15 Cozy Fall Southern Recipes to Try This Season

Fall in the South is all about warm kitchens, comforting meals, and flavors that celebrate the season.

From savory casseroles to sweet pumpkin desserts, fall southern recipes combine tradition, comfort, and seasonal ingredients.

Whether it’s a family gathering, holiday feast, or cozy weeknight dinner, these recipes bring the heart of Southern cooking to your table.

Rich, flavorful, and often with a touch of spice, Southern cuisine shines during autumn.

With these dishes, you can enjoy the warmth, nostalgia, and indulgence that define the Southern fall.

15 Cozy Fall Southern Recipes to Try This Season

Fall southern recipes are more than just meals—they’re a celebration of comfort, flavor, and tradition.

From hearty mains to sweet desserts, these dishes capture the essence of autumn in the South.

Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or cozy nights at home, these recipes bring warmth and nostalgia to your table.

Experience the rich flavors, seasonal ingredients, and heartfelt cooking that make Southern cuisine unforgettable in the fall.

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

This Southern sweet potato casserole is a holiday classic, rich, creamy, and full of fall flavor.

Mashed sweet potatoes are combined with brown sugar, butter, and spices, then topped with a crunchy pecan streusel.

It’s the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, family dinners, or any autumn gathering.

Every bite balances creamy sweetness with nutty crunch, embodying the warmth of Southern comfort food.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 4 large sweet potatoes)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• ½ cup brown sugar (for topping)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• In a large bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes, ½ cup brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
• Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
• In a separate bowl, combine pecans, ½ cup brown sugar, flour, and softened butter to form a crumbly topping.
• Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potato layer.
• Bake for 30–35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
• Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Sweet potatoes provide creamy, naturally sweet base perfect for autumn.

Pecan topping adds crunch, nuttiness, and a classic Southern flavor.

This casserole is rich, comforting, and an essential dish for fall gatherings.

Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Autumn Spices

This Southern buttermilk fried chicken is crispy, flavorful, and infused with fall-inspired spices.

Chicken pieces are marinated in seasoned buttermilk, then coated in a spiced flour mixture before frying to golden perfection.

It’s ideal for Sunday dinners, holiday meals, or any cozy autumn occasion.

Every bite is tender, juicy, and packed with savory, slightly spiced flavor reminiscent of Southern kitchens.

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, breasts)
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
• Submerge chicken pieces in the buttermilk mixture and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• In a separate bowl, mix flour, salt, and black pepper.
• Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge in seasoned flour.
• Fry chicken in batches for 12–15 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
• Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and adds subtle tangy flavor.

Spiced flour coating creates a crunchy, golden exterior with Southern flair.

This fried chicken is crispy, juicy, and perfect for fall comfort meals.

Southern Pecan Pie Bars

These Southern pecan pie bars are sweet, nutty, and perfect for autumn desserts.

A buttery shortbread crust is topped with a gooey, caramel-like pecan filling, creating a rich and indulgent treat.

They’re ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or festive fall celebrations.

Every bite is buttery, sweet, and full of classic Southern flavor that captures the essence of fall desserts.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups chopped pecans

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
• In a bowl, mix 1 ½ cups flour, ½ cup butter, powdered sugar, and salt until crumbly.
• Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes.
• In another bowl, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
• Stir in chopped pecans.
• Pour the filling over the baked crust and bake for an additional 25–30 minutes until set.
• Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.

Shortbread crust adds buttery richness and firm texture.

Pecan filling provides sweetness, nuttiness, and gooey indulgence.

These bars are decadent, flavorful, and a must-have dessert for fall celebrations

Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hock

These collard greens are slow-cooked with smoked ham hock, garlic, and onion for deep, savory flavor.

They’re a Southern fall staple, perfect as a side for holiday dinners or cozy family meals.

Every bite is tender, flavorful, and infused with smoky richness that embodies Southern comfort food.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs collard greens, washed and chopped
• 1 smoked ham hock
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
• Add smoked ham hock and chicken broth, bringing to a simmer.
• Stir in collard greens, cover, and cook for 1–1.5 hours until tender.
• Add apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
• Remove ham hock, shred meat, and return to pot.
• Serve warm.

Ham hock adds smoky, savory depth to the greens.

Collard greens provide tender texture and a slightly bitter balance.

This dish is comforting, flavorful, and a classic Southern fall side.

Cornbread Dressing with Sausage

This Southern cornbread dressing is savory, moist, and full of autumn flavors.

Crumbled cornbread is combined with sautéed sausage, onions, celery, and herbs for a perfect holiday side dish.

It’s ideal for Thanksgiving, family gatherings, or cozy fall dinners.

