25 Simple Southern Sides to Try at Home

Southern side dishes are well-known for thier comforting and flavorful qualities.

These recipes bring you classics like creamy grits, tangy coleslaw, and savory baked beans.

With 25 recipes below, you'll add a touch of Southern charm to your meals.

Southern Cheese Grits

Cheese grits offer a rich, creamy texture that complements a variety of dishes.

This beloved Southern staple shines at breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Quick-cooking options provide convenience for busy days, while slow-simmered stone-ground varieties deliver an indulgent experience.

The blend of sharp cheese enhances the flavor profile and adds depth to every bite.

Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried green tomatoes capture the essence of Southern cuisine, especially during the warm summer months.

Crispy on the outside and tender within, these delightful bites are seasoned to perfection.

Enjoy them as a tasty appetizer or a satisfying side dish that complements any meal.

This treat goes beyond its cinematic fame; it has become a beloved staple for many food lovers.

Succotash

Sufferin succotash brings a delightful mix of flavors to the table.

Corn kernels and lima beans form the base, but creativity shines through with local twists like crispy bacon or savory corned beef.

Summer is when this dish truly shines, showcasing sweet corn at its freshest and most flavorful.

The vibrant colors make it visually appealing, inviting everyone to dig in.

With each bite, you can taste a bit of history and tradition that has stood the test of time.

Southern Squash Casserole

Classic yellow squash casserole offers a delightful addition to any meal, especially when paired with Southern favorites.

Creamy and cheesy, it features a crunchy layer of Ritz crackers that adds an irresistible texture.

This dish shines during holiday gatherings, making it a go-to for family feasts and celebrations.

Each forkful delivers comforting flavors that remind you of home-cooked goodness.

Preparing this casserole is straightforward, allowing you to focus on enjoying time with loved ones rather than spending hours in the kitchen.

Give this recipe a chance; it might just become your new favorite side dish!

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Effortless cooking can feel like a breath of fresh air, especially when time is tight.

This lazy sweet potato mash highlights the beauty of simplicity.

Microwaving sweet potatoes transforms them into a creamy delight without any fuss.

Mashing them up creates a smooth texture that pairs well with various meals or stands alone as a side dish.

Southern Macaroni Salad

Southern macaroni salad stands out with its colorful mix of ingredients.

Red onion and celery add a crunchy texture, while sweet pickles provide a delightful hint of tanginess.

Hard-boiled eggs contribute creaminess, blending with the rich mayo dressing.

This dish holds a special place at gatherings, often becoming the star on any buffet table.

Each serving invites smiles and satisfied nods from everyone who tries it.

You’ll want to keep this recipe close for those sunny picnics or family reunions where good food is essential.

Hoppin John

Hoppin John stands as a beloved dish in Southern cuisine, often enjoyed during New Year's celebrations.

Black-eyed peas mingle with tender ham and fresh vegetables, creating a hearty meal that satisfies the soul.

This dish pairs wonderfully with turnip greens and cornbread.

Tradition holds that eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day brings good luck for the year ahead.

Fluffy Southern Buttermilk Biscuits

Fluffy southern buttermilk biscuits offer a delightful experience for anyone who loves baking.

The light, airy texture creates a wonderful contrast when paired with savory gravies or sweet jams.

A few simple tips can elevate your biscuit-making game, ensuring they rise in the oven.

Using cold buttermilk and butter enhances the fluffiness, resulting in layers that are tender and delicious.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel

Sweet potato casserole topped with a pecan streusel creates an unforgettable dining experience.

The creamy texture of the sweet potatoes pairs with the crunchy, buttery topping, offering a delightful contrast.

Pecans add both sweetness and a hint of saltiness that enhances every bite.

This dish shines at gatherings or holiday meals, captivating everyone around the table.

Hush Puppies

Perfectly deep-fried hush puppies offer a crispy exterior that gives way to a soft, flavorful center.

These bites are seasoned just right, making them an exciting addition to any meal.

Whether served alongside fried catfish or enjoyed as a snack on their own, they never disappoint.

The golden color and inviting aroma draw you in from the moment they hit the table.

Pairing well with various dips adds another layer of enjoyment to every bite.

This classic dish brings joy and satisfaction with each crunchy morsel shared among friends or family gatherings.

Dirty Rice

Dirty rice holds a special place in Creole and Cajun cuisines, celebrated for its rich flavors and hearty ingredients.

The dish features white rice infused with bits of meat, creating a delightful medley that tantalizes the taste buds.

Seasoned generously with spices, it delivers an unforgettable punch.

While often enjoyed as a side dish, many people relish it as the star of their meal.

Corn Casserole

Corn casserole offers a wonderful blend of flavors that can elevate any meal.

This dish shines with just five ingredients, making it easy to whip up even on busy nights.

The creamy texture pairs with grilled meats or roasted vegetables, enhancing the overall dining experience.

