105 All-Time Best Comfort Food Classics Indulge in these classics that just can't be beat. By Patricia S York Patricia S York Patricia was the assistant food editor at Southern Living and worked with the Southern Living food team from 2006-2022. She contributed to articles about food, gardening, and pets. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on June 21, 2025 Close Credit: Stacy K. Allen; Food Stylist: Torie Cox; Prop Stylist: Shell Royster Southern food brings comfort like nothing else on Earth. There's no better way to welcome a new neighbor, support a new mom, or cure for whatever ails you than classic comfort food—whether you make it like Mama or use every shortcut in the book. Your go-to comfort food recipes likely say a little something about where you grew up, too. From dinner to dessert, here are over 100 of the South's best comfort food recipes. 23 Southern Comfort Foods You Can Enjoy For Weeknight Dinners 01 of 105 Cast-Iron Patty Melts Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Hearty, melty, and packed with flavor, these skillet-cooked sandwiches are comfort food at its best. With thin beef patties, American and Swiss cheeses, rich caramelized onions, and buttery, toasted rye bread, each bite is a taste of a diner classic made even better at home. Get The Recipe Save 02 of 105 Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Credit: Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer Cheesy scalloped potatoes are the pinnacle of hearty, comforting potato side dishes: super creamy, ultra cheesy, and over-the-top delicious. The potatoes are so tender they cut like butter, and the cream sauce is velvety and savory, coating the potatoes perfectly. get the recipe Save 03 of 105 French Onion Pot Roast Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Not only is this pot roast extra flavorful, it's the perfect main for pairing with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or cheesy polenta. The definition of comfort food. get the recipe Save 04 of 105 Vegetable Soup Credit: Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall Hearty vegetable soup is just what chilly evenings call for. This recipe is flavored with seasonings and packed with fresh and frozen vegetables. get the recipe Save 05 of 105 Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox This sour cream mashed potatoes recipe uses no liquid milk or cream, but rather just sour cream and butter to create a decadent side dish that will quickly become a family favorite. get the recipe Save 06 of 105 Mahogany Cake Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox The ultimate classic cake. Meet Mahogany, who many knew before the Red Velvet Cake gained its popularity. While the cake is moist and flavorful, it's the Ermine frosting that steals the show. get the recipe Save 07 of 105 Classic Beef Chili Credit: Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Kat Steele; Prop Styist: Claire Spollen On a fall day, a hearty chili hits the spot. This hearty beef chili features boneless chuck and a medley of traditional chili seasonings, like cumin, chili powder, and garlic. A dash of oregano and thyme makes this Southern beef chili anything but ordinary. Topped with crushed tortilla chips, a dollop of sour cream, and as much shredded cheese as your heard desires for a meal you'll make again and again. Get The Recipe Save 08 of 105 Classic Southern BLT Credit: Monica Farber/Southern Living The BLT is one of the simplest yet delicious creations, and it will always be on our list of favorite comfort foods. Juicy tomato, crispy lettuce, smoky bacon, and a garlicky mayo spread. What more could you ask for from a sandwich? Get The Recipe Save 09 of 105 German Chocolate Cake Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Our resident confection extraordinaire Pam Lolley created this gorgeous new recipe for classic German chocolate cake, and you're going to love this Southern favorite more any you've tried before. Get The Recipe Save 10 of 105 Tomato Gravy Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Even though it's typically made with canned tomatoes, we developed this version of the old-school classic with fresh tomatoes for a summery taste that will be delicious over biscuits or even grits or pork chops. Get The Recipe Save 11 of 105 Slow-Cooker French Onion Soup Credit: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Torie Cox There aren't many things a warm batch of classic French onion soup can't fix, and this slow-cooker version saves you from standing by the stovetop for hours. Get The Recipe Save 12 of 105 Smoked Turkey-and-Andouille Gumbo Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Cindy Barr; Food Styling: Torie Cox When the temperature drops, you can bet that plenty of homes in Louisiana will have a pot of gumbo ready. This gumbo features a mix of turkey and andouille sausage to make for a hearty meal for any time of year. Get The Recipe Save 13 of 105 Homemade Orange Rolls