Skip to content

Top Navigation

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Food and Recipes
  • Culture and Lifestyle
  • Style
  • Holidays & Occasions
  • Home
  • Gardening Ideas
  • News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Southern Living

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Best New Haircuts to Try in 2022

      The Best New Haircuts to Try in 2022

      Here are the haircuts you'll be seeing everywhere this year. Read More
    • How To Season A Cast-Iron Skillet

      How To Season A Cast-Iron Skillet

      Learn how to season this Southern kitchen staple in five easy steps. Read More
    • 50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note

      50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note

      Not sure what to write in a thank you card? Here's how to show your gratitude with a handwritten note. Read More
  • Food and Recipes

    Food and Recipes

    See All Food and Recipes
    4 Easy Ways to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad

    4 Easy Ways to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad

    It’s not all in the senses, but they sure can help.
    • Recipes
    • Quick and Easy Dinner
    • Kitchen Assistant
    • Casserole
    • Holiday and Occasion Food
    • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Healthy and Light
    • Side Dishes
    • Party Food and Drink
    • Appetizers
    • Meat
    • Breakfast
    • BBQ
    • Drinks
    • What's Cooking
  • Culture and Lifestyle

    Culture and Lifestyle

    See All Culture and Lifestyle
    70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends

    70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends

    Let your besties know how much they mean to you with these unique nicknames.
    • Quotes and Sayings
    • Biscuits and Jam Podcast
    • Travel
    • Pets
    • Healthy Living
    • Coastal Living
  • Style

    Style

    See All Style
    The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022

    The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022

    The beginning of a new year often has us all feeling like starting off fresh by taking on better habits, getting rid of old ones, and—most commonly—changing up our look. While others are hitting the squats and going into the salon for a pixie cut, why not start slow and steady with a cozy winter manicure in a color that feels new to you? It takes only a little courage to step outside your usual OPI Lincoln Park After Dark or Essie Bordeaux, which is all you need to kick 2022 off on a fanciful foot.  From new wintry takes on classic dark nail colors to unique pops of color that'll have you feeling the opposite of boring, these are the best nail colors to try this January and tick off all the way into spring. 
    • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Fashion
    • Short Hairstyles
    • Nails
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Skincare
    • Long Hairstyles
  • Holidays & Occasions

    Holidays & Occasions

    See All Holidays & Occasions
    • Thanksgiving
    • Gifts
    • Christmas
    • Mother's Day
    • Hanukkah
    • New Year's
    • Easter
    • Mardi Gras
    • 4th of July
    • Weddings
  • Home

    Home

    See All Home
    16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022

    16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022

    There's no denying how the pandemic fundamentally changed the world—including how we live (and work) inside our homes. An overall trend toward celebrating the history and originality of our homes is displacing ultramodern aesthetics and sharp lines as we all look to create cozier, colorful, more personalized spaces that better suit our lifestyles. We're turning away from big-box stores and toward vintage items—first, out of necessity due to supply-chain issues, and now, for design reasons—to add charm and character to every room in the house, including the kitchen. Here, interior designers from around the South share their predictions for what's trending in kitchen design for 2022 and beyond.
    • Home Decor Ideas
    • Idea Houses
    • Kitchen Design
    • Before & After Photos
    • Bathroom Design
    • Curb Appeal
    • Bedroom Design
    • DIY Home Decor
    • Color Palettes & Paint
    • House Plans & Builders
    • Inspired Communities
  • Gardening Ideas

    Gardening Ideas

    See All Gardening Ideas
    If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know

    If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know

    Plus a few strategies for keeping them out-of-doors
    • Container Gardening
    • Gardening Flowers
    • Fruit, Vegetable & Herb Gardens
    • Garden Pests
    • Plant Guides A-Z
    • Indoor Plants
    • Fall Plants
    • Landscaping Ideas
    • The Grumpy Gardener
  • News

    News

    See All News
    • Celebrities
    • Local News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Southern Living
  2. Food and Recipes
  3. 30 New Southern Classics To Make in 2021—Inspired By the South's Most Iconic Dishes

