21 Southern Holiday Sides Everyone Still Makes

Southern holiday sides are the heart and soul of the Christmas table. These dishes carry memories of family kitchens, church potlucks, and celebrations filled with warm comfort and rich flavor. They are the classics everyone still makes because they bring people together with every bite. Get ready to revisit the Southern favorites that make every holiday meal feel like home.

Southern Boiled Cabbage with Bacon

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

Tender cabbage soaked in smoky bacon flavor creates a simple Southern side that tastes far richer than it costs. Comforting, cozy, and perfect with any meal.
Get the Recipe: Southern Boiled Cabbage with Bacon

Scalloped Corn Supreme

Scalloped Corn Supreme
Scalloped Corn Supreme. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Creamed corn bakes into a rich, elegant casserole with a crispy golden topping. A holiday-worthy side that always disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Corn Supreme

Crispy Southern Fried Okra

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

Fresh okra coated in seasoned cornmeal and fried until perfectly crisp. The secret technique gives you that addictive crunch every single time.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Southern Fried Okra

Old-Fashioned Mashed Potatoes

Old-Fashioned Mashed Potatoes
Old-Fashioned Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Extra creamy mashed potatoes whipped with evaporated milk and butter for old school richness. A dependable side that tastes like pure comfort.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Mashed Potatoes

Buttered Peas and Carrots

Buttered Peas and Carrots
Buttered Peas and Carrots. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Sweet peas and tender carrots tossed in melty butter for a fast, family-friendly side you can make in 30 minutes. Simple, colorful, and always loved.
Get the Recipe: Buttered Peas and Carrots

Fried Potatoes and Onions

Fried Potatoes and onions
Fried Potatoes and Onions. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Crispy skillet potatoes and caramelized onions made with just three ingredients. The ultimate easy side you can pair with any dinner.
Get the Recipe: Fried Potatoes and Onions

Irresistible Stick of Butter Rice

Irresistible Stick of Butter Rice
Irresistible Stick of Butter Rice. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Melted butter and five simple ingredients create the easiest, richest rice you will ever taste. A savory side that somehow steals the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Irresistible Stick of Butter Rice

The Ultimate Hush Puppies Recipe

The Ultimate Hush Puppies Recipe
The Ultimate Hush Puppies Recipe. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Golden, fluffy hush puppies with the perfect crispy shell. An essential Southern side for any fish fry or chicken dinner.
Get the Recipe: The Ultimate Hush Puppies Recipe

Perfectly Tender Boiled Carrots

Perfectly Tender Boiled Carrots: A 15-Minute Side Dish Anyone Can Master
Perfectly Tender Boiled Carrots. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Soft, buttery carrots ready in just 15 minutes. A foolproof side dish so simple anyone can master it.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Tender Boiled Carrots

Watergate Salad

Watergate Salad
Watergate Salad. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Pistachio pudding, cherries, pineapple, and fluff combine into a nostalgic, sweet side dish loved at every holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Watergate Salad

Stewed Tomatoes

Stewed Tomatoes
Stewed Tomatoes. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Tender tomatoes simmered with bread for an old-fashioned Southern side that tastes like memories. Simple, savory, and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Stewed Tomatoes

Creamy Scalloped Cabbage Casserole

Creamy Scalloped Cabbage Casserole
Creamy Scalloped Cabbage Casserole. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Cabbage transforms into a rich, cheesy casserole with a crisp top. Cozy, creamy, and shockingly delicious.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Scalloped Cabbage Casserole

Stewed Potatoes

Stewed Potatoes
Stewed Potatoes. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Soft, buttery potatoes simmered with onions into a down-home dish that warms every plate. Old-fashioned comfort at its best.
Get the Recipe: Stewed Potatoes

Southern Fried Corn

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

Sweet corn cooked in butter and savory seasoning until it browns around the edges. A Southern staple bursting with simple flavor.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Corn

Creamed Peas and Potatoes

Creamed Peas and Potatoes
Creamed Peas and Potatoes. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Tender potatoes and sweet peas coated in a silky cream sauce. A classic, comforting side that tastes like home.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Peas and Potatoes

Pineapple Cheese Casserole

Pineapple Cheese Casserole
Pineapple Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Sweet pineapple baked with melted cheese and buttery Ritz crumbs. Strange, Southern, and unbelievably good.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Cheese Casserole

Southern Black Eyed Peas and Collard Greens with Bacon

Easy Southern Black Eyed Peas and Collard Greens with Bacon
Southern Black Eyed Peas and Collard Greens with Bacon. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Black eyed peas and collard greens simmer with smoky bacon for the kind of Southern comfort that brings everyone to the table.
Get the Recipe: Southern Black Eyed Peas and Collard Greens with Bacon

Southern Fried Apples

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

Tender apples tossed in buttery cinnamon sugar until they caramelize. Serve as a side or top with ice cream for instant dessert bliss.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Apples

Braised Collard Greens

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

Slow-braised collards infused with rich, savory flavor. A soulful Southern classic that pairs beautifully with almost any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Braised Collard Greens

Cranberry Jello Salad

Cranberry Jello Salad
Cranberry Jello Salad. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Fresh cranberries, apples, celery, and nuts suspended in tart, sweet Jello. A holiday table essential generations still love.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Jello Salad

Green Jello Salad

Green Jello Salad
Green Jello Salad. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Cottage cheese, pineapple, and Cool Whip create a creamy, retro green Jello salad everyone secretly loves. Sweet, fluffy, and nostalgic.
Get the Recipe: Green Jello Salad

About Stephanie Manley

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

REVEALED: Copycat Secrets for 2026

free email bonus

Yes, you CAN make it at home! I'll show you how.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

homemade Olive Garden Asiago Torgelloni Alfredo with chicken on a plate

Copycat Recipe Secrets for 2025

REVEALED:

Yes, you CAN make it at home! 
I'll show you how.

FREE EMAIL BONUS