19 Southern Recipes Outsiders Don’t Expect to Love This Much

Southern food has a way of surprising people, even the ones who swear it’s too rich or “not their thing.” I’ve seen it happen at the table where someone takes one bite, pauses, and suddenly acts like they’ve been eating it their whole life. These 19 Southern recipes bring the sweet, the savory, and the comfort that keeps people coming back for more. They’re familiar enough to feel cozy, but bold enough to win over anyone who thought they wouldn’t like them.

Old Fashioned Southern Pecan Pralines

Old Fashioned Southern Pecan Pralines are a classic candy treat that takes about 25 minutes and feels like old-school Southern charm. Pecans cook into a sweet, buttery sugar mixture that sets into soft, rich clusters. The flavor is caramel-like, nutty, and deeply sweet, with a slightly creamy texture when you bite in. They’re the kind of candy that turns skeptics into believers after one piece.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Southern Pecan Pralines

Cherry Cobbler

Cherry Cobbler is a warm fruit dessert that takes about 45 minutes and always feels like the right kind of comfort. Cherries bake into a sweet-tart filling under a golden topping that turns soft and buttery. The flavor is fruity, lightly tangy, and rich, with syrupy cherries bubbling underneath. It’s the kind of dessert people didn’t plan on eating twice, but somehow do.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Cobbler

Low Carb Biscuits and Gravy

Low Carb Biscuits and Gravy is a comfort breakfast that takes about 30 minutes and still hits the classic Southern craving. Biscuits pair with a creamy sausage gravy made with seasoning and a rich, savory sauce. The flavor is peppery, salty, and hearty, with that warm gravy taste people love. Even folks who swear they don’t like gravy usually change their mind after a few bites.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Biscuits and Gravy

Buttermilk Brined Turkey

Buttermilk Brined Turkey is a classic roast that takes about 3 hours and tastes like the kind of dinner people remember. Turkey soaks in buttermilk with herbs and seasoning, then roasts up tender and juicy. The flavor is savory, rich, and lightly tangy, with meat that stays moist even after slicing. It’s the kind of roast that can win over anyone who thinks turkey is always dry.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Brined Turkey

Chicken-Fried Chicken with White Gravy

Chicken-Fried Chicken with White Gravy is a comfort dinner that takes about 45 minutes and feels like a true Southern classic. Chicken gets a crispy coating and pairs with a creamy white gravy made with pan drippings and seasoning. The flavor is salty, savory, and rich, with crunch outside and tender chicken inside. People who claim they don’t like fried food tend to forget that opinion mid-bite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken-Fried Chicken with White Gravy

Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread

Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread is a bold side that takes about 35 minutes and adds instant excitement to any meal. Cornmeal and flour bake with cheddar and jalapeños for a soft bread with crispy edges. The flavor is cheesy, slightly sweet, and peppery, with heat that shows up without taking over. It’s a great way to convert someone who thinks cornbread is boring.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread

Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices are an easy side dish that takes about 35 minutes and taste like dessert pretending to be dinner. Sweet potatoes roast with brown sugar and butter until soft with caramelized edges. The flavor is sweet, buttery, and warm, with a tender bite that pairs well with savory mains. Even people who avoid sweet potatoes usually end up grabbing another slice.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken And Potatoes

Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken And Potatoes is a cozy dinner that takes about 1 hour and feels like pure comfort with minimal effort. Chicken bakes with potatoes, buttermilk, and seasonings until everything turns tender and savory. The flavor is rich, lightly tangy, and satisfying, with potatoes soaking up the sauce as they cook. It’s a simple dinner that can win over anyone who doubts baked chicken can be exciting.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken And Potatoes

Pumpkin Pecan Pie

Pumpkin Pecan Pie is a holiday-style dessert that takes about 1 hour and feels like the best of two classics together. Pumpkin filling bakes with warm spices while pecans add a sweet, nutty topping. The flavor is rich, spiced, and buttery, with a soft center and crunchy finish. It’s the kind of pie that makes people forget they said they were “too full.”
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pecan Pie

Party Perfect Pineapple Cheese Ball

Party Perfect Pineapple Cheese Ball is a retro appetizer that takes about 15 minutes and somehow always surprises people. Cream cheese mixes with pineapple, seasonings, and crunchy add-ins for a sweet-savory spread. The flavor is tangy, sweet, and salty, with a creamy texture that works perfectly with crackers. It’s the kind of party food outsiders raise an eyebrow at, then keep eating anyway.
Get the Recipe: Party Perfect Pineapple Cheese Ball

