25 Serve Happy Southern Recipes for Every Occasion

11. Southern-Style Shrimp and Grits

This classic dish brings together succulent shrimp sautéed in a savory sauce, served over creamy grits. Perfect as a main course for any gathering, it’s a beloved Southern staple that’s sure to impress.

• Ingredients:
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup grits
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
• In a pot, bring chicken broth to a boil and add grits. Reduce heat to low and cook until thickened, about 20 minutes.
• Stir in cheese, butter, salt, and pepper.
• In a skillet, sauté shrimp in butter until pink, about 5 minutes. Add cayenne pepper and green onions.
• Serve shrimp over grits and garnish with additional green onions.

12. Southern Cornbread

No Southern meal is complete without a side of cornbread. This recipe yields a golden, fluffy cornbread that pairs perfectly with chili, greens, or as a standalone snack.

• Ingredients:
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• Instructions:
• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a cast-iron skillet.
• In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and melted butter.
• Combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just blended.
• Pour the batter into the skillet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

13. Classic Southern Fried Chicken

This recipe gives you the crispiest, juiciest fried chicken, a quintessential dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or picnics.

• Ingredients:
• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Instructions:
• Soak chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
• In a large bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
• Dredge chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 15-18 minutes.

14. Pimento Cheese Spread

This creamy, cheesy spread is a Southern delicacy that’s perfect for parties, as a sandwich filling, or simply served with crackers.

• Ingredients:
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup diced pimentos
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
• In a bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Mix until well combined and creamy.
• Serve chilled with crackers or as a sandwich spread.

15. Southern Green Beans with Bacon

These flavorful green beans are cooked with crispy bacon, making them a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with any Southern meal.

• Ingredients:
• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
• In a skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving drippings in the skillet.
• Add onion and garlic to the skillet, sautéing until soft.
• Add green beans, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes until tender. Stir in bacon before serving.

16. Southern Coleslaw

This tangy, crunchy coleslaw is a must-have at any Southern BBQ. It’s easy to make and adds a refreshing crunch to your meal.

• Ingredients:
• 1 small head of cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
• In a large bowl, combine cabbage and carrots.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
• Pour dressing over cabbage mixture and toss well. Chill before serving.

17. Baked Macaroni and Cheese

This dish is the epitome of comfort food. Creamy, cheesy, and baked to perfection, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion.

• Ingredients:
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
• Instructions:
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook macaroni according to package directions and drain.
• In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, cheese, milk, sour cream, butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Transfer to a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs if desired. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

18. Sweet Potato Casserole

This sweet and creamy casserole topped with a crunchy pecan topping is a holiday favorite that’s perfect for Thanksgiving or any family gathering.

• Ingredients:
• 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• Instructions:
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix sweet potatoes, sugar, milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
• Transfer to a greased baking dish.
• In another bowl, combine brown sugar, pecans, flour, and softened butter. Mix until crumbly and sprinkle over sweet potato mixture.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes until heated through and topping is golden.

19. Peach Cobbler

This dessert is a Southern classic that features sweet, juicy peaches with a buttery biscuit topping. It’s perfect served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

• Ingredients:
• 4 cups sliced peaches (fresh or canned)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Instructions:
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix peaches, sugar, and lemon juice. Pour into a greased baking dish.
• In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and melted butter until smooth.
• Pour batter over peaches and bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown.

20. Southern Biscuits

Flaky, buttery biscuits are a Southern breakfast staple that can also be served with dinner. They’re perfect for sopping up gravy or enjoying with jam.

• Ingredients:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup butter, cold and cubed
• 3/4 cup milk
• Instructions:
• Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Add cold butter and mix until crumbly.
• Stir in milk until just combined. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead gently.
• Roll out and cut into rounds. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.

21. Shrimp and Crab Gumbo

This hearty and flavorful stew is a true Southern comfort food. Packed with shrimp, crab, and spices, it’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in.

• Ingredients:
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lb crab meat
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups okra, sliced
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
• In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat and whisk in flour to make a roux. Cook until dark brown, about 20-30 minutes.
• Add onion, bell pepper, and celery, cooking until tender.
• Add chicken broth, okra, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes.
• Stir in shrimp and crab, cooking until shrimp are pink.

22. Southern Potato Salad

This creamy potato salad is a must-have for picnics and barbecues. Packed with flavor and texture, it’s a side dish that everyone will love.

• Ingredients:
• 5 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 3 eggs, boiled and chopped
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1/2 cup celery, chopped
• 1/4 cup onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
• Boil potatoes until tender, then drain and cool.
• In a large bowl, combine potatoes, eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, celery, onion, salt, and pepper.
• Toss to combine and chill before serving.

23. Country Style Green Beans

This dish features tender green beans cooked with potatoes and bacon, creating a savory side that complements any Southern meal.

• Ingredients:
• 1 lb green beans, trimmed
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
• In a large pot, cook bacon until crispy. Add onion and cook until translucent.
• Add green beans, potatoes, chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
• Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 20-30 minutes.

24. Buttermilk Fried Catfish

This crispy fried catfish is deliciously seasoned and makes for a perfect Southern dish. Serve it with tartar sauce for a complete meal.

• Ingredients:
• 4 catfish fillets
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Instructions:
• Soak catfish fillets in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
• In a bowl, mix cornmeal, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
• Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C). Dredge fish in cornmeal mixture and fry until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side.

25. Classic Red Velvet Cake

This stunning cake is a Southern favorite, known for its vibrant red color and creamy frosting. It’s perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any celebration.

• Ingredients:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• Red food coloring (to desired color)
• For the cream cheese frosting:
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Instructions:
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
• In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
• In another bowl, combine oil, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, vinegar, and food coloring. Mix well.
• Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until combined.
• Divide batter between the two pans and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
• For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla.
• Once the cakes are cool, frost between the layers and on top.

Conclusion

With these 25 Serve Happy Southern Recipes, you have a delicious array of dishes to choose from for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, throwing a summer barbecue, or simply enjoying a comforting meal at home, these recipes are sure to bring joy and satisfy your taste buds. Embrace the flavors of the South and enjoy cooking and sharing these delightful dishes with your loved ones!

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