Southern cooking never settles for quiet flavor. These recipes carry the kind of deep, comforting taste that stays with you long after the table is cleared. We tap into slow heat, rich seasoning, and the classics that built their name on pure staying power. Every dish brings that unmistakable Southern punch that keeps you coming back for another round.

A plate of fried chicken on waffles, garnished with herbs.
Classic Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Smoked Potato Salad

A bowl of roasted potato salad with herbs and dressing.
Smoked Potato Salad. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Smoke firms the potatoes while adding deep flavor. The chunks stay intact thanks to low, steady heat.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Potato Salad

Smoked Chicken Wings

Hand reaching for seasoned chicken wings on a plate with parsley garnish, next to a bowl of dipping sauce.
Smoked Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Slow smoke tightens the skin while keeping the meat juicy. A quick finish sharpens the crisp edges.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Wings

Roasted Green Beans

A white dish filled with seasoned green beans garnished with lemon slices. Two garlic bulbs are placed beside the dish.
Roasted Green Beans. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

High heat blisters the beans while keeping them snappy. The roasting adds clean char without softening too far.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Green Beans

Chicken-Fried Chicken with White Gravy

A plate of chicken fried chicken topped with white gravy, garnished with parsley, next to a plate of mashed potatoes and green beans.
Chicken-Fried Chicken with White Gravy. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

A hot fry creates a crisp crust while the chicken stays moist. The gravy finishes smooth in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken-Fried Chicken with White Gravy

Creamed Leeks

A skillet of creamy cabbage and bacon, perfect as a Thanksgiving side dish, sits next to sliced steak on a rustic tray.
Creamed Leeks. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

A slow simmer softens the leeks into a silky texture. The cream reduces without breaking.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Leeks

Shrimp Creole

A skillet filled with cooked shrimp and vegetables, surrounded by bowls of the same dish and lemon wedges. A serving spoon rests in the skillet, and a green cloth is draped nearby.
Shrimp Creole. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

A quick simmer keeps the shrimp firm while the sauce builds heat. The pot thickens naturally for clean flavor.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Creole

Smoked Brisket Chili

A bowl of chili topped with sour cream, sliced green onions, and cilantro, with a wooden board of lime wedges and chopped herbs nearby. A spoon rests in the bowl.
Smoked Brisket Chili. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Smoked brisket enriches the chili with bold depth. The long simmer keeps the texture hearty and consistent.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brisket Chili

Hickory Smoked Pork Ribs with Paleo BBQ Sauce

Close-up of grilled barbecue ribs on a parchment-lined surface, displaying a charred, seasoned crust with visible meat and bone.
Hickory Smoked Pork Ribs with Paleo BBQ Sauce. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Hickory builds sharp smoke while the ribs soften to clean pull. The sauce sets glossy without burning.
Get the Recipe: Hickory Smoked Pork Ribs with Paleo BBQ Sauce

Domino Potatoes

Close-up of cooked potato wedges topped with herbs on a spoon.
Domino Potatoes. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

High heat crisps each edge while the centers stay soft. The stacked cut cooks evenly across the pan.
Get the Recipe: Domino Potatoes

Shrimp Etouffee Stuffed Filet Mignon

A plate with a cooked steak topped with a chunky sauce, served over creamy pasta, garnished with chopped herbs. A knife is placed on the plate edge.
Shrimp Etouffee Stuffed Filet Mignon. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

A hot sear forms crust on the filet before the étouffée warms inside. The cut stays tender with controlled heat.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Etouffee Stuffed Filet Mignon

Memphis Style Smoked Spare Ribs

A dish of baked macaroni and cheese next to a cutting board with smoked barbecue ribs on a wooden table. A basting brush and a bowl of barbecue sauce are nearby.
Memphis Style Smoked Spare Ribs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Dry rub and clean smoke build bark with strong flavor. Low heat brings the ribs to tender, reliable pull.
Get the Recipe: Memphis Style Smoked Spare Ribs

Smoked Pork Shoulder (for Pulled Pork)

Overhead view of pulled pork on a wooden board, hamburger buns, coleslaw, pasta, and a red-and-white checkered cloth on a wooden table.
Smoked Pork Shoulder (for Pulled Pork). Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Slow smoke melts the shoulder into juicy, shreddable meat. The long cook keeps timing forgiving.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork Shoulder (for Pulled Pork)

Smoked Chicken Quarters

Grilled chicken pieces with a charred exterior, garnished with parsley, next to roasted garlic cloves on a gray surface.
Smoked Chicken Quarters. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Smoke renders the skin golden while the dark meat stays moist. Even heat finishes them without overcooking.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Quarters

Smoked Baked Beans

A baked casserole with a tomato-based sauce, diced potatoes, and herbs in a foil tray, garnished with fresh parsley and served with a wooden spoon on a rustic wooden table.
Smoked Baked Beans. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Smoke thickens the beans and deepens the sauce. The pot reduces slowly for a bold finish.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Baked Beans

Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

Bacon-wrapped scallops garnished with herbs on arugula leaves, served with a bowl of creamy dipping sauce.
Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Scallops. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Smoke crisps the bacon while protecting the scallops’ tender center. High heat at the end sharpens the sear.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Shrimp cooking in a skillet with fresh herbs and a foamy sauce.
Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Quick heat firms the shrimp while the butter coats evenly. The fast cook keeps the texture tight and bright.
Get the Recipe: Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Stewed Okra & Tomatoes

A plate of cooked okra mixed with tomatoes and garnished with parsley, served on a white dish.
Stewed Okra & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

A gentle simmer softens the okra while the tomatoes break down. The pot stays balanced with steady heat.
Get the Recipe: Stewed Okra & Tomatoes

Southern-Style Deviled Ham Cheese Ball

A round cheese ball coated with chopped pecans is served on a plate surrounded by round crackers, with a small spreader on the side.
Southern-Style Deviled Ham Cheese Ball. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

A quick mix forms a firm, creamy ball that chills tight. The seasoning stays bold without overpowering.
Get the Recipe: Southern-Style Deviled Ham Cheese Ball

Classic Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles

A plate of fried chicken on waffles, garnished with herbs.
Classic Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

A hot fry delivers crisp chicken while the waffles stay light. The pairing holds together thanks to clean textures.
Get the Recipe: Classic Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles

Categories:

About the Author

Kita Roberts is the meat maven and award-winning recipe developer behind Girl Carnivore®, with 15+ years of grilling, smoking, and cooking experience. Her recipes are tested on everything from backyard grills to professional smokers – and always built for real home cooks.
As the lead creative force behind Girl Carnivore®, she is widely recognized as an authority on all things meat.

SUBSCRIBE!

Signup and get free recipes sent to your inbox every week!

Leave a Reply

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