20 Easy Southern Recipes for Weeknight Dinners

1. Classic Southern Fried Chicken

This iconic dish is a staple in Southern homes. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, it’s perfect for any weeknight. Pair it with some collard greens for a complete meal.

• 4 chicken thighs and drumsticks
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 1 hour. In a separate bowl, mix flour, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture and fry until golden brown. Serve hot!

2. Shrimp and Grits

This creamy dish is a Southern classic that combines the richness of grits with succulent shrimp. It’s quick to prepare and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

• 1 cup grits
• 2 cups water
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

Cook the grits in water until creamy. In another pan, sauté shrimp in butter until pink, adding heavy cream and Cajun seasoning. Serve shrimp over grits for a comforting meal.

3. One-Pot Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

This hearty dish is perfect for busy nights. It brings together the flavors of chicken, sausage, and the holy trinity of vegetables in a single pot.

• 1 pound chicken thighs, diced
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped bell pepper
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

In a large pot, sauté chicken and sausage until browned. Add onions, bell peppers, and celery, cooking until soft. Stir in chicken broth and Cajun seasoning, simmering for 30 minutes. Serve hot with rice.

4. Easy Southern Biscuits

Fluffy and buttery, these biscuits are perfect as a side or even for breakfast. They are incredibly easy to whip up and only take a few ingredients.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
• 3/4 cup milk

Preheat your oven to 450°F. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in milk until just combined. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes.

5. Southern Collard Greens

This nutritious side dish is a staple in Southern cuisine. Collard greens are packed with flavor and nutrients, making them a great accompaniment to any meal.

• 2 pounds collard greens, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon vinegar

In a pot, cook bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and sauté onions in the grease. Add collard greens and chicken broth, simmering for 45 minutes. Stir in vinegar before serving.

6. Tomato and Cucumber Salad

This refreshing salad is a perfect way to use fresh produce. It’s light, flavorful, and can be made in just a few minutes.

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, and onion. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine and serve chilled.

7. Quick Beef Stroganoff

This comforting dish comes together quickly and is perfect for busy weeknights. The creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with egg noodles.

• 1 pound beef sirloin, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• Egg noodles, cooked

In a skillet, brown the beef and remove. Sauté onions and mushrooms until tender. Stir in beef broth and simmer for 10 minutes. Add sour cream, return beef, and serve over noodles.

8. Southern Cornbread

This sweet and savory bread is a must-have for any Southern meal. It’s quick to bake and pairs perfectly with chili or greens.

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a bowl, mix cornmeal, milk, sugar, oil, baking powder, and salt. Pour into a greased skillet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

9. Southern-Style Macaroni and Cheese

This creamy and cheesy dish is a family favorite. It’s rich, satisfying, and can be made in under an hour.

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook macaroni according to package instructions. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and add cheese until melted. Combine with macaroni and serve.

10. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you!

• 2 pounds pork shoulder
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 onion, sliced
• Buns for serving

Place pork in a slow cooker with onions and BBQ sauce. Cook on low for 8 hours. Shred the pork and serve on buns with extra sauce.

11. Baked Catfish with Lemon

This dish is simple yet flavorful. Baked catfish is a healthier option that retains the delicious taste of Southern cooking.

• 4 catfish fillets
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 cup cornmeal
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Drizzle catfish with lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Coat in cornmeal and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until flaky.

12. Southern Pecan Pie

This classic dessert is a sweet way to end any Southern meal. It’s rich, nutty, and utterly delicious.

• 1 pie crust
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1 cup corn syrup
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a bowl, mix corn syrup, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in pecans and pour into the pie crust. Bake for 60 minutes until set. Let cool before serving.

Conclusion

These 20 easy Southern recipes are perfect for weeknight dinners, offering a taste of home-cooked comfort that everyone will love. From classic fried chicken to creamy macaroni and cheese, these dishes are not only simple to prepare but also full of flavorful ingredients that embody the spirit of Southern cooking. Enjoy your next meal with these delightful recipes that are sure to impress your family and friends!

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13. Shrimp and Grits

This dish is a Southern classic that combines creamy grits with sautéed shrimp for a perfect dinner option. It’s quick to prepare and full of flavor.

• 1 cup grits
• 2 cups water
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup bacon, chopped
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a saucepan, bring water to a boil and add grits. Cook according to package instructions. In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy, then add shrimp and butter, cooking until shrimp are pink. Serve shrimp over grits with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

14. Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

This hearty stew is perfect for a filling weeknight dinner, packed with flavor and a bit of spice!

• 1 pound chicken, cubed
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups okra, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a large pot, make a roux by cooking flour until brown. Add onion and bell pepper, cooking until soft. Stir in chicken and sausage, then add broth and okra. Simmer for 30 minutes and season with salt and pepper.

15. Southern Style Collard Greens

These greens are a staple in Southern cuisine, full of nutrients and flavor, making them a great side dish.

• 1 bunch collard greens, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add collard greens and broth, simmering for 20-30 minutes until tender. Season with salt and pepper.

16. Fried Green Tomatoes

A classic Southern appetizer, fried green tomatoes are crispy on the outside and tangy on the inside.

• 2 green tomatoes, sliced
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Dip tomato slices in buttermilk, then coat in cornmeal mixed with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet and fry tomatoes until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels before serving.

17. Southern-Style Chili

This hearty chili is perfect for cozy nights, packed with flavor and can be made in one pot for easy cleanup!

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a large pot, brown ground beef with onion. Add tomatoes, beans, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve hot with cornbread.

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18. Pimento Cheese Sandwiches

This creamy and tangy spread is a Southern favorite, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner option. Serve it on bread or crackers for a delightful meal!

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup pimentos, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Bread or crackers for serving

In a mixing bowl, combine cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended. Spread on bread or serve with crackers for a delicious snack or meal.

19. Country-Style Biscuits and Gravy

This comforting dish features flaky biscuits smothered in creamy sausage gravy, making it a hearty weeknight meal.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, cold and cubed
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 pound breakfast sausage
• 2 cups milk (for gravy)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then stir in milk until combined. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes. For the gravy, cook sausage until browned, then stir in milk, seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve gravy over warm biscuits.

20. Classic Southern Cornbread

This sweet and buttery cornbread is a staple in Southern homes, perfect for pairing with any meal.

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 large eggs

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, and eggs. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed. Pour batter into a greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Conclusion

These 20 easy Southern recipes are perfect for weeknight dinners, bringing comfort and flavor to your table. Whether you’re craving something hearty like gumbo or a lighter option like shrimp and grits, there’s a delightful dish here for everyone. Enjoy these delicious recipes and bring a taste of the South into your home!

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