23 Southern Side Dishes That Make the Meal

Southern meals are never complete without an array of comforting side dishes. These recipes showcase the classics — from creamy mac and cheese to collard greens, fried okra, and buttery cornbread — that have earned their place at potlucks, cookouts, and Sunday suppers.

Southern Squash Casserole with Ritz Cracker Topping

Southern Squash Casserole with Ritz Cracker Topping
Southern Squash Casserole with Ritz Cracker Topping. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Indulge in the ultimate Southern comfort with our velvety yellow squash casserole. Each bite combines creamy texture, sharp cheddar flavor, and that irresistible buttery Ritz cracker crunch. It’s the perfect way to showcase summer’s bounty in a dish everyone will request again and again.
Get the Recipe: Southern Squash Casserole with Ritz Cracker Topping

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.

Creamy, savory green beans blanketed in mushroom sauce and crowned with crispy onions. This Southern classic brings comfort to any table, evoking warm memories while satisfying hearty appetites at holidays and casual gatherings alike.
Get the Recipe: The Ultimate Southern Green Bean Casserole – Easy Recipe

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This classic Southern comfort dish combines velvety sweet potatoes with a divine brown sugar pecan topping that adds the perfect crunch. It’s a must-have for your Thanksgiving table, but too delicious to save for just once a year. Your guests will be asking for seconds!
Get the Recipe: Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe

Sweetie Pie’s Mac and Cheese

Sweetie Pie’s Mac and Cheese
Sweetie Pie’s Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with Sweetie Pie’s legendary mac and cheese. Each velvety bite delivers a symphony of five gourmet cheeses that melt together in perfect harmony, creating an irresistibly creamy texture that will leave you craving more.
Get the Recipe: Sweetie Pie’s Mac and Cheese

Crockpot Collard Greens

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

These slow-cooked collard greens simmer to perfection in your crockpot alongside smoky ham hock, creating a tender, flavorful Southern classic with minimal effort. The perfect comforting side dish for any weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Collard Greens

Roasted Turnips with Chive Gremolata

Roasted Turnips with Chive Gremolata
Roasted Turnips with Chive Gremolata. Photo credit: Stetted.

Discover the unexpected delight of roasted turnips! This humble root vegetable transforms into a craveable side dish when roasted to tender perfection. The heat caramelizes their natural sugars, revealing a surprising sweetness that will have you coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Turnips with Chive Gremolata

Roasted Rutabaga

Roasted Rutabaga
Roasted Rutabaga. Photo credit: Stetted.

Discover the magic of this often-overlooked root vegetable with our foolproof roasting method. Crispy on the outside, tender inside, and packed with earthy flavor—all from just four basic ingredients. It’s the perfect easy side dish for your next dinner!
Get the Recipe: Roasted Rutabaga

Crispy Southern Fried Okra

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

Elevate your Southern cooking with our crispy fried okra recipe! We’ll show you how to transform fresh okra into golden, crunchy bites with the perfect cornmeal coating. Follow our expert tips for restaurant-quality results that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Southern Fried Okra

Cheesy Corn Pudding

Cheesy Corn Pudding
Cheesy Corn Pudding. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

Indulge in this irresistibly rich and creamy cornbread casserole that’s loaded with cheese. Made simple with Jiffy mix, it’s the perfect comforting side dish that will steal the spotlight at your Thanksgiving table or elevate any weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Corn Pudding

Brookville Hotel Creamed Corn Recipe

Brookville Hotel Creamed Corn Recipe
Brookville Hotel Creamed Corn Recipe. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Discover this legendary Kansas restaurant’s velvety corn dish that’s astonishingly simple to make at home. With just frozen corn and heavy cream, you’ll create a luxurious side that will have everyone asking for seconds. Rich, indulgent, and surprisingly easy!
Get the Recipe: Brookville Hotel Creamed Corn 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.

