13 Recipes That Made Sunday Meals in the South Absolutely Legendary

Sunday meals in the South aren’t just about eating, they’re about tradition, connection, and the food that makes the whole table fall silent after the first bite. Each dish is packed with flavor and made to be shared. These favorites bring classic Southern comfort to your kitchen, making it easy to cook memorable meals without the stress.

Baby Back Ribs

Baby back ribs perfectly capture the flavor and tradition behind recipes that made Sunday meals in the South absolutely legendary. Coated in a bold dry rub, glazed with sticky-sweet sauce, and cooked until fall-off-the-bone tender, they’re the ultimate combination of smoky, savory, and sweet. With minimal prep but unforgettable payoff, they earn their place as the star of any Southern gathering.
Get the Recipe: Baby Back Ribs

Peach Cobbler

Peach cobbler captures the heart of recipes that made Sunday meals in the South absolutely legendary with its warm, bubbling peaches and golden, buttery crust. Each bite blends caramelized fruit, soft cake-like topping, and a hint of spice, creating pure comfort on a plate. With just four ingredients, it’s a simple yet unforgettable dessert that has held a top spot on Southern tables for generations.
Get the Recipe: Peach Cobbler

Garlic Butter Shrimp

Garlic butter shrimp earns its place among recipes that made Sunday meals in the South absolutely legendary with its rich flavor and crowd-pleasing appeal. Plump shrimp bake in a bubbling blend of butter and garlic until tender, fragrant, and perfect for sharing. Ready in just 10 minutes, it delivers that unmistakable Southern touch that turns an ordinary gathering into something memorable.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp

Ham and Cheese Sliders

Ham and cheese sliders show why recipes like these have made Sunday meals in the South absolutely legendary, combining ease with irresistible flavor. Soft rolls layered with savory ham and melted cheese are brushed with buttery glaze and baked until golden and toasty. In less than 30 minutes, they become the finger food guests can’t stop reaching for.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Sliders

Stuffed Meatloaf

Stuffed meatloaf brings the hearty, comforting flavor that has made Sunday meals in the South absolutely legendary. Juicy beef encases a gooey cheese center, then gets glazed with smoky BBQ sauce for a main dish that draws everyone to the table. It’s a filling, flavor-packed centerpiece that turns a regular meal into a Sunday tradition.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Meatloaf

Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Make-ahead mashed potatoes embody the creamy indulgence that has made Sunday meals in the South absolutely legendary. Prepared in advance and baked to perfection, they’re rich, fluffy, and bursting with buttery flavor, freeing up time for the host to enjoy the gathering. It’s a smart, stress-free way to keep a true Southern classic front and center without the last-minute scramble.
Get the Recipe: Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Red Skin Potato Salad

Red skin potato salad secures its place in the lineup of recipes that made Sunday meals in the South absolutely legendary with creamy texture and savory bacon flavor. The skins add a rustic charm and extra bite, while the dressing blends it all into perfect harmony. Dependable and delicious, it’s the side dish everyone hopes to see on the table.
Get the Recipe: Red Skin Potato Salad

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Grilled shrimp skewers hold a well-earned spot among recipes that made Sunday meals in the South absolutely legendary, bringing smoky, juicy flavor to the table. Whether fired up on the grill or cooked in the air fryer for ease, they deliver that signature char and tenderness that keeps people coming back. Lightly seasoned to let the shrimp shine, they’re a fresh yet unforgettable addition to any Southern spread.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Pulled Pork

Pulled pork stands as one of the most iconic recipes that made Sunday meals in the South absolutely legendary, offering smoky, melt-in-your-mouth meat that feels like pure comfort. Cooked low and slow until it shreds effortlessly, it’s perfect for piling onto buns, stuffing into tacos, or serving with tangy sauce on the side. Its versatility and deep flavor ensure it’s always one of the first dishes to disappear.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork

Quick Creamed Collard Greens Recipe (Dairy-Free)

Quick creamed collard greens stand among recipes that made Sunday meals in the South absolutely legendary, delivering big flavor in a fraction of the time. Simmered with onions, garlic, broth, and coconut milk, the greens turn silky and rich without any dairy. Ready in just 20 minutes, they prove that Southern tradition can be both timeless and time-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Quick Creamed Collard Greens Recipe (Dairy-Free)

Cheap Grilled Meat

Cheap grilled meat highlights how recipes that made Sunday meals in the South absolutely legendary don’t require expensive ingredients. With a basic seasoning mix and smoky heat, even budget-friendly cuts become tender, juicy, and full of flavor. It’s a dish that stretches the budget while delivering the feast-worthy taste Southern gatherings are known for.
Get the Recipe: Cheap Grilled Meat

Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits

Bacon and cheddar biscuits showcase exactly why Sunday meals in the South have earned their legendary status. Fluffy, buttery biscuits are packed with sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and ranch seasoning, making them a hit alongside any main course. Their savory punch and melt-in-your-mouth texture keep them disappearing faster than they can be replenished.
Get the Recipe: Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Crock pot mac and cheese earns its place among recipes that made Sunday meals in the South absolutely legendary with rich, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy goodness. Slow cooking infuses every bite with flavor while keeping the process simple enough for feeding a crowd. Comforting, familiar, and always a favorite, it’s a side that guarantees clean plates and happy guests.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese