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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    16 Easy Southern Sides That Will Steal the Show

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on August 22, 2025, updated July 29, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Southern cooking is known for its rich flavors and comforting dishes, and the sides are no exception. From creamy coleslaw to buttery cornbread, these 16 easy Southern sides are sure to impress at any gathering. Whether you're hosting a barbecue or a family dinner, these recipes will add a special touch to your meal.

    Potato and Leek Quiche

    Potato and Leek Quiche.
    Photo Credit: The Peasant's Daughter.

    This vegetarian leek and potato quiche is hearty and elegant. It's a wonderful choice for a satisfying meal that won't cost a lot. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this dish combines simple ingredients into something special.

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    Blue Cheese Coleslaw

    Blue cheese coleslaw.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Blue Cheese Coleslaw is a quick and easy side dish that pairs well with steak, barbecue, or anything spicy. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s packed with rich blue cheese flavor and a nice mix of seasonings. This coleslaw is sure to become a go-to favorite for your meals.

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    Southern Coleslaw

    Southern Coleslaw.
    Photo Credit: Recipes from a Pantry.

    This Southern coleslaw is a crunchy and tangy side dish with a touch of sweetness. It's a great addition to summer gatherings, picnics, and barbecues. This coleslaw pairs well with a variety of main dishes and adds a refreshing element to any meal.

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    Slow Cooker Cajun Mac and Cheese

    Slow Cooker Cajun Mac and Cheese.
    Photo Credit: The Cagle Diaries.

    This dish offers a creamy and spicy twist on a classic Southern favorite. It features tender pasta, gooey cheddar cheese, and a flavorful kick from Cajun seasoning and Andouille sausage. This is comfort food that brings a bit of Louisiana right to your dinner table.

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    Sweet Cornbread

    Sweet Cornbread.
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    This Sweet Cornbread is a fantastic side dish that shines during the fall and winter. It's soft, moist, and fluffy, making it a great addition to any meal. With just a few simple ingredients like cornmeal, sugar, buttermilk, honey, and butter, it’s easy to whip up. It goes really well with a warm bowl of chili or soup.

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    Sweet Potato Biscuits

    Sweet Potato Biscuits.
    Photo Credit: Chef Savvy.

    Sweet Potato Biscuits are a great addition to any holiday meal. By mixing sweet potatoes into a classic biscuit recipe, they become flavorful, colorful, and soft. These biscuits pair wonderfully with holiday ham or turkey, making them a delightful side dish for festive gatherings.

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    Peach and Prosciutto Salad

    Peach and Prosciutto Salad.
    Photo Credit: Heavenly Home Cooking.

    This salad combines grilled peaches, prosciutto, creamy Boursin cheese, and toasted almonds for a delightful mix of flavors. It's a fresh and tasty option that works well for summer meals or casual gatherings. The ingredients come together easily, making it a great choice when you want something light and satisfying.

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    Baked White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

    Baked White Cheddar Mac and Cheese.
    Photo Credit: My Rad Kitchen.

    Baked White Cheddar Mac and Cheese is a comforting dish that's both creamy and cheesy. With sharp white cheddar and Gruyere cheese blended into a smooth sauce, it’s a classic favorite. The crispy, buttery breadcrumbs on top add a nice crunch, making it a satisfying side for any meal.

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    Skillet Baked Beans and Bacon

    Skillet Baked Beans and Bacon.
    Photo Credit: Dutch Oven Daddy.

    Skillet Baked Beans and Bacon are a classic Southern dish that combines the rich flavor of molasses with crispy bacon. This hearty side is cooked in a cast iron skillet, giving it a deliciously smoky taste. It's perfect for gatherings or family dinners, adding a comforting touch to any meal.

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    Sheet Pan Roasted Okra and Onions

    Sheet Pan Roasted Okra and Onions.
    Photo Credit: Add Salt & Serve.

    Roasting okra and onions really brings out their natural sweetness, creating a simple yet tasty side dish. This dish is a great way to enjoy okra, especially if you're new to it. Plus, using just one pan lined with parchment paper means there's hardly any cleanup afterward.

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    Best Tomato Pie

    Tomato Pie.
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    Southern Tomato Pie is a delicious dish that features layers of thick sliced tomatoes, green onions, and fresh basil, all combined with a creamy filling of mayo and cheese, baked in a flaky pie crust until it's golden and bubbly. This dish highlights the sweetness of ripe summer tomatoes, making it a great choice for a warm-weather meal. It's a comforting side that pairs well with many main courses.

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    White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

    White Cheddar Mac and Cheese.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    This dish is all about comfort and warmth. It's creamy, rich, and packed with cheese, delivering a lot of flavor in every bite. Plus, it warms up nicely, making it a great choice for leftovers.

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    Macaroni Salad

    Macaroni salad.
    Photo Credit: Much Butter.

    Macaroni salad is a crowd-pleaser that everyone enjoys. It's simple to prepare and has a flavor that appeals to many. With just a few basic ingredients and a creamy dressing made from scratch, this dish stands out. It's ideal for summer gatherings and can be made ahead of time for convenience. This is a great option for lunch or any casual meal.

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    Dump-and-Bake Mac & Cheese

    Mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Baked Mac and Cheese is simple to prepare and perfect for any meal. In just 10 minutes of prep time and 45 minutes in the oven, you can enjoy a delicious dish made all in one pan. This version combines Cheddar and Gruyere for a rich and cheesy flavor that everyone will love.

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    Ranch Coleslaw

    Ranch coleslaw.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This ranch coleslaw is quick to whip up in just 15 minutes, perfect for your next barbecue. Using store-bought mayonnaise and ranch dressing, it’s super easy to prepare and packed with flavor. It’s a great side dish that everyone will enjoy.

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    Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans

    Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans.
    Photo Credit: Maria's Mixing Bowl.

    Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans are a tasty twist on traditional baked beans. Packed with beef, bacon, onions, bell peppers, and three types of beans, this dish is hearty and satisfying. The addition of a zesty BBQ sauce brings everything together, making it a great choice for any meal.

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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