25 Easy Southern Recipes for a Fall Feast

1. Southern Collard Greens

Collard greens are a staple in Southern cuisine, especially during the fall. This dish is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a perfect addition to your feast. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:

• 2 lbs collard greens, washed and chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened. Add the collard greens and cook for a few minutes until they begin to wilt. Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Let it simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour until the greens are tender.

2. Buttermilk Biscuits

No Southern meal is complete without fluffy buttermilk biscuits. These are easy to make and pair perfectly with any dish. Here’s a quick recipe:

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

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the buttermilk until just combined. Turn the dough onto a floured surface, knead gently, and roll out to about 1-inch thickness. Cut out biscuits and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

3. Sweet Potato Casserole

This sweet potato casserole is a crowd-pleaser and adds a touch of sweetness to your feast. Here’s how to prepare it:

• 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional)

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and beaten eggs. Mix until smooth. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and top with mini marshmallows if desired. Bake for 30-35 minutes until heated through and marshmallows are toasted.

4. Southern Style Green Beans

Green beans are a classic side dish that complement any Southern meal. This recipe adds a bit of Southern flair:

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened. Add the green beans and pour in the chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the green beans are tender.

5. Cornbread Dressing

This cornbread dressing is a Southern classic that brings comforting flavors to your fall feast:

• 4 cups crumbled cornbread
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon sage
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, celery, onion, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Gradually add the chicken broth until the mixture is moist but not soggy. Transfer the dressing to a greased baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.

6. Shrimp and Grits

This dish is a Southern delicacy that combines creamy grits with succulent shrimp. Here’s how to make it:

• 1 cup grits
• 4 cups water
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a pot, bring the water to a boil and stir in the grits. Reduce heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until thick. In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy, then add the shrimp and Cajun seasoning. Cook until the shrimp turn pink, then stir in the heavy cream. Serve the shrimp mixture over the grits.

7. Pecan Pie

No Southern feast is complete without a classic pecan pie. This recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth:

• 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup corn syrup
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup pecans, chopped

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir in the chopped pecans. Pour the mixture into the pie crust and bake for 60-70 minutes until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. Let cool before serving.

8. Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried green tomatoes are a fantastic appetizer or side dish that captures the essence of Southern cooking:

• 4 green tomatoes, sliced
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Dip each tomato slice in buttermilk, then coat with cornmeal mixed with salt and pepper. Fry the tomatoes in batches until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

9. Chicken and Dumplings

This comforting dish is perfect for a cozy fall night. Here’s an easy recipe:

• 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, milk, salt, and pepper to form a dough. Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the boiling broth and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through. Stir in the shredded chicken and heat until warmed through.

10. Chocolate Gravy

This unique Southern dessert is perfect for drizzling over biscuits. Here’s how to make it:

• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a saucepan, whisk together cocoa powder, sugar, flour, and milk over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Serve warm over freshly baked biscuits.

11. Hush Puppies

These delightful cornmeal fritters are a perfect side for fried fish or barbecue:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Vegetable oil for frying

In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the chopped onion and buttermilk until combined. Heat oil in a skillet and drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and drain on paper towels.

12. Brunswick Stew

This hearty stew is a Southern favorite, especially during the cooler months. Here’s a simple recipe:

• 1 lb chicken, cooked and shredded
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup corn
• 1 cup lima beans
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a large pot, combine all ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm.

13. Macaroni and Cheese

This creamy and cheesy dish is a must-have at any Southern feast. Here’s how to make it:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon salt

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the macaroni according to package instructions and drain. In a saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the flour to create a roux. Gradually add the milk and cook until thickened. Stir in the cheese until melted. Combine the cheese sauce with the macaroni and pour into a greased baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.

14. Country Ham

This iconic Southern dish is perfect for holiday gatherings. Here’s a simple way to prepare it:

• 1 country ham (about 10 pounds)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Score the surface of the ham and rub the brown sugar into the surface. Place the ham in a roasting pan and pour the apple cider vinegar over it. Bake for 2-3 hours, basting occasionally, until heated through and caramelized on the outside.

15. Apple Butter

This sweet spread is perfect for biscuits or toast. Here’s a simple recipe:

• 6 cups peeled and sliced apples
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

In a slow cooker, combine the apples, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook on low for 8-10 hours until the mixture is thick and spreadable. Blend if desired for a smoother texture.

16. Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

These bars are a twist on the classic pecan pie and are perfect for sharing:

• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 2/3 cup corn syrup
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine flour, butter, and powdered sugar to form a crust. Press into a greased baking dish and bake for 15 minutes. In another bowl, mix pecans, corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Pour over the crust and sprinkle with chocolate chips. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes. Let cool and cut into bars.

17. Southern Baked Beans

These sweet and savory beans are a great side dish for any barbecue:

• 2 cans baked beans
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled

In a baking dish, combine baked beans, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, onion, and bacon. Mix well and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes until heated through and bubbly.

18. Lemon Icebox Pie

This refreshing dessert is perfect for ending your fall feast on a sweet note:

• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 pre-made graham cracker crust

In a bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and sour cream until smooth. Pour the mixture into the graham cracker crust and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.

19. Fried Catfish

This Southern classic is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Here’s how to prepare it:

• 4 catfish fillets
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge the catfish fillets in the mixture until well coated. Heat oil in a skillet and fry the fillets for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels before serving.

20. Spiced Pumpkin Cake

This moist pumpkin cake is perfect for fall gatherings and is sure to be a hit:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix all ingredients until well combined. Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. Allow to cool before serving.

21. Southern Style Potato Salad

This creamy potato salad is a perfect side for your fall feast:

• 5 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Boil the diced potatoes until tender. Drain and let cool. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, mustard, celery, onion, salt, and pepper. Fold in the cooled potatoes and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

22. Peach Cobbler

This classic dessert is a great way to celebrate fall flavors:

• 4 cups sliced peaches
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup self-rising flour

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, toss peaches with sugar, flour, and lemon juice. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. In another bowl, mix melted butter, milk, and self-rising flour. Pour the batter over the peaches and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.

23. Creamed Corn

This rich and creamy side dish is a favorite at Southern gatherings:

• 4 cups fresh corn kernels
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the corn and cook for a few minutes until tender. Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until thickened.

24. Chicken and Rice Casserole

This comforting casserole is a one-dish wonder that’s perfect for fall:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup mixed vegetables
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix cooked rice, chicken, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, mixed vegetables, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through.

25. Red Velvet Cake

This iconic Southern cake is a show-stopper, perfect for any fall feast:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, and vanilla. Mix wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until well combined. Pour into greased cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Allow to cool before frosting with cream cheese frosting.

Conclusion

These 25 easy Southern recipes are perfect for creating a fall feast that everyone will love. From savory sides to delectable desserts, these dishes embody the warmth and hospitality of Southern cooking. Gather your family and friends, and enjoy the flavors of the season with these comforting and delicious recipes!

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