Basil Peach Cobbler

Basil Peach Cobbler is a warm fruit dessert that takes about 45 minutes and feels familiar but a little unexpected. Peaches bake into a sweet filling while basil adds a fresh, herby note in the background. The flavor is sweet, juicy, and lightly fragrant, with a soft topping that soaks up the syrup. It’s a great cobbler for anyone who thinks Southern desserts are always heavy or one-note.
Get the Recipe: Basil Peach Cobbler

Old Fashioned Hummingbird Cake

Old Fashioned Hummingbird Cake is a classic Southern dessert that takes about 1 hour and feels like something that always shows up at celebrations. Banana, pineapple, and pecans bake into a moist cake that’s usually finished with creamy frosting. The flavor is sweet, rich, and fruity, with a soft crumb and nutty bites throughout. It’s the kind of cake that wins over people who claim they don’t like “fruit in dessert.”
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Hummingbird Cake

Gluten Free Pecan Pie With Maple Syrup And Maple Dulce De Leche Cream

Gluten Free Pecan Pie With Maple Syrup And Maple Dulce De Leche Cream is a rich dessert that takes about 1 hour and looks like a bakery-level treat. Pecans bake into a maple-sweet filling with a sticky texture and a buttery crust. The flavor is nutty, caramel-like, and deeply sweet, with maple adding extra warmth. It’s the kind of pie that makes people forget it’s gluten free at all.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Pecan Pie With Maple Syrup And Maple Dulce De Leche Cream

Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce

Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce is a hands-off dinner that takes about 8 hours and tastes like real Southern BBQ at home. Pork shoulder cooks until shreddable with a mustard-based sauce and seasoning. The flavor is tangy, savory, and slightly sweet, with rich meat that soaks up every bit of sauce. It’s the kind of meal that converts anyone who thinks pulled pork is only worth ordering out.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce

Sweet Potato Creme Brûlée

Sweet Potato Creme Brûlée is a dessert that takes about 1 hour and feels fancy while still tasting like Southern comfort. Sweet potatoes blend into a creamy custard with sugar and warm seasoning for a smooth texture. The flavor is rich, lightly sweet, and buttery, with a crisp caramelized top that cracks when you tap it. It’s the kind of dessert people don’t expect from sweet potatoes, then can’t stop talking about.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Creme Brûlée

Easy Chicken and Dumplings Skillet

Easy Chicken and Dumplings Skillet is a comfort dinner that takes about 35 minutes and tastes like a meal someone’s been making forever. Chicken cooks in a creamy sauce with vegetables while dumplings steam until soft and tender. The flavor is savory, rich, and filling, with that cozy bite that makes people slow down and eat. Even folks who think dumplings are too heavy tend to go back for another spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken and Dumplings Skillet

Slow Cooker Swamp Potatoes with Smoked Sausage

Slow Cooker Swamp Potatoes with Smoked Sausage is a hearty dinner that takes about 4 hours and tastes like pure comfort food. Potatoes cook with smoked sausage, onions, and seasoning until everything turns soft and savory. The flavor is smoky, salty, and rich, with potatoes soaking up all the juices. It’s one of those dishes people don’t expect to love, then ask for the recipe anyway.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Swamp Potatoes with Smoked Sausage

Slow Cooker Candied Pecans

Slow Cooker Candied Pecans are a sweet snack that takes about 2 hours and makes the house smell like something worth waiting for. Pecans cook with sugar, spices, and a little salt until glossy and crunchy. The flavor is sweet, warm-spiced, and nutty, with a crisp bite that’s hard to stop eating. They’re the kind of snack that outsiders try “just one of,” then keep grabbing handfuls.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Candied Pecans

Pimento Cheese Sandwich

Pimento Cheese Sandwich is a simple lunch that takes about 10 minutes and still feels like a Southern staple for a reason. Pimento cheese spreads over bread with its mix of cheddar, mayo, and peppers for a creamy bite. The flavor is tangy, savory, and slightly sweet, with a soft texture that’s perfect toasted or cold. People who think it sounds strange usually change their mind after the first bite.
Get the Recipe: Pimento Cheese Sandwich