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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    21 Southern Potluck Dishes Everyone Will Be Talking About

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on August 3, 2025, updated July 29, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Southern potluck dishes are a staple at gatherings, bringing people together with their comforting flavors and hearty ingredients. From classic mac and cheese to sweet desserts, these recipes are sure to spark conversations and create lasting memories. Whether you're a fan of savory or sweet, there's something for everyone to enjoy at a Southern potluck.

    Crockpot Shredded Beef

    Crockpot Shredded Beef.
    Photo Credit: Heavenly Home Cooking.

    Skip the expensive barbecue joints and make some delicious shredded beef in your slow cooker. Using smoked paprika and cumin, you can bring that smoky flavor right into your kitchen. This dish features beef short ribs, a simple spice blend, and your favorite barbecue sauce. Serve it on a toasted brioche bun with coleslaw for a fantastic sandwich that's perfect for lunch, brunch, or dinner.

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    Brie Mac and Cheese

    Brie Mac and Cheese.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Cubed Brie mixed with white wine and heavy cream creates a rich cheese sauce that clings to every bit of the al dente shell pasta. Topping it with crispy cracker crumbs and broiling it for a few minutes adds a nice crunch. This dish is a simple and satisfying vegetarian option that's perfect for any gathering.

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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 meal is baked in a cast iron skillet, giving it a deliciously smoky taste. It's perfect for gatherings and brings a comforting touch to any table.

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    Southern Grape Salad

    Southern Grape Salad.
    Photo Credit: Grits and Pinecones.

    Southern Grape Salad is a delightful mix of sweet, juicy grapes tossed in a creamy dressing made from cream cheese and sour cream. It's finished off with a sprinkle of crunchy roasted pecans and a touch of brown sugar for added sweetness. This dish is perfect for gatherings and is sure to be a hit at any potluck.

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    Crispy Smoked Chicken Wings

    Crispy Smoked Chicken Wings.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    Crispy smoked chicken wings are a fantastic choice for any backyard barbecue. Their juicy meat and crunchy skin make them a hit with everyone. These wings are ideal for gatherings and are sure to impress your friends and family.

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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 buffalo-flavored. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s packed with rich blue cheese flavor and balanced seasoning. This coleslaw is sure to become a go-to favorite for your meals.

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    6 Cheese Mac and Cheese

    6 Cheese Mac and Cheese.
    Photo Credit: Little Nonni.

    This 6 cheese mac and cheese is a real treat. It combines six different cheeses with pasta in a rich, creamy sauce that’s hard to resist. Topped with a crunchy, buttery breadcrumb layer, it adds just the right amount of texture. Once you try this, you might forget all about boxed mac and cheese!

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    Shredded BBQ Chicken Sliders

    Shredded BBQ Chicken Sliders.
    Photo Credit: The Feathered Nester.

    BBQ chicken sliders with homemade sauce are a fantastic summer meal. These sliders are simple to prepare using rotisserie chicken, making them a quick option for gatherings. Perfect for sharing at potlucks, they bring a delicious flavor that everyone will enjoy.

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    Ranch Coleslaw

    Ranch coleslaw.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This ranch coleslaw comes together 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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    Crock Pot Cheesy Potatoes

    Crock Pot Cheesy Potatoes.
    Photo credit: Recipes From a Pantry.

    Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes are a simple and satisfying side dish that everyone loves. This dish is perfect for gatherings, as it requires minimal effort—just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work. With creamy cheese and tender potatoes, it’s a great addition to any meal.

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    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 filling meal that won't cost a lot. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, this dish brings together simple ingredients for a delightful experience.

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    Goat Cheese Mac and Cheese

    Goat Cheese Mac and Cheese.
    Photo credit: The Littlest Crumb.

    This creamy goat cheese mac and cheese is a delicious variation of the classic comfort food. Macaroni is coated in a thick, melted goat cheese sauce with herbs and topped with a crispy bread crumb and parmesan cheese layer.

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    Southern Macaroni Salad

    Southern Macaroni Salad.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    Southern Macaroni Salad is a classic dish that everyone loves. It's perfect for picnics, potluck dinners, and summer barbecues. This creamy salad is easy to make and always a hit with friends and family.

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    Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese

    Protein Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese served on a bowl.
    Photo Credit: Sunglow Kitchen.

    This mac and cheese is creamy and full of flavor, with plenty of extra protein to keep you satisfied. It's quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes, which makes it perfect for busy days. This dish is a great choice for gatherings or a comforting meal at home.

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    Southern Peach Pound Cake

    Southern Peach Pound Cake.
    Photo Credit: The Short Order Cook.

    Southern peach pound cake is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer. This classic loaf cake is packed with fresh diced peaches, making it a sweet treat that's perfect for gatherings. It's a simple yet satisfying option that everyone will enjoy.

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    Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese

    Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This dish combines just a few simple ingredients to create a delicious smoked Gouda mac and cheese in no time. With smoky cheese and sun-dried tomatoes mixed into a creamy sauce, it’s a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice touch, making this a tasty twist on the classic mac and cheese that kids will still love.

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    Slow Cooker Pulled Lamb

    Slow Cooker Pulled Lamb.
    Photo Credit: Sweet Caramel Sunday.

    Slow Cooker Pulled Lamb is a hit with families and easy to make. The lamb shoulder is seasoned and cooked slowly, which makes it tender and juicy. It's great for tacos, sliders, burgers, salads, or BBQs. This dish is simple to prepare and packed with flavor.

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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. It's the kind of comfort food that brings the essence of Louisiana straight to your dinner table.

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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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    Southern Tomato Pie

    Southern Tomato Pie.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    Southern Tomato Pie features a delicious combination of fresh tomatoes, basil, thyme, mayo, and three types of cheese, all nestled in a buttery cracker crust. This dish is a true taste of summer in the South and works well as a main course, a side dish, or even for brunch. It's a comforting and satisfying option that everyone will enjoy.

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    Southern Peach Pie

    Southern Peach Pie.
    Photo Credit: My Pretty Brown Eats.

    This Peach Pie is a true Southern classic, perfect for any gathering. Made with fresh peaches and a flaky crust, it brings a taste of the South to your table. It's a dessert that everyone will love, and you might find yourself going back for another slice.

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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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