19 Southern Side Dishes That Make the Meal

In the South, side dishes often steal the show. From creamy mac and cheese to collard greens simmered just right, these classics turn any meal into a feast.

Sweet and Savory Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe

Sweet and Savory Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe
Sweet and Savory Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This unexpected combination of sweet pineapple, sharp cheddar, and buttery crackers creates a surprisingly addictive casserole. It’s always the first dish to disappear at potlucks and family gatherings, delighting even the most skeptical guests.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Savory Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe

Southern Boiled Cabbage with Bacon

Southern Boiled Cabbage with Bacon
Southern Boiled Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Discover the comfort of tender boiled cabbage infused with smoky bacon flavors. This budget-friendly Southern classic transforms humble ingredients into a mouthwatering side dish that complements any main course with its subtle richness and homestyle appeal.
Get the Recipe: Southern Boiled Cabbage with Bacon

Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese

Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese
Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Indulge in this luxurious macaroni and cheese inspired by Poole’s Diner. Every forkful delivers velvety creaminess and intense cheese flavor that elevates the humble comfort food to restaurant-quality status. It’s the ultimate cheesy indulgence you won’t want to miss.
Get the Recipe: Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese

Crockpot Collard Greens

Crockpot Collard Greens
Crockpot Collard Greens. Photo credit: Stetted.

Discover the Southern charm of tender collard greens slow-cooked to perfection. This hands-off crockpot method infuses each bite with smoky, savory ham flavor while you go about your day. A comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with any home-cooked meal.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Collard Greens

Southern Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Southern Baked Beans with Ground Beef
Southern Baked Beans with Ground Beef. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Our homemade baked beans simmer in a rich, smoky-sweet sauce until perfectly tender. Every spoonful delivers deep barbecue flavor that transforms any cookout from ordinary to memorable. The ultimate side dish that steals the spotlight!
Get the Recipe: Southern Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Crispy Southern Fried Okra

Crispy Southern Fried Okra
Crispy Southern Fried Okra. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Discover the secrets to irresistibly crunchy Southern fried okra with our foolproof recipe. We’ll guide you through selecting fresh okra and creating that perfect cornmeal coating for a golden, crispy exterior that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!
Get the Recipe: Crispy Southern Fried Okra

Southern Fried Apples Recipe

Southern Fried Apples Recipe
Southern Fried Apples Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

These mouthwatering Southern Fried Apples combine tender fruit with a rich butter and sugar glaze, perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. Enjoy them as a delicious side dish or transform them into an irresistible dessert topped with vanilla ice cream!
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Apples Recipe

Texas Roadhouse Green Beans: A Savory Southern Side Dish With Secret Ingredients

Texas Roadhouse Green Beans: A Savory Southern Side Dish With Secret Ingredients
Texas Roadhouse Green Beans: A Savory Southern Side Dish With Secret Ingredients. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Savor the perfect blend of tender green beans, smoky bacon, and caramelized onions with this Texas Roadhouse-inspired side dish. This homestyle favorite brings restaurant quality to your dinner table in minutes, making any meal feel special without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Green Beans: A Savory Southern Side Dish With Secret Ingredients

Cracker Barrel Sawmill Gravy: Southern Comfort in Minutes

Cracker Barrel Sawmill Gravy: Southern Comfort in Minutes
Cracker Barrel Sawmill Gravy: Southern Comfort in Minutes. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Cracker Barrel’s famous Sawmill Gravy transforms ordinary biscuits into a comforting Southern breakfast classic. Rich, creamy and perfectly seasoned, this hearty gravy also elevates chicken fried steak to restaurant-quality perfection right in your own kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Sawmill Gravy: Southern Comfort in Minutes

Southern Style Crock Pot Green Beans

Southern Style Crock Pot Green Beans
Southern Style Crock Pot Green Beans. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

These tender Crock Pot Green Beans combine fresh vegetables with savory bacon and aromatic spices, all slow-cooked to perfection. A fuss-free side dish that delivers maximum flavor while you focus on the rest of your meal. The whole family will ask for seconds!
Get the Recipe: Southern Style Crock Pot Green Beans