30 New Southern Classics To Make in 2021—Inspired By the South's Most Iconic Dishes

Kaitlyn Yarborough, Assistant Editor and Writer for Southern Living
By Kaitlyn Yarborough
Skip gallery slides
FB
Jalapeño Cornbread Sticks
Credit: Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Cindy Barr; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Whether you grew up eating casseroles straight from your grandmother's recipe box or discovered the buttery, cheesy, and sometimes deep-fried delicacies later in life—hey, it's never too late to pledge allegiance to tomato pie or red beans and rice!—there's a magic to classic Southern dishes that can't be replicated. While many say that there's no reason to change a good thing, we're also not afraid to embrace fresh and modern takes on these iconic Southern recipes that make dinner even easier to throw together on any night, as well as offer a slightly healthier spin on your favorite indulgent food. (Looking at you, smothered pork chops.) We've rounded up new versions of everyone's most beloved Southern recipes that make them feel totally refreshed for any occasion, including classic desserts in unexpected forms like our Banana Pudding Cheesecake and quick-and-easy hacks like our buttermilk drop biscuits that will take you only a fraction of the time required to bake our traditional buttermilk biscuits—but are just as delicious.

Tick your way through all 30 of these new Southern classics every month of 2021 to get a taste of both old-fashioned and brand-new.

Start Slideshow

1 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Fried Deviled Eggs

Fried Deviled Eggs
Credit: Micah A. Leal

Recipe: Fried Deviled Eggs

This bite-sized Southern delicacy gets a funky deep-fried makeover that we never knew we needed. The added crunch is everything.

1 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Buttermilk Drop Biscuits

Buttery Chive-and-Mustard Drop Biscuits
Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Cindy Barr; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos

Recipe: Buttermilk Drop Biscuits

While flaky buttermilk biscuits are the ultimate Southern classic, these drop biscuits are much easier and faster to accomplish in less than an hour from start to finish. Plus, whole-grain mustard gives a delicious kick. 

2 of 30

3 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Oven-Fried Pork Chops with Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans

Oven-Fried Pork Chops with Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans
Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos

Recipe: Oven-Fried Pork Chops with Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans

Bet you didn't think that this deep-fried favorite could be made way healthier (but just as delicious) by baking in the oven with a crunchy panko crust?

3 of 30

Advertisement

4 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Banana Pudding Cheesecake

CLOSEUP Banana Pudding Cheesecake
Credit: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Lydia Degaris Pursell

Recipe: Banana Pudding Cheesecake

Let's face it: You'll never top your grandmother's banana pudding. However, we do venture to say that this cheesecake take on the Southern dessert never disappoints. 

4 of 30

5 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Sheet Pan Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Sheet Pan Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Sheet Pan Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

If you never thought about making macaroni and cheese on a sheet pan, consider yourself unlucky. This recipe not only turns out melty pasta with a perfectly crispy top, but it also adds butternut squash into the mix for a healthy touch of sweetness.

5 of 30

6 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Instant Pot Fried Chicken

Instant Pot Fried Chicken
Credit: Photography: Caitlin Bensel, Prop Styling: Audrey Davis, Food Styling: Rishon Hanners

Recipe: Instant Pot Fried Chicken

There's the old-school way of making fried chicken, and then there's this way that takes way less time and makes a fraction of the greasy mess. 

6 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
Credit: Photography: Alison Miksch, Prop Styling: Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland, Food Styling: Melissa Gray

Recipe: Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

This Sunday night staple gets a healthy lift that makes the dish creamier than ever before. Riced cauliflower in addition to potatoes creates a fluffy, velvety side.

7 of 30

8 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Peach Custard Pie

Peach Custard Pie
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Peach Custard Pie

This might be one of our most standout reader-loved desserts of the past year—and for good reason. It combines two Southern icons, peach cobbler and custard pie.

8 of 30

9 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls

Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls
Credit: Anna Theoktisto/Getty Images

Recipe: Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls

Old-fashioned sausage balls meet the ultimate Southern spread, pimiento cheese. The result? A cheesy bite-sized nibble with just enough kick. 

9 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs

Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs
Credit: Photographer: Greg DuPree Prop Stylist: Mary Clayton Carl Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey

Recipe: Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs

Ribs in the oven? Some may call it heresy, while we just call it weeknight smart. 

10 of 30

11 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Sausage Gravy Casserole with Cheddar-Cornmeal Biscuits

Sausage Gravy Casserole with Cheddar-Cornmeal Biscuits
Credit: Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Sausage Gravy Casserole with Cheddar-Cornmeal Biscuits

This country breakfast icon doesn't need much tweaking, but we'll always accept a crowd-pleasing casserole makeover that lets us dish out helpings of warm, creamy, sausage-studded, biscuit-topped deliciousness.