Experience the mouthwatering flavor of homemade Texas Roadhouse Green Beans. Tender beans simmered with savory bacon and onions create a restaurant-quality side dish that perfectly complements any meal. Simple to prepare yet incredibly satisfying, this copycat recipe will become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Green Beans: A Savory Southern Side Dish With Secret Ingredients

Slow Cooker Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes

Slow Cooker Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes
Slow Cooker Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Transform leftover ham into a hearty, flavor-packed meal with this effortless slow cooker recipe. Tender green beans and potatoes simmer alongside savory ham, creating a comforting dish that practically cooks itself. Perfect for busy weeknights when you crave homemade goodness without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ham, Green Beans, and Potatoes

Braised Collard Greens

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

This mouthwatering twist on Southern braised collard greens combines rich flavors and perfect tenderness. A versatile side dish that elevates any meal from Sunday suppers to holiday feasts, transforming humble greens into something truly special.
Get the Recipe: Braised Collard Greens

Glazed Turnips

Glazed Turnips
Glazed Turnips. Photo credit: Stetted.

Discover the hidden gem of winter vegetables with these perfectly glazed turnips. Sweet, savory, and surprisingly delicious, this elegant side dish transforms the humble turnip into something truly special that your dinner guests will rave about.
Get the Recipe: Glazed Turnips

Mashed Rutabaga with Garlic Herb Butter

Mashed Rutabaga with Garlic Herb Butter
Mashed Rutabaga with Garlic Herb Butter. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

Discover this creamy, budget-friendly rutabaga mash that offers all the comfort of potatoes with fewer carbs. Elevated with aromatic garlic herb butter, this hearty side dish delivers cozy flavor while keeping your meal lighter and more nutritious.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Rutabaga with Garlic Herb Butter

Homemade Potato Salad

Homemade Potato Salad
Homemade Potato Salad. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Dive into creamy, homemade goodness with this potato salad that combines tender eggs and crisp vegetables. It comes together quickly and delivers a flavor that puts store-bought versions to shame. The perfect side dish for any gathering!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Potato Salad

Southern Deviled Eggs with Sweet Pickle Relish

Southern Deviled Eggs with Sweet Pickle Relish
Southern Deviled Eggs with Sweet Pickle Relish. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

These creamy deviled eggs get a flavorful twist with pickle relish, adding the perfect sweet crunch to complement the tangy mustard and rich mayonnaise. A Southern classic that disappears fast at any gathering!
Get the Recipe: Southern Deviled Eggs with Sweet Pickle Relish

Grape Salad with Cream Cheese Dressing

Grape Salad with Cream Cheese Dressing
Grape Salad with Cream Cheese Dressing. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This creamy Southern classic transforms juicy grapes into an irresistible treat with rich cream cheese dressing and crunchy toasted walnuts. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy—ideal for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or anytime you crave something refreshingly indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Grape Salad with Cream Cheese Dressing

Southern-Style Crispy Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes

Southern-Style Crispy Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes
Southern-Style Crispy Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

These crispy Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes deliver Southern charm without the guilt. Golden, tangy slices coated in seasoned panko and Parmesan cook up perfectly in just 20 minutes – ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing friends at your next gathering.
Get the Recipe: Southern-Style Crispy Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes

Sweet Tomatoes Joan’s Broccoli Madness Salad

Sweet Tomatoes Joan’s Broccoli Madness Salad
Sweet Tomatoes Joan’s Broccoli Madness Salad. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Experience the perfect harmony of crisp raw broccoli, smoky bacon, buttery cashews, and sweet raisins tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. This copycat of Sweet Tomatoes’ beloved cold salad brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen table.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Tomatoes Joan’s Broccoli Madness Salad

Broccoli Rice Casserole

Broccoli Rice Casserole
Broccoli Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Life Currents.

This creamy, cheesy broccoli rice casserole is the ultimate comfort food that shines as both a holiday staple and everyday delight. Perfect as a hearty side or satisfying vegetarian main, it’s a beloved tradition at our family gatherings for good reason!
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole

Dirty Rice

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

Dive into Southern tradition with this Creole masterpiece. Dirty rice earns its name from the rich, browned appearance created by savory meats and spices. Every flavorful bite connects you to authentic Southern cooking – the perfect comfort food that’s as delicious as it is visually rustic.
Get the Recipe: Dirty Rice

Cajun Boudin Egg Rolls

Cajun Boudin Egg Rolls
Cajun Boudin Egg Rolls. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Crispy, golden egg rolls with a Southern twist! These irresistible appetizers burst with spicy Cajun sausage for a fusion of flavors that will make you the MVP of any game day gathering. Easy to make and impossible to resist.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Boudin Egg Rolls

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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