23 Southern Comfort Foods for Chilly Nights

When the nights turn cold, Southern comfort food has a way of warming both the body and soul. These recipes are rich, hearty, and full of flavor, just like the ones served at Sunday suppers and family gatherings across the South. From fried chicken to cheesy casseroles, they are the ultimate cozy classics.

Southern Chicken Fried Chicken with Gravy

Southern Chicken Fried Chicken with Gravy
Southern Chicken Fried Chicken with Gravy. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Savor crispy-coated chicken breasts that remain incredibly juicy inside with our Southern comfort food classic. Each golden bite delivers seasoned perfection, especially when smothered in creamy gravy. This homestyle favorite transforms any weeknight dinner into a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Southern Chicken Fried Chicken with Gravy

Cracker Barrel Southern Fried Chicken

Cracker Barrel Southern Fried Chicken
Cracker Barrel Southern Fried Chicken. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Experience chicken perfection with our golden-brown masterpiece. Each bite delivers a perfectly seasoned, crispy crust that gives way to tender, juicy meat inside – reminiscent of that famous Cracker Barrel Sunday special that has diners lining up week after week.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Southern Fried Chicken

Southern Chicken and Dumplings

Southern Chicken and Dumplings
Southern Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Indulge in pure Southern comfort with our homemade chicken and dumplings recipe. Tender chicken swimming in rich broth with fluffy, pillowy dumplings – it’s like a warm hug on a plate that brings back childhood memories with every savory spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Southern Chicken and Dumplings

Easy Chicken Pot Pie with Frozen Vegetables

Easy Chicken Pot Pie with Frozen Vegetables
Easy Chicken Pot Pie with Frozen Vegetables. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Savor the ultimate homemade comfort in every bite of this easy-to-make classic. Juicy chicken and garden-fresh vegetables swim in velvety gravy, all tucked beneath a golden, flaky crust. It’s the perfect way to transform yesterday’s chicken into today’s heartwarming meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Pot Pie with Frozen Vegetables

Authentic New Orleans Shrimp and Grits

Authentic New Orleans Shrimp and Grits
Authentic New Orleans Shrimp and Grits. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Experience the soul of Southern cuisine with our New Orleans Shrimp and Grits. Plump shrimp simmered in rich Cajun spices rest atop creamy, buttery grits for a comforting dish that brings authentic French Quarter flavor right to your table.
Get the Recipe: Authentic New Orleans Shrimp and Grits

Easy Chicken Gumbo

Easy Chicken Gumbo
Easy Chicken Gumbo. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Experience authentic Louisiana flavor in less than an hour with this quick chicken gumbo. Featuring traditional okra and the Holy Trinity of vegetables, this simplified recipe delivers all the rich, comforting taste of the bayou without the long simmer time.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Gumbo

Seafood Gumbo Recipe

Seafood Gumbo Recipe
Seafood Gumbo Recipe. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This soul-warming gumbo blends fresh seafood treasures with bold Cajun spices, creating a taste of Southern comfort in every spoonful. The rich, flavorful broth carries generations of coastal tradition straight to your table.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Gumbo Recipe

Jambalaya Pasta

Jambalaya Pasta
Jambalaya Pasta. Photo credit: Stetted.

Savor the vibrant flavors of New Orleans with this quick and satisfying jambalaya pasta. Succulent shrimp and savory sausage mingle with classic Cajun spices in a dish that brings restaurant quality to your dinner table in minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Jambalaya Pasta

Crawfish Etouffee with Browned Flour

Crawfish Etouffee with Browned Flour
Crawfish Etouffee with Browned Flour. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Indulge in this authentic Cajun delicacy where plump, succulent crawfish bathe in a velvety roux sauce packed with Southern spices. Each savory spoonful delivers comfort and tradition when ladled over fluffy white rice—a true taste of Louisiana’s finest comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Crawfish Etouffee with Browned Flour

Smothered Pork Chops

Smothered Pork Chops
Smothered Pork Chops. Photo credit: The Kitchen Magpie.

