25 Southern Favorites That Still Bring People Together

Southern cooking is built on community, comfort, and family tradition. These recipes — from fried chicken to buttery biscuits — remind us that the best meals are meant to be shared around the table.

Southern Boiled Cabbage with Bacon

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

Discover this soul-warming Southern classic where tender cabbage meets savory bacon in perfect harmony. Affordable, comforting, and incredibly simple to prepare, this versatile side dish completes any meal with its subtle smokiness and delicate texture.
Get the Recipe: Southern Boiled Cabbage with Bacon

Southern Jezebel Sauce Recipe Easy Recipe

Southern Jezebel Sauce Recipe Easy Recipe
Southern Jezebel Sauce Recipe Easy Recipe. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This sassy Southern staple strikes the perfect balance between sweet preserves and fiery horseradish. Jezebel Sauce transforms ordinary cream cheese into an irresistible appetizer that’ll have guests demanding your secret. A beloved tradition with just the right kick!
Get the Recipe: Southern Jezebel Sauce Recipe Easy Recipe

Crispy Southern Fried Okra

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

Discover the secrets to crispy, golden Southern fried okra that’ll transport you straight to a country kitchen. Our foolproof technique ensures perfectly seasoned bites with a satisfying crunch every time. No soggy okra here—just authentic Southern goodness!
Get the Recipe: Crispy Southern Fried Okra

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.

This creamy yellow squash casserole combines garden-fresh squash with sharp cheddar and a buttery Ritz cracker topping. It’s a Southern comfort food classic that transforms summer’s bounty into a side dish your family will request again and again.
Get the Recipe: Southern Squash Casserole with Ritz Cracker Topping

Southern Macaroni Salad Recipe

Southern Macaroni Salad Recipe
Southern Macaroni Salad Recipe. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This homemade Southern macaroni salad strikes the perfect balance of tangy and creamy. Loaded with cheese and fresh veggies, it’s a crowd-pleasing side dish that will disappear quickly at your next potluck or family gathering.
Get the Recipe: Southern Macaroni Salad Recipe

Easy Southern Chicken and Dressing Casserole

Easy Southern Chicken and Dressing Casserole
Easy Southern Chicken and Dressing Casserole. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This comforting Chicken and Dressing Casserole transforms everyday dinner into a delightful experience. Savory, satisfying, and ready without fuss, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave homestyle goodness without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Easy Southern Chicken and Dressing Casserole

Southern Chicken Fried Steak with Homemade White Gravy

Southern Chicken Fried Steak with Homemade White Gravy
Southern Chicken Fried Steak with Homemade White Gravy. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Indulge in crispy, golden chicken fried steak smothered in rich, peppery gravy. This Southern comfort classic comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave homestyle cooking that delivers big flavor without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Southern Chicken Fried Steak with Homemade White Gravy

Southern Dill Potato Salad

Southern Dill Potato Salad
Southern Dill Potato Salad. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This creamy red potato salad, brightened with fresh dill, is the perfect side dish for your next gathering. Its classic flavors complement any barbecue spread and will have everyone coming back for seconds at your summer potluck!
Get the Recipe: Southern Dill Potato Salad

Southern Pig Pickin’ Cake with Mandarin Oranges

Southern Pig Pickin’ Cake with Mandarin Oranges
Southern Pig Pickin’ Cake with Mandarin Oranges. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This irresistible Southern classic combines moist cake bursting with mandarin oranges and a dreamy pineapple-coconut frosting. Every bite delivers tropical sweetness that’ll transport you to sunshine-filled picnics and family gatherings. A true crowd-pleaser you’ll make again and again!
Get the Recipe: Southern Pig Pickin’ Cake with Mandarin Oranges

Southern Pimento Cheese Burgers

Southern Pimento Cheese Burgers
Southern Pimento Cheese Burgers. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Sink your teeth into our Southern-style burger masterpiece. Juicy beef patties crowned with creamy, melty homemade pimento cheese create an irresistible combination that elevates backyard cookouts. Best part? This crowd-pleasing favorite comes together in just 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Southern Pimento Cheese Burgers

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 restaurant experience at home with these tender green beans simmered with smoky bacon and sweet onions. A perfect balance of flavors that transforms a simple side dish into something truly craveable—just like Texas Roadhouse, but from your own kitchen!
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.

