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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Recipe: Ben Mims' Perfect Cornbread

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

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.

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.

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.

Recipe: Honey-Bourbon Glazed Ham

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Recipe: Baked Ziti with Sausage

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.