Credit: Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall There's nothing that brightens up a Saturday morning more than a batch of fresh-from-the-oven orange rolls. These homemade orange rolls call on pantry staples and fresh oranges for a tender, citrus-scented dough, sweet filling, and rich glaze. Get The Recipe Save 14 of 105 Twice-Baked Potatoes Credit: Antonis Achilleos Although these baked potatoes are the ideal side dish, a few quick and easy toppings can transform them into an incredible main dish. Get The Recipe Save 15 of 105 Candied Yams Credit: Antonis Achilleos, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley Lightly spiced and oh-so-sweet, candied yams are a mainstay on Southern Thanksgiving tables. This streamlined recipe for candied yams doesn't require any boiling, and everything is mixed in one dish and baked for a fantastic final side. Get The Recipe Save 16 of 105 Baked Ziti Credit: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley Every bite of this baked pasta dish is pure comfort. It's warm, cheesy, and packs lots of flavor. Ready in just about an hour, this cozy recipe will surely satisfy your family on any weeknight. Get The Recipe Save 17 of 105 Crispy Fried Chicken Credit: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless You're not too far off from indulging in this flavor-packed fried chicken. With just 45 minutes of active time and a few hours of marinating the chicken in the fridge, you'll have a delicious dinner that will no doubt warm your soul. When frying, be sure not to overfill the pan to avoid soggy chicken. Get The Recipe Save 18 of 105 Basic Pimiento Cheese Credit: Fred Hardy; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke There are countless ways to jazz up this Southern-favorite spread, but if you're looking for a classic, no-frills recipe, this is where to start. Get The Recipe Save 19 of 105 Coca-Cola Cake Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Baked goods made with soft drinks are a tradition that dates back decades, and this cola confection is one of the most popular recipes. Velvety in texture and incredibly tender from oil and buttermilk, the layers of this Coca-Cola cake are flavored with both cocoa powder and Coca-Cola. Get The Recipe Save 20 of 105 Instant Pot Chili Mac Credit: Photography and Styling: Caitlin Bensel Macaroni and cheese and chili. The combination of these two classic comfort foods is a match made in heaven. Ready in 30 minutes, this easy meal will be scarfed down in a flash. Get The Recipe Save 21 of 105 Big Mama's Egg Pie Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall The simplicity of this recipe is what makes it so delicious; with a flavor reminiscent of eggnog, this is the perfect pie to get a taste of home. Get The Recipe Save 22 of 105 Mississippi Mud Cake Credit: Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Ana Kelly Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke There's no better way to feed dessert to the whole family than with an easy sheet cake like this fudgy, marshmallow-topped creation straight from the Magnolia state. Get The Recipe Save 23 of 105 Beef Stroganoff Credit: Antonis Achilleos Even though this classic comfort food dish is easy to prepare and made of simple ingredients, it inherently feels like a special occasion dish. This beef stroganoff recipe brings all the savory, umami flavors perfect to enjoy on a chilly night. Get The Recipe Save 24 of 105 1234 Cake with Chocolate Frosting Credit: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Kathleen Varner If you need a fix of homemade cake but don't want the hassle, the 1234 cake is the perfect happy medium. A great standard yellow cake with a delicious chocolate frosting, the recipe is simple enough to memorize. Get The Recipe Save 25 of 105 Smoky Mountain Brunswick Stew Credit: Southern Living Nothing is more comforting than a big bowl of hearty, flavorful Brunswick stew. This easy recipe comes together in just an hour so you can serve it up on a weeknight. Overloaded with chicken thighs, chicken sausage, Yukon Gold potatoes, onions, carrots, and celery, this stew will satisfy your entire family. Get The Recipe Save 26 of 105 Mamie Eisenhower's Chocolate Fudge Credit: Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Christine Keeley If you have an old-fashioned fudge recipe in your collection, we're guessing it looks a little something like this hallmark recipe. From former First Lady Mamie Eisenhower, this chocolaty fudge features marshmallow cream and chopped nuts for a textural delight. Get The Recipe Save 27 of 105 Easy Chicken and Dumplings Credit: Beth Dreiling Hontzas Chicken and dumplings are a quintessential Southern comfort food at which every Southern chef should try their hand. With deli-roasted chicken, cream of chicken soup, and canned biscuits, this quick and tasty version of the classic recipe comes together with minimal effort, but maximum flavor and comfort. Get The Recipe Save 28 of 105 Old-School Green Bean