Yearning for a taste of Southern comfort food? Look no further! We’re celebrating the classic recipes that brought joy to our childhoods and continue to warm hearts today. From comforting classics like creamy macaroni and cheese to flavorful twists on traditional dishes like tangy collard greens and golden cornbread, each dish is sure to transport you back to a simpler time.
Whether you’re planning a family gathering or simply craving a taste of Grandma’s home cooking, these beloved side dishes will satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling nostalgic for days gone by.
Corn Casserole
Looking at the simplicity of this Corn Casserole recipe, it’s surprising how well-received it can be by family and friends. This humble side dish is a staple in many Southern households, known for its ability to bring people together around the dinner table.
Green Beans With Bacon
Understanding the simplicity of a great side dish is key to creating a delicious meal, and Green Beans with Bacon is no exception. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavors that will leave your family members craving for more. It’s an excellent option for those who want to add some crunch and savory goodness to their meals.
Perfect Seasoned Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Known for its versatility and delicious taste, Roasted Sweet Potatoes are an ideal choice as a fall side dish. Not only do they pack a punch in terms of flavor, but they’re also surprisingly easy to prepare. To make the most out of this recipe, consider preparing a large batch ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy them throughout the week with minimal effort.
Sweet Potatoes With Candied Maple Pecans
Adding some variety to your meal routine can be as simple as trying out new recipes, and if you’re looking for a slightly different twist on the classic sweet potato dish, I recommend giving this sweet potatoes with candied maple pecans recipe a try.
Smoked Potato Salad With Bacon
Yearning for a twist on the traditional potato salad, we’ve created a version that incorporates the rich flavors of smoke. Smoked potatoes and smoked hard-boiled eggs are combined in this recipe, elevating the classic dish to new heights. This innovative take on the beloved salad is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Grandma’s Southern Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe
Renowned for its tangy flavor and crunchy texture, this Southern Fried Green Tomatoes recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a quick appetizer or a side dish for your next family gathering, this recipe can be adapted to suit your needs, making it perfect for air fryer enthusiasts and stovetop cooks alike.
Grandma’s Macaroni Salad
Known for its rich flavors and textures, the quintessential Southern Macaroni Salad is a far cry from its bland and uninspiring counterpart. Characterized by the creamiest of dressings and crunchy vegetables, this macaroni salad has become a staple in many households as a refreshing summer side dish that never fails to impress.
Cornbread Dressing
Keeping in mind that traditional Southern cuisine often features comforting, rich flavors, this recipe for Cornbread Dressing stands out as a quintessential example of the genre. With its perfectly balanced blend of textures – crispy on the outside, fluffy within – and savory seasonings from homemade sweet cornbread, Italian sausage, celery, onion, and fresh herbs, this dish is sure to become a staple at your holiday gatherings.
Southern Mac And Cheese
Just like any other comforting casserole, this Southern mac and cheese recipe has its own unique twist. It’s made with a combination of cheddar and Parmesan cheese, which provide a rich and creamy texture when mixed with eggs, milk, and seasonings before being baked to perfection in the oven.
Fried Okra Recipe
Narrating the quintessential flavors of Southern cuisine, this fried okra recipe offers an enticing twist on traditional okra dishes. Freshly sliced okra is carefully coated in buttermilk and a seasoned cornmeal mixture, providing an explosion of flavors that elevate the dish to new heights. Once coated, the okra is then delicately deep-fried until it reaches a perfect golden brown hue.
Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits
Keeping the simplicity of traditional baking in mind, homemade buttermilk biscuits are a delightful breakfast option that can be prepared with just six basic ingredients. These light and fluffy treats are perfect for starting your day off right.
Southern Corn Pudding
While many corn puddings are often relegated to the realm of holiday side dishes, this Southern corn pudding casserole stands out for its versatility and ability to complement a wide range of main courses. It’s just as at home accompanying grilled steak as it is next to the Thanksgiving dinner turkey!
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Hosting a dinner party can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to preparing a delicious and satisfying main course. But what if you could have all the hard work done in advance? A scrumptious Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole is just the ticket for a stress-free evening with friends and family. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just simple steps and big, rich, cheesy flavor!
The first component of this mouthwatering dish is, as you might expect, the Cheesy Mashed Potatoes.
