Southern recipes never had to chase trends to win people over. These 17 dishes have stuck around for good reason—they’re rich, satisfying, and never second-best. Whether it’s a pecan pie or a slow-cooked pork shoulder, each one brings flavor without the fuss. Here’s what to make when only the real thing will do.
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 takes about an hour and tastes like every holiday rolled into one. It’s built on toasted pecans, a maple-sweet base, and a layer of rich maple cream that doesn’t need help to stand out. The filling is gooey, nutty, and balanced with a buttery crust. No one misses the gluten.
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Pumpkin Pecan Pie
Pumpkin Pecan Pie blends spiced pumpkin custard with a crunchy pecan topping in under 90 minutes. The main ingredients are pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, and pecans, with just enough spice to cut the sweetness. It’s smooth, crisp, and layered in a way that keeps you going back for more. A pie that covers two cravings at once.
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Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread
Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread is ready in under 45 minutes and tastes sharp, smoky, and just hot enough to keep things interesting. Cheddar cheese, fresh jalapeños, and cornmeal form the heart of the recipe. It’s golden on the outside and tender on the inside without being dry. Goes with anything but holds its own.
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Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken And Potatoes
Oven-Baked Buttermilk Chicken and Potatoes takes a little over an hour and feels like Sunday dinner on a weeknight. It uses bone-in chicken, buttermilk, potatoes, and spices for a simple, tangy, savory result. The chicken turns out juicy and flavorful, with crispy skin and buttery potatoes. No pan sauce needed.
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Cherry Cobbler
Cherry Cobbler comes together in about an hour with tart cherries, sugar, and a soft biscuit topping that soaks up the fruit juices. The contrast of warm filling and golden crust makes it easy to serve and even easier to finish. It tastes bold, sweet, and a little bit rustic. Doesn’t need a scoop, but doesn’t mind one.
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Basil Peach Cobbler
Basil Peach Cobbler takes an hour and brings sweet peaches, herby basil, and a golden crust into one dish. The filling has just enough syrup to keep it juicy without being soggy. It’s soft and fragrant with occasional bright hits of fresh basil. Makes a simple fruit dessert feel layered and interesting.
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Sweet Potato Creme Brûlée
Sweet Potato Crème Brûlée takes just under an hour and rethinks a classic with a Southern twist. Mashed sweet potatoes, cream, and brown sugar create a rich base under the crisp shell. It tastes earthy, creamy, and just sweet enough. Each bite brings the crunch of brûléed sugar and a velvety texture underneath.
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Gluten-Free Carrot Soufflé
Gluten-Free Carrot Soufflé is light, sweet, and silky, ready in about 45 minutes with carrots, eggs, and a bit of sugar. It feels more like dessert than a side, though it works either way. The texture is smooth and airy without being too soft. Great for family dinners or holiday spreads.
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Gluten Free French Toast Casserole with Pecans
Gluten Free French Toast Casserole with Pecans takes about an hour and tastes like weekend brunch baked into a single dish. Cubed bread, eggs, milk, and pecans create a soft interior with a toasted top. It’s slightly sweet with nutty bites that give it texture. Feels like breakfast, dessert, and nostalgia all in one.
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Cheesy Turkey Gluten-Free French Toast Bake
Cheesy Turkey Gluten-Free French Toast Bake is savory, hearty, and ready in about an hour. It combines turkey, eggs, cheese, and bread cubes for a soft, filling center with a golden crust. Each bite is creamy, cheesy, and satisfying without feeling too heavy. Great for leftovers or slow weekends.
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Brown Butter Roasted Pecans
Brown Butter Roasted Pecans are done in 20 minutes and hit every note from nutty to buttery to lightly salted. Just a few ingredients—pecans, butter, and salt—deliver deep flavor and rich aroma. The texture stays crisp with a caramelized edge. Perfect as a snack or added to salads and desserts.
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Buttermilk Brined Turkey
Buttermilk Brined Turkey takes around 24 hours from brine to table, but the flavor payoff makes it worth it. Buttermilk, herbs, and salt work together to keep the meat tender and flavorful. The skin roasts up golden and crisp, while the inside stays juicy. Works for holidays but doesn’t need a holiday.
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Butter Pecan Cookies
Butter Pecan Cookies take about 30 minutes and bring toasted pecans, browned butter, and a soft crumb to the table. They taste rich, nutty, and just sweet enough to pass for dessert or a mid-day treat. Each bite holds up without falling apart. The flavor stays even after they cool.
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Cookies
Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices
Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices take just under an hour and taste caramelized and slightly crisp around the edges. The main ingredients are sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and butter. They’re sweet, earthy, and hold their shape without going mushy. Makes a solid side that’s easy to reheat or snack on.
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Beer Cheese Dip with Bacon
Beer Cheese Dip with Bacon comes together in 20 minutes and tastes sharp, smoky, and extra rich. It uses cheddar, beer, and crispy bacon to turn into a hot dip that disappears fast. It’s creamy without being greasy and salty without being too much. Great with pretzels, chips, or vegetables.
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Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce
Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder with Mustard BBQ Sauce takes 8 hours but does all the work while you wait. The pork turns tender and juicy, and the mustard-based sauce adds tangy depth. It tastes smoky, slightly sweet, and bold enough to carry a sandwich. Feeds a crowd or freezes well.
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Mini Hummingbird Cakes
Mini Hummingbird Cakes take just over an hour and mix banana, pineapple, and pecans into a soft, moist crumb. The texture is dense but not heavy, with a sweet fruit flavor and crunch from nuts. They’re topped with a light glaze, not frosting, and don’t miss it. Made for sharing but easy to keep.
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