Indulge in our creamy Cracker Barrel Sawmill Gravy, perfect for smothering fluffy biscuits or adding southern comfort to chicken fried steak. This rich, peppery classic turns any breakfast into a memorable meal worth savoring to the last drop.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Sawmill Gravy: Southern Comfort in Minutes

Southern Walnut Pie (The Affordable Pecan Alternative)

Southern Walnut Pie (The Affordable Pecan Alternative)
Southern Walnut Pie (The Affordable Pecan Alternative). Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Indulge in this wallet-friendly twist on a classic dessert! Our walnut pie delivers all the sweet, gooey goodness of pecan pie without the hefty price tag. Every bite offers rich caramel flavor and satisfying nutty crunch that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Southern Walnut Pie (The Affordable Pecan Alternative)

Cracker Barrel Smoky Southern Grilled Chicken

Cracker Barrel Smoky Southern Grilled Chicken
Cracker Barrel Smoky Southern Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Experience succulent, smoky chicken with authentic Southern spices that rivals Cracker Barrel’s popular dish. This healthier grilled version delivers all the flavor without the guilt. A perfect weeknight dinner that brings restaurant quality to your table.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Smoky Southern Grilled Chicken

Cracker Barrel Southern Fried Chicken

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

Experience southern comfort at its finest with this irresistible fried chicken. Each bite delivers that signature golden-brown crust, perfectly seasoned with secret spices, while the meat inside stays remarkably juicy. It’s homestyle cooking that rivals your favorite country restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Southern Fried Chicken

Southern Fried Corn

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

This Southern classic transforms simple corn into a buttery, creamy delight that complements any dinner. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you’ll master this beloved comfort food that brings authentic Southern flavor to your table.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Corn

Southern 7 Layer Salad with Peas and Mayo

Southern 7 Layer Salad with Peas and Mayo
Southern 7 Layer Salad with Peas and Mayo. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This classic 7-layer salad stacks fresh veggies, cheese and creamy dressing for a stunning make-ahead dish. Perfect for potlucks and holiday tables, it’s a colorful crowd-pleaser that brings irresistible crunch and flavor to any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Southern 7 Layer Salad with Peas and Mayo

Southern Hominy Casserole

Southern Hominy Casserole
Southern Hominy Casserole. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This creamy, cheesy hominy casserole topped with crunchy cornflake crumbs combines tender hominy with savory mushrooms in a velvety sauce. A nostalgic comfort food that’s perfect for holiday tables or turning an ordinary dinner into something special.
Get the Recipe: Southern Hominy Casserole

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 pimento mac and cheese elevates comfort food with creamy richness and the perfect peppery tang. Each velvety bite delivers classic nostalgia with an irresistible twist that will have everyone coming back for 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 casserole transforms sweet pineapple into a savory delight that’s both comforting and refreshing. The perfect balance of tangy fruit, buttery crunch and melted cheese creates a side dish that steals the spotlight at any gathering.
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 classic brings comfort to your table with its custard-like texture, softer than cornbread yet equally satisfying. Each warm, buttery bite makes a versatile companion to any meal, from holiday feasts to weeknight suppers.
Get the Recipe: Kentucky Spoon Bread – Traditional Southern Recipe

Southern Green Beans

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

Savor the rich tradition of Southern green beans, simmered to perfection with smoky bacon and sweet onions. This soul-satisfying side dish brings comfort to holiday tables, adds homestyle charm to summer cookouts, and transforms ordinary weeknight meals into something special.
Get the Recipe: Southern Green Beans

Easy Southern Country Gravy

Easy Southern Country Gravy
Easy Southern Country Gravy. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

This velvety Southern country gravy transforms simple ingredients into pure comfort. Made with savory pan drippings, flour, and milk, it’s the perfect blanket for crispy fried chicken, fluffy biscuits, or creamy mashed potatoes. Easy to make, impossible to resist.
Get the Recipe: Easy Southern Country Gravy

Southern-Style Deviled Ham Cheese Ball

Southern-Style Deviled Ham Cheese Ball
Southern-Style Deviled Ham Cheese Ball. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Surprise your dinner guests with an irresistible combination of flavors and textures! This velvety cheese ball blends savory ham with sweet pineapple chunks, all wrapped in crunchy pecans for a perfect appetizer that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.
Get the Recipe: Southern-Style Deviled Ham Cheese Ball

Classic Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles

Classic Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles
Classic Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Our secret brining method creates impossibly juicy fried chicken with a perfectly crispy coating that pairs beautifully with our fluffy, golden waffles. The batter has become a reader favorite for everyday breakfasts too – one bite and you’ll understand why.
Get the Recipe: Classic Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles

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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