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    Home » Sides

    19 Heavenly Southern Sides That Will Leave Your Guests Raving

    Published: Aug 19, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    Southern cooking is known for its rich flavors and comforting dishes, and the sides are no exception. From creamy mac and cheese to tangy coleslaw, these 19 sides are sure to impress your guests and complement any main dish. Whether you're hosting a barbecue or a family gathering, these recipes will bring warmth and joy to your table.

    The BEST Potato Salad

    The BEST Potato Salad.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    Classic Potato Salad features Russet potatoes, hard boiled eggs, and a creamy dressing that brings everything together. This dish has been a family favorite for years and is perfect for gatherings. It's simple to prepare and always a hit at picnics and barbecues.

    Get the Recipe

    Baked White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

    Baked White Cheddar Mac and Cheese.
    Photo Credit: My Rad Kitchen.

    Baked White Cheddar Mac and Cheese is a comforting dish that everyone loves. With a rich blend of sharp white cheddar and Gruyere cheese, this creamy pasta is sure to please. It's topped with crispy, buttery breadcrumbs that add a nice crunch, making it a delightful side for any meal.

    Get the Recipe

    Southern Cornbread with Buttermilk

    Southern Cornbread with Buttermilk.
    Photo Credit: Grits and Pinecones.

    Traditional Southern-style cornbread is a classic dish that brings a warm, comforting flavor to any meal. Made with buttermilk and stone-ground cornmeal, it has a rich corn taste and a wonderfully crunchy crust. This cornbread is perfect for gatherings and will surely impress your guests.

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    Crock Pot Ham and Scalloped Potatoes

    Ham and Scalloped Potatoes in the Crock Pot.
    Photo Credit: Grits and Pinecones.

    This dish is rich and cheesy, filled with soft potatoes and flavorful ham. It's perfect for everything from casual weeknight meals to festive gatherings. The great thing is that your slow cooker handles all the cooking, allowing you to sit back and enjoy your time.

    Get the Recipe

    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 will impress your guests and complement any meal.

    Get the recipe

    The Best Deviled Eggs

    The Best Deviled Eggs.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    Deviled eggs are always a favorite at gatherings and are sure to impress your guests. This classic dish is simple to prepare, with tips for boiling the eggs just right, peeling them easily, and transporting them safely. They're a great addition to any spread and are loved by many.

    Get the Recipe

    Pimento Cheese Macaroni Salad

    Pimento Cheese Macaroni Salad.
    Photo Credit: A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures.

    Pimento Cheese Macaroni Salad brings together a classic southern macaroni salad with the rich flavors of egg and pimento cheese. The result is a creamy and cheesy dish that's perfect for any gathering. This salad is a great side that will impress your guests and add a touch of southern charm to your meal.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Texas Trash Dip

    Slow Cooker Texas Trash Dip.
    Photo Credit: The Lazy Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Texas Trash Dip is a fantastic dish that everyone will enjoy. It's great for game days, potlucks, or just a laid-back evening with friends. Full of flavor and super simple to prepare, this dip is best served warm straight from the crockpot.

    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 any gathering. In just 10 minutes of prep time and 45 minutes in the oven, you can whip up a delicious dish all in one pan. This version combines Cheddar and Gruyere for a rich, cheesy flavor that everyone will love.

    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 adds warmth to any meal. With a blend of eggs, cream, and five types of cheese, it delivers a rich and creamy flavor that everyone loves. This dish is a hit at family gatherings and is great for cozy dinners at home.

    Get the Recipe

    Jiffy Cornbread

    Jiffy Cornbread.
    Photo Credit: Binky’s Culinary Carnival.

    Jiffy Cornbread is already tasty on its own, but a few easy tweaks can take it to the next level. By adding some simple ingredients, you can enhance its flavor and texture. This is a great side dish that pairs well with many meals and is sure to impress your guests.

    Get the Recipe

    Savory Green Tomato Pie with Homemade Crust

    Savory Green Tomato Pie with Homemade Crust.
    Photo Credit: Little Black Skillet.

    Summer is the perfect time for a delicious green tomato pie. If you enjoy fried green tomatoes, this savory pie is sure to be a hit. It's tart and tangy, making it a great choice for a main dish, side, or even an appetizer.

    Get the Recipe

    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, potlucks, and summer barbecues. This creamy salad is a crowd-pleaser and brings a taste of the South to any gathering.

    Get the Recipe

    Easy Baked Beans

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

    Easy BBQ Baked Beans are a simple and popular choice that everyone loves. With just a few ingredients you probably already have at home, this dish is a great addition to any summer gathering, whether it's a barbecue, potluck, or family meal. It's comforting and satisfying, making it a go-to side that will impress your guests.

    Get the Recipe

    Grandma's Coleslaw

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

    Creamy coleslaw is a great side dish for summer gatherings like picnics, 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 a simple yet delicious addition to any meal that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    Tangy Fried Green Tomatoes

    Tangy Fried Green Tomatoes.
    Photo Credit: The Cagle Diaries.

    Crispy fried green tomatoes are a classic Southern dish that everyone loves. They're a great choice for a summer side or a tasty appetizer. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious treat that will impress your guests.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Cajun Mac and Cheese

    Slow Cooker Cajun Mac and Cheese.
    Photo Credit: The Cagle Diaries.

    This dish puts a creamy and spicy spin on a Southern favorite. It's packed with soft pasta, melty cheddar cheese, and a bold kick from Cajun seasoning and Andouille sausage. This is comfort food that brings a taste of Louisiana right to your table.

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    Blue Cheese Coleslaw

    Blue cheese coleslaw.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Blue Cheese Coleslaw is a quick and easy side that pairs well with steak, barbecue, or anything spicy. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a creamy coleslaw packed with blue cheese flavor and balanced seasoning. This coleslaw is sure to become a go-to favorite at your meals.

    Get the recipe

    Southern Grape Salad

    Southern Grape Salad.
    Photo Credit: Grits and Pinecones.

    Southern Grape Salad features fresh, juicy grapes mixed with a creamy dressing made from cream cheese and sour cream. It's topped off with crunchy roasted pecans and a sprinkle of brown sugar for added sweetness. This dish is a delightful addition to any meal and is sure to impress your guests.

    Get the Recipe

    More Sides

    • White bean panzanella.
      14 Easy Sides That Complete Any Meal
    • Hasselback potatoes.
      29 Side Dishes That Steal the Show Every Time
    • 22 Potato Side Dishes So Good They Outshine the Main Course
    • Smoked mac and cheese with bacon.
      12 Classic Southern Sides That Will Have Everyone Asking for Seconds
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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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