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  3. Classic Comfort Dishes You'll See On Every Southern Funeral Spread

Classic Comfort Dishes You'll See On Every Southern Funeral Spread

Kaitlyn Yarborough, Assistant Editor and Writer for Southern Living
By Kaitlyn Yarborough Updated January 19, 2022
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Mama's Fried Chicken
Credit: Southern Living

At first glance, a Southern funeral spread looks part special holiday feast, part celebratory potluck. The impressive lineup of casseroles, warm and cold salads, stately hams and rotisserie chickens, pans of cornbread, and baskets of rolls is fit for the coronation of a king; but in this case, it's for a very different occasion. It really is true when they say: "Nobody in the world eats better than a bereaved Southerner." And don't forget the desserts. The delicious array of pound cakes, pies, jello creations, coffee cakes, and biscuits give every sweet ounce of condolence you need in a time of grieving. Southern funeral food is all about providing comfort to those in attendance and honoring those who are not. Here are the staple Southern comfort classics you'll see on every funeral reception menu.

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Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Credit: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese

There's little more comforting that melty, creamy macaroni and cheese—and this classic recipe will feed a funeral crowd without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.

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Ham Biscuits

Buttermilk Biscuits with Ham
Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Recipe: Ham Biscuits

There might not be anything better for the heart than a fluffy buttermilk biscuit accompanied by country ham. Pair these with our newest spreads—Creole Mayonnaise, Chive-Radish Compound Butter, Spicy Orange-Peach Butter, and Pecan Cheese Spread—and every guest's need will be satisfied.

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Shout Hallelujah Potato Salad

Shout Hallelujah Potato Salad
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Shout Hallelujah Potato Salad

This Southern classic belongs on the funeral spread just as much as with our Easter ham or at our summer picnics. This traditional version always pleases the crowd—who generally thinks their plate deserves at least a little spoonful of it, no matter what.

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Mama's Fried Chicken

Mama's Fried Chicken
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Mama's Fried Chicken

For reasons unknown, you simply can't beat the comforting touch of perfectly crispy fried chicken, making it a staple at wakes across the South.

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Chicken-Spaghetti Casserole

Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Credit: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Chicken-Spaghetti Casserole

This vintage classic is Mama-approved, making it an obvious staple at any reception or for any condolence gift. The ingredient list might be short and simple, but the helpings are packed with flavor.

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Classic Fresh Field Peas

Classic Fresh Field Peas
Credit: Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Classic Fresh Field Peas

We're hard pressed to find a situation that can't benefit from the addition of a ham hock, and a Southern funeral is no exception.

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Funeral Potatoes

Funeral Potatoes
Credit: The Washington Post/Getty Images

Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

Like their name suggests, funeral potatoes are Southerners' most faithful attendee at wakes and for condolence gifts. The hashbrown-based casserole usually includes plenty of cheese, a cream-based soup, onions, butter, and a flaky, crunchy topping, which is usually made of potato chips or corn flakes.

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Collard Greens

Southern-Style Collard Greens
Credit: Jim Franco; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: Simon Andrews

Recipe: Southern-Style Collard Greens

Even if we don't serve collard greens at every funeral, they always deserve a place on funeral spreads honoring a true Southern soul food lover.

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Turkey-Noodle-Poppyseed Casserole

Turkey-Noodle-Poppyseed Casserole Recipe
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Turkey-Noodle-Poppyseed Casserole

We're not sure any funeral spread would be right without a poppyseed casserole. Odds are, you've seen this comforting casserole everywhere from wakes to potlucks to Mama's house.

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Cornbread

Ben Mim's Perfect Cornbread Recipe
Credit: Brian Woodcock

Recipe: Ben Mims' Perfect Cornbread

Funeral spreads can always use a few full dishes of this classic comfort food.

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New Tuna Casserole

New Tuna Casserole
Credit: Greg Dupree

Recipe: New Tuna Casserole

We updated this old-fashioned recipe to be creamier, cheesier, and crunchier; but it still lives on as a classic sympathy dish in the South.

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Spinach Dip

Spinach Dip
Credit: Jochel28/Getty Images

Recipe: Spinach Dip

Creamy spinach dip makes a great addition to your lineup of salads and casseroles, and our editors love this Junior League recipe that gets the perfect little kick from crushed red pepper.

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Classic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

Classic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes
Credit: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Classic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy scalloped potatoes fosters comradery between Southerners like no other, making the dish a great big helping of comfort during grieving.

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Honey-Bourbon Glazed Ham

Honey-Bourbon Glazed Ham
Credit: Beau Gustafson

Recipe: Honey-Bourbon Glazed Ham

Make this bourbon-glazed, clove-studded ham the focal point of your spread.

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King Ranch Chicken

King Ranch Chicken
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: King Ranch Chicken

Spice up the offerings with this longtime favorite. The cheesy Mexican dish is packed with smoked chicken, sharp Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and green chiles for a flavor-bursting combination.

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5-Ingredient Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork

5-Ingredient Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork
Credit: Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: 5-Ingredient Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork

You probably have these five ingredients on hand, so you're already on your way to helping supply one of the most appreciated and versatile components of the Southern funeral spread.

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Smoky Sausage-and-Grits Casserole

Smoky Sausage-and-Grits Casserole
Credit: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Smoky Sausage-and-Grits Casserole

This savory casserole of smoked sausage, grits, and Cheddar cheese works for just about any occasion or at any time of day, but it really makes a great fit for late-morning receptions where everyone needs a little extra indulgent comfort.