Carrot And Pineapple Jello Salad
While many desserts have come and gone, the classic mid-century carrot and pineapple jello salad remains an enduringly popular choice at Southern gatherings such as church potlucks and family reunions. This sweet and tangy recipe is remarkably versatile, making it suitable for both dessert and side-dish courses.
Southern Cheese Grits
Packed with rich flavors and textures, cheese grits are a staple in traditional Southern cuisine, often served as a side dish to complement a variety of meals throughout the day.
Southern Pineapple Casserole
Fresh from the depths of Southern cuisine, comes a beloved holiday side dish that’s as sweet as it is savory: the iconic Southern Pineapple Casserole. This delightful concoction combines the natural sweetness of pineapple with the satisfying crunch of salty crackers, making for a truly irresistible taste experience.
The classic pairing of pineapple and cheese in this casserole creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and excitingly new, perfect for special occasions like holidays when family and friends gather to share a delicious meal together.
Southern Style Green Beans
Creating a delicious and authentic Southern dish is simpler than you think, especially when it comes to cooking up some mouth-watering green beans. These Southern Style Green Beans are an easy-to-make comfort food that pair perfectly with classic combinations like meatloaf or smoked turkey, accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes and warm, fluffy biscuits.
Delicious Shrimp Creole Recipe
Jumping into the world of Louisiana cuisine, you’ll find a dish that’s both flavorful and accessible: Shrimp Creole. This recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
Grandma’s Coleslaw
Keeping in mind the flavors and textures that complement grilled meats, coleslaw is an ideal accompaniment to many outdoor gatherings. This classic summer side dish typically consists of shredded green cabbage and grated carrots, mixed with a tangy and creamy dressing that adds a refreshing twist to each bite.
Slow Cooker Collard Greens
Elevating the flavors of the South, tender slow cooker collard greens are a staple for any comfort food enthusiast. This beloved dish is surprisingly easy to prepare and yields incredible results, making it a perfect choice for a Southern side dish or even a main event when served with some crusty cornbread. The key to achieving that signature tenderness lies in the slow cooking process, which breaks down the tough leaves and infuses them with a rich, savory flavor.
Pan Fried Potatoes & Onions
Verging on simplicity, crispy pan-fried potatoes and onions embody the essence of a quintessential Southern dish, suitable for any mealtime – whether it’s a hearty breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a comforting dinner. The beauty of this recipe lies in its ease, requiring only a skillet and a mere 30 minutes to conjure up a flavorful treat.
Sweet Cornbread Cast Iron Skillet
Everyone who loves chilies and soups needs a reliable sweet cornbread recipe, especially one that uses a cast iron skillet. This baking method not only adds flavor but also produces crispy edges on the cornbread, making it a game-changer for those seeking the perfect side dish. The sweet cornbread cast iron skillet recipe is a must-have in many kitchens, and its versatility allows it to be enjoyed with a variety of dishes.
Buttermilk Cornbread
Noteworthy for its delicate balance of flavors, this scrumptious cornbread combines the richness of buttermilk with the subtle sweetness of sugars and the heartiness of cornmeal. The result is a moist and spongy texture that makes it an ideal side dish for any dinner or holiday gathering.
Sweet Corn Hush Puppies
Among the most beloved treats in the Southern United States, Hush Puppies have gained popularity for their unique texture and taste. These soft, rounded morsels are made from a mixture of cornbread ingredients that are then fried until they reach a golden brown perfection. The crispy exterior gives way to a fluffy interior, making them irresistible when served with a drizzle of sweet honey butter.
Grandma’s Potato Salad Recipe
Lovingly crafted by generations of Southerners, this delectable potato salad with hard-boiled eggs is an iconic side dish that never fails to impress at gatherings. Whether it’s a picnic, potluck, or summer BBQ, this classic recipe is sure to become the star of the show!
Easy Corn Maque Choux Recipe
Knowing how to make a classic Corn Maque Choux is a game-changer for any food enthusiast, and it’s surprisingly easy to do. This traditional Cajun side dish originates from Louisiana and has become a staple in many households due to its incredible flavor profile and versatility when paired with various meals.
Laura Hauser is a food writer and editor passionate about authentic, approachable home cooking.
