether on sandwiches, on top of salads, or just dipped into a tangy sauce. This recipe's not-too-heavy batter is the key to getting this dish right.
Memphis Dry-Rubbed Baby Back Ribs
![Memphis Dry-Rubbed Baby Back Ribs](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/JB50gWcC7RLbDkro--_xcBgAykg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/memphis_dry-rubbed_baby_back_ribs_2519101_0011_011_0_0_0-2000-a4c9e5ea4e17416191ec159ad6bcd900.jpg)
Using a Memphis-style dry rub makes for a delicious crisp around the meat, leaving the ribs both savory and tender. Finishing with a vinegar wash at the end of the barbecuing process gives even more mouthwatering flavor.
Zucchini Lasagna
![Zucchini Lasagna](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/KAeK7ZU1pL15Q-J0C1eXXFhVeNY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2573101_onean_005_0_0_0_0-2000-086adbf74cce4f658b0be3344ec8674c.jpg)
This one-pan crowd-pleaser offers a perfect summery take on classic lasagna. It uses thin, woven strips of zucchini to make it deliciously fresh.
Southern Pimiento Mac And Cheese
![Southern Pimiento Mac and Cheese](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/hidzEiMCsruQCjRj-MuI8mKmAhY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2419301_20min32031_0_2-2000-b8f8590c80334c1588b20a64200d4176.jpg)
We're putting two of our favorite cheesy Southern things together: pimiento cheese and classic baked macaroni and cheese. A little pimiento, Worcestershire, bacon, and hot sauce later—get ready for the most flavorful mac-and-cheese you've ever tasted.
Summer Squash Casserole
![Southern Living Summer Squash Casserole in the dish ready to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/ca9Funro8NUFyQJNKGW6iRERs_4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Summer_Squash_Casserole_012-81ff94fc38854bb182603fcbe9c01fa1.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
The key to making the best classic squash casserole is adding plenty of sharp Cheddar cheese and topping with fresh breadcrumbs. The creamy and crunchy notes make the fresh summer vegetable even better.
Picnic Egg Salad
![Picnic Egg Salad](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/HCQg7T_Fu7DWUf61GpIi2mjbYug=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/picnic_egg_salad_2499901_38_0-2000-c822b427f55549a39452872a9519c8ee.jpg)
Every Southerner needs to have a go-to egg salad recipe. It's an essential for a summer season full of no-fuss, cold lunches. Whether served with crostinis or on sandwiches, classic egg salad provides a quick, delicious fix.
Fried Okra
![Southern Living Fried Okra on a platter to serve with ranch for dipping](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/LgT5oydCTzj7ZayHDK17UQsGfzw=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Fried_Okra_007-3089e22bdb654d0da82bbd9c7b74a934.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox
A seasoned cornmeal breading is all it takes to transform fresh okra into this favorite side dish. Pop them into your mouth one by one, or dip them in ranch or Comeback Sauce.
Shrimp Perloo
![Shrimp Perloo](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/cp2lMCQYSF8HLG60RnWUArbR4lE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/shrimp_perloo_2521901_0534_0-2000-a8594b55d1b944edbababd3671f6f913.jpg)
This seafood rice dinner gives fresh flavor for summer using shrimp, fire-roasted tomatoes, and bell pepper. It's time to get in the Low-Country state of mind.
The SL BLT
![The SL BLT](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/MumlWKBBghNXwp3dGE_P_4M0-2k=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sl-blt-2443902-130_0_0-2000-e12fdd15e3d74686827b16ff24a11887.jpg)
The trick to a next-level BLT? Punch up the store-bought mayonnaise. For extra tang and heat, zest a small lemon and grind lots of black pepper into the mayo. For a hint of green, chop a small handful of tender herbs—parsley, basil, tarragon, or dill—and fold them into the mayo.
Grilled BBQ Chicken
![Southern Living BBQ Chicken on a platter ready to serve with coleslaw](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/SA3CCUfOi3F5HTVJE35N-cECt_0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BBQ_Chicken_014-52042bbd6a32499ea0f9a8cb1a227d24.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Grilled BBQ chicken is appropriate for any Southern summer shindig. The key to the tastiest chicken? Use a dry rub the day before, then grill the chicken low and slow.
