20 Southern Favorites That Make Weeknight Dinners Feel Special
Southern cooking is all about big flavors, comforting dishes, and meals that make you feel right at home. These 20 classic Southern favorites bring that same warmth and richness to your weeknight dinners. From hearty mains to flavorful sides, each recipe is simple enough for busy nights yet full of the taste and soul that make Southern cuisine so beloved. Get ready to turn ordinary dinners into unforgettable, comforting meals your whole family will love.
Chicken and Dumpling Soup
Chicken and Dumpling Soup is the ultimate comfort food to make on a cold night. I’ve also included the best tips to make this family favorite, simple recipe even quicker. This southern chicken dish is sure to be a comforting meal for the whole family.
Smothered Pork Chops
This easy Smothered Pork Chops recipe is a Southern classic and true soul food that always satisfies. The velvety, savory gravy and tender, juicy pork chops go so well together and are as perfect for weeknight cooking as they are for Sunday supper.
French Onion Smothered Chicken
French Onion Smothered Chicken is a cheesy, low carb, packed full of flavor recipe… in one skillet! This juicy smothered chicken with caramelized onions is a southern style dinner that will soon be a family favorite on your keto menu!
Southern Crispy Fried Oysters Recipe
My Southern Crispy Fried Oysters Recipe is for you if you love oysters and want to make five-star, restaurant-quality, golden brown fried oysters at home.
Biscuits and Gravy Casserole
When it comes to breakfast casseroles, the savoriest and most delicious of them all just might be this Biscuits and Gravy Casserole. Made with a homemade sausage gravy, eggs, just enough cheese, and of course, lots of soft biscuits, this easy breakfast casserole is perfect for large gatherings, lazy weekend breakfasts, and holiday brunch.
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.
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
This is the best southern baked mac and cheese recipe. Rich, savory and satisfying, it was inspired by Robbie Montgomery, owner and chef at Sweetie Pie’s soul food in St. Louis, MO. A forkful of this cheesy dish will have you salivating for more. Serve with buttery cornbread.
Country Fried Steak
Country Fried Steak, also known as Chicken fried steak, is a Southern food classic but is so easy to make at home. Tenderized round steak, or cube steak, is breaded and fried to a crispy golden brown. The pan drippings are used to make a flavorful creamy milk gravy to smother the steaks.
Tomato Pie Recipe
This savory Southern Tomato Pie is made with summer-ripe tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and topped with a tasty cheese & mayo topping!
Homemade Biscuits and Gravy
Homemade Biscuits and Gravy is a time-honored classic American breakfast recipe made with flaky buttermilk biscuits smothered with the BEST creamy sausage gravy!
Smothered Chicken
Pan-fried seasoned crispy tender chicken breasts smothered in an onion gravy are downright delicious. Smothered chicken is easy to make and satisfies all those comfort food cravings.
Southern Fried Chicken
There is nothing quite like good old-fashioned Southern Fried Chicken to satisfy your comfort food cravings! The perfectly spiced chicken is crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. And the leftovers are just as delicious cold the next day, right out of the fridge.
Fried Catfish
The crispy exterior breading of this Southern Fried Catfish is perfectly seasoned with tender, delicious fried fish underneath. It can be ready in under 30 minutes and just as good as going to a fish fry!
Crispy Southern Salmon Patties
Southern Salmon Patties combine canned salmon, cajun seasoning, and cornmeal in this easy crispy Southern style salmon patty recipe.
Shrimp and Grits Recipe
When it comes to comfort food that warms the heart and delights the palate, few dishes can rival the classic Southern charm of Cheesy Shrimp and Grits. This iconic dish has its roots deeply embedded in the American South, capturing the essence of its culinary traditions and blending them into a harmonious and flavorful concoction.
Chicken and Waffles
Chicken and Waffles, made with crispy buttermilk fried chicken and scratch made waffles, is a classic Southern breakfast recipe.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Buttermilk Fried Chicken is the ultimate comfort food! Bone in, skin on chicken is soaked in a buttermilk brine, coated, and fried until golden and crispy!
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Foil Packs
If you’re looking for a tasty meal that’s easy to make, grill up these Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Foil Packs for a satisfying dinner without the mess!
Easy Southern Squash Casserole
This Southern Squash Casserole is a classic recipe that’s perfect for family dinners or holiday meals. Tender yellow squash is coated in a creamy sauce and topped with a buttery cracker topping before baking in the oven. It’s a tried a true winning recipe; you will get asked to make it again and again!
Southern Salmon Croquettes
When your taste buds are craving something crispy and tender, this Salmon Croquette Recipe needs to be put on your menu. This is one hearty meal that is oh-so-full of flavor!
