100 Ways to Cook Southern

By Southern Living

Share the love of tried-and-true Southern recipes with our collection. For even more recipes for classics and new twists on old favorites, pick up a copy of our 1,001 Ways to Cook Southern.

The South is known for its rich culinary heritage, and there is a growing interest in how to cook traditional Southern food. This selection of Southern recipes includes all-time favorites such as pimiento cheese, fried chicken, buttermilk biscuits, and pound cake. Creating great Southern food incorporates many ways to cook, such as grilling outside for a picnic, utilizing fresh seasonal produce from the garden for an easy summer meal, or creating hearty breakfasts or indulgent sweet desserts for special occasions. Southern food is synonymous with comfort food; just the delicious aroma from a bowl of chicken and dumplings can evoke fond memories of Grandma’s kitchen. It is no wonder that great Southern recipes, passed down from one generation to the next, are cherished and protected.  Find a new favorite Southern food, or renew an acquaintance with an old favorite, in this collection of classic Southern recipes.

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Bacon Pimiento Cheese

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Bacon Pimiento Cheese

Spread homemade Bacon Pimiento Cheese on whole wheat bread with lettuce and tomato. Use leftover spread on crackers or celery for a snack.

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Two-Step Pound Cake

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe:  Two-Step Pound Cake

It takes only six ingredients and two easy steps to create this buttery, from-scratch Southern staple. Simply layer the ingredients in a bowl, mix, pour, and bake.

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Southern Sweet Tea

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Southern Sweet Tea

Only Southerners understand just how sweet tea should be. Add the full cup of sugar to this recipe if you like yours extra sweet.

Watch Video: Simply Southern Sweet Tea

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Buttermilk Biscuits

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Buttermilk Biscuits

A Southern breakfast is far from complete without flaky, buttery biscuits. This simple five-ingredient recipe gets rave reviews from readers who say it can result only in perfection. Save time by making the dough in a food processor. Pulse dry ingredients six or seven times, and then slowly add liquid through the food chute while processing

Watch: Our Best Ever Buttermilk Biscuit

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Hot Grits With Tomato Gravy

Jennifer Davick / Styling Lisa Powell Bailey / Food Styling Vanessa McNeil Rocchio

Recipe: Tomato Gravy

Tomato Gravy over hot grits makes a winning combination for any meal.

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Cheese Straws

Photo: Ralph Anderson

Recipe: Cheese Straws

If you like yours less spicy, use the smaller amount of red pepper.

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Tennessee Caviar

Recipe:  Tennessee Caviar

Instead of fish eggs, this Southern version of caviar features down-home veggies. Make it a day ahead for the best flavor.

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Grilled Chicken With White Barbecue Sauce

Recipe: Grilled Chicken With White Barbecue Sauce

Chicken thighs are seasoned with rub of dried thyme, oregano, cumin, and paprika. The versatile white sauce received our highest rating and is also good as a condiment for burgers.

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Best Boiled Peanuts

Jennifer Davick / Styling Rose Nguyen / Food Styling Lyda Jones Burnette

Recipe: Boiled Peanuts

Southerners love shelling out these soft and salty nuts.

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Pork Tenderloin on Cornmeal Biscuits

Recipe: Pork Tenderloin on Cornmeal Biscuits

Running out of time to assemble sandwiches yourself? Let guests make their own—serve sliced pork on a platter with chutney and biscuits on the side.

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Beer-Batter Fried Pickles

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Beer-Batter Fried Pickles

Crunchy, tart pickles get a crispy, deep-fried coating for this crowd-pleaser. We liked the recipe made with Alabama-bred Wickles-brand sweet-hot sliced pickles. Serve with Spicy Ranch Dipping Sauce.

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Praline Pecans

Recipe: Praline Pecans

Pralines are best made when the weather is dry--humidity tends to make them grainy. Be sure to use a heavy saucepan, and work quickly when spooning the pecan mixture onto the wax paper.

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Southern-Style Collard Greens

Photo by Jim Franco

Recipe: Southern-Style Collard Greens

It’s the slow cooking method that really brings out that mouth-watering smoky pork flavor and the tender texture of Southern-Style Collard Greens. But, the best part is dipping a piece of cornbread in all that leftover potlikker.

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Herb-Grilled Chicken With Watermelon-Feta Salad

Recipe: Herb-Grilled Chicken With Watermelon-Feta Salad

Forget to marinate the chicken in advance? No problem. This rub only takes 30 minutes. Simply add the refreshing, flavorful Watermelon-Feta Salad for a quick and easy meal your family will love.

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Quick & Tasty Banana Pudding

Photo: Van Chaplin; Charles Walton IV

Recipe: Quick & Tasty Banana Pudding

This super easy banana pudding calls for just four ingredients: a banana, thawed whipping topping, prepared vanilla pudding, and vanilla wafer.

