15 Classic Southern Foods You Must Try at Least Once

The South is known for its rich traditions, warm hospitality, and unforgettable comfort food. These dishes are filled with history and flavor, from slow-cooked meats to buttery biscuits. Whether you’re visiting a small-town diner or a backyard barbecue, these Southern classics will make your taste buds feel right at home. 

This list guides you to the most iconic foods the South offers. Each dish brings something special, sweet, savory, spicy, or just plain comforting. These Southern favorites deserve a spot if you're building a food bucket list.

Fried Chicken

Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, fried chicken is a Southern staple everyone should try. It's often soaked in buttermilk before being seasoned and fried to golden perfection. You’ll find it served everywhere, from Sunday dinners to roadside shacks. 

Each region adds its own twist, whether it's extra spice or a special kind of crust. Pair it with biscuits, mashed potatoes, or coleslaw for a full experience. Once you taste the real deal, fast-food versions will never be the same.

Shrimp and Grits

This comforting dish combines creamy, buttery grits and fresh shrimp sautéed with garlic, bacon, and sometimes peppers. It started as a simple breakfast but has grown into a fancy dinner item in many Southern restaurants.

 The key is using stone-ground grits and cooking them low and slow. Each bite gives you a mix of rich, smoky, and savory flavors. It’s especially popular along the coastal areas of South Carolina and Georgia. One try and you’ll see why it's become a Southern classic.

Chicken and Waffles

A perfect mix of sweet and savory, chicken and waffles might sound odd, but it works. Crispy fried chicken is served on top of a fluffy waffle and drizzled with syrup or honey. The warm crunch of the chicken blends perfectly with the soft, sweet waffle. 

Some versions include spicy syrup or hot sauce for an extra kick. It's a popular brunch item in many Southern cities. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll want it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Biscuits and Gravy

Fluffy buttermilk biscuits covered in creamy sausage gravy are a must-try Southern breakfast. The biscuits are soft, warm, and buttery, while the gravy is rich and peppery. It’s a meal that sticks to your ribs and makes you feel cozy inside. 

People often make it from scratch using family recipes passed down through generations. It’s best served hot, with eggs or bacon on the side. You haven't had real comfort food until you've tried this dish.

Jambalaya

This Louisiana dish combines rice, sausage, chicken, shrimp, and spices in one pot. It’s packed with flavor and has roots in Spanish, French, and African cuisines. The smoky sausage and spicy seasonings make every bite exciting.

This dish is often made for large gatherings and celebrations. No two versions are exactly the same, and that’s part of its charm. If you like bold flavors, this one should be high on your list.

Collard Greens

Slow-cooked greens might not sound exciting, but collard greens are full of deep, earthy flavor. They're usually simmered with ham hocks, bacon, or smoked turkey for hours.

The result is a tender, flavorful, healthy, and comforting side. A splash of vinegar or hot sauce adds a nice kick. These greens are often served with cornbread to soak up the juices. It’s a humble dish, but one that’s loved across the South.

Cornbread

Golden, crumbly, and slightly sweet, cornbread is the perfect partner for almost any Southern meal. It’s made with cornmeal and baked in a skillet for crispy edges and a soft center.

Some versions include cheese, jalapeños, or even bits of corn. It pairs well with chili, greens, or just a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey. Cornbread is more than just a side, it’s a symbol of Southern hospitality. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it part of your weekly meals.

Pimento Cheese

Known as the "caviar of the South," pimento cheese is a creamy spread made with cheddar cheese, mayo, and sweet red peppers. It’s often served on crackers, celery sticks, or white bread as a sandwich.

Some people even melt it onto burgers or use it as a dip. It has a tangy, rich flavor that’s both simple and addictive. Every family has their own version of the recipe. Don’t let its plain looks fool you—this spread is a Southern treasure.

Boiled Peanuts

These soft, salty snacks are a roadside favorite in the Deep South. Raw peanuts are boiled in salty water, sometimes with spices, for hours until tender. They have a texture similar to cooked beans and are usually eaten straight out of the shell.

They’re messy, but worth it. They are sold at gas stations, farm stands, and festivals. If you’ve only had roasted peanuts, boiled peanuts will surprise you in the best way.

Country Ham

Country ham is salt-cured and aged for months, sometimes even years. It’s more intense and salty than regular ham, with a firm texture and rich flavor. It’s often sliced thin and served with biscuits or as part of a breakfast plate.

Some people soak it before cooking to reduce the saltiness. It's a Southern delicacy that’s both rustic and gourmet. You won’t forget your first bite.

Red Beans and Rice

This hearty dish from Louisiana is both filling and full of flavor. Traditionally served on Mondays, it’s made with red beans, sausage or ham, and lots of spices.

Everything is simmered until creamy and served over rice. It’s a comfort food that warms you up from the inside out. Many families have their own secret recipe. It may be simple, but it’s soul-satisfying.

Fried Green Tomatoes

Sliced green tomatoes are coated in cornmeal and fried until golden and crispy. They’re tart, crunchy, and make a great appetizer or side dish. Often served with a tangy dipping sauce, they bring out the best of Southern garden flavors.

It’s a creative way to use unripe tomatoes. You might have seen them in the movie, but the real thing is even better. One bite and you’ll understand why they’re so beloved.

Hoppin’ John

This dish of black-eyed peas, rice, and pork is a New Year’s tradition in the South. It’s believed to bring luck and prosperity for the year ahead. The flavor is smoky, hearty, and satisfying.

It's often served with greens and cornbread. Simple but meaningful, it connects food to tradition. Try it even if it’s not New Year’s, you might just make your own luck.

Banana Pudding

This sweet dessert layers vanilla pudding, sliced bananas, and vanilla wafers. It’s topped with whipped cream or meringue and served chilled. The textures, creamy, crunchy, and soft, all come together perfectly.

It’s a favorite at potlucks, holidays, and family dinners. There’s nothing fancy about it, but that’s part of its charm. Just one spoonful will take you back in time.

Sweet Tea

More than just a drink, sweet tea is a way of life in the South. It’s brewed strong, sweetened while hot, and poured over ice. Every family has their own method, some add lemon, others a pinch of baking soda to cut bitterness.

It’s refreshing, simple, and always served cold. If you're dining in the South, it’ll likely be your first offer. Nothing says Southern hospitality quite like a tall glass of sweet tea.