Get a taste of the south without a ton of leftovers. Each of these amazing southern recipes makes just 4 servings or fewer.
37 Small-Batch Southern Recipes
Updated on Sep. 17, 2024
Country Chicken and Gravy
Here’s a lightened-up take on the classic southern comfort-food dish: chicken and gravy. This recipe has been a hit at our house since the first time we tried it! —Ruth Helmuth, Abbeville, South Carolina
1/37
2/37
Applesauce Barbecue Chicken
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You only need a few ingredients to create this sweet and peppery chicken. The subtle flavor of apple makes this tender barbecue dish stand out from the rest. —Darla Andrews, Farmers Branch, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 308 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 473mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein.
3/37
Biscuits and Sausage Gravy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This biscuits and sausage gravy is an old southern recipe that I've adapted. Homemade sausage gravy is a classic, hearty breakfast that takes you on a trip to the South every time it's served. —Sue Baker, Jonesboro, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 337 calories, 27g fat (14g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 718mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 10g protein.
4/37
Shrimp and Grits
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A southern specialty sometimes called breakfast shrimp, this shrimp and grits recipe tastes fantastic for brunch or dinner, or any time company’s coming. It’s down-home comfort food at its finest. —Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup grits with 1/2 cup shrimp mixture: 699 calories, 44g fat (22g saturated fat), 240mg cholesterol, 1835mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 41g protein.
5/37
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The combination of mocha and peanut butter will satisfy every sweet tooth at your table. The garnish is a little extra work, but what are special occasions for? —Tammy Bollman, Minatare, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice (calculated without chocolate curls): 883 calories, 60g fat (23g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 670mg sodium, 83g carbohydrate (60g sugars, 4g fiber), 11g protein.
6/37
Potato-Sausage Foil Packs
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We had these smoky campfire bundles at a friend's house for dinner and loved the simplicity of this great summer meal. Now we often make it for summer weeknight dinners. —Alissa Keith, Forest, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 344 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 990mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 21g protein.
7/37
Fried Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you've wanted to learn how to make crispy fried chicken, this is the recipe for you. Always a picnic favorite, this deep-fried chicken recipe is delicious either hot or cold. Kids call it my Kentucky Fried Chicken! —Jeanne Schnitzler, Lima, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken: 543 calories, 33g fat (7g saturated fat), 137mg cholesterol, 798mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 41g protein.
8/37
Tasty Onion Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The secret to this French onion chicken is the yummy, crunchy coating that keeps the meat juicy and tender. Round out your meal with green beans and buttermilk biscuits. —Jennifer Hoeft, Thorndale, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 460 calories, 36g fat (18g saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 449mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.
9/37
Zesty Grilled Ham
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If it's ham, my kids will eat it, but they like this kicked-up recipe best of all. Even the small ones eat adult-sized portions, so be sure to make plenty. —Mary Ann Lien, Tyler, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 180 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 845mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 0 fiber), 14g protein.
10/37
Andouille Sausage and Peppers
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to share my cooking, and this hearty sheet-pan dinner has built a reputation for being tasty. People have actually approached me in public to ask for the recipe. —Laurie Sledge, Brandon, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 257 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 759mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
11/37
Chicken Spareribs
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These inexpensive chicken thighs get all gussied up in a zippy sparerib-style sauce that's irresistible —Janice Porterfield, Atlanta, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 chicken thighs: 583 calories, 26g fat (6g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 2753mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (41g sugars, 0 fiber), 37g protein.
12/37
Simple Pork Chop Marinade
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This pork chop marinade is so simple that I use it on all kinds of meat. For a more robust flavor, let the meat marinate in the refrigerator overnight. —Lori Daniels, Beverly, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 362 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 695mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 37g protein.
13/37
Glazed Carrots
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a zippy side dish, try this recipe. These brown sugar-glazed carrots come together in no time at all. —Anita Foster, Fairmount, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 142 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
14/37
Sheet-Pan Chipotle-Lime Shrimp Bake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make this seafood dinner for company because it tastes amazing, but takes very little effort to throw together. Use asparagus, Broccolini or a mix of the two. It’s all about what's available for a decent price. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 394 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 168mg cholesterol, 535mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 25g protein.
15/37
Peanut Butter Milkshake
Total Time
5 min
Servings
3 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ve got milk, peanut butter, and probably vanilla ice cream, too. Using just a few ingredients, you can whip up this peanut butter milkshake recipe in seconds. —Joyce Turley, Slaughters, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 519 calories, 34g fat (12g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 287mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein.
16/37
Maple Sausage Skillet
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Maple syrup adds sweetness to this yummy stir-fry. I sometimes add a little broccoli, too, for a change of pace. Add a green salad and a crusty loaf of bread for a complete meal in minutes. —Dottie Tarlton, Malvern, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups (calculated without rice): 472 calories, 34g fat (11g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 1244mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
17/37
Carolina Crab Boil
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This pot is a fun way to feed a crowd for a tailgate. You can serve it two ways: Drain the cooking liquid and pour out the pot on a paper-lined table so folks can dig in, or serve it as a stew in its liquid over hot rice. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 420 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 143mg cholesterol, 2206mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 40g protein.
