24 Traditional Southern Sides That Prove No One Does It Like The South

Tacos are never a bad idea, but sometimes they could use a little shake-up. These unique taco recipes bring bold flavors, unexpected combos, and just the right amount of fun to the table. Perfect for breaking out of a dinner rut or impressing someone who thinks they’ve seen it all, they prove tacos can still surprise you. They’re messy in the best way and way too good to eat just one. If your mealtime needs a little excitement, these unique taco recipes are ready to step in.

Bacon Ranch Biscuits

Bacon Ranch Biscuits take your favorite buttery Southern biscuits and crank them up with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and a punch of ranch seasoning. The result? A side dish that refuses to be ignored. Perfect for sopping up gravy or just eating straight off the pan—no judgment here.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Biscuits

Instant Pot Pork and Beans

Instant Pot Pork and Beans is the hearty, stick-to-your-ribs side that belongs on every Southern plate. Tender beans soak up a rich, smoky broth, while bits of pork add just the right amount of bite. It’s the kind of dish that turns simple ingredients into pure comfort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pork and Beans

Deviled Egg Potato Salad

Deviled Egg Potato Salad is what happens when two picnic staples join forces to steal the show. Creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor, this side dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Just be ready for people to ask for seconds (and the recipe).
Get the Recipe: Deviled Egg Potato Salad

Dirty Rice with Sausage

Dirty Rice with Sausage brings big Louisiana flavor with seasoned sausage, fluffy rice, and a hit of Cajun spices. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own, but it also plays well with fried chicken or blackened fish. Either way, it won’t last long.
Get the Recipe: Dirty Rice with Sausage

Loaded Cornbread

Loaded Cornbread doesn’t believe in subtlety, and honestly, why should it? Packed with cheese, bacon, and corn, this is cornbread that demands attention. Serve it with barbecue, beans, or just a slab of butter—there’s no wrong way to enjoy it.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cornbread

Southern Corn Pudding

Southern Corn Pudding is creamy, rich, and exactly what belongs next to your fried chicken. This old-school dish balances sweet and savory in every bite, making it a staple at holiday tables and Sunday suppers alike.
Get the Recipe: Southern Corn Pudding

The Best Southern Buttermilk Biscuits

The Best Southern Buttermilk Biscuits deliver everything you want—flaky layers, buttery flavor, and just the right amount of crisp on the edges. Serve them warm with honey, gravy, or nothing at all (because they’re that good).
Get the Recipe: The Best Southern Buttermilk Biscuits

Vegan Southern Squash Casserole (Gluten-Free, Allergy-Free)

Vegan Southern Squash Casserole proves you don’t need dairy or gluten for a comforting, old-fashioned side dish. A creamy, cheesy sauce coats tender squash, while a crunchy cracker topping adds the perfect finishing touch. No one at the table will miss the traditional version.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Southern Squash Casserole (Gluten-Free, Allergy-Free)

Vegan Southern Pineapple Casserole (Gluten-Free)

Vegan Southern Pineapple Casserole is a quirky but classic Southern dish that somehow just works. Sweet pineapple meets dairy-free cheddar and a crispy cracker crust, creating a sweet-savory combo that always surprises people in the best way.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Southern Pineapple Casserole (Gluten-Free)

Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes layer up thinly sliced potatoes with a rich, creamy cheese sauce and a golden, bubbly top. This dish doesn’t just sit on the table—it practically steals the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Southern Cheese Grits

Southern Cheese Grits bring pure comfort with their creamy, buttery texture and a generous handful of cheddar. Whether you top them with shrimp, sausage, or just a drizzle of hot sauce, they’re a must-have at any Southern meal.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cheese Grits

Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese is the kind of side dish that turns into the main event. With a velvety cheese sauce and crispy golden topping, it’s impossible to stop at just one scoop.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

Pesto Potato Salad

Pesto Potato Salad swaps the usual mayo for a bright, herby pesto dressing, making it a fresh and flavorful addition to any spread. Roasted baby potatoes and crisp greens give it a little something extra.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Potato Salad

Homemade Jalapeño Cornbread Recipe from Scratch

Homemade Jalapeño Cornbread isn’t here to play it safe. A little spice, a lot of flavor, and just the right amount of crunch make this the cornbread that disappears first at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Jalapeño Cornbread Recipe from Scratch

How to Make Deviled Eggs

How to Make Deviled Eggs is the kind of knowledge that keeps you invited to cookouts. Creamy, tangy, and endlessly customizable, these little bites always seem to vanish faster than you can refill the tray.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Deviled Eggs

Green Chile Cheddar Hot Water Cornbread

Green Chile Cheddar Hot Water Cornbread turns up the heat on a Southern classic. Spicy green chiles and melty cheddar give this crispy, golden cornbread an extra kick that makes it impossible to ignore.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Cheddar Hot Water Cornbread

Southern Collard Greens Recipe

Southern Collard Greens simmer low and slow with smoky ham hock, onions, and a splash of vinegar for balance. They’re the definition of Southern comfort, best served with cornbread and a side of good conversation.
Get the Recipe: Southern Collard Greens Recipe

Cowboy Baked Beans

Cowboy Baked Beans take basic canned beans and turn them into something bold, smoky, and a little sweet. A bit of spice, a whole lot of bacon, and a rich, thick sauce make this a side dish that could easily steal the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Baked Beans

Bacon Hash Brown Casserole

Bacon Hash Brown Casserole loads up crispy hash browns with layers of cheese, smoky bacon, and just the right amount of creaminess. It’s the breakfast-for-dinner kind of side that nobody complains about.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Hash Brown Casserole

Cheddar Bacon Slow Cooker Bread

Cheddar Bacon Slow Cooker Bread makes fresh, homemade bread ridiculously easy. No kneading, no fuss—just a slow cooker doing all the work while you take the credit for a cheesy, bacon-packed loaf.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Bacon Slow Cooker Bread

Southern Pineapple Bacon Coleslaw

Southern Pineapple Bacon Coleslaw is the unexpected side that keeps things interesting. Crunchy cabbage, juicy pineapple, and crispy bacon come together in a way that shouldn’t work—but absolutely does.
Get the Recipe: Southern Pineapple Bacon Coleslaw

Healthy Creamed Spinach

Healthy Creamed Spinach ditches the heaviness while keeping all the rich, velvety goodness. Fresh spinach, parmesan, and a creamy sauce make this an easy win for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Creamed Spinach

Fried Potatoes and Onions

Fried Potatoes and Onions deliver crispy, golden potatoes with caramelized onions for a simple but unforgettable side. It’s one of those dishes that tastes like home, no matter where you grew up.
Get the Recipe: Fried Potatoes and Onions

Carrot Pineapple Jello Salad

Carrot Pineapple Jello Salad might sound like a blast from the past, but it still holds up. Sweet, crunchy, and just the right amount of retro, this side is a must-have for potlucks and family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Pineapple Jello Salad