Casserole Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall Every part of this old-school casserole is homemade, so canned soup is required. While it's a staple during the holiday season, we think this classic side dish is a great addition to your menu year-round. Get The Recipe Save 29 of 105 Sock It To Me Cake Credit: Hannah Zimmerman / Southern Living We're revisiting this 1960s recipe that was a Southern host favorite. Though it may be unassuming on the outside, this bundt cake has a ribbon of cinnamon and pecan on the inside to add a hint of nuttiness and spice. Get The Recipe Save 30 of 105 Baked Ziti with Sausage Credit: Southern Living Classic and comforting, cheesy baked ziti casserole is always a family favorite. This easy Southern comfort casserole comes together with homemade tomato sauce with crumbly, flavorful, and savory sausage. Get The Recipe Save 31 of 105 Instant Pot Black-Eyed Peas Credit: Caitlin Bensel Southerners love their black-eyed peas (especially on New Year's Day!), and the Instant Pot makes this old-school recipe easier than ever. With just 10 minutes of active time, you'll have good luck and perfect side dish. Get The Recipe Save 32 of 105 Heirloom Tomato Pie Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely When the farmers' market is bursting with fresh tomatoes in the summer, the first thing we rush to make is tomato pie. This pie is as delicious as it is beautiful; with flavors from Cheddar cheese, bacon, Dijon mustard, shallots, and more, this is a bright and pleasing dish for warm days. Get The Recipe Save 33 of 105 Old-Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie Credit: Stacy K. Allen; Food Stylist: Torie Cox; Prop Stylist: Shell Royster No other dish describes comfort quite as well as chicken pot pie. Made with tender chicken, mixed veggies, satisfying spices, and a delicious pie crust, this is the perfect easy weeknight dinner. Get The Recipe Save 34 of 105 Fried Green Tomatoes Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Rebecca Cummins It doesn't get much more Southern than a plate of fried green tomatoes. Great on sandwiches, on top of salads, or plain eaten off a plate and dipped in sauce, this is a recipe that every Southern could should learn. Each fried green tomato is hand-dredged in buttermilk, tossed in the crispy coating, and then fried to golden perfection in popping vegetable oil. Get The Recipe Save 35 of 105 Homemade Mashed Potatoes Credit: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall We have a feeling that you'll be licking the bowl clean after you make these perfectly fluffy mashed potatoes. Yukon gold potatoes yield a texture that's just right for holding a pool of flavorful turkey gravy or melted butter. Get The Recipe Save 36 of 105 Buttermilk Biscuits Buttermilk biscuits are synonymous with the South, and this recipe will make them perfectly classic. Flaky, buttery, and airy, these biscuits are versatile to serve any time of day. Get The Recipe Save 37 of 105 Shepherd's Pie With Sweet Potato Mash Credit: Southern Living Coming to the South from across the pond is the ultra-comforting shepherd's pie. Slow cooked lamb layered with peas, carrots, onions, and topped with mashed potatoes, this is a great option for a filling weeknight dinner. Get The Recipe Save 38 of 105 Chicken-and-Wild Rice Casserole Credit: Morgan Hunt Glaze; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless Our chicken and Rice Casserole is savory, creamy, filling, and everything that a classic Southern casserole should be. This staple casserole can be dressed up for special occasions, but its crowd-pleasing flavor is perfect for a weeknight or family dinner. Get The Recipe Save 39 of 105 Southern Cornbread Dressing Credit: Brittany Conerly, Food Stylist: Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman If you are longing for a nostalgic family feeling, a pan of golden Southern cornbread dressing will take you there. This recipe will make a sweet, nutty stuffing that is studded with tender vegetables and loads of warming herbs. Get The Recipe Save 40 of 105 Low-And-Slow Beef Pot Roast Credit: Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely A flavorful pot roast is, perhaps, the most underrated classic Southern comfort food. Not only is a well-cooked pot roast tender and savory, but it is also incredibly versatile. This recipe let's a Dutch oven do all the work to make an easy dinner with just 25 minutes of active time. Get The Recipe Save 41 of 105 King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner All of the flavors of one of our favorite casserole recipes come together in the universally liked mac and cheese with a king ranch chicken mac and cheese. Packed with cellentani pasta, buttery onions and peppers, diced tomatoes, and two blends of creamy cheese, this mac and cheese dish will become a quick favorite. Get The Recipe Save 42 of 105 30-Minute Chili Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox Do you want delicious chili but don't want to wait all