Our Best Summer Comfort Foods

Cherry-Plum Pie with Cornmeal Crust
Photo: Alison Miksch

There's just something about summertime that makes us crave our favorite comfort foods, especially ones that are bursting with indulgent summer flavors. With things like fresh summer produce, cool treats, and savory family-style suppers on our minds, we put together our favorite summer comfort foods to make sure you weren't forgetting any all-time winners this season. This summer is ripe with chances to enjoy the company of family and friends and some good Southern cooking, so get to it.

01 of 12

Creamed Corn

This creamed corn recipe is milky, creamy, and perfectly salty!

02 of 12

Memphis Dry-Rubbed Baby Back Ribs

Memphis Dry-Rubbed Baby Back Ribs
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: MindI Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Memphis Dry-Rubbed Baby Back Ribs

The dry rub on these ribs give a savory crisp on the outside, while the meat is super juicy and tender. A vinegar wash at the end of the cooking process gives even more flavor.

03 of 12

Mama's Fried Chicken

Mama's Fried Chicken
Southern Living

Recipe: Mama's Fried Chicken

You won't ever go back to any fast-food, bucket-style chicken again—ever. This crispy goodness is the real deal and perfect for the summer.

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Banana Pudding

Banana Pudding
Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Banana Pudding

What's better than homemade banana pudding? It's an all-American summer favorite—serve in individual ramikens for a special display.

05 of 12

Fried Pecan Okra

Fried Pecan Okra
Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Fried Pecan Okra

Southerners love okra more than anybody, and there are plenty of delicious ways to use it. But, at the end of the day, it's just darn good when it's fried. This recipe uses crushed pecans and baking mix to give extra crunch.

06 of 12

Easy Peach Cobbler

Easy Peach Cobbler
Iain Bagwell; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Easy Peach Cobbler

The flavors of summer truly shine in this simple cobbler with peaches, butter, and sugar. Top with some homemade vanilla ice cream to make it even better.

07 of 12

Classic Fresh Field Peas

Classic Fresh Field Peas
Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Classic Fresh Field Peas

There's not many things that don't taste better when you add some ham hocks in the mix. Take advantage of fresh field peas from the farmer's market this summer by adding smoky ham hocks to get a delicious pot of peas.

08 of 12

Tomato, Cheddar, and Bacon Pie

Tomato, Cheddar, and Bacon Pie
Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Tomato, Cheddar, and Bacon Pie

Change up your classic tomato pie with a sour cream crust accessorized with bacon, layers of colorful tomatoes, and plenty of cheese and herbs. You can't beat the flavor and texture of handmade crust. Quick tip: seed the tomatoes and drain the slices before baking.

09 of 12

Classic Skillet Cornbread

Skillet Cornbread
Jennifer Causey

Recipe: Classic Skillet Cornbread

Baking cornbread in a cast-iron skillet should be the only way to cook it. It gives the best crunchy crust you could ask for.

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Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried Green Tomatoes
Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried Green Tomatoes exist as their own entity in Southern cooking. They are perfect on sandwiches, on top of salads, or just eaten off a plate and dipped in a tangy sauce. Firm, ripe green tomatoes and this not-too-heavy batter are the keys to getting this dish right.

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Classic Pimiento Cheese

Classic Pimiento Chese
Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Classic Pimiento Cheese

In our opinion, you can't go ever wrong with classic pimiento cheese, especially in the summer. Serve with little toasts or crackers, or just make a hearty sandwich!

12 of 12

Slow-Cooker Green Bean Casserole

Slow-Cooker Green Bean Casserole
Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Green Bean Casserole

Use your slow cooker for this classic, crowd-pleasing casserole, and you'll have more time for fun summer activities! Don't forget those French-fried onions.

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