The South knows how to start a day off right – with a hearty breakfast that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Whether you’re from Dixie or just visiting, there’s nothing quite like gathering around the table for a morning meal that warms the soul and fills the belly. From classic comfort foods to creative twists on old favorites, Southern breakfasts are all about warm, flaky biscuits, crispy fried eggs, and of course, plenty of butter and gravy.
In this article, we’re sharing our favorite 18 Hearty Southern Breakfast Recipes to get your morning off to a fantastic start. From sausage-gravy-wrapped buttermilk biscuits to sweet potato pancakes loaded with pecans, these mouthwatering dishes are sure to satisfy even the biggest breakfast appetites. So grab a cup of coffee, pull up a chair, and get ready to dig in!
Buttermilk biscuits with sausage gravy
Classic comfort food at its finest, this recipe combines the flaky goodness of homemade buttermilk biscuits with a rich and savory sausage gravy.
Ingredients:
For the biscuits:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 4 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup buttermilk
For the sausage gravy:
– 1 pound sweet or hot sausage, casings removed
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in the cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add buttermilk and stir until dough forms.
5. Roll out dough on floured surface to about 1 inch thickness.
6. Cut into desired shapes using a biscuit cutter or glass.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
For the sausage gravy:
1. Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up with spoon as it cooks, until no longer pink.
2. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
3. Add butter to skillet and melt.
4. Sprinkle flour into skillet and whisk together.
5. Gradually add heavy cream, whisking continuously.
6. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until thickened.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: Total cooking time: 25-30 minutes.
Southern-style grits with cheese
Savor the rich, creamy goodness of traditional Southern-style grits with a burst of melted cheese and a hint of buttery flavor. This comforting breakfast or brunch dish is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese blend)
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
2. Gradually whisk in the grits and reduce heat to low.
3. Cook for about 20-25 minutes or until the mixture thickens, stirring frequently.
4. Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted.
5. Add grated cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
6. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Fried green tomatoes with remoulade
A crispy and tangy twist on a classic Southern dish, these fried green tomatoes are served with a creamy remoulade sauce for dipping. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 green tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Remoulade sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each tomato slice into the buttermilk, coating completely, then roll in the flour mixture to coat. Place on a plate or tray.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated tomato slices in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Drain the fried tomatoes on paper towels and serve hot with remoulade sauce for dipping.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes total
Pecan-studded sweet potato pancakes
Start your day off right with these sweet potato pancakes packed with crunchy pecans and a hint of cinnamon. These breakfast treats are perfect for a special occasion or a cozy Sunday morning.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– Cinnamon to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
3. Add mashed sweet potatoes, milk, egg, and melted butter; mix until smooth.
4. Fold in chopped pecans and cinnamon.
5. Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, scoop batter onto the skillet or griddle.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
7. Serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, butter, or whipped cream.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Classic shrimp and grits
This comforting Southern dish combines succulent shrimp with creamy grits, perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch. With its rich flavors and textures, it’s a staple of Lowcountry cuisine.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in the grits and reduce heat to low. Simmer, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until creamy.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the shrimp and paprika; cook until pink and just done, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Stir the cooked grits with salt, pepper, and heavy cream or half-and-half (if using). Serve the shrimp mixture over the grits.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Fluffy buttermilk waffles with maple syrup
Start your day off right with these light and airy waffles, infused with the tanginess of buttermilk and topped with a drizzle of rich maple syrup.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour approximately 1/4 cup of batter onto the center of the waffle iron.
6. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the waffles are golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (dependent on waffle iron)
Country ham and red-eye gravy
A Southern classic, country ham paired with red-eye gravy is a match made in heaven. This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound country ham, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the country ham strips and cook until browned and crispy, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove the ham from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the flour and whisk to combine with any remaining butter.
5. Gradually pour in the beef broth and water, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes or until thickened.
7. Return the country ham to the skillet and coat with the red-eye gravy.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Southern fried chicken and waffles
A classic American comfort food combination that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe combines crispy fried chicken with fluffy waffles and a drizzle of sweet syrup for the perfect brunch or dinner treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 2 cups waffle mix
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– Syrup (maple or honey) for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate large bowl.
3. Dip each chicken piece into the buttermilk, then coat in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F. Fry chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
5. Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Mix waffle mix with egg, sugar, and water as needed. Cook waffles until crispy and golden.
7. Serve fried chicken with a warm waffle and drizzle with syrup.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cheesy scrambled eggs with chives
Start your day with a flavorful twist on classic scrambled eggs by incorporating creamy cheddar cheese and the subtle tang of chives.
Ingredients:
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk until well-beaten.
2. Heat the butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
3. Pour in the eggs and cook until the edges start to set, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the eggs and stir gently to combine.
5. Continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the eggs are fully scrambled and the cheese is melted.
6. Remove from heat and stir in chopped chives.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Cornmeal hoecakes with honey butter
A classic Southern treat that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch, these cornmeal hoecakes are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Serve them warm with a pat of honey butter for a sweet and satisfying treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Honey butter (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add sugar and buttermilk; stir until just combined.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Drop the batter by spoonfuls into the oil; flatten slightly with a spatula.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
7. Transfer to a baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Honey Butter:
– 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons pure honey
Mix until smooth; serve with warm hoecakes.