day? Our 30-Minute Chili recipe will have you enjoying one of our quick-fix suppers in no time. This simple-to-make chili recipe only has six ingredients, but you'll marvel at its slow-cooked flavor. Get The Recipe Save 43 of 105 Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup Credit: Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley Instead of waiting for a whole chicken to cook, we sped this comfort food classic up by using a store-bought rotisserie chicken. In just 30 minutes, you'll have a delicious, hearty soup perfect for when you're feeling under the weather. Get The Recipe Save 44 of 105 Southern-Style Collard Greens Credit: Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Props Stylist: Christina Brockman A true Southern chef knows that part of what makes Southern-smoked meat taste good are the perfect side dishes. This recipe fixes the greens up with some traditional Southern flavors. Crispy hickory-smoked bacon, bacon, sautéed sweet onion, smoked ham, apple cider vinegar, and garlic perfect these savory Southern-style collard greens. Get The Recipe Save 45 of 105 Peppered Beef Soup Credit: Southern Living A steaming hot bowl of hearty soup served out of a toasted bread bowl warms our hearts in such a distinct and fulfilling way. This comfort soup requires some prep work, but the soul warming worth every minute. Sirloin tip beef roast is coated in flour and seared for a crispy finish, and a healthy load of vegetables gives the soup simmering flavor. Get The Recipe Save 46 of 105 Old-Fashioned Caramel Cake Credit: Jennifer Davick Over many years, this old-fashioned caramel cake recipe has remained one of our best-ever homemade cakes. Rich and moist from a container of sour cream, dense from butter and eggs, and sweet from sugar, the cake is simple and satisfying. Get The Recipe Save 47 of 105 King Ranch Chicken Credit: Southern Living Hailing from an era when casseroles were king, this Tex-Mex dish still reigns supreme at church suppers and neighborhood potlucks. The spicy flavors of chili powder, roasted peppers, and toasted cumin never fail to please a crowd. Get The Recipe Save 48 of 105 Two-Step Pound Cake Credit: Morgan Hunt Glaze; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless Pound cakes are as easy to make as they are delicious, and this recipe is a classic that all will enjoy. With just six ingredients and 15 minutes of active time, this two-step pound cake is perfect to bring to any gathering. Get The Recipe Save 49 of 105 Baked Macaroni And Cheese Credit: Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman You won't go back to the boxed stuff once you try this classic baked mac and cheese recipe. Putting in the elbow grease of grating fresh cheese truly makes this Southern favorite that much more delicious and fresh. Get The Recipe Save 50 of 105 Chicken-Andouille Gumbo with Roasted Potatoes Credit: Iain Bagwell You can't go wrong with this classic Southern dish to fill you up on chilly nights. We made it even heartier by adding roasted potatoes to the traditional mix of Andouille sausage, Cajun seasonings, and veggies. Get The Recipe Save 51 of 105 Tee's Corn Pudding Credit: Emily Laurae/Southern Living This classic Southern recipe has a rich, soufflé-like texture that tastes fancier than the recipe really is – but we won't tell your guests that. With a scoop of sugar, a dash of flour, plenty of eggs and a heavy serving of cream and butter, this fresh corn casserole comes together with fresh corn kernels. Get The Recipe Save 52 of 105 Double-Crust Chicken Pot Pie Credit: Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Amy Burke Chicken pot pie is the comfort food sent down to the South straight from heaven. A creamy filling of vegetables and chicken covered by not one but two flaky crusts makes this double-crust chicken pot pie one of our best-ever chicken pot pies. One reviewer even raves that this is the "best chicken pot pie I've ever had!" Get The Recipe Save 53 of 105 Old-Fashioned Chicken And Dumplings Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall As the name suggests, this classic chicken and dumplings recipe is a comfort food sure to satisfy the whole family. Handmade dumplings come together with just a few ingredients, and add rustic flavor to the deliciously creamy dish. Get The Recipe Save 54 of 105 Pecan Pie Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Every Southerner knows that no Southern dessert table is complete without a syrupy sweet Pecan pie. This traditional pecan pie recipe is versatile and delicious. For a rich, holiday flavor, try using dark corn syrup. For a lighter and clearer pie, use light corn syrup. Get The Recipe Save 55 of 105 New Orleans Shrimp And Grits Credit: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Tucker Vines These shrimp and grits are robust and full of flavors that mimic the liveliness of New Orleans. Packed with crispy bacon, buttery shrimp, fresh mushrooms, chopped green onions, garlic, lemon juice, and cheese, this dish