22 Southern Summer Recipes People Keep Passing Down
Southern cooking shines in the summertime with dishes that highlight fresh produce, bold flavors, and plenty of comfort. These recipes capture the spirit of the season with food that’s perfect for cookouts, picnics, and long afternoons spent with family and friends. They’re the kind of recipes that make summer feel like it should last just a little longer.
Chicken Fried Venison
This Chicken Fried Venison is a mouthwatering twist on a Southern classic, bringing all the comfort and flavor you crave with a lighter, leaner protein. By using venison, this dish not only retains that crispy, golden-brown exterior and tender, juicy interior but also offers a healthier alternative without sacrificing any of the deliciousness that makes it a true comfort food favorite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Venison.
Spicy Southern Comeback Sauce
Comeback sauce is a versatile and tangy dip that elevates just about any dish, making it a must-have for your kitchen. Whether you’re dunking shrimp, crab cakes, veggies, fried pickles, or French fries, this sauce adds a flavorful kick that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, it doubles as a delicious dressing that can bring new life to your salads or sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Southern Comeback Sauce.
Southern Peach Cobbler
This Southern Peach Cobbler is an easy and quick end-of-summer treat and a quintessential Southern specialty! I have even included a gluten-free option.
Get the Recipe: Southern Peach Cobbler.
Super Easy Crab Cakes
Crab cakes are a versatile choice that serves as a delicious appetizer for parties or a delightful dinner when paired with a side salad. These savory cakes are packed with tender crab meat and seasoned to perfection, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor, ideal for any gathering or meal.
Get the Recipe: Super Easy Crab Cakes.
Spicy Cornbread & Sausage Stuffing
This Spicy Cornbread & Sausage Stuffing offers a delightful kick of heat that adds a unique twist to a classic dish. Its bold flavors complement chicken, fish, and pork perfectly, making it a versatile side that elevates any meal. Plus, it transforms into a decadent filling for stuffed mushrooms, turning them into a savory treat that’s sure to impress at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cornbread & Sausage Stuffing.
Crispy Fried Chicken
Are you wondering how to make your fried chicken extra crispy? The trick is surprisingly simple, and once you try it, you’ll see just how easy it is to get that perfect crunch. Keep reading to discover our tips for achieving the crispiest fried chicken ever!
Get the Recipe: Crispy Fried Chicken.
Old Fashioned Ham Salad
This old-fashioned ham salad is an incredibly easy use for leftover ham, not to mention it is totally delicious and nostalgic. A Southern classic recipe made quickly in your own kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Ham Salad.
Southwestern Salad
The Southwestern Salad, featuring garbanzos and a zesty chipotle, lime, and roasted garlic dressing, brings a touch of heat from the chipotle. Toss in plenty of fresh veggies, and you have a colorful, tasty salad perfect for summer!
Get the Recipe: Southwestern Salad.
Smoked Beef Brisket
Smoked Beef Brisket can be juicy, tender, and surprisingly straightforward to make. This guide will teach you how to smoke the perfect beef brisket with minimal effort. We’ll cover the essentials from selecting the right cut to mastering the smoking process. By understanding the key techniques like temperature control and choosing the right wood, you can effortlessly produce a delicious brisket.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Beef Brisket.
Smoked Baked Beans
Today, we’re elevating the classic flavors of baked beans with a smoky twist. Smoked baked beans will elevate these flavors to new heights. Smoking these delicious four-bean baked beans adds a whole new dimension of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Baked Beans.
Air Fryer Bisscuits
Try cooking biscuits in an air fryer for a quick, crunchy breakfast or dinner treat. These fluffy treats are a must-try for any fan of biscuits, whether they are eaten on their own, with butter, or dipped in gravy. Get the recipe: Air Fryer Biscuits.
Zucchini Fritters
Air fryer zucchini fritters are a delicious and practical solution for using up that surplus of garden-fresh zucchini. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these fritters are packed with flavor and are a breeze to make, offering a healthy and satisfying snack or side dish in just minutes.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Fritters.
How To Make Jiffy Cornbread Better
This old-fashioned ham salad is a wonderfully nostalgic dish that transforms leftover ham into a creamy, flavorful spread that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Each bite brings back memories of classic homemade meals, making it a perfect choice for sandwiches, crackers, or as a savory addition to your favorite salads.
Get the Recipe: How To Make Jiffy Cornbread Better.
Smoked Pulled Pork
Smoked Pulled Pork takes the flavor to a whole new level compared to the standard crockpot method. When smoked, the pork develops a rich, deep flavor profile with a smoky aroma that you just can’t achieve with a crockpot. The meat becomes incredibly tender, practically melting in your mouth with each bite. And here’s the best part: you don’t actually need a traditional smoker to get that authentic smoked taste.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pulled Pork.
Peach Tea
Peach Tea is the perfect drink to wrap up the summer! This Peach Iced Tea is extra special and easy because the sun helps you make it! You can enjoy this tea sweetened or just plain unsweetened.
Get the Recipe: Peach Tea.
Gumbo
Gumbo, a hearty dish hailing from Louisiana, is a delicious medley of flavors you’ll want to enjoy again and again. This recipe, filled with an array of spices, meats, and veggies, is more than just a meal—it’s a trip through the rich and vibrant culture of the South. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this step-by-step guide will help you create a perfect pot of gumbo that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Gumbo.
Red Velvet Cake
Everyone loves red velvet cake! Our recipe can be made in a Bundt pan, 9 X 13 cake pan, or made into a layer cake. It’s even perfect for cupcakes. Top it with Ermine frosting or cream cheese icing, we’ve got the recipe for both right here!
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Cake.
Creamy Old Fashioned Southern Butter Beans
Tender and creamy old fashioned butter beans are a classic Southern comfort dish served as the main attraction or side dish. Making beans from scratch starting with large lima beans is easier than you think!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Old Fashioned Southern Butter Beans.
Collard Greens
If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful Southern side dish, look no further than Collard Greens! These greens are cooked low and slow with salt pork, sautéed onions, and garlic, and they’re infused with a deep flavor that embodies comfort and family.
Get the Recipe: Collard Greens.
Sweet Potato Pie
Classic Sweet Potato Pie is a Thanksgiving favorite and is often seen on the table after the turkey has made its appearance. But it is one of those desserts that can work at any time of the year.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Pie.
Ham And Beans
Ham and beans is a classic Southern comfort dish that delivers hearty, satisfying flavors in every bite. The tender white beans are slow-cooked in a rich, savory ham broth, absorbing all the deliciousness and creating a warm, filling meal that’s perfect for any time you need a taste of home.
Get the Recipe: Ham And Beans.
Pig Pickin’ Cake
Everyone loves this moist pig pickin’ cake with its bright orange flavor and fluffy pineapple frosting. Easy to make because it starts with a box cake mix. Perfect for picnics and BBQs even if you aren’t in the South!
Get the Recipe: Pig Pickin’ Cake.
