17 Southern Potluck Staples You Can Whip Up Tonight

In the South, a good potluck dish is equal parts hospitality and flavor, but it should never require you to spend the entire day in the kitchen. These staples rely on shortcut ingredients, one-bowl mixes, and stovetop or 30-minute oven bakes, so you can say yes to a last-minute invite and still arrive with a crowd-pleaser. From buttery skillet cornbread and creamy pimento cheese to peach‑kissed desserts that cool while you drive, everything here embodies down‑home comfort without fuss. Grab your cast‑iron, a sack of self‑rising flour, and whip up one of these Southern icons tonight.

Buttermilk Cornbread

Buttermilk Cornbread
Image Credit: Stetted

Indulge in this fluffy buttermilk cornbread with just the right touch of sweetness. It’s a delicious addition to your holiday spread or the ideal companion for a hearty bowl of chili on chilly evenings.

Get this recipe -> Buttermilk Cornbread

Pimento Cheese

Pimento Cheese
Image Credit: Happy Snackcidents

Indulge in this easy-to-make Southern classic that brings creamy, zesty flavors to your table. Perfect for spreading on sandwiches or enjoying with your favorite crackers, homemade pimento cheese is a crowd-pleasing treat you’ll want to share with friends and family.

Get this recipe -> Pimento Cheese

Stewed Okra & Tomatoes

Stewed Okra & Tomatoes
Image Credit: Running To The Kitchen

This Southern classic gets a lighter, fresher update with just a few simple ingredients. The comforting blend of stewed okra and tomatoes creates a dish you’ll return to repeatedly for its effortless preparation and satisfying flavors.

Get this recipe -> Stewed Okra & Tomatoes

Homemade McDonald’s Sweet Tea

Homemade McDonald’s Sweet Tea
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Quench your thirst with this simple homemade version of McDonald’s iconic sweet tea. Just a few ingredients create that perfect balance of smooth sweetness and refreshing flavor that keeps fans coming back for more. No drive-thru needed!

Get this recipe -> Homemade McDonald’s Sweet Tea

Sweetie Pie’s Mac and Cheese

Sweetie Pie’s Mac and Cheese
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Indulge in our creamy mac and cheese masterpiece that combines five distinct cheeses for the ultimate comfort food experience. Every bite delivers rich, velvety texture and complex flavor that elevates this classic dish to new heights.

Get this recipe -> Sweetie Pie’s Mac and Cheese

Bojangles Biscuits Easy Copycat Recipe

Bojangles Biscuits Easy Copycat Recipe
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Indulge in these authentic Southern biscuits that rival Bojangles’ famous recipe. Made with premium White Lily flour and just four simple ingredients, these fluffy, buttery delights capture the true essence of Southern comfort food that your family will request again and again.

Get this recipe -> Bojangles Biscuits Easy Copycat Recipe

Popeye’s Red Beans and Rice

Popeyes Red Beans and Rice
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Get this recipe -> Popeye’s Red Beans and Rice

Braised Collard Greens

Braised Collard Greens
Image Credit: Or Whatever You Do

These braised collard greens offer a Southern-inspired side dish with elevated flavors. The perfect blend of savory and tangy notes makes this versatile recipe a standout accompaniment to any main course, from Sunday roasts to weeknight dinners.

Get this recipe -> Braised Collard Greens

Authentic New Orleans Shrimp and Grits

Authentic New Orleans Shrimp and Grits
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

This mouthwatering New Orleans classic combines creamy stone-ground grits with plump shrimp in a rich, spicy Cajun sauce. Every bite delivers authentic Southern comfort with a delicious Louisiana kick that’ll transport you straight to the French Quarter.

Get this recipe -> Authentic New Orleans Shrimp and Grits

Jambalaya Pasta

Jambalaya Pasta
Image Credit: Stetted

Indulge in this mouthwatering jambalaya pasta that perfectly blends succulent shrimp, savory sausage, and authentic Cajun flavors. Ready in minutes, it’s the ideal weeknight dinner solution that brings New Orleans flair to your family table.

Get this recipe -> Jambalaya Pasta

BBQ Baked Beans with Bacon

BBQ Baked Beans with Bacon
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Elevate your summer cookout with these irresistible BBQ baked beans. Sweet, smoky, and loaded with bacon, this easy recipe transforms canned beans into a crowd-pleasing side dish that pairs perfectly with all your grilled favorites.

Get this recipe -> BBQ Baked Beans with Bacon

Crispy Southern Fried Okra

Crispy Southern Fried Okra
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Discover the secrets to perfectly crispy Southern fried okra with our foolproof recipe. Fresh okra pods coated in seasoned cornmeal create that authentic crunch you crave. Follow our expert tips for golden, non-greasy results every time.

Get this recipe -> Crispy Southern Fried Okra

Classic Deviled Eggs

Classic Deviled Eggs
Image Credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes

Elevate your summer gatherings with this vibrant side dish that doubles as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Bursting with fresh flavors, it’s perfect for barbecues and outdoor picnics. Bonus: it’s a clever way to transform those leftover Easter eggs into something deliciously new!

Get this recipe -> Classic Deviled Eggs

Cracker Barrel Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake

Cracker Barrel Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Indulge in this decadent treat from Cracker Barrel that combines rich chocolate cake with hints of Coca-Cola. Every forkful delivers moist, fudgy goodness topped with a luscious chocolate icing that will satisfy even the most intense sweet cravings.

Get this recipe -> Cracker Barrel Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake

Chocolate Chess Pie

Chocolate Chess Pie
Image Credit: Stetted

Indulge in this Southern classic, a rich old-fashioned chocolate chess pie that delivers deep chocolate flavor in every bite. Perfect for holidays, celebrations, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth cravings!

Get this recipe -> Chocolate Chess Pie

Easy Buttermilk Pie

Easy Buttermilk Pie
Image Credit: CopyKat Recipes

Indulge in the creamy richness of this classic Southern buttermilk pie. With its silky custard filling and perfectly flaky crust, this easy-to-make dessert brings a touch of down-home comfort to any table.

Get this recipe -> Easy Buttermilk Pie

Hummingbird Cupcakes

Hummingbird Cupcakes
Image Credit: Stetted

Discover the charm of Hummingbird cupcakes, a beloved Southern classic. These delightful treats blend sweet fruits and crunchy nuts into a moist, flavorful cake that’s perfect for gatherings. Each bite delivers a taste of Southern hospitality that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Get this recipe -> Hummingbird Cupcakes

About Stephanie Manley

Stephanie Manley is the creator of CopyKat.com. She has been recreating copycat recipes since 1995. Learn more about Stephanie Manley.

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