is as impressive as it is delicious. Get The Recipe Save 56 of 105 Pecan-Peach Cobbler Credit: Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman This classic Southern dessert combines two of our favorite Southern-grown products: peaches and pecans. Covered in a golden-brown, latticed crust made easy from refrigerated pie crusts, the filling is where the real flavor lies. Gooey, sugar-covered peaches envelope crunchy local pecans. Get The Recipe Save 57 of 105 Chicken-Fried Steak With Cream Gravy Credit: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely There's a reason that chicken-fried steak has such an iconic reputation down South. This classic Southern comfort dish has that savory, melt-in-your-mouth taste that every Southern chef seeks. Get The Recipe Save 58 of 105 Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Credit: Luca Trovato This breakfast staple is as comforting as it is cinnamon-y. If you love store-bought cinnamon rolls made from a can, then you have got to make the homemade version – you will jump for joy after tasting how much better the homemade version is. The homemade dough mixture rises to fluffy, golden-brown perfection; topped with cream cheese icing, these cinnamon rolls are heaven in a pastry. Get The Recipe Save 59 of 105 Classic Chicken Tetrazzini Credit: Brittany Conerly; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin Make a simple comfort food with this creamy chicken casserole. This family-friendly casserole dish takes less than one hour to make and provides a filling one-dish meal. With plenty of butter, a rich sauce thickened with flour, milk, white wine, and chicken bouillon, this classic chicken tetrazzini is pure bliss. Get The Recipe Save 60 of 105 Baked Potato Soup Credit: Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Ana Kelly; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely A thick and creamy baked potato soup is perfectly ideal for cold winter days. Flavored with onion, butter, ground white pepper, and milk, this heart-warming comfort soup comes together in just 30 minutes. Get The Recipe Save 61 of 105 Classic Strawberry Shortcake Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox With juicy strawberries spooned over sweet and tender biscuits, these old-fashioned strawberry shortcakes are the perfect dessert for all lovers of classic Southern comfort dishes. Fresh strawberries, sugar, almond extract, and whipping cream tucked between two slices of homemade shortcake biscuits, this recipe is a swet, refreshing treat for all to enjoy. Get The Recipe Save 62 of 105 Old-Fashioned Meatloaf Credit: Will Dickey; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless This classic comfort meatloaf recipe is as close as we could get to how your mama used to make. This Southern meatloaf recipe features Creole and Greek seasonings and a hint of garlic. A few tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce spice up the traditional ketchup topping. Get The Recipe Save 63 of 105 Utterly Deadly Southern Pecan Pie Credit: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood Although there are plenty of pecan pie recipes out there, we can vouch for this one. Any way you serve it – warm, cold, with ice cream, or with a dollop of whipped cream – pecan pie is always a favorite, and this recipe proves it's best made in a cast iron skillet. Get The Recipe Save 64 of 105 Skillet Cornbread Credit: Southern Living The ultimate side dish for any hearty Southern meal, cornbread is great slathered in butter or used for sopping up stews. This classic yet easy comfort food recipe comes together with savory irresistible bacon drippings, creamy buttermilk, white cornmeal, and a dash of salt. Like all great Southern breads, it comes from the oven in a steaming cast-iron skillet. Get The Recipe Save 65 of 105 Roast Beef Credit: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless With a genius trick, you can make an inexpensive beef cut taste like the most succulent tenderloin. Prized for being easy to make and big enough to feed a large family (with plenty of leftovers), roast beef is a great choice no matter the ocassion. Get The Recipe Save 66 of 105 Our Best Lasagna Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless When we set out to create a recipe for the Best Lasagna with the least amount of work, it was no easy task—but believe us when we say we succeeded. Get The Recipe Save 67 of 105 Ultimate Carrot Cake Credit: Alison Miksch Truly our best-ever carrot cake recipe, make this classic favorite for a crowd and you might not have any leftovers to bring home. Made with grated carrots, pieces of Granny Smith apple, and sweetened coconut, the resulting cake layers are moist, sweet, and soft. Get The Recipe Save 68 of 105 Fried Pork Chops with Potatoes and Peas Credit: Greg DuPree Fried pork chops are a classic Southern favorite dish, and they are usually dredged through seasoned flour, fried in several inches of grease, and smothered in a fat-laden gravy. While we