Are you in the mood for some southern-style cooking? Look no further!
Southern side dishes are tasty, comforting extras that make home cooked meals better. They include favorites like mac and cheese, creamy grits, cornbread, and greens, adding a special touch to any dinner.
So grab your apron and get ready – we’ve compiled all of our favorite Southern side dishes just for you!
Southern Side Dishes:
1. Southern Cheese Grits
Cheese Grits… the ultimate Southern side dish! This creamy and comforting delight is a staple in the south, and deserves a spot in every cook’s repertoire.
They go great with so many things, and can be enjoyed with any meal of the day. You can cook them up in no time with quick cook grits, or simmer stone ground grits low and slow for the ultimate treat.
2. Fried Green Tomatoes
If you’re from the South, these Fried Green Tomatoes are a must in the summertime!
Well seasoned and super crispy on the outside, with a tender and succulent inside, they’re perfect as an appetizer or side dish, or even just an anytime snack.
Fried Green Tomatoes isn’t just the name of a movie from the early 90’s, they’re one addictive treat that you just have to try!
3. Succotash
Sufferin’ succotash! This classic American side dish goes back centuries.
The main ingredients are corn kernels and lima beans, but regional variations include other vegetables and meats such as bacon or corned beef.
We especially love it in summer when that sweet corn is at its peak.
4. Southern Squash Casserole
This classic yellow Squash Casserole is a great every day side dish for your favorite Southern fare. Easy and delicious, this will be especially popular on your holiday spreads.
It’s creamy, cheesy and topped with crispy Ritz crackers.
Give it a try, we bet it’ll be one of your favorite Southern side dishes!
5. Mashed Sweet Potatoes
This recipe is so easy to make, we call it lazy. Sometimes, it’s okay to be lazy, and if you need all the time you can get, then this one’s for you.
The sweet potato is simply cooked in the microwave and mashed up, to make a dish that’s easy and delicious.
6. Dirty Rice
Dirty Rice is a famous dish in Creole and Cajun cuisines. White rice gets a “dirty” color from bits of meat and a generous dose of seasonings.
It’s a super delicious recipe that’s packed with flavor. And although it’s usually served as a side dish, we love it as a main.
7. Corn Casserole
Indulge in the delectable flavors of this effortless 5-ingredient Corn Casserole, a delightful southern-style side dish that perfectly complements any spread.
Its simplicity and irresistible taste make it a standout addition to your dinner table!
8. Creole Coleslaw
This creamy Creole Coleslaw is a great variation on that classic potluck side dish. Your traditional slaw gets a zippy upgrade.
Bring this to your next get together and guests will be asking for your secret slaw recipe!
9. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel
Here’s the perfect side dish: a delectable sweet potato casserole topped with a heavenly pecan streusel.
Creamy sweet potatoes are elevated to a whole new level with the irresistible combination of crunchy, buttery, sweet, and salty pecans. It’s a symphony of flavors like never before.
10. Maque Choux
Give your corn a Louisiana style makeover with this Cajun Maque Choux! Corn is sautéed in bacon grease with Cajun or Creole seasoning, along with other flavor enhancers.
This recipe is perfect for summer, when corn season is at its peak. It will become the new star side dish at your cookouts and potlucks.
11. Southern Collard Greens
When it comes to Southern cuisine, few things embody the spirit like a plate of beans, greens, and cornbread.
Among these classic components, these collard greens take center stage. We assure you, once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself coming back for more, time and time again!
Get the Recipe @ theseasonedmom
12. Southern Mac and Cheese
Try this delicious Southern baked mac and cheese made with two types of cheese, eggs, milk, and seasonings!
It’s incredibly simple to prepare and can be scaled up to feed a bigger group. Don’t miss out on this easy and crowd-pleasing dish!
Get the Recipe @ dinneratthezoo
13. Fluffy Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
Make this Fluffy Southern Buttermilk Biscuit at home and impress everyone!
These super fluffy biscuits are perfect to serve with your favorite gravy, or just pair with some protein or sweet jam. Just follow some tips and tricks and make these easy biscuits.
Get the Recipe @ melissassouthernstylekitchen
14. Hush Puppies
Discover the irresistible delight of perfectly deep-fried hush puppies!
These delectable treats are not only perfect for snacking, but they also complement an array of dishes flawlessly.
And when it comes to fried catfish, they are an absolute essential!
Get the Recipe @ thecookierookie
15. Southern Fried Okra
Fried okra, with its delightful crunch and delectable flavor, is a timeless summer side dish that perfectly complements any meal.