A hint of sweetness from the corn adds a delightful twist that many enjoy.

Southern Style Green Beans

Southern green beans deliver a delightful burst of flavor.

Tender string beans, slow-cooked to perfection, soak up the rich essence of savory onion and garlic.

Crispy bacon adds a satisfying crunch that complements the dish.

Each mouthful offers a taste of tradition and comfort, making it feel like home-cooked goodness with every bite.

This dish pairs wonderfully with various meals or can shine as a standalone side at gatherings.

You’ll find yourself reaching for seconds when these green beans grace your table!

Candied Yams

Candied yams offer a delicious blend of sweetness and comfort that elevates any meal.

This dish features sweet potatoes bathed in a luscious buttery syrup, creating an irresistible glaze.

The Southern roots of this recipe bring warmth to gatherings, inviting everyone to savor each bite together.

You can almost hear the laughter and chatter around the table as loved ones enjoy this classic treat.

Creole Coleslaw

A creamy Creole coleslaw adds a lively twist to the usual potluck fare.

This dish combines crunchy cabbage with a zesty dressing that tantalizes the taste buds.

The hint of spices creates an exciting flavor profile, making it memorable for any gathering.

Friends will be curious about how you achieved such a delightful balance of creaminess and kick.

Southern Fried Okra

Fried okra shines as a beloved summer treat, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite.

This dish pairs with various meals, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Achieving that perfect golden crispiness requires just the right technique and timing.

The combination of fresh ingredients and careful frying creates an irresistible flavor profile that stands out in any spread.

Fried Apples

Fried apples offer a delightful combination of tartness and sweetness that can brighten any meal.

This dish features spiced fruit, enhancing its natural flavors.

Easy to prepare, it requires just a few ingredients yet delivers an impressive taste experience.

The aroma fills the kitchen as they cook, inviting everyone to gather around the table.

Southern Cornbread

Southern cornbread adds a delightful twist to any meal, showcasing its rich heritage and comforting flavors.

This dish shines alongside fried chicken or BBQ, elevating the entire dining experience.

Its golden crust offers a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the soft interior.

The subtle sweetness balances savory elements, inviting you back for seconds.

Charleston Red Rice

Red rice captures the essence of Lowcountry cuisine, inviting you to savor its rich heritage.

Long grain white rice serves as a canvas for bold flavors like crispy bacon, aromatic onion, and zesty garlic.

Each bite reveals a delightful blend of sweetness and smokiness that dances on the palate.

This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or fresh seafood, enhancing any meal with its vibrant taste profile.

Southern Collard Greens

Southern cuisine captures hearts with its rich flavors and comforting dishes.

A plate featuring beans, greens, and cornbread reflects this culinary heritage.

Collard greens shine brightly in this trio, offering a burst of earthy goodness that pairs well with various meals.

Their tender leaves absorb seasonings wonderfully, creating a satisfying experience for the taste buds.

Sweet Tea

A glass of sweet iced tea embodies the essence of Southern hospitality.

This refreshing drink pairs with any meal, making it a staple at gatherings and family dinners.

The balance of sweetness and tea creates a delightful flavor that quenches thirst on hot days.

You might have your own method for brewing this classic beverage, but feel free to try different steeping times or adding fresh herbs.

Southern Style Potato Salad

Southern potato salad stands out with its creamy texture and rich flavors.

A blend of mayo and mustard adds a tangy kick, while hard-boiled eggs contribute to the dish's heartiness.

Chopped onion, relish, and celery introduce a delightful crunch that balances the creaminess.

This recipe has become a staple at gatherings, ensuring it’s always welcomed at potlucks or family reunions.

Pinto Beans

Southern comfort food takes on a new level with pinto beans simmered to perfection.

A smoked turkey leg infuses each bean with rich, smoky flavors that elevate the dish beyond the ordinary.

Nutrient-rich and hearty, these beans serve as an excellent source of protein while satisfying hunger in a delightful way.

Southern Mac and Cheese

Southern baked mac and cheese offers a creamy, cheesy experience that satisfies every palate.

Two types of cheese blend, creating a rich flavor profile that makes this dish unforgettable.

Eggs and milk contribute to its delightful texture, ensuring each serving is smooth and indulgent.

Preparing this comfort food requires minimal effort, making it accessible for any home cook.

Scaling the recipe up allows you to serve larger gatherings without hassle or stress.

Don't let the chance slip by to enjoy this classic favorite at your next meal!

Maque Choux

Cajun Maque Choux elevates corn to a whole new level.

Sautéing in bacon grease infuses rich flavors that dance on the palate.

The addition of Cajun or Creole seasoning adds a delightful kick, making each bite memorable.

Summer shines as the perfect time for this dish, with fresh corn at its peak sweetness.

This vibrant recipe invites you to savor every moment spent around good food and great company.