18/37
Cajun Pecan Catfish
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of our favorite recipes. It's quick, easy and delicious. Just serve with a side salad, biscuits and mixed fruit for dessert. We like it a lot for Christmas Eve. —Jan Wilkins, Blytheville, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 377 calories, 28g fat (5g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 277mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
19/37
Chocolate Bread Pudding
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a fun recipe because the chocolate makes it different from traditional bread pudding. It's a rich, comforting dessert. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 622 calories, 17g fat (9g saturated fat), 145mg cholesterol, 656mg sodium, 105g carbohydrate (79g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
20/37
Blueberry Chops with Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A sweet and spicy combo is the perfect accent for meaty chops. With a fresh green veggie on the side, this is a hearty summer meal. It’s easy, yet impressive enough to serve to company. —Laura Davis, Chincoteague, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 520 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 1216mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 6g fiber), 32g protein.
21/37
Baked Vidalia Onions
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Vidalia onion recipes are some of my favorites to whip up. Served alongside any of a variety of fish and meats, these tender onions are a nice change of pace. Folks find it a fun and flavorful side dish. —Norma Durham, Rogersville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 onion: 148 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 376mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
22/37
Mushroom Steak Salad with Walnut Vinaigrette
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I want to serve a romantic dinner for my husband and me, I fix this elegant yet easy salad. I just add crusty French bread and a glass of wine. —Candace McMenamin, Lexington, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 602 calories, 48g fat (9g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 151mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 31g protein.
23/37
Sausage Squash Kabobs
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Expect a crowd to gather around the grill when these flavorful kabobs are cooking. The zesty honey-mustard glaze gives a lovely sheen to the sausage and veggies. —Lisa Malynn Kent, North Richland Hills, Texas.
Nutrition Facts:
2 kabobs: 385 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 1491mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
24/37
Air-Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Coconut and panko crumbs give this spicy air-fryer shrimp its crunch. It’s perfect for an appetizer or for your main meal. —Debi Mitchell, Flower Mound, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
6 shrimp with 2 tablespoons sauce: 423 calories, 10g fat (8g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 440mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
25/37
Southern Fried BLT
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m really not big on tomatoes—but I do like them green and fried, so I decided to try them in a sandwich. It was a smash! If you’ve gotta have cheese, add sharp cheddar to this indulgent twist on the traditional BLT. —Stacy King, Rome, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 634 calories, 45g fat (8g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 985mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 20g protein.
26/37
Chicken-Pepper Alfredo
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I want a lighter dinner, I use lean turkey bacon in this recipe. It gives the pasta that richness you want without all the extra fat. —Courtney Harris, Denton, Texas
27/37
Sausage and Vegetable Skillet
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty stovetop entree has been a family favorite for years. The variety of vegetables makes this dish attractive. Cooking time is minimal. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 303 calories, 22g fat (6g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
28/37
Spicy Tilapia Rice Bowl
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love healthy living and tilapia is a staple in my kitchen. Fresh vegetables are always good but take more prep time, so I use boil-in-bag rice for a shortcut. —Rosalin Johnson, Tupelo, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 538 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 1365mg sodium, 71g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 10g fiber), 33g protein.
29/37
Bacon ‘n’ Egg Gravy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband, Ron, created this wonderful breakfast gravy. It’s home-style and old-fashioned. It’s a great breakfast with fruit salad on the side. —Terry Bray, Winter Haven, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 905 calories, 55g fat (23g saturated fat), 396mg cholesterol, 1066mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 38g protein.
30/37
Pressure-Cooker Cajun Pork and Rice
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe after returning home from a trip and finding little food in the house. I used ingredients already available in the refrigerator and pantry. My husband loves this pork dish because it's tasty, and I love it because it's easy. —Allison Gapinski, Cary, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 423 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 573mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 38g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
31/37
Bananas Foster on the Grill
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Bananas Foster is my husband's favorite dessert, and this is one of the easiest recipes I've ever found. Not only is it delicious, it's a great way to use those bananas that are a little too ripe to just peel and eat. —Rebecca Clark, Warrior, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 386 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 187mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (41g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
32/37
Honey Thyme Grilled Chicken
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For grilling chicken, I wanted a marinade different from barbecue sauce, so I pulled out some honey and thyme. If you have time, let the chicken marinate awhile to boost flavor. —Noel Bigelow, Alexandria, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
2 chicken drumsticks: 418 calories, 26g fat (5g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 531mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 0 fiber), 29g protein.
33/37
Slow-Cooker Bourbon Pork Chops
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My dad created a baked version of this recipe years ago. Delicious as it was, when I updated his recipe, I decided to try it in the slow cooker for even more moist and tender results. Bingo! Juicy, tasty and no fuss. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 3 tablespoons sauce: 491 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 715mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (57g sugars, 1g fiber), 30g protein.
34/37
Sheet-Pan Sausage and Veggies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is tasty, quick and easily doubled for last-minute dinner guests. Cook it in the oven or on the grill, and add the veggies of your choice. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 491 calories, 37g fat (13g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 1430mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 5g fiber), 18g protein.
35/37
Baked Pork Chops
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Baked pork chop recipes are always handy to feed my hungry family. This entree brightens up the usual routine of roasted pork chops and rice. I reach for this recipe when our appetites are hearty and I feel like baking pork chops. —Dorothy Toben, Blackwell, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 442 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 472mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein.
36/37
Cajun Shrimp
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These zippy shrimp bring a lot of pizazz to the table. Use as much or as little cayenne pepper as you'd like, depending on your family's tastes. We love ours served alongside rice pilaf. —Donna Thomason, El Paso, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked shrimp: 131 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 430mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
37/37
Green Tomato BLT
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I absolutely love tomatoes, any kind, any size. Being from the South, that includes fried green tomatoes. I created a special summer sandwich to show them off. —Hillian Holmgren, Del Rio, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 623 calories, 37g fat (7g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 1329mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein.