Bacon and cheddar breakfast casserole
Start your day off right with this hearty breakfast casserole, packed with crispy bacon, creamy cheddar cheese, and soft bread. Perfect for a weekend brunch or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 6 slices of bacon
– 1 loaf of French bread (12-14 inches), cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup milk
– 2 large eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy, then chop into small pieces.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk and eggs.
4. Add bread cubes to the bowl and stir until evenly coated with egg mixture.
5. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
6. Layer half of the bread mixture, followed by half of the chopped bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Repeat layers.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Fried apples with cinnamon and brown sugar
Warm up with a comforting bowl of Fried Apples with Cinnamon and Brown Sugar! This sweet treat is perfect for snacking or serving as a side dish to your favorite meals.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 apples, peeled and sliced
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup butter
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced apples to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they start to soften.
3. Sprinkle the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt evenly over the apples.
4. Continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and caramelized.
5. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-14 minutes
Biscuit breakfast sandwiches with egg and sausage
Start your day off right with a delicious Biscuit Breakfast Sandwich featuring scrambled eggs, savory sausage, and melted cheese on a flaky buttermilk biscuit.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (8-10 count)
– 4 large eggs
– 2 links of cooked sausage (such as Jimmy Dean or Bob Evans), sliced
– 2 tablespoons of butter, softened
– 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Split the biscuits in half and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly toasted.
3. Meanwhile, scramble the eggs in a bowl and set aside.
4. Cook the sausage links according to package instructions. Slice into thin strips.
5. Assemble the sandwiches by spreading butter on each biscuit half, then topping with scrambled eggs, sausage, and shredded cheese.
6. Place the sandwiches under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creole-style eggs Benedict
A twist on the classic breakfast dish, this Creole-style eggs Benedict combines spicy andouille sausage with creamy hollandaise sauce and toasted English muffins.
Ingredients:
– 4 English muffins, toasted
– 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced
– 1/2 cup hollandaise sauce (see below for recipe)
– 4 poached eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
Hollandaise Sauce:
– 1/2 cup butter, softened
– 1/2 cup egg yolks
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Toast the English muffins.
3. Cook the andouille sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Poach the eggs by cracking them into a pot of simmering water and cooking for 3-4 minutes or until cooked to desired doneness.
5. Assemble the dish by placing toasted English muffins on a plate, topping with sausage slices, poached eggs, and spooning hollandaise sauce over the top.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Peach-stuffed French toast
Peach-Stuffed French Toast Recipe: A Sweet Twist on a Breakfast Classic
Start your day with a delicious twist on traditional French toast by adding sweet and juicy peaches to the mix. This recipe combines the tender bread, crispy exterior, and warm peach filling for a delightful breakfast treat.
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of bread (preferably Challah or Brioche)
- 2 ripe peaches, diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- Milk (enough to soak the bread)
- Butter or non-stick cooking spray for greasing
Instructions:
- In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
- Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Grease with butter or non-stick spray as needed.
- Place a bread slice on the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Flip and repeat for the other side.
- Pile cooked French toast slices high, filling each gap with diced peaches. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes per 4 slices.
Collard greens and bacon hash
This hearty side dish combines the earthy flavor of collard greens with the smoky richness of crispy bacon, all wrapped up in a flavorful hash. Perfect for brunch or as a side to your favorite main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch collard greens, chopped
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium-high heat until crispy.
3. Remove the cooked bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set aside.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Add the chopped collard greens to the skillet and stir to combine with the onion mixture.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the greens have wilted slightly.
7. Stir in the cooked bacon and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with additional crispy bacon if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pimento cheese omelet
A classic Southern breakfast staple, this pimento cheese omelet is a flavorful and satisfying morning treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup crumbled pimento cheese (jarred or homemade)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and a pinch of salt until well beaten.
2. Heat the butter in a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat.
3. Pour in the egg mixture and cook until the edges start to set, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese and crumbled pimento cheese evenly across half of the omelet.
5. Use a spatula to gently fold the other half of the omelet over the cheese filling.
6. Cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the cheese is melted and the eggs are fully set.
7. Slide the omelet out of the skillet onto a plate and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 5-6 minutes
Banana pudding pancakes with vanilla glaze
Start your day off right with these fluffy banana pudding pancakes topped with a rich vanilla glaze, perfect for a sweet treat or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 ripe bananas, mashed
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– Vanilla glaze (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine milk, egg, mashed bananas, and melted butter. Stir until smooth.
4. Add sugar and whisk until combined.
5. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet or griddle and cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface.
6. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
Vanilla Glaze:
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Combine ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth. Drizzle over pancakes and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on pancake size)
Summary
Start your day off right with these 18 hearty Southern breakfast recipes. From classic shrimp and grits to fluffy buttermilk waffles, there’s something for everyone in this collection. Try making some pecan-studded sweet potato pancakes or bacon and cheddar breakfast casserole to satisfy your morning cravings. Or, go for a twist on traditional dishes like fried green tomatoes with remoulade or country ham and red-eye gravy. Whatever you choose, these Southern-inspired recipes are sure to make your mornings cozy and delicious.