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Assemble-Your-Own Barbecue Stacks

Charles Walton IV / Styling Buffy Hargett / Food Styling: Marian Cooper Cairns

Recipe: Assemble-Your-Own Barbecue Stack

Have a few of these yummy Barbecue Stacks ready to go when your friends arrive. The rest can be put together by your guests.

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Shrimp Po’boys

Recipe: Shrimp Po’boys

Try this authentic shrimp po'boy recipe to get a taste of New Orleans' famous cajun cuisine.

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Crab Cakes With Lemon Rémoulade

Recipe: Crab Cakes With Lemon Rémoulade

Serve these classic crab-filled cakes atop a mixed baby greens salad.

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Pineapple Upside-Down Carrot Cake 

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Pineapple Upside-Down Carrot Cake

One quick flip and this moist cake with perfectly caramelized fruit slips from a skillet.

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Warm Turnip Green Dip

Recipe: Warm Turnip Green Dip

It's Southern tradition to have a little hot sauce with your turnip greens, so be sure to offer guests several brands to choose from on the side.

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Luscious Lemon Bars

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Luscious Lemon Bars

Classic lemon squares are always a popular dessert at teas, luncheons, and  showers.  As an added bonus, you can make them ahead and freeze for up to one month.

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Sour Cream Cornbread

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Sour Cream Cornbread

Low-fat kitchen staples keep this Cheddar-topped cornbread moist and delicious. Enjoy it as a side to any meal, or use this recipe as an ingredient in our fabulous Farmhouse Eggs Benedict.

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Fiesta Brisket

Photo Jennifer Davick / Styling Sissy Lamerton, Caroline Murphey / Food Styling Marian Cooper Cairns, Angela Sellers

Recipe: Fiesta Brisket

Serve spicy Fiesta Brisket with a squirt of fresh lime juice and a sprig of cilantro.

How-To Cook Fiesta Brisket

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Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Photo by Beth Dreiling Honztas

Recipe: Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Give up the box mix, making Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese from scratch is easier than you think. Even if you have never tried to make your own mac ‘n’ cheese at home before, this simple recipe will have you enjoying a bowl of warm, creamy, cheesy goodness in a matter of minutes. Baked macaroni and cheese is rich and delicious, and this is one of our most-requested recipes. So step up to the stove and step away with a dish full of this mac ’n’ cheese delight.

Test Kitchen Tip: It’s best to shred your own block of cheese, especially if using a reduced-fat product. Pre-shredded brands don’t always melt as well or deliver that extra-sharp flavor. You can use a box grater or a food processor with a shredding device.

Step-by-Step Video: Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese

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Easy Brunswick Stew

Recipe: Easy Brunswick Stew

Nothing is more comforting than a big bowl of hearty Brunswick stew. Sop up every flavorful last bit with crusty bread or crispy cornbread crackers.

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Classic Mint Julep

Recipe: Classic Mint Julep

The classic version is served in silver julep cups. These are filled to the rim with a refreshing concoction of the finest bourbon, simple syrup, fresh mint, and crushed ice. See our tips and techniques for stirring up a mint julep.

Step-by-Step Video: Make a Classic Mint Julep

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Ham-Stuffed Biscuits With Mustard Butter

Photo: Tina Cornett

Recipe: Ham-Stuffed Biscuits With Mustard Butter

Yeast biscuits—also called angel or bride’s biscuits—hold together well, so they’re a good choice to serve at gatherings. The so-Southern combination of ham and biscuits is always a hit!

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Pecan Bourbon Balls

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Pecan Bourbon Balls

Who spiked the cookies? Hardly a Christmas can pass in the South without these traditional ball-shaped, bourbon-flavored pecan cookies ending up on a dessert bar or in a gift box.

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Old-fashioned Meatloaf

Southern Living

Recipe: Old-fashioned Meatloaf

Meatloaf may be one of the ultimate comfort foods, so a classic meatloaf recipe is always a reader favorite. Beginning with lean ground beef, this Southern meatloaf recipe features Creole and Greek seasonings and a hint of garlic. Celery, breadcrumbs, onion, and tomato paste all add flavor, richness, and depth to this delicious delight. A few tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce—that's the fantastic taste you're trying to figure out—spice up the traditional ketchup topping which keeps this meatloaf moist, tender, and juicy. This may be called the Old-Fashioned Meatloaf, but it is one of the best-tasting meatloaves you will eat today.

Watch: How To Make Old-fashioned Meatloaf

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Mississippi Hush Puppies

Southern Living

Recipe: Hush Puppies

While these golden deep-fried gems are often paired with fried fish, Kentuckians and Carolinians think of them as natural partners to any plate of barbecue. 