agree that method is certainly delicious, we designed this recipe to give you all the flavors of the classic dish without so much fat. Get The Recipe Save 69 of 105 Cheddar Cheese Grits Casserole Credit: Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas You simply cannot go wrong with this eggs, cheese, and grits combination. It's unassuming but absolutely delicious, and a true Southern favorite. It comes together with ingredients that all Southerners have on hand – milk, butter, grits, eggs, and cheese. Get The Recipe Save 70 of 105 Praline-Pecan French Toast Credit: Robby Lozano; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall Dress up your ordinary French toast breakfast recipe with a sweet praline mixture and a hint of cinnamon and vanilla. One online reviewer claims that this Praline-Pecan French Toast recipe is, "sinfully delicious." Get The Recipe Save 71 of 105 Old-School Squash Casserole Credit: Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman Squash casserole is a classic dish that can be found at almost any Southern dinner table or family gathering. Many think that Southerners prefer their vegetables smothered in butter, cream, and cheese. That especially holds true for the yellow squash, which more often than not is at the center of a cheesy squash casserole. Get The Recipe Save 72 of 105 Classic Chess Pie Credit: Jen Causey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley, Food Stylist: Ana Kelly You can't get more basic than classic Southern chess pie. This old-fashioned pie typically has two distinctive ingredients, cornmeal and vinegar, plus other on-hand ingredients such as sugar, flour, eggs, milk and vanilla. Get The Recipe Save 73 of 105 Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies Credit: Beth Dreiling Hontzas In our list of favorite Southern comfort foods, Chocolate Chip Cookies are always in our top ten classic dessert dishes. Although there are a lot of chocolate chip cookie recipes out there, this one stands above the rest in texture, flavor, and sweetness. Get The Recipe Save 74 of 105 Classic Fried Catfish Credit: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley Fried fish are a Southern staple, and the same applies to fried catfish. Spices like ground red pepper, garlic powder, and salt bring out the naturally salty flavors from the catfish in a deliciously spicy batter. A mixture of yellow cornmeal and flour provide the ultimate crispy crust on your fried catfish filets. Get The Recipe Save 75 of 105 Roasted Tomato Soup with Cheddar Cheese Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Cindy Barr; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos Simple, Southern, and oh-so satisfying, hot tomato soup is the perfect diner time comfort food on a cold winters' day (especially when paired with a crispy, gooey grilled cheese). This easy-to-fix tomato soup starts with plum tomatoes. The addition of savory chicken broth, onion, thyme, balsamic vinegar, and freshly ground black pepper brings the taste to life. Get The Recipe Save 76 of 105 Jambalaya Credit: Stacy K. Allen, Props: Josh Hoggle, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray Jambalaya – the dish of countless cookouts, tailgates, and supper clubs across the entire state of Louisiana. From dry and spicy to creamy and stuffed with sausage, Jambalaya is only as versatile as it is beloved. In our classic version, we have loaded the Cajun dish with andouille sausage, chicken, and shrimp for big, bold flavor. Get The Recipe Save 77 of 105 Home-Style Butterbeans Credit: William Dickey A true Southerner can tell the difference between butterbeans and lima beans, although this recipe would technically work with both. These Southern comfort style butterbeans are flavored with bacon, brown sugar, and onion, and come together in a flash thanks to frozen butterbeans. Get The Recipe Save 78 of 105 Sausage-Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Credit: Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Combine crispy hash brown potatoes with savory sausage, fresh eggs, and creamy Cheddar cheese for a hearty, 5-star-rated breakfast or brunch casserole that can be prepped ahead and baked the next morning. Flavors of classic Southern comfort come together in a casserole that will please even the pickiest of eaters – who can turn down pork sausage stuffed into a cheesy, egg-filled dish? Get The Recipe Save 79 of 105 Praline Pull-Apart Bread Credit: Beth Hontzas In the South and everywhere else, carbs are the ultimate comfort food. What better way to improve upon the deliciousness of pull-apart bread than coat the gooey, delicious carb cake with indulgent, sugary pecan praline sauce? This is one Southern comfort food you have to try for yourself – trust us, it tastes as good as it looks. Get The Recipe Save 80 of 105 King Ranch Chicken Casserole Credit: Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley This classic, tried-and-true Southern Living original chicken casserole is everything that a