23 Old-School Southern Dinners Guaranteed to Bring Back Childhood Memories

Introduction

Southern dinners have a way of warming the heart and bringing family together, their comforting flavors and cherished recipes passed down through generations. These 23 old-school Southern dinners are more than just meals—they’re an edible scrapbook of tradition and nostalgia. From savory casseroles to crispy fried chicken and all the soulful fixings, these recipes promise to take you back to the best memories of your childhood dinner table.

Why Make These Classic Southern Dinners?

Southern cuisine is beloved for its bold flavors, simple preparations, and the way it can transform humble ingredients into unforgettable dishes. Each recipe on this list is a true crowd pleaser, packed with familiar tastes and aromas that instantly transport you to Sunday suppers, backyard gatherings, and family reunions. Whether you’re craving comforting chicken fried steak or the richness of shrimp and grits, these dinners are guaranteed to satisfy.

All-Time Favorite Southern Dinner Recipes

We’ve rounded up 23 iconic Southern classics, each with its unique blend of flavor and memories. Here’s what you can look forward to:

1. Fried Chicken
2. Shrimp and Grits
3. Chicken and Dumplings
4. Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy
5. Country Ham with Red-Eye Gravy
6. Smothered Pork Chops
7. Crawfish Étouffée
8. Jambalaya
9. Red Beans and Rice
10. Catfish Po’Boy Sandwiches
11. Southern Meatloaf
12. Barbecued Ribs
13. Chicken Pot Pie
14. Collard Greens with Ham Hocks
15. Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon
16. Fried Okra
17. Biscuits and Sausage Gravy
18. Cornbread With Honey Butter
19. Macaroni and Cheese
20. Potlikker Soup
21. Chicken Bog (chicken, rice, and sausage)
22. Beef Stew with Vegetables
23. Tomato Gravy Over Rice

Sample Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings

Few dishes embody Southern comfort better than a bowl of homemade chicken and dumplings. Fluffy dumplings simmered in a rich, savory broth make this meal a timeless favorite.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe and the entire Southern dinner lineup to seamlessly generate a smart shopping list organized by grocery store section—perfect for efficient planning and eliminating missed ingredients!

Instructions (Chicken and Dumplings)

1. Place chicken, water, carrots, celery, onion, bay leaves, salt, and pepper in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until chicken is tender.
2. Remove chicken; discard bay leaves. Shred meat, discarding skin and bones. Return meat to the pot.
3. For the dumplings, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in shortening until crumbly. Stir in milk until dough forms.
4. Drop spoonfuls of dough into simmering broth. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, until dumplings are cooked through (no peeking!).
5. Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.

Other Can’t-Miss Southern Classics

Most of these old-school Southern dinners can be made ahead or in large batches, making them the ultimate family meal prep stars. Try rotating favorites like mac and cheese, tomato gravy over rice, or beef stew into your weekly menu to enjoy a taste of nostalgia every night.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

Each Southern dinner recipe typically serves 4-6 people, depending on the dish. Classic comfort foods like chicken and dumplings or fried chicken tend to be hearty and filling, with calorie counts ranging from roughly 350-600 per serving. Pair main dishes with lighter veggie sides like collard greens or okra for balance.

Weekly Meal Planning

Want to recreate a week of unbeatable Southern comfort? Save and schedule multiple Southern recipes to create a meal plan that automatically generates a master shopping list, combines overlapping ingredients, and organizes everything by department.

Planning Benefits:

• Consolidates all ingredient quantities across your recipes, so you know exactly what to buy
• Prevents buying duplicates—no more stacks of flour bags!
• Keeps your grocery trips streamlined and stress-free
• Lets you build a full week of meals in minutes

Pro tip: If you’re making several of these Southern classics, use CookifyAI’s scheduling—even bulk-ingredients like rice, flour, or chicken are automatically tallied, taking the guesswork out of shopping and meal prep.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 30 minutes (varies by recipe)
Cook Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour (depends on dish)
Total Time: 1–2 hours

Recap

Old-school Southern dinners are the ultimate comfort food—simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and always guaranteed to rekindle precious childhood memories. Bring these 23 recipes back to your table and enjoy the heart of the South with every meal.