11 of 30

12 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Jalapeño Cornbread Sticks

Jalapeño Cornbread Sticks
Credit: Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Cindy Barr; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Recipe: Jalapeño Cornbread Sticks

After you dunk one of these spicy cornbread sticks into a big bowl of chili, you'll never go back. Trust us. 

12 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Hummingbird Bundt Cake

Hummingbird Bundt Cake
Credit: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Hummingbird Bundt Cake

No fussing over icing three layers? We'll always take that deal. This reader-loved Bundt turns to a gratuitous drizzle cream cheese glaze instead. 

13 of 30

14 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Fried Green Tomato Salad with Buttermilk Dressing

Fried Green Tomato Salad with Buttermilk Dressing
Credit: Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Anna Hampton; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch

Recipe: Fried Green Tomato Salad with Buttermilk Dressing

Who knew that fried green tomatoes could be in the same sentence as salad? This recipe makes any green veggie bowl feel way more special. 

14 of 30

15 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Sloppy Joe Casserole with Dinner Rolls

Sloppy Joe Casserole with Dinner Rolls
Credit: Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Rishon Hanners, Prop Stylist Heather Chadduck

Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole with Dinner Rolls

These aren't your cafeteria's sloppy Joes. It's cheesy, savory, a little sweet, topped with toasty Hawaiian rolls, and ready in just 30 minutes.

15 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Air Fryer Okra

Air Fryer Okra
Credit: Caitlin Bensel

Recipe: Air Fryer Okra

Less oil, less time, less stress—just as much crunch and flavor. Air-fried okra is about to be your new favorite side dish. 

16 of 30

17 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Chili Cheese Enchiladas

Chili Cheese Enchiladas
Credit: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Chili Cheese Enchiladas

Tex-Mex just got even more seriously appealing thanks to this cross between Frito pie and enchilada casserole. 

17 of 30

18 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Purple Sweet Potato Pie

Purple Sweet Potato Pie
Credit: Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Emily Neighbors Hall; Prop Stylist: Audrey Davis

Recipe: Purple Sweet Potato Pie

You've never before seen sweet potato pie quite like this one, but you'll be so glad you're now in the know. The filling is made with purple sweet potatoes (we prefer North Carolina-grown Stokes Purple) and coconut milk for a super creamy, just-sweet-enough treat. No food coloring required.

18 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Creamy Collard Green Soup with Bacony Croutons

Creamy Collard Green Soup with Bacony Croutons
Credit: Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch

Recipe: Creamy Collard Green Soup with Bacony Croutons

Collards and pork are a tale as old as time, but not always in this unique form. This creamy soup is warm and cozy for any night—just make sure to add plenty of the bacon-flavored croutons. 

19 of 30

20 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas

Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas
Credit: Photographer: Will Dickey Prop Stylist: Missie Crawford Food Stylist: Erin Merhar

Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas

Enchiladas are the ultimate Tex-Mex crowd-pleaser, and this recipe turns it on its head by using tangy buffalo chicken, blue cheese dressing, Monterey Jack cheese, and celery.

20 of 30

21 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Memphis-Style BBQ Nachos

Memphis Style BBQ Nachos
Credit: Greg DuPree

Recipe: Memphis-Style BBQ Nachos

Turns out, that characteristic melt-in-your-mouth Memphis barbecue doesn't only belong on a sandwich bun. Make your own nacho plate instead. 

21 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Fried Chicken Sliders with Pimiento Cheese

Fried Chicken Sliders with Pimiento Cheese
Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Fried Chicken Sliders with Pimiento Cheese

Combining two Southern delicacies, this recipe is a juicy bite of crunchy chicken and creamy pimiento cheese. In other words, totally tasty. 

22 of 30

23 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Spiced Pecan Pie Bars

Spiced Pecan Pie Bars
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Recipe: Spiced Pecan Pie Bars

Turn this festive pie into a grabbable snack complete with a flavorful twist courtesy ground cinnamon and ginger. Serve with ice cream and caramel sauce. 

23 of 30

24 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Muffin Tin Meatloaf

Muffin Tin Meatloaf
Credit: Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist Prissy Lee

Recipe: Muffin Tin Meatloaf

Meatloaf just got even more weeknight-friendly by making miniature "loaves" right in your muffin tin. These caramelized bites are best served on their own with mashed potatoes and vegetables or on bread the next day like a meatball sub. 

