You won’t find greater comfort food than Southern comfort food. These dishes feel like a hug on a plate! They’re a kind of culinary love that has been simmering in Southern pots & ovens for decades. Fried green tomatoes or peach cobbler—there’s something for everyone. As such, here are eleven comfort foods that only exist in Southern rural kitchens.
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Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and dumplings are a big deal in Southern rural kitchens. This dish is made from tender chunks of chicken floating in a savory broth and doughy dumplings that are so soft they practically melt in your mouth! You’ll remember the tastes of your grandma’s house and feel your troubles slip away with a single bite.
Cornbread
Even though cornbread is simple, it’s still oh-so-good and especially when it’s baked in a cast-iron skillet. This type of pan gives cornbread an irresistible crispy edge while keeping the inside soft & fluffy! Whether you’re eating it by itself or using it to scoop up your greens, cornbread is a staple that goes with just about anything.
Country Ham with Red-Eye Gravy
Country ham with red-eye gravy combines the salty, savory goodness of cured ham with a special kind of gravy made from coffee—yes, coffee! It might sound odd at first but together, you have a rich, slightly bitter sauce. It complements the ham in a way nothing else can—a true Southern original.
Pimento Cheese
Pimento cheese (or as some call it, the “caviar of the South”) is a creamy, tangy spread that’s downright addictive. It’s made with cheddar cheese, mayonnaise—and of course, pimentos. Whether you have it with crackers or even as a burger topping, it’s proof that sometimes, the simplest ingredients make for the best dishes.
Fried Green Tomatoes
For fried green tomatoes, Southerners take something as simple as unripe tomatoes and then coat them in cornmeal. They fry them up until they’re golden & crispy. The result is a crunchy, tangy treat! They’re best served with a side of remoulade sauce and they’re a must-try for anyone who wants to experience the South’s full flavor.
Shrimp and Grits
While shrimp and grits started as a simple breakfast for coastal fishermen, it’s now a beloved dish all over the South. Creamy, stone-ground grits topped with juicy, sautéed shrimp—what could be better? Throw in some bacon or andouille sausage and you have a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. It’s a taste of the coast no matter where you are.
Sweet Potato Pie
Move over, pumpkin pie—sweet potato pie is here to take the crown. This Southern dessert is sweet & spiced just right, wrapped up in a buttery crust that’ll make even the worst day seem better. The best kind of pie is one that’s made with sweet potatoes picked right from the backyard. No wonder it’s such a holiday favorite!
Hushpuppies
Hushpuppies are little balls of fried cornmeal batter that are crispy on the outside yet soft & fluffy on the inside. While they might be a side dish, they often steal the show at any meal. Legend has it they were named for their ability to keep dogs quiet during cookouts but one thing’s for sure—they’ll make your mouth too happy to care about where they came from.
Biscuits and Gravy
You can’t get more comforting than biscuits and gravy. After all, this dish is made of flaky biscuits that are covered in creamy, savory sausage gravy—it’s enough to make getting out of bed in the morning worth it! You can make them from scratch with a little magic & a lot of love, making for a great start to any day.
Peach Cobbler
You can rely on a slice of peach cobbler to make a Southern summer feel complete. It’s a dessert that’s both comforting and refreshing, thanks to the juicy peaches baked under a layer of sweet, biscuit-like topping. In fact, most Southerners will use peaches that they picked from the tree that very morning! It’s part of the farm-to-table spirit that Southern cooking is famous for.
Fried Catfish
On Friday nights or at family gatherings, fried catfish is an important part of the menu. Simply soak it in buttermilk, dredge it in seasoned cornmeal—and then fry it. You’ll have catfish with a crispy exterior and a tender, flaky inside that’s hard to resist. Serve it with a side of hushpuppies & coleslaw for a truly Southern dish!
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.