Classic Side Dishes

Southern Living

Round out your meal with a straight-from-the-garden veggie side. Each recipe has its own Southern twist whether it's adding crispy bacon, creamy cheese, or deep-frying.

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Southern-Style Collard Greens

Photo: Jim Franco

Recipe: Southern-Style Collard Greens

Crispy bacon, sautéed onion, ham, and garlic perfect these collard greens, making them an essential part of your traditional Southern feast.

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Tee's Corn Pudding

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Tee's Corn Pudding

This classic recipe has a rich, soufflé-like texture without the hassle. The result is an impressive side dish the entire family will love.

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Fried Green Tomatoes

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Fried Green Tomatoes

It doesn't get much more Southern than a plate of Fried Green Tomatoes. Great on sandwiches, in salads, or plain, this is a recipe every Southern cook should master.

Cooking Video: Fried Green Tomatoes

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Home-Style Butterbeans

Photo: William Dickey

Recipe: Home-Style Butterbeans

Bacon, onion, and brown sugar pack these beans with amazing flavor.

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Fried Pecan Okra

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Fried Pecan Okra

Okra thrives in the scorching heat of humid summers, soaring skyward in its semitropical glory. Originally from Africa, it is as overtly Southern as sweet tea and kudzu. Luckily for us, we have the inside secret when it comes to the delectable pods—no other people embrace okra as Southerners do. Crushed pecans and baking mix form the crisp breading for this classic Southern-style side.

Basic Fried Okra Recipe & Tips

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Green Peas with Crispy Bacon

Recipe: Green Peas with Crispy Bacon

The addition of mint and orange really brightens this often underrated veggie, while the bacon lends a smoky flavor.

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Summer Squash Casserole

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Recipe: Summer Squash Casserole  

Summer squash casserole is the most versatile Southern side dish. It pairs well with everything from fried chicken at a summertime Sunday lunch to roast turkey at Thanksgiving.

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Fresh Corn Cakes

Photo: William Dickey

Recipe: Fresh Corn Cakes

Fresh corn, mozzarella cheese, and chives make up the base of this classic side dish.

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Feta-Stuffed Tomatoes

Recipe: Feta-Stuffed Tomatoes

A feta cheese, breadcrumb, and fresh herb mixture fills these large tomatoes for a tasty side.

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Okra-and-Corn Maque Choux

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Okra-and-Corn Maque Choux

Use fresh corn and okra in this Maque Choux dish for best results. If you don't like spicy food you can easily sub the hot sausage for a milder version to fit your tastes.

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Fried Confetti Corn

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Fried Confetti Corn

Cream, bacon, and sweet peppers take this dish from down-home to top shelf.

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Caramelized Spicy Green Bean Recipe

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Caramelized Spicy Green Beans

The great thing about cooking with fresh green beans is that they are incredibly versatile vegetables. Whether you sauté, boil, or bake, these green bean recipes are amped with flavor.

In our first recipe, salty-sweet ingredients, some caramelization, and a bit of spice give these green beans a little pep in their step.

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