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

    The Ultimate Southern Potluck: 19 Dishes That Define Comfort Food

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on October 14, 2025, updated September 24, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    These 19 dishes are the heart of any Southern potluck, bringing warmth and comfort to the table. From creamy mac and cheese to savory pulled pork, each recipe is a celebration of Southern flavors that everyone will love. Whether you're hosting or attending, these classics will make any gathering feel special.

    Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork with Root Beer

    BBQ Pulled Pork in Crock Pot with Root Beer.
    Photo Credit: My Rad Kitchen.

    BBQ Pulled Pork in a Crock Pot with Root Beer is a simple and delicious meal that cooks itself. The pork becomes tender and juicy as it slowly cooks, soaking up the sweet and smoky flavors from the root beer and barbecue sauce. This dish is great for sandwiches or sliders and works well for weeknight dinners or meal prep. It's an easy way to serve a group without putting in a lot of work.

    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

    Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

    Southern Baked Mac and Cheese.
    Photo Credit: Chenee Today.

    Creamy baked mac and cheese is a favorite at any gathering. This southern-style dish is known for its rich flavor and cheesy goodness, making it a perfect choice for Sunday dinners or holiday get-togethers. With a special twist that sets it apart, this mac and cheese is sure to please everyone at the table.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Pulled Lamb

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

    Slow Cooker Pulled Lamb is a beloved dish that's easy to make. The lamb shoulder is seasoned and cooked slowly, which gives you tender, juicy meat that's great for many meals. It's perfect for tacos, sliders, burgers, salads, or BBQs. This dish is simple to prepare and delivers fantastic flavor.

    Get the Recipe

    Smoked Mac and Cheese with Bacon

    Smoked mac and cheese.
    Photo Credit: The Feathered Nester.

    Smoked mac and cheese is a rich and cheesy dish that brings a delicious smoky flavor to the table. It's a simple option that works well as a side or even a main dish for BBQs, holidays, or any weeknight dinner. This comforting meal is sure to please everyone and is perfect for gatherings.

    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 a perfect way to use 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

    Grandma's Coleslaw

    Grandma's Coleslaw.
    Photo Credit: Dana's Table.

    Creamy coleslaw is a great side dish for summer gatherings, potlucks, and barbecues. This version is inspired by my grandmother's recipe and features a blend of green cabbage and carrots mixed with a zesty, creamy dressing. It's simple to prepare and adds a refreshing crunch to any meal.

    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. These beans are cooked in a cast iron skillet, allowing them to soak up all the delicious flavors as they bake in the oven. This dish is perfect for gatherings and brings a comforting, hearty element to any meal.

    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 gatherings. In just 10 minutes of prep time and 45 minutes in the oven, you can create a delicious dish all in one pan. This recipe combines Cheddar and Gruyere cheese for a rich and flavorful experience, making it a great choice for any potluck.

    Get the recipe

    Baked BBQ Kielbasa

    Baked BBQ Kielbasa.
    Photo Credit: Maria's Mixing Bowl.

    Baked BBQ Kielbasa is a tasty and simple dish that works well for any gathering. It can be served as a starter at your next get-together or as the main dish for a family meal. The mix of flavorful kielbasa, zesty BBQ sauce, and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar makes it a hit with everyone.

    Get the Recipe

    BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

    BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: Pepper Bowl.

    BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs are a great option when you need something quick and easy. In just 30 minutes, you can have juicy, tender chicken that's slathered in a rich and smoky BBQ sauce. Each bite is full of flavor, making this dish perfect for any gathering or a simple weeknight dinner.

    Get the Recipe

    Southern Tomato Pie

    Southern Tomato Pie.
    Photo Credit: Maria's Mixing Bowl.

    Southern Tomato Pie combines fresh tomatoes, rich cheese, and a flaky crust, resulting in a comforting dish that's perfect for any gathering. This pie is a great way to make the most of summer tomatoes, especially if you have some from your garden. It's a simple yet satisfying option that everyone will enjoy.

    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. This dish is perfect for gatherings and is sure to please a crowd. It's simple to prepare and brings comfort to any meal.

    Get the Recipe

    Dutch Oven Chicken and Dumplings

    Dutch Oven Chicken and Dumplings.
    Photo Credit: Sweet Tea & Thyme.

    Chicken and dumplings soup is a classic comfort food from the South. This simple recipe is made from scratch, featuring flavorful drop dumplings and a creamy soup, all ready in under an hour. It's perfect for a cozy meal that warms you up and satisfies your hunger.

    Get the Recipe

    Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

    Southern Baked Mac and Cheese.
    Photo Credit: Sweet Tea & Thyme.

    Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is a classic dish that everyone loves. This creamy side is rich and cheesy, made with a blend of eggs, cream, and five different cheeses. It's a favorite at gatherings and brings comfort to any meal.

    Get the Recipe

    Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

    Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup.
    Photo Credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

    This homemade soup is easy to make in a crockpot. It's filled with fresh veggies, beans, flavorful spices, and plenty of chicken, creating a healthy and creamy dish. This soup is just right for cold days when you need something warm and filling.

    Get the Recipe

    Easy Chicken and Chorizo Jambalaya

    Chicken and Chorizo Jambalaya.
    Photo Credit: The Cinnamon Jar,

    This dish from Louisiana brings together the hearty flavors of chorizo, chicken, and shrimp, mixed with a variety of vegetables. It even has the option to add some pineapple for a little extra sweetness. It's a great choice for gatherings and potlucks, offering a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    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 for your festive gatherings.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans

    Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Cowboy baked beans are a delicious and easy dish to make. Using a large can of baked beans, some lean ground beef, a sweet yellow onion, and a few seasonings, you can whip up a meal that everyone will love. This dish is great for gatherings or a nice dinner at home.

    Get the Recipe

    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.

    Get the Recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Mexican bubble up casserole.
      19 One-Dish Crockpot Meals That Will Change Your Weeknight Routine
    • Skillet Stuffed Peppers.
      24 Easy Fall Dinners for Busy Weeknights
    • Tahini pasta.
      21 Cheap Family-Friendly Dinners That Taste Kinda Fancy
    • Chicken drumsticks & potatoes.
      23 Dump-And-Cook Chicken Dinners That Simplify Mealtime

    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

    • The Ultimate Southern Potluck: 19 Dishes That Define Comfort Food
    • Chicken and rice casserole.
      22 Quick and Hearty Meals to Embrace the Fall Season
    • Poor man's stew.
      16 Set-It-And-Forget-It Dinners That Feel like a Warm Hug
    • Slow cooker lasagna.
      21 Easy Slow Cooker Meals 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