20 Delicious Southern Style Dinners

From crispy fried chicken and smoky barbecue ribs to creamy mac and cheese and fluffy biscuits, we’ve rounded up the best southern comfort food to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re a born-and-raised southerner or just a fan of good ol’ southern cooking, these recipes will surely transport you to the heart of Dixie with every delicious bite. So grab your apron and prepare to bring a taste of the south to your kitchen!

Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole slice on a white plate.
Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

It’s filled with creamy mashed sweet potatoes and topped with a sweet, crunchy oatmeal topping. Drizzle it with maple syrup, and you have a winning side dish.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Sweet Potato Casserole

Sausage and Bean Soup

Sausage and bean soup in a white bowl with a striped cloth.
Sausage and Bean Soup. Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

Craving soup to warm your bones this winter? Try this easy Sausage and Bean Soup for a quick, healthy weeknight dinner that comes together in less than 30 minutes. It’s full of protein, spices, and vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Bean Soup

Corn Casserole

Corn casserole on a gray plate with a fork.
Corn Casserole. Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

You don’t have to give up classic comfort food just because you are gluten free. This Gluten Free Corn Casserole is a simple side dish that will be a hit on your Thanksgiving or Christmas table and no one will know it’s gluten free.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Corn Casserole

Two Ingredient Slow Cooker Beef Brisket

Two ingredient beef tacos with toppings.
Two Ingredient Slow Cooker Beef Brisket. Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

This easy Two Ingredient Slow Cooker Beef Brisket will be a dinner home run. Cooking brisket in the slow cooker with salsa verde makes the meat tender and juicy.
Get the Recipe: Two Ingredient Slow Cooker Beef Brisket

Delicious Air Fryer Honey Mustard Pork Chops

Pork chops on a wooden board with sauce.
Delicious Air Fryer Honey Mustard Pork Chops. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This air fryer honey mustard pork chops recipe is the latest recipe I’ve made, and it’s so good! This 30-minute meal is perfect after a busy day at work. Making a tasty honey mustard pork chop sauce is super easy, too!
Get the Recipe: Delicious Air Fryer Honey Mustard Pork Chops

Air Fryer Bacon Loaded Cornbread Pudding – Corn Casserole

Air fryer corn casserole in a white baking dish.
Air Fryer Bacon Loaded Cornbread Pudding – Corn Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Bacon loaded cornbread pudding pairs with everything from chicken to ham or steaks. It’s a wonderful potluck dish, and this is the best corn casserole I’ve made. It’s easy to put together this air fryer cornbread pudding made with Jiffy cornbread mix.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Loaded Cornbread Pudding – Corn Casserole

The Best Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Fried chicken sandwich with french fries on the side.
The Best Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

With a perfectly seasoned, golden brown coating and mouthwatering toppings, this fried chicken sandwich will satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. Don’t settle for ordinary; elevate your sandwich game with this finger-licking deliciousness! Once you’ve tried this crispy chicken sandwich, you might definitely prefer it to the fast food version.
Get the Recipe: The Best Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Butter Herbed Shrimp and Juicy Pan Seared Pork Chops

Buttery shrimp on top of pork chops.
Butter Herbed Shrimp and Juicy Pan Seared Pork Chops. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Pan seared pork chops make a wonderful dinner. But if you want a ‘surf and turf’ twist on easy pork chops, consider adding shrimp! There are many meat dishes, which also include seafood. Even if it doesn’t sound like a good match, this shrimp and pork chops recipe works beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Butter Herbed Shrimp and Juicy Pan Seared Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice

Red beans and rice in a black bowl.
Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice. Photo credit: PinkWhen.

It’s sure to warm you up on the inside and make you come back for seconds! Make the rice separate when you have returned home for dinner. If you like the thicker recipe, add the rice in, and you are all done with dinner!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice

Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak

Chicken fried steak with gravy.
Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak. Photo credit: PinkWhen.

This homemade Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak is one of the best recipes ever. This southern cooking style dish is a family favorite and easily made in the air fryer. No deep fryer is needed!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak

Chicken Jambalaya

Chicken jambalaya with rice and a wooden spoon.
Chicken Jambalaya. Photo credit: PinkWhen.

This is a great recipe and one of my favorite one-pot meals. It’s creole cooking at its finest with a New Orleans twist. If you’ve never enjoyed a chicken and sausage jambalaya recipe before, you’re definitely in for a treat.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Jambalaya

Crawfish Étouffée

Rice with crawfish etouffe on top.
Crawfish Étouffée. Photo credit: PinkWhen.

If you love a good Southern meal and you like etouffee, then I have THE perfect recipe for you. Made with delicious crawfish tails, the trinity vegetables, butter, flour, and more.
Get the Recipe: Crawfish Étouffée

Southern Keto Gumbo

Gumbo with sausage on rice in a white bowl.
Southern Keto Gumbo. Photo credit: Natasha’s Southern Flavor.

Savor the flavor of this delicious Gumbo; it’s made with a low-carb and gluten-free roux! It has all the aroma and spicy kick you’d expect from traditional Gumbo.
Get the Recipe: Southern Keto Gumbo

Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese

Baked mac and cheese with spoonful in a casserole dish.
Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Indulge in a creamy, delicious homemade baked gouda mac and cheese for the ultimate comfort food! This easy-to-follow recipe has a rich, creamy texture and is ready in just 45 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese

Cajun Oyster Mushroom Pasta

Cajun pasta in a bowl with red sauce.
Cajun Oyster Mushroom Pasta. Photo credit: My Pure Plants.

This oyster mushroom pasta is a flavor-packed delight that you won’t be able to resist. The recipe has crispy oyster mushrooms, vibrant bell peppers, sweet onions, and juicy chopped tomatoes, all tossed in a blend of aromatic Cajun seasonings and rich coconut cream.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Oyster Mushroom Pasta

Gumbo

Gumbo with rice in a blue bowl.
Gumbo. Photo credit: Pear Tree Kitchen.

Gumbo, a hearty dish hailing from Louisiana, is a delightful medley of flavors you’ll want to savor again and again. This recipe, filled with an array of spices, meats, and veggies, is more than just a meal—it’s a culinary journey through the rich and vibrant culture of the South.
Get the Recipe: Gumbo

Green Rice Casserole

Rice casserole in a white baking dish.
Green Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This green rice casserole is simple, easy to make, and loaded with flavorful ingredients. Plus, it’s perfect for busy weeknights since it’s ready in under 35 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Green Rice Casserole

Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders with pickles on top.
Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Natasha’s Southern Flavor.

Nashville Hot Chicken is loved globally! It’s fried chicken with a major kick! The famous chicken is coated in a cayenne spice blend and drizzled with spicy oil.
Get the Recipe: Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

Beans and Cornbread Recipe

Beans with cornbread on the side.
Beans and Cornbread Recipe. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This classic Southern comfort food is perfect for a cold winter day. Made with simple ingredients and spices, it’s hearty and delicious, easy to make and can be customized to your liking!
Get the Recipe: Beans and Cornbread Recipe

Vegan Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken with dumplings on top.
Vegan Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: My Pure Plants.

This thick and creamy vegan chicken and dumplings are packed with chewy king oyster mushrooms, nutritious veggies, and natural flavors that will make you crave for seconds before you finish the first bowl! It is also easy to make and ready in 40 minutes, perfect for a filling and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chicken and Dumplings

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Karen Kelly, a food and travel writer, is the founder of Seasonal Cravings. She is also a health coach certified by the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.

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