Sweet and Savory Southern Cornbread Dressing – Never Dry

Sweet and Savory Southern Cornbread Dressing - Never Dry
Sweet and Savory Southern Cornbread Dressing – Never Dry. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This Southern classic combines crumbled cornbread with savory herbs for a rich, golden side that defines holiday meals. Every moist, flavorful bite brings comfort and tradition to your Thanksgiving table, pairing perfectly with turkey and gravy.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Savory Southern Cornbread Dressing – Never Dry

Southern Fried Corn

Southern Fried Corn
Southern Fried Corn. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Southern fried corn, a time-honored side dish that transforms sweet kernels into creamy, buttery perfection. This easy recipe delivers authentic Southern charm to elevate any dinner table, making weeknight meals feel special.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Corn

Southern Style Baked Mac and Cheese with Pimentos

Southern Style Baked Mac and Cheese with Pimentos
Southern Style Baked Mac and Cheese with Pimentos. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This Southern-inspired twist on classic mac and cheese delivers pure comfort in every bite. Creamy, rich, and perfectly tangy from the pimentos, it’s an elevated take on everyone’s favorite dish that will leave you craving seconds.
Get the Recipe: Southern Style Baked Mac and Cheese with Pimentos

The Best Southern Pineapple Casserole (Easy Recipe)

The Best Southern Pineapple Casserole (Easy Recipe)
The Best Southern Pineapple Casserole (Easy Recipe). Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

This unexpected treasure combines juicy pineapple with a buttery cracker topping for a side dish that’s both sweet and savory. A Southern classic that transforms ordinary meals into memorable gatherings.
Get the Recipe: The Best Southern Pineapple Casserole (Easy Recipe)

Kentucky Spoon Bread – Traditional Southern Recipe

Kentucky Spoon Bread - Traditional Southern Recipe
Kentucky Spoon Bread – Traditional Southern Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This Southern treasure boasts a custard-like texture that melts in your mouth, delivering comfort in every warm, buttery bite. Softer than cornbread yet equally satisfying, spoon bread pairs perfectly with any meal from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.
Get the Recipe: Kentucky Spoon Bread – Traditional Southern Recipe

Creamy Southern Macaroni Salad with Cheese

Creamy Southern Macaroni Salad with Cheese
Creamy Southern Macaroni Salad with Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This creamy macaroni salad combines tender pasta with crisp vegetables in a tangy dressing that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for summer gatherings, it’s the refreshing side dish everyone will request the recipe for—an effortless classic that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Southern Macaroni Salad with Cheese

Southern Green Beans

Southern Green Beans
Southern Green Beans. Photo credit: Stetted.

Discover the irresistible charm of Southern green beans, where time works magic as they simmer slowly with smoky bacon and sweet onions. This comforting side dish elevates any meal, from festive holiday gatherings to casual family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Southern Green Beans

The Ultimate Southern Green Bean Casserole – Easy Recipe

The Ultimate Southern Green Bean Casserole - Easy Recipe
The Ultimate Southern Green Bean Casserole – Easy Recipe. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

Tender green beans bathed in rich mushroom sauce, crowned with crispy fried onions. This classic Southern casserole brings comforting warmth to your table, whether for holiday feasts or simple family dinners.
Get the Recipe: The Ultimate Southern Green Bean Casserole – Easy Recipe

Braised Collard Greens

Braised Collard Greens
Braised Collard Greens. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

These soul-satisfying braised collard greens are elevated with a rich blend of savory flavors. Our Southern-inspired recipe transforms this humble vegetable into a mouthwatering side dish that pairs perfectly with everything from Sunday roasts to weeknight suppers.
Get the Recipe: Braised Collard Greens

About Stephanie Manley

Stephanie Manley is the creator of CopyKat.com. She has been recreating copycat recipes since 1995. Learn more about Stephanie Manley.

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