15 Southern Summer Recipes That Will Steal the Show at Every Cookout
Comfort foods to carry you through the season.
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During summer in the South, there are a few things you can always count on: the sun will be hot, the tea will be sweet, and the food will be downright irresistible. Whether gathering on the porch with the whole family, heading to a backyard BBQ, or planning a Sunday church potluck, Southerners know how to bring the flavor-and the charm. Basically, Southern summer recipes are a celebration of satisfying flavors, traditions, and togetherness, including nostalgic grandma dishes that are pure comfort food.
Summertime is the season of so many fresh fruit and veggies like garden tomatoes, sweet strawberries, and flavorful green beans, so you know the cooking is going to be good—especially when paired with other country cookout favorites like buttery biscuits, smoky ribs, and cool, creamy desserts that practically beg for a second serving. Think: fried okra so crispy it crackles, deviled eggs with just the right amount of kick, and casseroles so creamy and cheesy that you might think you're dreaming as you take a bite.
No matter if you're a born-and-raised Southerner or simply craving some good ol' Southern comfort food, this list includes tried-and-true recipes, including main meals, appetizers, sides, and summer desserts to carry you through the season. So, grab a glass of lemonade, loosen your belt a notch, and get ready to cook up a summer feast worth remembering.
Southern Fried Okra
Turn fresh okra into a golden, crunchy delight! First dip the veggie in egg, then toss it in a zip-top bag with a breading mixture made from a combination of cornmeal, flour, and cayenne pepper. The okra is fried quickly for a crispy texture that eliminates sliminess.
Get the Southern Fried Okra recipe.
Southern Potato Salad
This creamy and chunky dish blends Yukon Gold potatoes with a mayonnaise-based dressing, apple cider vinegar, sweet pickle relish, hard-boiled eggs, and crunchy celery. It's a make-ahead dish ideal for gatherings, as the flavors will meld over time and stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days.
Get the Southern Potato Salad recipe.
Sweet Onion Casserole
A must-try for those who cherish heartwarming flavors and simplicity, this casserole combines tender, sautéed Vidalia onions with a creamy base of eggs and heavy cream, topped with melty cheddar cheese and buttery cracker crumbs for crunch.
Get the Sweet Onion Casserole recipe.
Country-Style Ribs
Here's an easy way to enjoy tender, flavorful ribs without grilling. You'll use a simple spice rub and oven-based slow-cook method for fall-apart tenderness with a sticky, glossy barbecue sauce coating. They require minimal effort for maximum flavor!
Get the Country-Style Ribs recipe.
Macaroni and Cheese
Great as a side dish or main meal, mac and cheese is easy to prepare ahead of time and reheats well. The creamy classic is made with whole milk, a blend of cheeses like cheddar and fontina, and spices like dry mustard and paprika, plus golden melted cheese on top!
Get Ree's Macaroni and Cheese recipe.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
The perfect Southern summer dessert, blending sweetness with a salty crunch. This layered dessert features a buttery pretzel crust, a creamy, tangy filling made with cream cheese and homemade whipped cream, and a vibrant strawberry Jell-O topping filled with fresh berries.
Get the Strawberry Pretzel Salad recipe.
Collard Greens
Get an authentic taste of Southern cuisine with this side that features slow-simmered collard greens with a flavorful broth made from smoked turkey legs (or ham hocks), infused with onion, garlic, and spices. A touch of vinegar and sugar balances the richness.
Get the Collard Greens recipe.
Grits Casserole
Whether you need a dish for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, you can count on grits! Here's a casserole complete with quick-cooking grits, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. The flavors are enhanced by jalapeño and a dash of hot sauce.
Get the Grits Casserole recipe.
Fried Green Tomatoes
You'll really capture the essence of summer when you fry up some vegetables! A Southern favorite, tart green tomatoes are coated in a seasoned flour, buttermilk, and cornmeal mixture, then fried to golden crispiness. They can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or side, and pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like ranch or remoulade.
Get the Fried Green Tomatoes recipe.
Slow Cooker Green Beans
Here's a crowd-pleasing side dish on any Southern menu. Fresh or frozen green beans are simmered with smoky bacon, onions, garlic, and a tomato-based broth. The addition of red wine vinegar adds a tangy finishing touch, while crispy bacon tops it off for a perfect balance of textures.
Get the Slow Cooker Green Beans recipe.
Buttermilk Ranch Angel Biscuits
You can't have a BBQ without bread! Infused with herbaceous homemade ranch seasoning and creamy buttermilk, these light and fluffy biscuits rise beautifully thanks to yeast, baking powder, and baking soda. A finishing touch of ranch butter enhances their rich and savory profile.
Pimento Cheese
This zesty spread combines sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, cream cheese, tangy mayo, and diced pimentos for a rich and savory flavor. With hints of Dijon mustard and optional spices for extra flavor, it's perfect as a versatile dip, sandwich filling, or topping for crackers.
Get Ree's Pimento Cheese recipe.
Deviled Eggs
Plenty customizable and simple to prepare, you'll want these eggs at every summer event! The quintessential country appetizer involves creamy yolks blended with mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and dill pickle juice that are seasoned to perfection with paprika and fresh chives for tangy flavor in every bite.
Get the Deviled Eggs recipe.
Ambrosia Salad
For so much Southern nostalgia, whip up this summery no-bake dessert that has a rich whipped cream base filled with mandarin oranges, pineapple, mini marshmallows, and shredded coconut. It's also topped with cherries, grapefruit sections, and toasted coconut so you get plenty of fruity flavor.
Get the Ambrosia Salad recipe.
Layered Salad
Talk about a Southern staple! This salad layers iceberg lettuce, spinach, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, crispy bacon, cheese, peas, and a creamy mayonnaise-sour cream dressing. Assembled in a clear bowl, it delightfully showcases all the ingredients. Oh, it can even be chilled for up to 8 hours before tossing and serving.
Get Ree's Layered Salad recipe.
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