Summer in the South brings warm weather and a craving for refreshing dishes that celebrate the season. From zesty salads to cool desserts, these 19 recipes are perfect for beating the heat while enjoying the flavors of Southern cooking. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or just looking for a light meal, these dishes will keep you satisfied and cool all summer long.
Chicken and Chorizo Jambalaya
Chicken and Chorizo Jambalaya is a classic dish from Louisiana that brings together a mix of flavors in one pot. This recipe features a hearty combination of chorizo, chicken, and shrimp, along with a variety of vegetables. For a little extra sweetness, you can even add some pineapple if you like. It's a satisfying meal that's perfect for summer gatherings.
Smoked Chicken Thighs
Smoked chicken thighs are a popular choice for BBQ lovers, offering juicy meat packed with a rich, smoky flavor. With a mix of bold spices and a slow cooking process, these boneless thighs soak up all the deliciousness from the smoke. They’re perfect for summer gatherings or a laid-back dinner.
Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs
Grilled BBQ chicken thighs are a fantastic choice for summer cookouts, bringing a nice balance of sweetness and smokiness to your plate. With a simple marinade that adds flavor, this sticky chicken is quick to prepare and perfect for a laid-back meal. It's a great way to enjoy chicken when the weather is warm and grilling is on the menu.
Southern Style Pickled Shrimp
This Southern-style pickled shrimp is a delicious and different way to enjoy shrimp. With a tangy and fresh flavor, it works well as a make-ahead appetizer or a protein-packed snack. It's perfect for gatherings or just a simple treat at home.
Sheet Pan Roasted Okra and Onions
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.
Southern Fried Pork Chops And Gravy
Southern Fried Pork Chops with Buttermilk Gravy are a simple and satisfying meal. These chops are golden and crispy on the outside while remaining juicy inside. Paired with green beans, this dish brings a taste of comfort that’s perfect for any summer dinner.
Sweet Cornbread
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 match for a warm bowl of chili or soup. With just a few simple ingredients like cornmeal, sugar, buttermilk, honey, and butter, it’s easy to whip up and enjoy.
Southern Peach Pound Cake
Southern peach pound cake is a delightful dessert perfect for summer. This classic loaf cake is packed with fresh diced peaches, making it a sweet treat that everyone will enjoy. It's a simple yet delicious way to celebrate the flavors of the season.
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is a staple at gatherings and a true comfort food. It's common to see this creamy, cheesy dish at any celebration or holiday meal in the South, where it often takes center stage on the table. This dish brings warmth and satisfaction, making it a favorite for family and friends.
Southern Cornbread with Buttermilk
Traditional Southern-style cornbread is a simple dish that highlights the rich flavor of corn. Made with buttermilk and stone-ground cornmeal, it has a delightful crunchy crust that adds texture. This cornbread is perfect for summer meals, bringing a taste of the South to your table.
Pulled Pork Burgers
Pulled pork burgers with a special sauce bring a bit of Southern BBQ flair to your meal. This dish has a nice kick that sets it apart from regular burgers. With just a little prep time, the slow cooker takes care of the heavy lifting, making it easy to enjoy a delicious dinner.
Southwest Chicken Casserole
The Southwest Chicken Casserole is a filling dish that combines juicy chicken, zesty spices, and gooey melted cheese. It's all cooked in one pan, making it easy to prepare for a busy weeknight. With just a little prep, you can enjoy a meal that's full of flavor and satisfying.
Southern Blueberry Cobbler
Southern Blueberry Cobbler is a perfect dessert for summer. Fresh blueberries mixed with lemon zest and sugar create a delicious filling, all covered with a rich, buttery cake batter. Enjoy this simple cobbler warm, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Loaded Cornbread
Loaded Cornbread takes the traditional recipe and adds a delicious twist with cheese, bacon, corn, and other tasty ingredients. This dish is a great side for any meal, bringing extra flavor and heartiness to your table. It's perfect for summer gatherings or any time you want to enjoy a comforting, flavorful addition to your meal.
Southern Tomato Pie
Southern Tomato Pie features fresh tomatoes, creamy cheese, and a flaky crust, creating a delicious comfort food option. It's an excellent way to enjoy the bounty of summer tomatoes from your garden.
Sweet Potato Biscuits
Sweet Potato Biscuits are a delightful addition to any meal. By incorporating sweet potatoes into a classic biscuit recipe, they become extra flavorful and soft. These biscuits pair wonderfully with holiday ham or turkey, making them a great choice for festive gatherings.
Southern Style Creamed Corn
Southern Style Creamed Corn is a delicious side dish that stands out from the canned versions. Made with fresh sweet corn and rich cream, it brings a comforting and satisfying flavor to any meal. This dish is great for holiday gatherings, Sunday family dinners, or even just a regular weeknight dinner.
Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Air fryer fried chicken is simple to prepare and cooks up quickly. It's packed with flavor and stays juicy, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners.
Chicken Macaroni Salad
This 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 for any meal, whether it's brunch, lunch, or dinner.
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