14 Heartwarming Southern Sunday Suppers: Soul-Nourishing Family Recipes

Growing up in South, Sunday suppers remain cherished moments where families gather around well-worn wooden tables, sharing stories and savoring time-honored dishes passed down through generations.

These cherished meals bring loved ones together, creating memories seasoned with love, laughter, and generous helpings of pure Southern comfort.

Let’s explore these soul-warming recipes perfect for your next family gathering.

1. Classic Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Golden-brown, crispy skin gives way to juicy, tender meat beneath, seasoned with generations-old spice blends.

Each piece carries memories of countless Sunday gatherings, where conversations flow as freely as sweet tea. Grandma’s secret weapon?

Soaking chicken overnight in tangy buttermilk ensures unmatched tenderness while elevating simple yard bird into something truly extraordinary.

Ingredients:

• Whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

2. Smoky Ham Hock Collard Greens

Slow-simmered collards drink deep flavor from smoky ham hocks, creating rich pot likker that begs for cornbread dunking.

Fresh greens wilt down into silky, tender ribbons, carrying subtle heat from red pepper flakes and depth from garlic.

Every spoonful brings warmth, comfort, and connection to Southern soil.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs fresh collard greens
• 2 large ham hocks
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper
• 8 cups chicken stock

3. Brown Sugar Glazed Sweet Potato Casserole

Velvety mashed sweet potatoes crowned with buttery pecan streusel create an irresistible combination of smooth and crunchy textures.

Brown sugar and vanilla meld into creamy potatoes, while cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth.

This beloved dish bridges gap between savory and sweet, earning permanent place at Sunday table.

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs sweet potatoes
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 stick butter
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

4. Cornmeal-Crusted Catfish

Farm-raised catfish fillets wear golden cornmeal coating, creating perfect crispy exterior while keeping fish moist inside.

Simple seasonings let clean, mild flavor shine through, while quick shallow-frying produces light, non-greasy results.

Served with homemade tartar sauce, this humble fish becomes Sunday special.

Ingredients:

• 6 catfish fillets
• 2 cups yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons seafood seasoning
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 eggs
• Vegetable oil for frying

5. Bourbon-Glazed Country Ham

Salt-cured country ham receives royal treatment with bourbon-brown sugar glaze, creating sweet-salty harmony.

Slow baking renders meat tender while glaze forms sticky, caramelized exterior.

Thin slices reveal pink meat perfect for filling fresh biscuits or enjoying solo.

Ingredients:

• 1 country ham (12-15 lbs)
• 1 cup bourbon
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

6. Skillet Cornbread

Cast iron creates perfect crust while inside stays tender and moist.

Fresh corn kernels add bursts of sweetness, while bacon drippings provide rich flavor foundation.

Hot from oven, golden brown surface begs for pat of melting butter and drizzle of honey.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1/4 cup bacon drippings
• 1 cup fresh corn kernels

7. Creamy Black-Eyed Peas

Smoky bacon and ham provide savory base for tender peas, while onions and garlic add aromatic depth.

Long, slow cooking creates creamy, rich consistency without mushiness. Fresh thyme sprigs infuse subtle herbal notes throughout hearty dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb dried black-eyed peas
• 1/2 lb bacon, diced
• 1 ham hock
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves
• Fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper
• 6 cups chicken stock

8. Cajun Shrimp and Grits

Stone-ground grits simmer until creamy perfection, topped with spicy sautéed shrimp in rich gravy.

Bell peppers and andouille sausage add color and depth, while sharp cheddar melts throughout grits.

Every spoonful delivers comfort with subtle kick.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled
• 2 cups stone-ground grits
• 8 oz andouille sausage
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup sharp cheddar
• Cajun seasoning
• 4 cups chicken stock
• Heavy cream

9. Peach Cobbler

Fresh summer peaches bubble beneath buttery biscuit topping, creating perfect harmony of fruit and pastry.

Cinnamon and nutmeg warm sweet peaches, while vanilla ice cream slowly melts into hot dessert.

Simple perfection celebrates season’s bounty.

Ingredients:

• 8 ripe peaches, sliced
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup flour
• 1 stick butter
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

10. Butter Beans and Ham

Large lima beans slowly simmer with country ham, creating creamy, smoky dish that epitomizes Southern comfort.

Fresh herbs and black pepper brighten rich flavors while corn bread serves perfect companion for soaking up portlike.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb dried butter beans
• 1 ham hock
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves
• Fresh thyme
• Black pepper
• 6 cups chicken stock
• Bay leaves

11. Squash Casserole

Yellow summer squash combines with sharp cheddar, sour cream, and buttery cracker topping for crowd-pleasing side dish.

Onions add savory notes while eggs bind ingredients into perfect consistency. Simple preparation yields memorable results.

Ingredients:

• 6 yellow squash, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cups sharp cheddar
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 eggs
• 1 sleeve crackers
• 1 stick butter
• Salt and pepper

12. Red Velvet Cake

Three layers of crimson cake filled with cream cheese frosting create show-stopping dessert.

Subtle cocoa flavor and buttermilk tenderness make each forkful memorable, while pecans add decorative touch. Sunday supper ends on sweet high note.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• Red food coloring
• 3 eggs
• Cream cheese
• Butter
• Vanilla extract

13. Country-Style Green Beans

Fresh green beans slow cook with bacon until perfectly tender, while new potatoes soak up smoky pot liquor.

Onions and garlic provide aromatic base, creating vegetable dish worth fighting over at Sunday table.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs fresh green beans
• 1/2 lb bacon, diced
• 1 lb new potatoes
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves
• Black pepper
• Chicken stock
• Salt

14. Pimento Cheese Biscuits

Flaky buttermilk biscuits studded with homemade pimento cheese create irresistible combination perfect for passing around Sunday table.

Sharp cheddar melts into tender layers while pimentos add bright notes and color throughout.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups self-rising flour
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 stick cold butter
• 2 cups sharp cheddar
• 1 jar pimentos
• Cream cheese
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Conclusion:

These are just a few of the countless soul-nourishing recipes that grace Southern tables every Sunday.

More than just a meal, these dishes are woven into the fabric of Southern families, connecting generations through shared flavors and cherished traditions.

So, gather your loved ones, set the table with love, and create your own heartwarming memories with the comforting flavors of a true Southern Sunday supper.