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Easy Three-Seed Pan Rolls

Jennifer Davick / Styling: Lisa Powell Bailey / Food Styling: Marian Cooper Cairns

Recipe: Easy Three-Seed Pan Rolls

These rolls start with frozen bread dough but taste as if they're made from scratch--perfect for no-fuss entertaining. You'll get a spectacular look and big flavor while saving time.

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The Ultimate Carrot Cake

Photo: Alison Miksch; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

Recipe: The Ultimate Carrot Cake

Truly our best-ever carrot cake recipe, make this classic favorite for a crowd and you might not have any leftovers to bring home.

Step-by-Step Video: Best Carrot Cake Ever

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Shrimp and Grits

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Shrimp and Grits

The original recipe for this hearty shrimp and grits dish is from Bill Smith, executive chef at Crook's Corner, the landmark Southern restaurant in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

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Pork Chops with Pepper Jelly Sauce

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Pork Chops with Pepper Jelly Sauce

The sweet and spicy pepper jelly sauce creates a beautiful glaze on the pork chop and keeps the meat moist and tender.

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Cinnamon-Pecan Rolls 

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Cinnamon-Pecan Rolls

These rolls feature a buttery, brown sugar-pecan filling as well as a rich and creamy vanilla glaze. Better yet, the easy yeast-roll dough rises in just 30 minutes.

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Honey-Bourbon Glazed Ham

Photo: Beau Gustafson

Recipe: Honey-Bourbon Glazed Ham

Roasting ham with cloves makes for a showstopping Southern classic. Your family and friends are sure to love the flavorful sweet glaze. For a twist, try Honey-Bourbon Boneless Glazed Ham.

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Pecan Pie

Photo: Ralph Anderson

Recipe: Pecan Pie

A refrigerated pie crust keeps the prep time for Pecan Pie under 5 minutes. Pair with Vanilla Ice Cream for the ultimate treat.

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Herb-Grilled Chicken

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe:  Herb-Grilled Chicken

We've concocted a simple, healthful recipe to start your season of outdoor cooking. Choose your favorite fresh herb to enhance the flavor of grilled chicken. Remove the herb sprig before serving, or leave it as a garnish.

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Banana Pudding Pie

Jennifer Davick; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: Mary Allen Perry

Recipe: Banana Pudding Pie

Pie just doesn’t get much easier or better than this tasty twist on banana pudding. In fact, once you try our speedy version of homemade custard, you’ll never be tempted to make instant pudding again. If you’re a big fan of vanilla wafers like we are, pick up an extra box and tuck a few into the meringue before baking. For party-pretty slices, dip the knife blade in cold water or lightly coat with vegetable cooking spray.

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Southern-Stuffed Rosemary Chicken

Recipe: Southern-Stuffed Rosemary Chicken

This surprisingly easy recipe takes less than an hour to prepare and consistently receives top ratings from reviewers. Chicken breasts are stuffed with toasted pecans and cornbread stuffing, then topped with a creamy sauce, parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh rosemary. 

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Peach-and-Toasted-Pecan Ice Cream

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Peach-and-Toasted-Pecan Ice Cream

This sublime ice cream is packed with two Southern favorites, refreshing peaches and nutty pecans.

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Macaroni-and-Pimiento Cheese Bites 

Photo: Jennifer Davick, Styling Buffy Hargett, Food Styling Vanessa McNeil Rocchio and Angela Sellers

Recipe: Macaroni-and-Pimiento Cheese Bites

Wow family and friends with these easy party poppers. You can also bake the mixture in a casserole dish and use the breadcrumb coating as a crispy topping.

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Classic Fried Catfish

Recipe: Classic Fried Catfish

Red pepper and garlic seal the flavor of the cornbread mixture that coats these catfish fillets. For an extra-crispy crust, use stone-ground yellow cornmeal.

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Chicken-and-Sausage Gumbo

Photo: Ralph Anderson

Recipe: Chicken-and-Sausage Gumbo

After preparing the roux, most of the time spent making gumbo is basically hands-free. You’ll just need to stir the pot occasionally to prevent sticking. This flavorful stew recipe is worth the effort.

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Vanilla Ice Cream With Fruit Blend

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Vanilla Ice Cream With Fruit Blend

Serve this soft right out of the ice-cream maker's container, or freeze it for a firmer consistency.

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Southern Shrimp Cocktails

Photo: Charles Walton IV

Recipe: Southern Shrimp Cocktails

Have the seafood market steam shrimp to save time, or follow our easy instructions in the recipe. Serve the shrimp, okra, and breadsticks on a platter around a bowl of the sauce, or make individual cocktails. Use 4-oz. votive candleholders, shot glasses, cordial glasses, or mini-martini glasses.

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Blueberry-Cinnamon Muffins