12 Down-Home Southern Recipes That Belong on Every Table
Craving comfort food that feels like a warm hug? These 12 down-home Southern recipes bring all the charm, flavor, and heart of the South straight to your kitchen. From golden-fried favorites to slow-cooked classics, each dish is full of soul and guaranteed to please a crowd. Whether you’re hosting Sunday supper or just need a taste of home, these recipes deserve a spot on your table.
Southern Style Stewed Chicken and Rice

Stewed Chicken and Rice is a classic dish that’s popular all around the world. It’s a simple meal that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a hearty lunch.
Slow Cooker Oxtail
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, this Southern Slow Cooker Oxtail is it. Packed with tender meat, rich flavors, and a flavorful gravy, it’s absolutely delicious and surprisingly simple to make.
Mandarin Orange Cake
This mandarin orange cake (aka Southern Pig Pickin’ Cake) is super moist and delightful. It’s perfect for any occasion, from a picnic to a dinner party, you cannot go wrong. Light, fluffy, and full of that tropical taste everyone is sure to love, you will love this cake.
Surf & Turf Burger with Fried Oysters
What happens when you want to chow down on a classic Southern po’boy and have your burger at the same time? This. The perfect Surf & Turf Burger with Fried Oysters. Go big or go home.
Traditional Southern Cornbread Dressing
There are so many things to love about my holiday classic, Traditional Southern Cornbread Dressing, which includes hard-boiled eggs. In addition to the taste, which is divine, you can make this southern-style, old-fashioned Thanksgiving dressing recipe ahead, and it freezes beautifully.
Southern Fried Okra
Savory Southern Fried Okra has a perfectly seasoned crisp cornmeal coating on the outside of each poppable bite of one of nature’s most unusual vegetables. Fried in hot oil until golden brown and crispy, this Southern staple makes a great snack, appetizer, or side dish!
Southern Corn Casserole
Looking for a corn casserole that checks all the boxes—quick, easy, and irresistibly creamy? This version brings all the comforting flavors you love with a twist: no canned soups, a hint of cheddar for extra richness, and a golden, buttery finish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Slow Cooker Gumbo with Chicken and Sausage
Slow Cooker Gumbo is a hearty, filling stew inspired by the Gulf Coast. There are debates about what exactly makes the best gumbo, but in my opinion this recipe is great because of how effortless it is to throw together.
Crock Pot Country Style Pork Ribs
These Crock Pot country style pork ribs are wicked delicious and insanely easy to make. The melt-in-your-mouth meat teamed up the spicy and tangy BBQ sauce- it truly is Southern comfort at its best!
Grandma’s Old Fashioned Macaroni Salad Recipe
There’s a clear difference between a basic bland macaroni salad and a flavor packed Southern Macaroni Salad. With the creamiest flavorful dressing and crunchy veggies, this macaroni salad will be your new go-to summer side dish.
Southern Blackberry Cobbler with Pie Crust
A spoonful of sweet southern comfort is all it takes to fall in love with this Southern Blackberry Cobbler. This iconic dessert embodies Southern hospitality at its core and this version is no different, except that it’s made in a large iron skillet, giving an extra element of rustic charm.
Cajun Shrimp and Grits Recipe
Cajun Shrimp and Grits is Southern comfort food at its best! Cheesy and creamy grits are topped with the tastiest tender shrimp cooked with crispy bacon