15 Easy Southern Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Morning Right

Southern breakfasts are more than just meals — they’re a warm embrace from the heart of home cooking.

From flaky biscuits drenched in creamy sausage gravy to golden chicken and waffles, each dish carries a story of flavor, comfort, and tradition.

These recipes capture the essence of Southern hospitality, filling your kitchen with rich aromas and your plate with soulful goodness.

Whether you crave something sweet, savory, or in between, these 15 Southern breakfast recipes will help you start your day the Southern way — with love, comfort, and flavor.

15 Easy Southern Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Morning Right

There’s something timeless about a Southern breakfast — hearty flavors, golden textures, and that unmistakable homemade charm.

Each of these 15 Southern breakfast recipes celebrates the region’s love for comfort food, family gatherings, and warm hospitality.

Whether you’re serving Sunday brunch, a cozy weekday morning, or a big family feast, these dishes remind you that every meal can feel like home.

So tie on your apron, pour a cup of coffee, and let these comforting Southern classics bring joy to your breakfast table.

Classic Southern Biscuits and Sausage Gravy

Fluffy buttermilk biscuits smothered in rich, peppery sausage gravy are a true hallmark of Southern breakfast comfort.

The flaky, buttery layers of biscuits soak up the creamy, savory sauce, creating a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and nostalgic.

This dish embodies warmth, hospitality, and the hearty flavors of home-style Southern cooking.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
• 3/4 cup cold buttermilk
• 1 pound pork sausage
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Cut in butter with a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Pour in buttermilk and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
• Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead a few times before patting it into a 1-inch-thick round.
• Cut biscuits with a round cutter and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.
• Meanwhile, cook sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and crumbled.
• Sprinkle flour over the sausage and stir for 1 minute to coat.
• Gradually pour in milk while stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
• Simmer until thickened, about 5–7 minutes, then season with salt and pepper.
• Split the warm biscuits and ladle the creamy gravy generously over each piece.

Comforting, flavorful, and deeply Southern, this dish turns any morning into a celebration of homemade love.

Every bite of fluffy biscuit and rich sausage gravy feels like a warm embrace from the heart of Dixie.

Southern Shrimp and Grits

A Lowcountry classic, Southern Shrimp and Grits brings together buttery, cheesy grits topped with succulent shrimp cooked in a smoky, flavorful sauce.

Each bite offers a comforting blend of creamy texture and bold Southern spice that captures the spirit of coastal kitchens and Sunday brunch traditions.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 4 cups water or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:

• Bring water or chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan.
• Stir in grits and reduce heat to low.
• Simmer while stirring occasionally for about 20–25 minutes until thick and creamy.
• Stir in butter and cheddar cheese until melted, then season with salt and pepper.
• In a large skillet, cook bacon until crisp, then remove and set aside.
• Add olive oil to the same skillet and sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until soft.
• Add shrimp and cook for 3–4 minutes, until pink and slightly curled.
• Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, add lemon juice, and toss well to coat.
• Spoon hot grits into bowls and top with shrimp mixture.
• Garnish with crispy bacon pieces before serving.

Each spoonful of this Southern favorite delivers creamy richness and smoky seafood perfection.

The harmony of textures and flavors makes this dish an unforgettable Southern comfort meal.

Chicken and Waffles

Crispy fried chicken served over golden, fluffy waffles is a beloved Southern breakfast that blends sweet and savory in perfect harmony.

Drizzled with warm maple syrup and a pat of melting butter, it’s the ultimate comfort dish that satisfies both the soul and the appetite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 4 boneless chicken thighs
• 1 cup buttermilk (for marinade)
• 1 cup flour (for dredging)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Oil for frying
• Maple syrup and butter for serving

Instructions:

• Marinate chicken thighs in buttermilk for at least 1 hour.
• Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat.
• Combine flour, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
• Dredge marinated chicken in the seasoned flour until well coated.
• Fry until golden and crisp, about 6–8 minutes per side.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• In another bowl, beat eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter together.
• Combine wet and dry ingredients to make a smooth waffle batter.
• Pour batter into a preheated waffle iron and cook until golden brown.
• Place fried chicken on top of each waffle and drizzle generously with maple syrup.

This dish captures the best of both worlds — sweet, buttery waffles and crispy, juicy chicken.

Every mouthful is a Southern delight that balances flavor and texture with pure comfort.

Southern Cheese Grits Casserole

This warm and cheesy breakfast casserole combines rich Southern grits, melted cheddar, and fluffy eggs baked to perfection.

It’s creamy, comforting, and ideal for a hearty morning meal or a brunch crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quick grits
• 4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bring water to a boil and stir in grits.
• Reduce heat and cook until thick, about 5 minutes.
• Remove from heat and stir in butter and cheese until melted.
• In a bowl, whisk eggs and milk together.
• Stir the egg mixture into the grits, then season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Pour mixture into a greased baking dish.
• Top with crumbled bacon.
• Bake for 35–40 minutes until the casserole is set and slightly golden.
• Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

This rich and savory casserole offers every bit of Southern warmth in each creamy bite.