24 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Lighter Pan-Fried Chicken with Green Beans and Tomatoes

Lighter Pan-Fried Chicken with Green Beans and Tomatoes
Credit: Photo: Stephen DeVries, Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Lighter Pan-Fried Chicken with Green Beans and Tomatoes

Quickly pan-frying for a crisp, crunchy exterior is the key to this lightened-up fried chicken that's finished in the oven for a super juicy interior. 

25 of 30

26 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Instant Pot Collard Greens

Instant Pot Collard Greens
Credit: Photographer: Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist: Kay E. Clarke Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Instant Pot Collard Greens

Collard greens usually need plenty of time and loving to make dinner-ready, but this modern take lets you whip up a mouthwatering batch in just 40 minutes. 

26 of 30

27 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Pineapple-Ginger Upside-Down Cake

Pineapple-Ginger Upside-Down Cake
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Pineapple-Ginger Upside-Down Cake

The trick to this pretty upside-down dessert? Using real pineapple—as opposed to canned—and fresh ginger to add a welcome zingy kick to the old-fashioned dish.

27 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Deviled Grits

Deviled Grits
Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck; Food Styling: Erin Merhar

Recipe: Deviled Grits

This unique recipe will surprise you, so don't knock it until you try it. It combines grits, eggs, brown sugar bacon, and orange juice—yep, you read that correctly—for a perfectly balanced brunch dish. 

28 of 30

29 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Tabitha Brown's Vegan Mac and Cheese

Tabitha Brown's Vegan Mac and Cheese
Credit: Greg DuPree, Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Recipe: Tabitha Brown's Vegan Mac and Cheese

Bet you didn't see that one coming. You won't be missing any of the lactose after tasting this renowned vegan recipe for macaroni and cheese. 

29 of 30

30 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Key Lime Slab Pie with Strawberry Whipped Cream

Key Lime Slab Pie with Strawberry Whipped Cream
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen

Recipe: Key Lime Slab Pie with Strawberry Whipped Cream

Right when you thought that a slice of traditional Key lime pie couldn't be topped, this big-batch slab pie with cheery strawberry whipped cream just slides right into those taste buds. 

30 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Kaitlyn Yarborough

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 30 Fried Deviled Eggs
    2 of 30 Buttermilk Drop Biscuits
    3 of 30 Oven-Fried Pork Chops with Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans
    4 of 30 Banana Pudding Cheesecake
    5 of 30 Sheet Pan Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
    6 of 30 Instant Pot Fried Chicken
    7 of 30 Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
    8 of 30 Peach Custard Pie
    9 of 30 Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls
    10 of 30 Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs
    11 of 30 Sausage Gravy Casserole with Cheddar-Cornmeal Biscuits
    12 of 30 Jalapeño Cornbread Sticks
    13 of 30 Hummingbird Bundt Cake
    14 of 30 Fried Green Tomato Salad with Buttermilk Dressing
    15 of 30 Sloppy Joe Casserole with Dinner Rolls
    16 of 30 Air Fryer Okra
    17 of 30 Chili Cheese Enchiladas
    18 of 30 Purple Sweet Potato Pie
    19 of 30 Creamy Collard Green Soup with Bacony Croutons
    20 of 30 Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas
    21 of 30 Memphis-Style BBQ Nachos
    22 of 30 Fried Chicken Sliders with Pimiento Cheese
    23 of 30 Spiced Pecan Pie Bars
    24 of 30 Muffin Tin Meatloaf
    25 of 30 Lighter Pan-Fried Chicken with Green Beans and Tomatoes
    26 of 30 Instant Pot Collard Greens
    27 of 30 Pineapple-Ginger Upside-Down Cake
    28 of 30 Deviled Grits
    29 of 30 Tabitha Brown's Vegan Mac and Cheese
    30 of 30 Key Lime Slab Pie with Strawberry Whipped Cream

    Share & More

    Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print
    Southern Living

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Southern Living
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    MeredithSouthern Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. Southern Living is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporationthis link opens in a new tab All Rights Reserved. Southern Living may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Southern Living. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.southernliving.com

    Sign in

    View image

    30 New Southern Classics To Make in 2021—Inspired By the South's Most Iconic Dishes
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.