Homemade Baked Beans
![Southern Living Homemade Baked Beans in the dish ready to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/FaIlq2oRyvjI19GgXooPoiyZHyg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/20220406_SL_Baked-Beans_Beauty_1502-6031937059e24de4b8236c0e772c9078.jpg)
Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman
This recipe transforms a can of pork and beans into a sweet and smoky picnic side Grandma would be proud of. You can start with dry beans, but the can makes it quicker. Add in bacon, onion, ketchup, and molasses for a medley of flavor in every bite.
Skillet Cornbread
![Skillet Cornbread](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Keo6ET9AvAKwd26-PHXwxnOQyy4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/classic-skillet-cornbread-2480801-6550_2_0_0-2000-8d05d7b85a3e47f09c79527c496126ca.jpg)
Can you ever really pass up the crispy bottom and edges of skillet cornbread? This recipe tops off any supper with a buttery, bacon drippings-enhanced slice.
Classic Sweet Tea
![Southern Sweet Tea](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/eosE41zz5vqeC-xytm4VnrrQN-A=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fe_8cb9e45ca31a3033_spcms_1-2000-39c6d0de72b6495aa0d08a9f4c6e5eb4.jpg)
Down here, we don't even need to ask how you like your tea—and this recipe masters the sweet, ice-cold beverage. In this hot and humid weather, we expect sweet tea to be flowing all season long.
Strawberry-Pretzel Icebox Pie
![Strawberry-Pretzel Icebox Pie](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/B7iBE_JJJ-68-eRXDTGvvS_Nnqg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2081901_saver226_0-2000-778b783c9d0d410298dc805b01002863.jpg)
This summer dessert is as cool and refreshing as a dip into the pool, and the pretty pink strawberry filling looks right at home on the cookout table. (Just keep it chilled.)
Strawberry-Banana Pudding Icebox Cake
![Strawberry-Banana Pudding Icebox Cake](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/y9N2-MxGhQpopw9tNlfhMXRs7Ms=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2474001_justa_8149_0_0_1_0_0-2000-692051c217be46679c00877fa907e64a.jpg)
This fun take on banana pudding will be an instant hit with your family and guests. The recipe makes delicious use of the fresh strawberries you pick up at the local farmers' market.
Peach Fried Pies
![Peach Fried Pies](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/-ge6YHtQ1LYElSWpTzD56ZRtFeA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/peach_fried_pies_2473902_10863uc_0-2000-7b1218c845624840aca50b73b30b4526.jpg)
If you want to make a festive statement—Fourth of July, anyone?—these hand-held fried desserts will wow the crowd. Use canned biscuits to make easy work of the dessert, and sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an added sweet touch.
Luscious Lemon Bars
![Luscious Lemon Bars](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/KkLwwwxMUULnkk1immsubutBQFs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/luscious_lemon_bars_34b8be32e851448_spcms_1_0_0_1-2000-2235656bb75e4e30ad2bb0648acd142d.jpg)
What makes this classic confection a forever favorite at Southern luncheons, showers, and even barbecues is the refreshing, zingy taste and easy portability of the bright yellow bar. Make this recipe up to one month ahead and freeze.
Chocolate Mayonnaise Sheet Cake
![chocolate-mayonnaise sheet cake](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Jt06cCC6B-uoWAL0J-TyVmTiB-Q=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Chocolate_Mayo_Sheet_Cake_036-9739b3586bb34fa09f3ee8acc6fdef49.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Every bite of this old-fashioned Southern cake will confirm it's the fluffiest, most moist sheet cake ever. A little Duke's goes a long way, after all.
Tomato, Cheddar, And Bacon Pie
![Tomato, Cheddar, and Bacon Pie](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Nhx7R9qA_OYJVi7bLN96DL2ILZk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2201601_fivet8175_0_0_0-2000-686e054e113b4160bdf25baef1f58cbd.jpg)
You've never had tomato pie like this. It's not often that an update really sees a classic dish how it should be, but this version with a sour cream crust studded with bacon, layers of colorful tomatoes, and plenty of cheese and herbs does just that.