comforting classic should be. Spiked with tomatoes and green chiles, creamy layers of chopped cooked chicken and corn tortillas make this Texas casserole too tempting to resist. It's super-easy to fix for a crowd, and always a hit. Get The Recipe Save 81 of 105 Fresh Peach Ice Cream Credit: Emily Laurae/Southern Living Take advantage of fresh peaches and make this five-star homemade peach ice-cream to cool off on a hot Southern summer day. With fresh peaches, sugar, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, whole milk, and egg yolks, you won't find a creamier dessert anywhere else. And don't let the thought of homemade ice-cream intimidate you – all you need is a food processor and a large bowl, and you'll make this easy and classic Southern comfort dish in merely hours. Get The Recipe Save 82 of 105 Instant Pot Pot Roast Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox You are probably used to a pot roast taking all day, simmering away in a slow cooker or in the oven, but thanks to the Instant Pot, pot roast can be done in a fraction of the time. This recipe results in a melt-in-your-mouth roast with tender potatoes and carrots. All of it is cooked in a deep and flavorful gravy, and it makes wonderful leftovers if you want dinner for another night. Get The Recipe Save 83 of 105 Hamburger Steak With Sweet Onion-Mushroom Gravy Credit: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey A classic hamburger steak is little more than salt, pepper, ground beef, garlic, and whatever you need to make the sauce or gravy. This one has a few added ingredients—bread and egg—to boost the flavor and help it hold together while cooking. Ready in 35 minutes, this is a perfect, easy weeknight dinner. Get The Recipe Save 84 of 105 Extra-Easy Lasagna Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox Homemade lasagna is a family favorite Southern comfort food, but this easy version is extra-special because it only requires 5 ingredients: savory ground beef, store-bought pasta sauce, lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, and shredded mozzarella. Get The Recipe Save 85 of 105 Ravioli Lasagna Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christine Kelly; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee Ravioli lasagna is the comfort food twist pasta lovers didn't know they were missing. Ready to eat in just 30 minutes, the layered, savory delight is the perfect indulgence on a weeknight. Get The Recipe Save 86 of 105 Hashbrown Casserole Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox In the South, we love hash browns and we love casseroles, so it comes as no surprise that this potato bake breakfast is loved by all. With frozen hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, melted butter, and cornflakes, this decadent casserole is rich, filling, and worthy of weekend brunch or breakfast. Get The Recipe Save 87 of 105 Peanut Butter Molten Chocolate Cake Credit: Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely Surprise friends and family with this warm, peanut butter molten chocolate cake that serves a crowd. As you spoon into the center, watch as a river of peanut butter-chocolate lava flows for an impressive yet simple treat. Get The Recipe Save 88 of 105 New Orleans Red Beans and Rice Credit: Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley Louisiana by nature and New Orleans by distinction, red beans and rice is a hallmark of Cajun cuisine. Made in the slow cooker, this recipe takes just 5 minutes of hands-on time and is the perfect savory dinner for all to enjoy. Get The Recipe Save 89 of 105 Kentucky Hot Brown Casserole Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke Get a taste of Louisville with this Kentucky Hot Brown casserole. Based off the classic knife-and-fork sandwich that is made from hearty toast topped with sliced turkey smothered in homemade Mornay Sauce, this tasty casserole is creamy, crunchy, and comforting. Get The Recipe Save 90 of 105 Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding Credit: Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Step away from the packaged stuff; it's time to whip up an old-fashioned banana pudding from scratch. This recipe consists of multiple delicious layers of vanilla wafer cookies, slices of fresh banana, and smooth vanilla custard, all topped with freshly whipped meringue. Get The Recipe Save Aunt Brenda's Sour Cream Banana Pudding 91 of 105 Bread Pudding Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox This bread pudding is light and fluffy with a crispy, toasted, sugary crust. The cinnamon offers a nice subtle spice to what is typically a rich, decadent dessert. Get The Recipe Save 92 of 105 Roast Spatchcock Chicken Credit: Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Torie Cox While we're some of the biggest fans of convenient deli-roasted chickens you'll find, roasting your own whole bird is a feat that every seasoned Southern chef should set out to accomplish. You can better control the