22 Southern Sides That Always Disappear First

Homemade Southern sides are the recipes that keep family meals feeling warm and welcoming. Simple ingredients and comforting flavours come together in dishes that complement everything from barbecue to Sunday dinner. With so many timeless favourites to choose from, it's easy to build a meal everyone will remember.

Easy Southern Cornbread Recipe Without Buttermilk

A golden crust and soft, tender centre make this homemade cornbread taste like it came straight from a cast-iron skillet in Grandma's kitchen. You'd never guess it comes together without buttermilk.
Get the Recipe: Easy Southern Cornbread Recipe Without Buttermilk

Classic Sweet Potato Crunch Casserole

Creamy sweet potatoes topped with a buttery brown sugar pecan topping create the perfect mix of smooth and crunchy. It's one of those holiday favourites that always seems to disappear before anything else.
Get the Recipe: Classic Sweet Potato Crunch Casserole

Smoky Bourbon Baked Beans with Bacon and Apples

Smoky baked beans get even better with crispy bacon and sweet caramelized apples mixed into every bite. That rich, slightly sweet flavour makes this a side dish everyone keeps coming back for at cookouts and family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bourbon Baked Beans with Bacon and Apples

Classic Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese

Rich, creamy cheese sauce coats every bite of pasta for the kind of comfort food everyone hopes to see on the table. Don't expect leftovers because this classic side disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Classic Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese

Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Creamy Grape Salad

Juicy grapes coated in a rich, creamy dressing with a crunchy topping make every spoonful a little sweet and a little indulgent. It's always one of the first bowls emptied at parties and potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Creamy Grape Salad

Quick and Easy Instant Pot Green Beans

Tender green beans cook up quickly while soaking in plenty of savoury flavour. It's an easy way to get a comforting vegetable side onto the table without much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Instant Pot Green Beans

Crispy Southern Hush Puppies

Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these little cornmeal bites are made for serving with seafood or barbecue. Once you start grabbing one after another, it's hard to stop.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Southern Hush Puppies

Quick 2-Ingredient Sweet Potato Rolls

Soft, fluffy dinner rolls come together with just a couple of simple ingredients, making them surprisingly easy to whip up. They're perfect for soaking up gravy or serving alongside your favourite Southern meals.
Get the Recipe: Quick 2-Ingredient Sweet Potato Rolls

Creamy Summer Squash Casserole with Ritz Crackers

Tender squash baked in a creamy cheese sauce with a buttery cracker topping is always a crowd-pleaser. Every spoonful is warm, comforting, and perfect for holidays or Sunday dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Summer Squash Casserole with Ritz Crackers

Slow-Cooked Southern Collard Greens Recipe

Slow-cooked greens become incredibly tender while soaking up smoky, savoury flavour. They're a true Southern comfort food that belongs on holiday tables and Sunday suppers alike.
Get the Recipe: Slow-Cooked Southern Collard Greens Recipe

Creamy Corn Pudding Casserole Recipe Without Jiffy Mix

Creamy, buttery corn bakes into a soft casserole with just the right balance of sweet and savoury flavours. It's one of those comforting sides that fits every holiday and family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Corn Pudding Casserole Recipe Without Jiffy Mix

Creamy Southern Sweet Onion Casserole

Sweet onions bake into a rich, creamy casserole finished with a buttery cracker topping that's impossible to resist. Even people who usually skip onions end up asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Southern Sweet Onion Casserole

Southern Style Tall and Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits

Warm, buttery biscuits with flaky layers are hard to resist fresh from the oven. They're just as good with breakfast as they are alongside fried chicken, barbecue, or a bowl of soup.
Get the Recipe: Southern Style Tall and Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits

Southern Skillet Bacon Fried Corn

Sweet corn cooked with crispy bacon creates a simple skillet side that's full of flavour in every bite. It tastes like summer and goes with just about anything coming off the grill.
Get the Recipe: Southern Skillet Bacon Fried Corn

Grandma's Southern Potato Salad

Creamy potatoes tossed in a flavourful dressing make this the kind of side dish everyone looks for first at family gatherings. It has that old-fashioned homemade taste that never goes out of style.
Get the Recipe: Grandma's Southern Potato Salad

Old-Fashioned Cucumber and Onions in Vinegar

Crisp cucumbers and onions soak up a tangy dressing that adds a refreshing bite to any meal. They're especially nice alongside barbecue, grilled meats, or picnic favourites on a warm day.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Cucumber and Onions in Vinegar

Authentic Cajun Dirty Rice Recipe

Bold Cajun seasoning, savoury meat, and perfectly cooked rice come together in a side dish that's full of flavour. It's hearty enough to enjoy on its own but pairs just as well with your favourite Southern mains.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Cajun Dirty Rice Recipe

Southern Fried Cabbage with Onions and Bacon

Tender cabbage cooked with onions and crispy bacon creates an easy side that's packed with savoury flavour. It pairs beautifully with everything from pork chops to fried chicken.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Onions and Bacon

Hearty Lima Beans and Corn Succotash Recipe

Sweet corn, lima beans, and colourful vegetables come together in a hearty Southern favourite that's both comforting and satisfying. It's simple enough for weeknights but always welcome at holiday meals too.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Lima Beans and Corn Succotash Recipe

Classic Sweet and Savory Southern Pineapple Casserole

Sweet pineapple, sharp cheese, and buttery crackers might sound unexpected, but somehow they work perfectly together. Every time this casserole shows up at a potluck, someone asks for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Classic Sweet and Savory Southern Pineapple Casserole

Crispy Buttermilk Fried Okra with Easy Dipping Sauce

Fresh okra fries up golden and crispy with a seasoned coating that's impossible to resist. Pair it with the dipping sauce, and you've got a side everyone will be reaching for.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Buttermilk Fried Okra with Easy Dipping Sauce

Creamy Southern Smoked Cheddar Grits

Creamy grits loaded with smoky cheddar cheese make an easy side that's full of rich Southern flavour. They're equally at home next to breakfast favourites or a hearty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Southern Smoked Cheddar Grits