Indulge in tender pork chops bathed in a rich, velvety onion sauce infused with fresh herbs and tangy buttermilk. This comforting dish transforms an ordinary dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience your family will request again and again.
Get the Recipe: Smothered Pork Chops

Stuffed Meatloaf with Gravy

Stuffed Meatloaf with Gravy
Stuffed Meatloaf with Gravy. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Indulge in comfort food perfection with this irresistible twist on classic meatloaf. Tender beef infused with savory Lipton soup mix, stuffed with melty cheese and crispy hashbrowns, then smothered in rich gravy. A hearty, soul-warming dinner your family will request again and again.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Meatloaf with Gravy

Popeyes Red Beans and Rice

Popeyes Red Beans and Rice
Popeyes Red Beans and Rice. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Dive into our irresistible red beans and rice, where creamy beans meet authentic Cajun spices and perfectly tender rice. We’ve elevated this classic with real ham hock for a smoky depth that surpasses the original. A Southern comfort masterpiece you won’t want to miss.
Get the Recipe: Popeyes Red Beans and Rice

Smithfield BBQ Ribs Recipe

Smithfield BBQ Ribs Recipe
Smithfield BBQ Ribs Recipe. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

Discover the secret to perfect BBQ! Our foolproof two-step method transforms Smithfield ribs into tender, juicy perfection that literally falls off the bone. Master restaurant-quality results right in your backyard with this game-changing technique.
Get the Recipe: Smithfield BBQ Ribs Recipe

Costco Mac and Cheese

Costco Mac and Cheese
Costco Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Indulge in the velvety goodness of Costco’s iconic mac and cheese, recreated in your own kitchen. Our homemade version features a luscious three-cheese sauce coating every curve of al dente cavatappi pasta, delivering that perfect comfort food experience your whole family will crave.
Get the Recipe: Costco Mac and Cheese

Bob Evans Sausage Gravy Recipe

Bob Evans Sausage Gravy Recipe
Bob Evans Sausage Gravy Recipe. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Savor the ultimate comfort breakfast with Bob Evans Sausage Gravy generously ladled over warm, flaky biscuits. This hearty, homestyle classic combines creamy, peppery gravy loaded with savory sausage for a satisfying meal that’ll keep you fueled all morning long.
Get the Recipe: Bob Evans Sausage Gravy Recipe

Braised Collard Greens

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

Transform your dinner table with these elevated braised collard greens. This Southern classic gets a flavorful makeover that pairs perfectly with everything from Sunday roasts to weeknight suppers. Rich, tender, and utterly satisfying—comfort food at its finest.
Get the Recipe: Braised Collard Greens

Fresh Green Beans with Bacon and Onions

Fresh Green Beans with Bacon and Onions
Fresh Green Beans with Bacon and Onions. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

These tender green beans are elevated with crispy bacon and sweet caramelized onions for a savory Southern classic. Each bite delivers smoky, rich flavor that transforms this simple side dish into something truly crave-worthy—perfect for weeknights or holiday tables alike.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Green Beans with Bacon and Onions

Cracker Barrel Cornbread Muffins

Cracker Barrel Cornbread Muffins
Cracker Barrel Cornbread Muffins. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Savor these sweet, crumbly cornbread muffins kissed with honey. Each bite transports you to Cracker Barrel’s famous warm bread basket. These golden mini delights bring that beloved restaurant experience right to your home kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Cornbread Muffins

Luby’s Creamy Grits

Luby's Creamy Grits
Luby’s Creamy Grits. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Experience the silky, indulgent texture of Luby’s famous grits made right in your kitchen. The secret? Whole milk instead of water creates that unmistakable creaminess Southerners crave. Perfect for breakfast or as a comforting side dish that’ll transport you straight to comfort food heaven.
Get the Recipe: Luby’s Creamy Grits

Dirty Rice

Dirty Rice
Dirty Rice. Photo credit: The Kitchen Magpie.

Discover the soul-stirring magic of dirty rice, a beloved Creole treasure that brings Southern comfort to your table. This hearty dish earns its name from its signature browned appearance, packed with savory meat and rich flavors that promise satisfaction with every forkful.
Get the Recipe: Dirty Rice

Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti

Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Savor the ultimate comfort food with this creamy, cheesy chicken spaghetti casserole. Topped with crispy bacon, it’s a hearty family-pleaser that comes together quickly for busy weeknights while delivering restaurant-worthy flavors everyone will crave.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti

Super Creamy Skillet Creamed Corn

Super Creamy Skillet Creamed Corn
Super Creamy Skillet Creamed Corn. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Velvety corn kernels bathed in a buttery sauce create pure comfort in every spoonful. This indulgent side dish brings a touch of sweetness to holiday tables and everyday meals alike. A timeless Southern classic that elevates any dinner to something special.
Get the Recipe: Super Creamy Skillet Creamed Corn

Country Beef Pie with rice filling

Country Beef Pie with rice filling
Country Beef Pie with rice filling. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Unique comfort food! Ground beef forms the crust while seasoned rice and cheese create the filling. Budget-friendly family dinner ready in 45 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Country Beef Pie with rice filling

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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