It’s a make-ahead breakfast that’s easy, filling, and irresistibly delicious.

Country Ham and Red-Eye Gravy

Country ham with red-eye gravy is a Southern classic that pairs salty, smoky ham with a bold coffee-based sauce.

It’s a simple yet deeply flavorful dish that transforms a few humble ingredients into a breakfast masterpiece.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices country ham
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup black coffee
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• Grits or biscuits for serving

Instructions:

• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Fry country ham slices until browned on both sides.
• Remove ham and set aside, leaving drippings in the pan.
• Add butter to the drippings and let it melt.
• Pour in coffee and water, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
• Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
• Stir in sugar if desired to balance the flavor.
• Serve ham slices with the red-eye gravy spooned over them.

The bold coffee sauce cuts through the saltiness of the ham for perfect balance.

This breakfast feels like a taste of tradition straight from a Southern farmhouse kitchen.

Sweet Potato Pancakes with Pecan Syrup

Soft, golden pancakes made with mashed sweet potatoes bring a Southern twist to a breakfast favorite.

Topped with buttery pecan syrup, each stack bursts with cozy flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pure comfort.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup maple syrup

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• In another bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter.
• Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
• Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it.
• Pour 1/4 cup of batter per pancake and cook until bubbles form on the surface.
• Flip and cook until golden brown on both sides.
• In a small saucepan, warm maple syrup and stir in chopped pecans.
• Drizzle the warm pecan syrup over the pancakes before serving.

These pancakes are tender, fragrant, and irresistibly Southern.

The pecan syrup adds a luxurious finish that makes every bite pure breakfast bliss

Southern Fried Green Tomatoes

Crispy, tangy, and perfectly golden, fried green tomatoes are a true taste of the South.

Each slice of firm, unripe tomato is coated in a seasoned cornmeal crust and fried until crunchy, creating a wonderful contrast between the crisp exterior and juicy interior.

Ingredients:

• 4 large green tomatoes
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

• Slice the green tomatoes into 1/2-inch-thick rounds.
• Place them in a shallow dish and pour buttermilk over them. Let them soak for 10–15 minutes.
• In another bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.
• Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.
• Dredge each tomato slice in the flour mixture, ensuring even coating.
• Fry for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
• Remove and drain on paper towels.
• Serve hot with ranch dressing or remoulade sauce.

Crispy, tangy, and full of Southern charm, these tomatoes make a perfect breakfast side or appetizer.

Each bite delivers a delicious mix of crunch, spice, and freshness that’s purely Southern.

Southern Cornbread with Honey Butter

Golden, crumbly cornbread served with sweet honey butter is a breakfast table favorite across the South.

The moist texture and subtle sweetness make it the perfect companion for eggs, grits, or fried chicken.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 3 tablespoons honey

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a cast-iron skillet.
• In a large bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter together.
• Combine wet and dry ingredients and stir until just mixed.
• Pour batter into the prepared skillet and bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.
• For honey butter, mix softened butter with honey until smooth and creamy.
• Serve warm slices of cornbread with a generous spread of honey butter.

The warm sweetness of honey butter melts perfectly into the crumbly texture of the cornbread.

It’s simple, comforting, and full of authentic Southern warmth.

Country Breakfast Casserole

Hearty and flavorful, this country breakfast casserole combines eggs, sausage, cheese, and bread cubes for the perfect Southern morning meal.

It’s easy to prepare ahead of time and serves beautifully for large family gatherings or holiday mornings.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound breakfast sausage
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 4 cups cubed day-old bread
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped green onion

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
• Cook sausage in a skillet until browned, then drain excess fat.
• In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and dry mustard.
• Layer bread cubes in the baking dish.
• Add cooked sausage and sprinkle cheese over the top.
• Pour the egg mixture evenly over everything.
• Sprinkle with green onions.
• Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the center is set and the top is golden.
• Allow to cool for 5 minutes before slicing.

This rich and hearty casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd.

Every bite is packed with classic Southern flavor and home-cooked comfort.

Southern Pecan Praline Pancakes

Fluffy pancakes topped with a buttery pecan praline sauce bring a decadent twist to traditional breakfast fare.

These pancakes are nutty, caramel-sweet, and deeply satisfying — a Southern favorite that feels like dessert for breakfast.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

• In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• Whisk together buttermilk, egg, and melted butter in another bowl.
• Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just mixed.
• Cook pancakes on a hot griddle until golden on both sides.
• For praline sauce, melt butter in a small saucepan.
• Stir in brown sugar and cream, and cook until thickened, about 3 minutes.
• Add pecans and simmer for 1 minute.
• Spoon the warm praline sauce over the pancakes.