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Egg Salad

Picnic Egg Salad
Credit: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele

Recipe: Picnic Egg Salad

Whether it's served with crostinis or on tea-sized sandwiches, classic egg salad provides a simple sense of familiarity for those grieving.

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Cocktail Meatballs

Quiche Lorraine
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Cocktail Meatballs

While we love the ones our mamas made with chili sauce and grape jelly, these meatballs are another crowd-pleaser. This recipe mixes ground beef with the sweet, the tart, and the unexpected: brown sugar, lemon juice, and horseradish, to make the perfect mini bite.

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Baked Ziti with Sausage

Baked Ziti with Sausage
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Baked Ziti with Sausage

This Italian dish is hearty, flavorful, and super easy to make.

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Cheesy Broccoli-and-Rice Casserole

Cheesy Broccoli-and-Rice Casserole
Credit: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Recipe: Cheesy Broccoli-and-Rice Casserole

You pretty much can't go wrong with this old-school casserole. Without even a dollop of creamy canned soup, it'll stay fresh and delicious as the hours pass.

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Creamy Grape Salad

Creamy Grape Salad
Credit: therecipecritic.com

Recipe: Creamy Grape Salad

Funeral spreads aren't complete without plenty of cold salads, and this grape-studded dish is deliciously creamy but gets a slight crunch from chopped pecans.

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Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya

Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya
Credit: Greg DuPree

Recipe: Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya

This Creole classic has been supplying support and comfort to grieving Southerners for decades, and this recipe is a no-brainer because it's easy to make, full of delicious ingredients, and comes together in less than an hour!

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Classic Deviled Eggs

Classic Deviled Eggs
Credit: Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Classic Deviled Eggs

Plop a tray of traditional deviled eggs down at any Southern gathering, and you'll find them gone before anything else. A hearty batch of these will make the funeral spread complete.

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Pineapple Casserole

Pineapple Casserole
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Pineapple Casserole

This sweet, cheesy, and savory casserole full of chunks of pineapple will bring some nostalgic solace to any group of grieving Southerners. Double up this recipe for a hearty 13x9 version.

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Tomato Aspic

Tomato Aspic
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Tomato Aspic

While this dish is no less polarizing than the great Southern barbecue sauce debate, it's a beloved staple at old-fashioned Southern affairs. Even just seeing it at a reception will provide a little warmth and comfort.

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Marbled Pecan Pound Cake

Marbled Pecan Pound Cake Recipe
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Marbled Pecan Pound Cake

Pound cake quite literally packs more consolation per pound than any other dessert, and this marbled pecan pound cake recipe is simple and not overly sweet.

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Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

This 13x9 version of the old-school classic makes it even easier to prepare and transport to any wake, and the crowd will scrape that dish clean.

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Zesty Lemon Pie

Zesty Lemon Pie
Credit: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Zesty Lemon Pie

You'll pair amazing citrus flavor with a beautful presentation if you make sure to add a mound of fresh whipped cream, lemon slices, and fresh mint leaves to this beloved pie.

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Chocolate Icebox Pie

Chocolate Icebox Pie
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Chocolate Icebox Pie

This cool decadent dessert will bring sweet joy to any summer reception, and the pretty presentation of pecan and candy bar pieces over fluffy whipped cream doesn't hurt either.

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Strawberry Pretzel Salad

How To Make Strawberry Pretzel Salad Still
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Is any Southern wake complete without a jello salad? This strawberry gelatin, cream cheese, whipped topping, and pretzel creation has been making appearances on the funeral scene for decades past.

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Southern Pimento Cheese

Southern Pimento Cheese
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Southern Pimento Cheese

This refrigerator staple will always be a Southern favorite, no matter the occasion. Keep a fresh batch in a plastic storage container in the fridge and never be caught without something familiar to offer guests, relatives, and mourners alike. 

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Make-Ahead Yeast Rolls

Make-Ahead Yeast Rolls
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

Recipe: Make-Ahead Yeast Rolls

These pillowy-soft rolls are like a warm hug with each bite. Make up a couple batches and freeze one just in case extras are called for. 

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    Everything in This Slideshow

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    1 of 33 Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese
    2 of 33 Ham Biscuits
    3 of 33 Shout Hallelujah Potato Salad
    4 of 33 Mama's Fried Chicken
    5 of 33 Chicken-Spaghetti Casserole
    6 of 33 Classic Fresh Field Peas
    7 of 33 Funeral Potatoes
    8 of 33 Collard Greens
    9 of 33 Turkey-Noodle-Poppyseed Casserole
    10 of 33 Cornbread
    11 of 33 New Tuna Casserole
    12 of 33 Spinach Dip
    13 of 33 Classic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes
    14 of 33 Honey-Bourbon Glazed Ham
    15 of 33 King Ranch Chicken
    16 of 33 5-Ingredient Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork
    17 of 33 Smoky Sausage-and-Grits Casserole
    18 of 33 Egg Salad
    19 of 33 Cocktail Meatballs
    20 of 33 Baked Ziti with Sausage
    21 of 33 Cheesy Broccoli-and-Rice Casserole
    22 of 33 Creamy Grape Salad
    23 of 33 Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya
    24 of 33 Classic Deviled Eggs
    25 of 33 Pineapple Casserole
    26 of 33 Tomato Aspic
    27 of 33 Marbled Pecan Pound Cake
    28 of 33 Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
    29 of 33 Zesty Lemon Pie
    30 of 33 Chocolate Icebox Pie
    31 of 33 Strawberry Pretzel Salad
    32 of 33 Southern Pimento Cheese
    33 of 33 Make-Ahead Yeast Rolls

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    Classic Comfort Dishes You'll See On Every Southern Funeral Spread
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