spices, oils, and ultimately, the flavor, of your chicken when you roast the whole thing in your own kitchen. Get The Recipe Save 93 of 105 Basic Deviled Eggs Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox We dare you to find a Southern gathering where there isn't a pretty plate of deviled eggs on display. This recipe is for classic deviled eggs; no frills, no fuss. Get The Recipe Save 94 of 105 Classic Tuna Melt Credit: Getty Images This diner favorite is a surefire way to have the most comforting lunch of your week. The retro combination has soared back into popularity in recent months as we look for tasty, satisfying, warm meals that we can make with items on-hand in the pantry and fridge. Get The Recipe Save 95 of 105 Heavenly Key Lime Pie Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox For some Southerners, comforting desserts are chocolate or coconut, but for many, it's all about the Key limes. The combination of Key lime juice, zest, condensed milk, and egg yolks yields a pie filling that is rich and tart without being cloyingly sweet. The graham cracker crust lends sweetness and a bit of nutty flavor, but it really is a vessel to hold the unforgettable filling. Get The Recipe Save 96 of 105 Scalloped Potatoes With Ham Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox It wouldn't be a Southern holiday without a dish of scalloped potatoes on the table, and for a weeknight-friendly version, we added ham for extra protein. Get The Recipe Save 97 of 105 Sausage Gravy and Biscuits Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Sausage gravy and biscuits is one of the South's signature dishes, and every Southern cook should learn how to make it from scratch. Pantry staples and a just a few special ingredients are needed for a satisfying plate of sausage gravy and biscuits. Get The Recipe Save 98 of 105 Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox Classic banana bread is one breakfast go-to that every Southerner should have a recipe for, and adding chocolate chips can make a fantastic dish even better. With just 15 minutes of active time, this recipe is a great option to have in your rotation. Get The Recipe 99 of 105 Southern-Style Potato Salad Credit: Dotdash Meredith There probably aren't many potlucks in the South that don't include a bowl of potato salad in the side dish lineup. Packed with crunchy onions and celery, rich and creamy sour cream and mayonnaise, and meaty bacon, this Southern-style potato salad is sure to be enjoyed by all. Get The Recipe Save 100 of 105 Hush Puppies Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox These poppable bites of pure Southern goodness are a delicious accompaniment to just about any comfort food meal. Get The Recipe Save 101 of 105 Classic Patty Melt Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Maggie Ruggiero Instead of the usual hamburgers, surprise everyone with patty melts for dinner tonight. Sturdy, thick-cut bread such as sourdough can stand up to the meat and gooey cheeses in this classic sandwich. Get The Recipe Save 102 of 105 Sloppy Joes Credit: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke There are few family dinners as nostalgic and iconic as Sloppy Joes. These meaty, saucy sandwiches are beloved because they're easy, fast, and bound to make everyone at the table happy. Plus, they call on several pantry staples and inexpensive ingredients, so they are a budget-friendly option, too. Get The Recipe Save 103 of 105 Homemade Fried Chicken Sandwich Credit: Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley Say goodbye to your favorite drive-thru and hello to this fried chicken sandwich. Marinating the chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce for at least two hours makes for a flavorful bite that will satisfy all of your cravings. Get The Recipe Save 104 of 105 Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Once a classic, always a classic. In this recipe, oatmeal and sweet chocolate come together for the perfect combination. Bake a batch for potlucks, bake sales, or holiday get-togethers. get the recipe Save 105 of 105 Whipped Cream Cake Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox This recipe just sounds light, airy, and delicious. The secret to this recipe is the heavy cream, which is used instead of butter or oil, to create a rich and moist cake. get the recipe Save Frequently Asked Questions What does comfort food mean? According to Merriam-Webster, "comfort food" is a noun that means "food prepared in a traditional style having a usually nostalgic or sentimental appeal." The exact food described changes based on individual preferences and memories associated with specific foods. Why is comfort food popular? According to The City University of New York, comfort food such as "eating sweet and starchy food helps our bodies make serotonin which makes us feel calmer, and decrease the stress hormone cortisol." Explore more: Food and Recipes Dish Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit