• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
always use butter
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Air Fryer Resources
    • Subscribe!
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipe Roundups

    24 Simple Southern Recipes for a Cozy Weeknight Dinner

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on August 24, 2025, updated July 29, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Southern cooking is all about comfort and warmth, making it perfect for cozy weeknight dinners. With 24 simple recipes, you can bring the flavors of the South to your table without spending hours in the kitchen. From hearty casseroles to classic fried dishes, these meals are sure to satisfy everyone in the family.

    Chicken Macaroni Salad

    Chicken Macaroni Salad.
    Photo Credit: Heavenly Home Cooking.

    Chicken macaroni salad is packed with flavor while keeping the dressing light, letting all the tasty ingredients stand out. It's a great side dish that works well for brunch, lunch, or dinner.

    Save This Recipe Form

    Want to save this recipe?

    Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes from us each week!

    Get the Recipe

    BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

    BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: Pepper Bowl.

    BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs are a great option for a weeknight dinner, taking just 30 minutes to prepare. These grilled chicken thighs are tender and juicy, covered in a flavorful, smoky BBQ sauce that adds a delicious kick to each bite. Perfect for busy evenings, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

    Get the Recipe

    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 flavors of molasses with crispy bacon. This hearty meal is cooked in a cast iron skillet, giving it a nice, rustic touch. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something comforting and satisfying.

    Get the Recipe

    Chicken Macaroni Salad

    Chicken Macaroni Salad.
    Photo Credit: Maple + Mango.

    Chicken Macaroni Salad combines creamy pasta with chicken salad for a delicious meal. It's easy to whip up and perfect for using leftover chicken. This dish works well for lunch or a quick weeknight dinner. It's also a great choice for summer BBQs and picnics, making it a refreshing option on warm days.

    Get the Recipe

    Easy Cornbread Salad

    Cornbread Salad.
    Photo Credit: I Heart Naptime.

    Cornbread salad features tasty layers of crumbled cornbread, fresh veggies, crispy bacon, cheese, and a zesty salsa ranch dressing. This classic Southern dish adds a fun twist to any gathering. It's a great option for potlucks or family dinners, bringing together comforting flavors in a simple way.

    Get the Recipe

    Southern Macaroni Salad

    Southern Macaroni Salad.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    Southern Macaroni Salad is a classic dish that’s perfect for gatherings like picnics, potlucks, and summer barbecues. This creamy salad is a favorite in the South, bringing together simple ingredients for a satisfying side. It's easy to prepare and always a hit with family and friends.

    Get the Recipe

    Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

    Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

    Grilled BBQ chicken thighs are a great choice for enjoying chicken on the grill. With a simple marinade that adds a nice sweet and smoky flavor, this dish is quick and easy to prepare. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Cajun Shrimp and Grits

    Cajun Shrimp and Grits.
    Photo Credit: Grits and Pinecones.

    Cajun Shrimp and Grits is a classic dish from the South that brings comfort to any weeknight dinner. It features creamy grits mixed with parmesan cheese, topped with flavorful Cajun shrimp cooked in a rich sauce made with butter, garlic, and lemon juice. This dish is perfect for a cozy meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Potato Soup With Ham

    Potato soup with ham.
    Photo Credit: Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen.

    This recipe for cheesy Slow Cooker Potato Soup with ham is a meal the whole family will love! Serve it with some crusty bread on the side for the ultimate comfort food.

    Get the Recipe

    Easy Baked Beans

    Easy Baked Beans.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    Easy BBQ Baked Beans are a simple and popular choice for any gathering. With just a few ingredients you probably already have at home, this dish is a great addition to summer barbecues, potlucks, or family dinners. It's comforting and satisfying, making it a go-to side that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    Cajun Chicken Alfredo

    Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo
    Photo Credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a hearty and tasty meal. Packed with smoked sausage, Cajun spices, and a creamy cheese sauce, it’s a hit with everyone. This dish is ideal for busy nights when you want something comforting and easy to prepare.

    Get the recipe

    Cajun Sausage Spaghetti

    Cajun Sausage Spaghetti.
    Photo Credit: My Kitchen Sanctuary.

    Cajun Sausage Spaghetti features smoky andouille sausage, soft pasta, and a creamy sauce that has a nice touch of spicy Cajun flavor. This dish is packed with taste and can be on your table in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

    Get the Recipe

    Bisquick Chicken and Dumplings

    Bisquick Chicken and Dumplings.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    A warm bowl of Bisquick Chicken and Dumplings is perfect for when you want something comforting. This dish brings all the creamy goodness of the traditional southern favorite, but it's much simpler to prepare thanks to the fluffy Bisquick dumplings. It's a satisfying meal that can easily brighten up any weeknight.

    Get the Recipe

    BLFGT Sandwich

    BLFGT Sandwich.
    Photo Credit: A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures.

    The BLFGT Sandwich features crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and zesty fried green tomatoes. It's a satisfying meal that brings together great flavors in every bite. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this sandwich is both simple to prepare and delicious.

    Get the Recipe

    Dump-and-Bake Mac & Cheese

    Mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Baked Mac and Cheese is simple to prepare and perfect for a cozy dinner. In just 10 minutes of prep time and 45 minutes in the oven, you can enjoy a delicious one-pan meal without the need for boiling pasta or making a sauce. With a blend of Cheddar and Gruyere cheese, this dish is rich and full of flavor, making it a great choice for any weeknight.

    Get the recipe

    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 cooked in a cast iron skillet, giving it a nice, rustic touch. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something comforting and satisfying.

    Get the Recipe

    BBQ New Orleans Shrimp

    BBQ New Orleans Shrimp.
    Photo Credit: Maria's Mixing Bowl.

    BBQ New Orleans Shrimp are packed with a spicy Cajun kick and a zesty barbecue sauce. They offer a burst of flavor that makes them ideal for a quick weeknight dinner. This dish is simple to prepare and brings a taste of the South right to your table.

    Get the Recipe

    Southern Tomato Pie

    Southern Tomato Pie.
    Photo Credit: The Cagle Diaries.

    A southern tomato pie is a delicious dish packed with fresh tomatoes, cheese, and herbs. It's a favorite in the South, especially in the summer when ripe tomatoes are plentiful. This pie is perfect for a weeknight dinner, offering a comforting and satisfying meal that highlights the flavors of the season.

    Get the Recipe

    BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

    BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders.
    Photo Credit: My Rad Klitchen.

    BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders bring together smoky flavors, tangy sauce, and a nice crunch. You have tender pulled pork coated in rich barbecue sauce, all served on soft buns and topped with fresh, creamy coleslaw. This dish is great for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or when you just want something delicious without a lot of work. Everyone will enjoy these sliders, making them a hit at any meal.

    Get the Recipe

    Chicken Fried Steak

    Chicken Fried Steak.
    Photo Credit: Maria's Mixing Bowl.

    Chicken Fried Steak is a classic comfort food that brings a taste of home to your table. The steak is cooked until it's crispy and golden, then topped with a rich and creamy pepper gravy. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner and is sure to hit the spot when you're in the mood for something hearty.

    Get the Recipe

    BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

    BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: Pepper Bowl.

    BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs are a great option for a weeknight dinner, taking just 30 minutes to prepare. These grilled chicken thighs are tender and juicy, covered in a flavorful, smoky BBQ sauce that adds a delicious kick to each bite. Perfect for busy evenings, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

    Get the Recipe

    Red Beans and Rice with Ham Hock

    Red Beans and Rice with Ham Hock.
    Photo Credit: Sweet Tea & Thyme.

    Red beans and rice is a classic dish that brings the taste of New Orleans right to your table. Packed with flavor from Cajun spices, spicy andouille sausage, and smoked ham hocks, this meal is both hearty and satisfying. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without a lot of work.

    Get the Recipe

    Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

    Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole.
    Photo Credit: My Kitchen Sanctuary.

    Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole features a tasty mix of creamy chicken and a crunchy, buttery Ritz cracker topping. It's a comforting dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner. This casserole is easy to prepare and brings together simple ingredients for a satisfying meal.

    Get the Recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Tater tot shepherd's pie.
      18 Dump-and-Go Beef Dinners That Are Perfect for Busy Families
    • Spicy watermelon salad.
      15 Fun Ways to Enjoy All the Watermelon Before Fall Arrives for Real
    • Gorgonzola tortellini casserole.
      22 Comfort Food Casseroles That Will Warm Your Heart
    • 10 Crockpot Dips You Need for Your Next Game Day

    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.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

    More about me →

    Popular Recipes

    • Sliced air fryer roast beef.
      Air Fryer Roast Beef
    • top down view of a tortellini casserole
      Cheesy Tortellini Casserole with Spinach
    • Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake [Dump and bake!]
    • sliced rib eye steak topped with salt
      How to Cook a Rib Eye Steak Without a Cast Iron Skillet (3 Methods)

    Popular Articles

    • Potato soup with ham.
      24 Simple Southern Recipes for a Cozy Weeknight Dinner
    • Cheesburger sliders.
      18 Ground Beef Dishes You Can Just Dump, Cook and Enjoy
    • A spoonful of s'mores casserole.
      17 Dreamy Desserts That Are Perfect for the Last Weeks of Summer
    • Steak pasta casserole.
      23 Simple Pasta Recipes for Busy Weeknights

    We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    All affiliate links are always marked with "*" or "affiliate".

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    A collage of sites where always use butter content has been featured.

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Disclaimer
    • Disclosures
    • Editorial Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • info@alwaysusebutter.com
    • Pink Giraffe Ventures AB, Runstens Byväg 51, 147 91 Grödinge, Sweden
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Copyright © 2018-2025 Pink Giraffe Ventures AB