Whether enjoyed as a savory appetizer or as a tasty accompaniment to your favorite main course, this recipe will show you on how to achieve that irresistible golden crispiness that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Get the Recipe @ spicysouthernkitchen
16. Southern Cornbread
This southern cornbread recipe brings a family classic to your dinner table. Just because it’s a side dish doesn’t mean it can’t be the best part of the meal!
Pair it up with any of your favorite mains like fried chicken or BBQ, and you’re in for a great meal!
Get the Recipe @ grandbaby-cakes
17. Southern Style Green Beans
We love the heavenly flavors of slow-cooked Southern Green Beans. These tender and melt-in-your-mouth string beans are paired with savory onion, garlic, and bacon.
Prepare for a scrumptious experience.
Get the Recipe @ healthylittlepeach
18. Pinto Beans
Get ready to indulge in a bowl of Southern comfort with this incredible Pinto Beans recipe. With the addition of a smoked turkey leg, these beans are bursting with irresistible flavors.
It’s a comforting and delicious dish like never before.
Get the Recipe @ myforkinglife
19. Fried Apples
Indulge in the flavorful delight of our Fried Apples Recipe! These tart, sweet, and perfectly spiced apples are a delightful addition to any meal or a tempting dessert.
With their simplicity and undeniable deliciousness, they have captured the hearts of all as a beloved comfort food.
Get the Recipe @ foodfolksandfun
20. Hoppin’ John
One of the most famous Black Eyed Pea recipes is this traditional Southern style Hoppin’ John.
Black eyed peas simmered with ham and veggies. It’s popular on New Years, but also goes so great alongside turnip greens and cornbread.
Get the Recipe @ dinneratthezoo
21. Southern Style Potato Salad
Try this irresistibly creamy Southern Potato Salad! Made with a delicious blend of mayo and mustard, this recipe also features hard-boiled eggs, onion, relish, and celery.
It’s the ultimate must-have for any potluck. Say goodbye to other potato salad recipes – this is the only one you’ll ever need!
22. Charleston Red Rice
Experience the taste of the Lowcountry with our delicious Red Rice.
Made with long grain white rice cooked in the oven, this classic side dish is infused with the delectable flavors of bacon, onion, garlic, and tomato paste.
The result? A tender and fluffy rice bursting with rich tomato goodness, accompanied by a subtle sweetness and a touch of smokiness.
Get the Recipe @ theseasonedmom
23. Southern Macaroni Salad
Indulge in this classic Southern Macaroni Salad, packed with an irresistible combination of red onion, celery, red bell pepper, sweet pickles, hard boiled eggs, and a creamy mayo dressing.
An absolute must-have at any gathering, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy all taste buds.
Get the Recipe @ southerndiscourse
24. Candied Yams
This classic candied yam recipe is too good! Sweet potatoes, tender and glazed in a buttery syrup, create a delightful and cherished addition to your holiday and Sunday dinner table.
The rich flavors and Southern charm of this authentic soul food dish will leave your loved ones smiling and satisfied.
Get the Recipe @ sweetteaandthyme
25. Sweet Tea
Nothing says “Southern” like a nice cold glass of sweet iced tea. You probably don’t need a recipe for it, but this list would have been incomplete without it!
We hope you enjoyed this list of Southern Side Dishes. There’s so many yummy recipes to choose from!
Check out these other great recipe collections!
Southern Recipes
Italian Side Dishes
Asian Side Dishes
Mexican Side Dishes
Greek Side Dishes
Rice Side Dishes
Potato Side Dishes
Vegetable Side Dishes
25 BEST Southern Side Dishes
This collection of authentic Southern Side Dishes includes 25 classic sides from cheese grits all the way to iced tea!
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 chicken bouillon cube (or 1 tsp Better than Bouillon)
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup stone ground grits
- 4 Tbsp butter
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Combine water and bouillon in a pan over high heat. Meanwhile, heat the milk in the microwave till it is hot.
- Once the water is boiling, add the heated milk.
- When the entire mixture is boiling, stir in the grits. Cook the grits uncovered, stirring every few minutes, for 30-45 minutes, till they are tender to your liking.
Welcome to GypsyPlate! I'm Alpana, former wordwide tour manager and professional caterer, now full time blogger. I love exploring cuisines from around the world, and my recipes have been featured on sites such as MSN, Parade, Brit + Co, CNET and AOL. You can explore my entire collection of sortable recipes in my Recipe Index or learn more about me here.
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