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The Passport Kitchen

19 Southern Dishes You’ll Want to Make Tonight and Every Night

August 15, 2025 by Amanda Tyler Leave a Comment

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There is just something about Southern comfort foods that hits the spot. Maybe it’s because I grew up in the South, but whenever I think of comfort food, I think about Southern recipes—sweet, heavy, a little spicy—all served with some sweet tea, of course.

These southern comfort foods will fill you up like no other recipe can. You can make these for any occasion, although some are a bit more consuming than others—maybe save it for a weekend as opposed to a busy weeknight. Regardless of when you actually make these recipes, trust me: you will love every one of them!

The Best Jambalaya Recipe

The Best Jambalaya Recipe.

Image Credit: The Forked Spoon.

Made with a hearty blend of juicy chicken, spicy andouille sausage, and cooked rice, this easy one-pot Jambalaya Recipe packs bold, rich, and comforting Cajun flavors into every delicious bite! Customizable and surprisingly easy to make, this is hands-down the best jambalaya recipe you’ll ever make.

Get the Recipe: The Best Jambalaya Recipe

 

Loaded Cornbread

Loaded Cornbread.

Image Credit: The Cookin’ Chicks.

Does anything get more Southern than classic cornbread? Classic Cornbread gets kicked up several notches in this Loaded Cornbread recipe by adding cheese, bacon, corn, and more! The perfect side dish to go with any meal!

Get the Recipe: Loaded Cornbread

 

Skillet Baked Beans and Bacon

Skillet Baked Beans and Bacon.

Image Credit: Dutch Oven Daddy.

These Skillet Baked Beans and Bacon are made in the traditional Southern style with molasses, topped with bacon strips, and baked in the oven in a cast iron skillet.

Get the Recipe: Skillet Baked Beans and Bacon

Best Buttermilk Biscuits

Best Buttermilk Biscuits.

Image Credit: Chew Out Loud.

These Southern Buttermilk Biscuits are super easy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious! They’re tender and fluffy, perfect for drizzling with honey, butter, or sugar. Eat these while they’re fresh and warm for a biscuit the whole family will adore.

Get the Recipe: Best Buttermilk Biscuits

Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice

Stir Up an Easy Supper With Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice.

Image Credit: Two Kids and a Coupon.

This easy slow cooker red beans and rice makes an easy, delicious, and comforting meal.  Rice and beans are so cheap and delicious- it’s a great meal to learn how to make often. 

Get the Recipe:  Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice

 

Old-Fashioned Leftover Ham Bone Soup With Beans

Old-Fashioned Leftover Ham Bone Soup With Beans.

Image Credit: The Peasant’s Daughter.

Stop throwing away your ham bone or giving it to the dog; instead, turn it (and any leftover ham) into this delicious leftover hambone soup with beans and root vegetables. If you love ham and bean soups and stews, you will love this.

Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Leftover Ham Bone Soup With Beans

 

Chicken Fried Steak

Chicken Fried Steak.

Image Credit: JCP Eats.

Want some serious comfort food? Check out this Chicken Fried Steak. This classic Southern dish is perfect for any meal: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and drenched in a rich, creamy gravy. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making your family dinner, this Chicken Fried Steak will surely be a hit.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Steak

 

Slow Cooker Roast Beef Po’ Boys

Slow Cooker Roast Beef Po’ Boys.

Image Credit: Everyday Shortcuts.

Roast Beef Po’Boys combines all the flavors of the South into a single submarine sandwich, from juicy, tender roast beef to delicious gravy.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Roast Beef Po’ Boys

 

Traeger Baked Beans

Traeger Baked Beans.

Image Credit: Simple and Fraiche.

These Traeger Baked Beans are the perfect side dish for your next BBQ. The beans are smokey and spicy with a touch of heat! These smoked beans only take a few minutes to prepare, and then the smoker does the rest!

Get the Recipe: Traeger Baked Beans

 

Biscuits and Gravy Casserole Recipe

Biscuits and Gravy Casserole Recipe.

Image Credit: The Oklahoma Homesteader.

This Biscuits and Gravy Casserole Recipe is a Southern breakfast favorite with buttery biscuits, hearty sausage gravy, and melted cheese. It’s a comforting delight.  You will savor each bite of this timeless recipe, bringing warmth and joy to those you share this with.

Get the Recipe: Biscuits and Gravy Casserole Recipe

 

Best Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe

Best Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe.

Image Credit: The Cooking Foodie.

 This easy homemade recipe makes super crispy fried chicken on the outside and moist, juicy, and flavorful on the inside. This classic buttermilk fried chicken is a very popular dish in many places worldwide, and for good reason. This recipe can be prepared with drumsticks, thighs, or other parts.

Get the Recipe: Best Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe

 

Air Fried Okra

Air Fried Okra.

Image Credit: Joyful Balance.

This air-fried okra is easy to make, a fun side dish, and the best way to enjoy okra! Enjoy this more wholesome twist on the Southern classic.

Get the Recipe: Air Fried Okra

 

Sweet Creamy Coleslaw Recipe

Sweet Creamy Coleslaw Recipe.

Image Credit: Cooking Up Memories.

This Sweet Creamy Coleslaw comes together in just 5 minutes. It’s creamy and delicious; your family will love it with just about any dinner you serve. 

Get the Recipe: Sweet Creamy Coleslaw Recipe

 

Chicken Biscuit Bake Casserole

Chicken Biscuit Bake Casserole.

Image Credit: Quiche my Grits.

Get ready for an old-fashioned Southern dinner when you make Chicken Biscuit Bake Casserole. You’ll love the savory flavor of tender chicken, mixed veggies, and creamy gravy topped with warm and flaky biscuits. It’s an easy one-pan meal!

Get the Recipe: Chicken Biscuit Bake Casserole

 

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese.

Image Credit: Chenee Today.

Creamy southern baked mac and cheese with a secret ingredient has always been one of the most popular recipes! It’s the ultimate comfort food for Sunday dinner or a holiday celebration!

Get the Recipe: Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

 

Southern Country Gravy

Southern Country Gravy.

Image Credit: By Kelsey Smith.

This Southern country gravy is a white gravy with bacon grease, flour, whole milk, salt, and black pepper and is perfect for biscuits and fried chicken.

Get the Recipe: Southern Country Gravy

 

Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and Dumplings.

Image Credit: Fantabulosity.

This easy homemade Chicken and Dumplings recipe hits the spot on cool days and is made from scratch using simple ingredients. Talk about a perfect comfort food!

Get the Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings

 

Smothered Chicken

Smothered Chicken.

Image Credit: Gypsyplate.

This Smothered Chicken is the epitome of Classic Soul Food that will warm up your body and soul. This is a comfort food that generations have grown up on.

Get the Recipe: Smothered Chicken

 

Shrimp and Corn Chowder With Popped Wild Rice Cornbread

Shrimp and Corn Chowder with Popped Wild Rice Cornbread.

Image Credit: Good Grief Cook.

This shrimp and corn chowder with popped wild rice cornbread is a low-country-inspired feast. It’s so good that it scored a top 100 at the World Food Championships (WFC). The scores are based on execution, appearance, and taste. So give it a try and see why it got the top score!

Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Corn Chowder with Popped Wild Rice Cornbread

 

Read More:

Woman taking baking dish with tasty rice casserole out of oven.

Image Credit: Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock.

Check out these awesome recipes!

Like This: 30 Finger Foods and Appetizers to Make Every Day a Party

And This: 20 One-Bite Appetizers That Will Make You the Host With the Most

And This: 9 Casseroles Every Mom Should Make

 

Filed Under: Great Food

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