These pancakes are soft, rich, and luxuriously sweet.

Each bite captures the Southern spirit of indulgence and homemade charm.

Southern Breakfast Hash with Andouille Sausage

This hearty breakfast hash brings together spicy Andouille sausage, crispy potatoes, and colorful vegetables.

It’s a bold, smoky, and savory dish that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your plate with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 3 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 pound Andouille sausage, sliced
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 2 eggs (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add diced potatoes and cook until golden and crisp, about 10 minutes.
• Remove potatoes and set aside.
• In the same skillet, sauté sausage until browned and slightly crisp.
• Add onion, bell peppers, and garlic, and cook until soft.
• Return the potatoes to the skillet and toss everything together.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Top with fried or poached eggs if desired.
• Garnish with parsley before serving.

This breakfast hash bursts with smoky, spicy flavor and hearty textures.

It’s a perfect Southern start to the day — filling, colorful, and full of soul.

Southern Buttermilk Pancakes with Maple Butter

Light, fluffy, and irresistibly tender, Southern buttermilk pancakes are the gold standard of country breakfasts.

Topped with creamy maple butter, they’re rich, comforting, and made for lazy weekend mornings when you want pure, old-fashioned satisfaction.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup softened butter

Instructions:

• In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• In another bowl, beat buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter together until smooth.
• Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring gently until just mixed.
• Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it.
• Pour 1/4 cup of batter per pancake and cook until bubbles form on the surface.
• Flip and cook until golden brown.
• For maple butter, mix softened butter with maple syrup until creamy.
• Spread over warm pancakes before serving.

These pancakes are pillowy soft and buttery with just the right tang from the buttermilk.

A drizzle of maple butter completes this Southern classic with indulgent sweetness and charm.

Country Sausage Breakfast Skillet

Loaded with sausage, potatoes, and eggs, this hearty Southern skillet makes for a filling and flavorful breakfast.

It’s rustic, simple, and packed with the bold, comforting flavors of traditional country cooking.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound breakfast sausage
• 3 cups diced potatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onion

Instructions:

• Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until browned, then remove and set aside.
• Add diced potatoes to the same skillet and cook until golden and tender.
• Add onion, bell pepper, and seasonings; sauté until soft.
• Return sausage to the skillet and stir everything together.
• Make small wells in the mixture and crack eggs into each one.
• Cover and cook until eggs are done to your liking.
• Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and green onions before serving.

Every forkful delivers a mix of savory sausage, creamy eggs, and crispy potatoes.

It’s the kind of breakfast that fuels your day and warms your Southern heart.

Southern Sweet Corn Fritters

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these golden fritters showcase the natural sweetness of corn in every bite.

They’re a perfect blend of savory and sweet, making them a beloved Southern breakfast treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornmeal
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

• In a bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
• Add corn, milk, egg, and melted butter. Stir until well combined.
• Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Drop spoonfuls of batter into the skillet, flattening slightly with a spatula.
• Fry each side for about 2–3 minutes until golden brown.
• Remove and drain on paper towels.
• Serve warm with honey or maple syrup.

Sweet, crunchy, and irresistibly Southern, these fritters are perfect with coffee or grits.

They’re simple, quick, and bursting with old-fashioned country flavor.

Biscuits with Country Ham and Red Pepper Jelly

Soft, buttery biscuits filled with salty country ham and sweet-spicy red pepper jelly create the perfect Southern breakfast sandwich.

This combination of savory and sweet makes every bite a balance of flavor and comfort.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 6 slices country ham
• 1/2 cup red pepper jelly

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl.
• Cut in butter with a pastry cutter until crumbly.
• Stir in buttermilk until a soft dough forms.
• Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead gently.
• Cut biscuits and place them on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
• Cook ham in a skillet until lightly browned.
• Split biscuits, add slices of ham, and spread with red pepper jelly.

These biscuits are flaky, buttery, and delightfully Southern with a hint of spice.

Each bite blends heat, salt, and sweetness for a breakfast you’ll crave again and again.

Southern Grits with Poached Eggs and Collard Greens

A soulful Southern breakfast featuring creamy grits topped with perfectly poached eggs and sautéed collard greens.

It’s wholesome, hearty, and beautifully balanced with earthy greens, rich eggs, and buttery grits.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 4 cups water or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups chopped collard greens
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 4 eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Bring water or broth to a boil, stir in grits, and cook over low heat until thick and creamy.
• Stir in butter and cheese; season with salt and pepper.
• In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
• Add collard greens and cook until wilted, about 5–7 minutes.
• Stir in vinegar and season with salt and pepper.
• Poach eggs in simmering water for 3–4 minutes until whites are set.
• Spoon grits into bowls, top with collard greens and a poached egg.

The combination of creamy, cheesy grits and velvety eggs is Southern comfort at its finest.

Each spoonful is warm, nourishing, and filled with simple, soulful flavor.