20 Classic Southern Family Recipes to Try Tonight

7. Shrimp and Grits

This dish is a staple of Southern cuisine, often served for breakfast or dinner. The creamy, cheesy grits paired with succulent shrimp create a comforting meal that’s hard to resist.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup grits
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. In a pot, bring water to a boil. Add grits and reduce heat to low, cooking until thickened, about 20-25 minutes.
  2. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Set aside.
  3. In a skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels.
  4. Add garlic to the bacon grease and sauté for 1 minute. Add shrimp and Cajun seasoning. Cook until shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
  5. Serve shrimp over a bed of grits, topped with bacon bits.

8. Fried Green Tomatoes

These crispy, tangy slices make for an excellent appetizer or side dish. The combination of cornmeal and buttermilk gives them a delicious crunch.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 green tomatoes, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil for frying
• Instructions:
  1. Soak the tomato slices in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
  2. In a shallow dish, mix cornmeal, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Dredge each tomato slice in the cornmeal mixture, coating both sides.
  5. Fry the tomatoes in the hot oil until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels before serving.

9. Chicken and Dumplings

This hearty dish brings together tender chicken and fluffy dumplings in a rich, savory broth. It’s a comforting meal that warms the soul.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 whole chicken
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1 cup carrots, chopped
  • 1 cup celery, chopped
  • 1 cup onion, chopped
• Instructions:
  1. In a large pot, boil the chicken in chicken broth until cooked through. Remove chicken, let cool, and shred.
  2. Add carrots, celery, and onion to the broth and simmer until vegetables are tender.
  3. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk and melted butter until a dough forms.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering broth. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes.
  5. Add shredded chicken back into the pot and stir gently. Cook for another 5 minutes before serving.

10. Pecan Pie

No Southern meal is complete without dessert, and pecan pie is a beloved classic. Its sweet, nutty filling is a true indulgence.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup corn syrup
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups pecans, chopped
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth.
  3. Stir in chopped pecans.
  4. Pour the filling into the pie crust and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until set.
  5. Cool before serving to allow the filling to firm up.

11. Collard Greens

Collard greens are a quintessential Southern side dish. They are often cooked slowly with smoked meat for added flavor and richness.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 bunches collard greens, washed and chopped
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 smoked ham hock or turkey leg
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until softened.
  2. Add chicken broth, ham hock, and collard greens. Bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until greens are tender.
  4. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes before serving.

12. Banana Pudding

This creamy dessert is a Southern favorite, featuring layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and a luscious pudding. It’s a perfect finish to any meal.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 box vanilla wafers
  • 4 bananas, sliced
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 egg yolks
• Instructions:
  1. In a saucepan, mix milk, sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
  3. In a trifle dish, layer vanilla wafers, sliced bananas, and pudding. Repeat layers until ingredients are used up.
  4. Cover with whipped cream and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

13. Hush Puppies

These deep-fried cornmeal balls are a beloved Southern side, perfect for pairing with fried fish or barbecue. They are crispy on the outside and soft inside.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • Vegetable oil for frying
• Instructions:
  1. In a bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Stir in chopped onion, beaten egg, and buttermilk until well combined.
  3. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 365°F (185°C).
  4. Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Remove and drain on paper towels before serving.

14. Biscuits and Sausage Gravy

This classic Southern breakfast is a hearty way to start the day. Flaky biscuits smothered in creamy sausage gravy are a true comfort food.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup butter, cold and cubed
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 pound breakfast sausage
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy)
  • 2 cups milk (for gravy)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Add milk and stir until just combined. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead gently. Roll out and cut into rounds.
  3. Place biscuits on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown.
  4. In a skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until browned. Sprinkle with flour and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Serve sausage gravy over warm biscuits.

15. Sweet Tea

No Southern meal is complete without a glass of sweet tea. This refreshing beverage is a staple in Southern households, especially during the hot summer months.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 cups water
  • 4 black tea bags
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup cold water
  • Ice
• Instructions:
  1. In a pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and add tea bags. Steep for 5 minutes.
  2. Remove tea bags and stir in sugar until dissolved.
  3. Add 1 cup of cold water and chill in the refrigerator.
  4. Serve over ice and enjoy with lemon slices if desired.

16. Southern Cornbread

This savory bread is a perfect accompaniment to Southern meals, especially with chili or greens. Its slightly sweet flavor and crumbly texture make it a favorite.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a skillet or baking dish.
  2. In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together milk, oil, and eggs. Add to dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
  4. Pour batter into the prepared skillet and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.

17. Country Ham

This cured and smoked ham is a Southern delicacy that can be served as a main course or a flavorful addition to other dishes.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 country ham (pre-cooked)
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup mustard
  • Cloves (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Score the surface of the ham and stud with cloves if desired.
  3. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and mustard to form a paste.
  4. Spread the mixture over the ham and place it in a roasting pan.
  5. Bake for about 15 minutes per pound until heated through. Baste occasionally with the drippings.

18. Deviled Eggs

These classic appetizers are perfect for gatherings and are easy to prepare. They are a flavorful bite-sized treat loved by many.

• Ingredients:
  • 6 hard-boiled eggs
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Paprika for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Peel the hard-boiled eggs and slice them in half lengthwise.
  2. Remove yolks and place them in a bowl. Mash with mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. Fill the egg whites with the yolk mixture and sprinkle with paprika before serving.

19. Macaroni and Cheese

This creamy and cheesy dish is a Southern classic, often served as a side at family gatherings. It’s rich, indulgent, and truly comforting.

• Ingredients:
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions and drain.
  2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Stir in cheeses until melted.
  4. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

20. Peach Cobbler

This delightful dessert showcases the sweetness of ripe peaches, making it a perfect summer treat. It’s often served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 cups sliced peaches (fresh or canned)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix peaches with 1/2 cup sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Pour into a baking dish.
  3. In another bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk and melted butter until just combined.
  4. Pour the batter over the peaches (do not stir).
  5. Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Serve warm, preferably with ice cream.

Conclusion

These 20 classic Southern family recipes are more than just dishes; they represent a rich culinary tradition that has been passed down through generations. From hearty meals to delightful desserts, each recipe brings a taste of the South into your kitchen. So gather your family, whip up these comforting recipes, and enjoy a taste of Southern hospitality tonight!

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