15 Sunday Recipes That Show Why the South Does It Best

Southern cooking has a way of turning Sunday meals into something unforgettable, blending comfort, tradition, and bold flavors in every bite. From hearty mains to side dishes that feel like a warm hug, these recipes make the table feel full of love and laughter without demanding complicated prep. They’re the dishes that keep bellies satisfied, bring families together, and remind everyone why the South really does it best.

Stuffed Meatloaf

A cheese-stuffed meatloaf glazed with BBQ sauce feels like the ultimate Sunday centerpiece, hearty enough to bring the family running to the table. The beef stays juicy and flavorful while the melty cheese inside gives each slice an irresistible surprise. It’s comfort food through and through, perfect for when dinner needs to feel both nostalgic and special.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Meatloaf

Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

Baby back ribs slow-cooked to fall-off-the-bone perfection showcase why Southern flavors shine brightest on Sundays. Coated in a smoky spice rub and sticky-sweet glaze, they’re tender enough to cut with a fork yet bold enough to satisfy big appetites. Best of all, the slow cooker does the heavy lifting so you can enjoy your day while dinner simmers away.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

Garlic Butter Shrimp

Garlic butter shrimp baked until sizzling hot captures Southern indulgence in the simplest way possible. Juicy shrimp are drenched in buttery, garlicky goodness and ready in just 10 minutes, making them an ideal starter or side. It’s a dish that feels luxurious yet takes almost no effort, perfect for ending the weekend on a high note.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp

Ham and Cheese Sliders

Ham and cheese sliders baked with a buttery glaze taste like the kind of no-fuss food Southerners pull out when company shows up unannounced. Soft rolls, gooey cheese, and savory ham baked together create the ultimate shareable bite that disappears fast. Whether for Sunday lunch, dinner, or an evening snack, they’re guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Sliders

Peach Cobbler Made with Cake Mix

Peach cobbler made with cake mix brings classic Southern sweetness to the table without fuss. Juicy peaches bake under a buttery, golden topping that’s crisp at the edges and tender in the middle, striking the perfect balance of textures. It’s a warm, cozy dessert that feels homemade but takes hardly any effort.
Get the Recipe: Peach Cobbler Made with Cake Mix

Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Fluffy mashed potatoes loaded with butter and cream are the kind of side dish Sundays were made for. The beauty of this recipe is that you can make it days ahead, then bake it fresh, so there’s no last-minute stress. Rich, cheesy, and smooth, it’s the side that makes every plate complete.
Get the Recipe: Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Quick Creamed Collard Greens (Dairy-Free)

Creamed collard greens with garlic, onions, broth, and a touch of coconut milk deliver all the flavor of a traditional side with a lighter twist. In just 20 minutes, you get tender greens wrapped in creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with roasted meats or barbecue. It’s a fresh take on a Southern classic that still hits all the comfort notes.
Get the Recipe: Quick Creamed Collard Greens (Dairy-Free)

Cheap Grilled Meat

Southern grilling doesn’t need expensive cuts to impress, and this recipe proves it with bold flavor at a budget-friendly price. Tender, smoky meats kissed by the grill taste like something from a backyard cookout that could go on for hours. It’s the ultimate way to stretch a dollar while still serving up plates worth bragging about.
Get the Recipe: Cheap Grilled Meat

Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits

Bacon and cheddar biscuits straight from the oven make any Sunday meal feel like a Southern feast. Fluffy dough packed with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and savory ranch seasoning gives each bite a bold, comforting flavor. They’re just as good piled high in a basket for dinner as they are enjoyed warm with a pat of butter.
Get the Recipe: Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

A pot roast simmering low and slow is a Sunday tradition that fills the house with warmth before the first bite is ever taken. Tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich gravy come together in one comforting dish that feels like it’s been passed down for generations. Thanks to the slow cooker, it’s as effortless as it is delicious, making it a perfect end to the weekend.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Red Skin Potato Salad

Red skin potato salad with creamy dressing and crispy bacon is a staple side that Southern Sundays just wouldn’t feel complete without. The potatoes stay tender with their skins on, adding color and a bit of extra texture to every bite. Served at cookouts, potlucks, or right next to fried chicken, it’s a recipe that always comes back clean.
Get the Recipe: Red Skin Potato Salad

Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is one of those meals that defines Southern comfort, turning a humble cut of meat into something extraordinary. Cooked until fall-apart tender and packed with smoky, savory flavor, it’s perfect piled high on buns, tucked into tacos, or served alongside slaw. Every bite is juicy, flavorful, and fit for a Sunday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese takes on Southern charm when it’s cooked low and slow in a crock pot until perfectly creamy and extra cheesy. Each spoonful delivers that rich, indulgent flavor that makes everyone want seconds. It’s simple to pull together but has all the comfort of a dish made with love.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp skewers grilled or air-fried until lightly charred bring coastal Southern flavors straight to the table. Juicy shrimp kissed with smoky seasoning are simple yet unforgettable, offering a fresh twist on a classic cookout favorite. Easy to make and fun to share, they’re the dish that disappears almost instantly.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is iconic Southern comfort, and the air fryer makes it possible without all the oil and hassle. Each piece comes out golden brown and crispy on the outside while staying juicy and tender inside. It’s a modern twist on a timeless favorite, keeping all the flavor while making the process stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Chicken