19 Soulful Southern Dinners & Sweet Treats

Get ready to savor the flavors of the South with this collection of 19 Soulful Southern Dinners & Sweet Treats. You’ll find hearty casseroles, melt-in-your-mouth roasts, easy weeknight dinners, and quick desserts like Blueberry Strawberry Shortcake and Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars. Whether you’re planning cozy family meals, holiday feasts, or potluck gatherings, these recipes make Southern cooking approachable and delicious. Click through to discover your next favorite dish.

Southern Peach Cobbler in a Skillet

Peach cobbler in a skillet with ice cream on top, served with a spoon, fresh peaches beside. — Southern Peach Cobbler in a Skillet. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

This Southern Peach Cobbler in a Skillet turns juicy peaches into a caramelized, buttery delight. Baked in a cast-iron skillet, it develops a rich brown sugar sauce and a crisp, golden crust that’s perfect for sharing. The dessert is warm, comforting, and ideal for cozy nights or family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Southern Peach Cobbler in a Skillet

Authentic Louisiana Gumbo

A bowl of gumbo with white rice in the center, garnished with chopped green onions. — Authentic Louisiana Gumbo. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Dive into the rich, soulful flavors of Authentic Louisiana Gumbo. Made with a dark roux and packed with andouille sausage, crab, and shrimp, this dish delivers true Southern comfort in every bowl. It’s a hearty, flavorful meal that’s perfect for dinner with friends or family.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Louisiana Gumbo

Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Two pieces of crispy fried chicken on a dark plate, garnished with chopped green onions. — Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken is golden, juicy, and bursting with flavor. The tender meat pairs perfectly with a seasoned, crunchy coating, making it a staple for Southern dinners. Serve it for weeknight meals or special gatherings for a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust

A stack of four gooey chocolate and nut dessert bars on a white plate with a blurred background. — Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust bring all the richness of pecan pie in a convenient bar. The chewy edges and gooey center pair beautifully with the buttery shortbread base. These bars are indulgent yet easy to enjoy at potlucks or holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust

Beer-Braised Short Ribs in a Dutch Oven

A pot of braised short ribs with carrots, herbs, and rich sauce, viewed from above. — Beer-Braised Short Ribs in a Dutch Oven. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Beer-Braised Short Ribs in a Dutch Oven offer tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef with a rich, savory sauce. Slow-cooked in beer, each rib is full of deep, comforting flavor. This hearty dinner is perfect for a cozy family meal or a special weekend treat.
Get the Recipe: Beer-Braised Short Ribs in a Dutch Oven

Southern Banana Pudding Lasagna with Whipped Cream

Rectangular dish of banana pudding with whipped topping, sliced bananas, and cookie crumbs on top. — Southern Banana Pudding Lasagna with Whipped Cream. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Southern Banana Pudding Lasagna with Whipped Cream layers fresh bananas, cheesecake, and decadent pudding for a dessert that wows. Finished with real whipped cream and a crisp vanilla wafer crust, it’s creamy, indulgent, and perfect for sharing after a Southern meal.
Get the Recipe: Southern Banana Pudding Lasagna with Whipped Cream

Carolina Pulled Pork Loin in Slow Cooker

Carolina Pulled Pork Loin in Slow Cooker is tender, flavorful, and ideal for Southern BBQ fans. Slow-cooked with a mustard honey sauce, it’s perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or meal prep. Everyone will love this classic, crowd-pleasing pulled pork.
Get the Recipe: Carolina Pulled Pork Loin in Slow Cooker

Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole

Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish for mornings with family or brunch gatherings. Fluffy biscuits, savory sausage, eggs, and rich gravy combine for a meal that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Make ahead for an effortless breakfast treat.
Get the Recipe: Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Casserole

Dutch Oven Pot Roast with Red Wine

Shredded pot roast with cooked carrots on a white rectangular plate. — Dutch Oven Pot Roast with Red Wine. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Dutch Oven Pot Roast with Red Wine gives you tender, flavorful beef that melts in your mouth. Slow-cooked with rich wine, the roast develops deep, comforting flavors perfect for a cozy dinner. This classic Southern dish is ideal for family meals or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Pot Roast with Red Wine

Blueberry Strawberry Shortcake

Three plates with shortcakes topped with whipped cream, strawberries, and blueberries on a striped cloth with forks. — Blueberry Strawberry Shortcake. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

I’ll email it to you for later, and periodically send recipes and updates.

Blueberry Strawberry Shortcake is a sweet, summery dessert with tender shortbread layers and fluffy whipped cream. Bursting with fresh berries, it’s light, fruity, and perfect for gatherings or casual weekend treats. The dessert is as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Strawberry Shortcake

Cajun Shrimp with Cheese Grits

Cajun Shrimp with Cheese Grits pairs succulent, spiced shrimp with creamy, cheesy grits for a Southern classic. Every bite is rich in flavor and texture, making it perfect for a comforting dinner. This dish brings the taste of Louisiana straight to your table.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Shrimp with Cheese Grits

Ultimate Six-Cheese Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy baked macaroni and cheese in a white dish with a wooden spoon and a blue striped towel nearby. — Ultimate Six-Cheese Macaroni and Cheese. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Ultimate Six-Cheese Macaroni and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and utterly indulgent. Three cheeses are melted in the sauce, and three more are layered between noodles for a rich, comforting dish. It’s the perfect side or main course for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Six-Cheese Macaroni and Cheese

Classic Kentucky Hot Brown with Béchamel

Classic Kentucky Hot Brown with Béchamel is a rich open-faced sandwich layered with turkey, toasted bread, and creamy béchamel sauce. Topped with crispy bacon, it’s indulgent, flavorful, and perfect for using leftover roast turkey. This Southern favorite makes any meal special.
Get the Recipe: Classic Kentucky Hot Brown with Béchamel

Apple Pie with Graham Cracker Crust

Apple crumble pie in a glass dish, surrounded by apples, cinnamon sticks, and utensils on a grey surface. — Apple Pie with Graham Cracker Crust. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

Apple Pie with Graham Cracker Crust is a simple, spiced dessert with a buttery, crumbly base. The tender apples and streusel topping make it a comforting treat for busy bakers or holiday meals. It’s a classic fall dessert that’s easy to serve and share.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie with Graham Cracker Crust

Slippery Dumplings with Chicken

Slippery Dumplings with Chicken are tender, flavorful, and perfect for warming up on chilly days. Fresh herbs and hearty chicken create a comforting Southern meal with soft, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings. This dish is ideal for winter dinners or family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Slippery Dumplings with Chicken

Sweet Potato Pie with Condensed Milk

Sweet Potato Pie with Condensed Milk is a creamy, spiced dessert that embodies the flavors of fall. The smooth filling and rich vanilla notes make it perfect for holiday meals or cozy evenings. This classic Southern pie is both comforting and elegant.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Pie with Condensed Milk

Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole is cheesy, creamy, and full of Mexican-inspired flavor. Layered for easy baking, it’s a satisfying weeknight dinner that pleases the whole family. This dish is perfect for casual meals or when you want comfort food with a twist.
Get the Recipe: Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Sweet Potato Dump Cake

Sweet Potato Dump Cake is an effortless one-bowl dessert with creamy sweet potato filling and a crunchy streusel topping. Perfect for fall gatherings or busy evenings, it’s sweet, comforting, and easy to make. This simple cake is destined to be a seasonal favorite.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Dump Cake

Crock Pot Collard Greens with Smoky Ham Hock

Crock Pot Collard Greens with Smoky Ham Hock are tender, flavorful, and cooked low and slow for maximum comfort. The smoky ham and aromatic seasonings create a classic Southern side dish perfect for holidays or Sunday dinners. It’s mostly hands-off yet full of rich flavor.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Collard Greens with Smoky Ham Hock