Every bite is hearty, flavorful, and embodies traditional Southern cooking.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups crumbled cornbread (day-old preferred)
• 1 lb Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon sage
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Sauté onions and celery until soft.
• In a large bowl, combine cornbread, cooked sausage, onions, celery, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
• Stir in chicken broth and beaten eggs until moistened.
• Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish.
• Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden on top.

Cornbread provides a slightly sweet, hearty base for the dressing.

Sausage adds savory flavor and depth, perfect for holiday meals.

This dressing is rich, comforting, and a must-have for fall Southern feasts.

Butternut Squash Soup with Southern Spices

This creamy butternut squash soup is smooth, comforting, and perfectly spiced for fall.

Roasted squash is blended with onions, garlic, and warm Southern spices, creating a rich and velvety soup.

It’s ideal as a starter for holiday meals or a cozy weeknight dinner.

Every spoonful delivers creamy texture and comforting autumn flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for roasting

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Toss squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper; roast for 25–30 minutes until tender.
• In a pot, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
• Add roasted squash, broth, and spices; simmer 10 minutes.
• Blend with an immersion blender until smooth.
• Stir in heavy cream and adjust seasoning.
• Serve warm.

Butternut squash provides natural sweetness and creamy texture.

Southern spices add warmth and depth, perfect for autumn.

This soup is velvety, flavorful, and ideal for cozy fall evenings.

Pecan Pie Cheesecake

This Southern dessert combines classic pecan pie with rich, creamy cheesecake.

A buttery crust holds smooth cheesecake topped with gooey pecans and caramel for a decadent treat.

It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or festive fall celebrations.

Every bite is rich, sweet, and a perfect blend of Southern flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• ½ cup corn syrup
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
• Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter; press into the bottom of the pan.
• Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth; add eggs and vanilla.
• Pour cheesecake mixture over crust.
• In a separate bowl, combine pecans, corn syrup, brown sugar, and butter; pour over cheesecake layer.
• Bake for 45–50 minutes until set.
• Cool completely and refrigerate before serving.

Cheesecake provides a creamy, indulgent base.

Pecans and caramel topping add crunch, sweetness, and Southern flair.

This dessert is decadent, flavorful, and perfect for fall celebrations.

Sweet Potato Pie

This Southern sweet potato pie is creamy, spiced, and perfect for autumn.

Mashed sweet potatoes are blended with sugar, butter, eggs, and warm spices in a flaky pie crust.

It’s ideal for holiday desserts, family gatherings, or cozy fall nights.

Every bite is smooth, sweet, and embodies classic Southern comfort.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ginger
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 9-inch unbaked pie crust

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Beat mashed sweet potatoes, butter, sugar, eggs, spices, and vanilla until smooth.
• Pour mixture into prepared pie crust.
• Bake for 50–60 minutes until set and lightly browned.
• Cool before serving.

Sweet potatoes provide natural sweetness and creamy texture.

Warm spices create aromatic, cozy fall flavor.

This pie is comforting, flavorful, and a Southern fall classic.

Shrimp and Grits with Autumn Vegetables

This Southern shrimp and grits dish is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for fall.

Succulent shrimp are sautéed with garlic, onions, and seasonal vegetables, then served over buttery, cheesy grits.

It’s ideal for a cozy dinner, weekend brunch, or festive fall gathering.

Every bite is rich, comforting, and a true Southern classic with a seasonal twist.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 4 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

• Cook grits in chicken broth according to package instructions.
• Stir in butter and cheddar cheese; keep warm.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté onion, bell pepper, zucchini, and garlic until tender.
• Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook until pink and cooked through.
• Serve shrimp and vegetables over the creamy grits.

Grits provide a creamy, comforting base.

Seasonal vegetables and shrimp add flavor, texture, and freshness.

This dish is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for autumn Southern dinners.

Corn Pudding with Cheddar and Bacon

This Southern corn pudding is sweet, savory, and full of fall comfort.

Fresh corn, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon combine in a custard-like base for a rich and creamy side dish.

It’s perfect for holiday tables, family dinners, or cozy autumn meals.

Every bite is savory, slightly sweet, and embodies Southern fall flavors.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh or frozen corn
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup butter, melted
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
• In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, butter, sugar, salt, and pepper.
• Stir in corn, cheddar, and bacon.
• Pour mixture into prepared dish.
• Bake for 40–45 minutes until set and golden on top.
• Serve warm.

Corn and custard create a creamy, comforting texture.

Bacon and cheddar add savory depth and Southern richness.

This corn pudding is indulgent, flavorful, and perfect for fall gatherings.

Fried Green Tomatoes with Spicy Remoulade

These fried green tomatoes are crispy, tangy, and classic Southern fare.

Tart green tomatoes are coated in seasoned cornmeal and fried until golden, served with a spicy remoulade sauce.

They’re perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or cozy fall snack.

Every bite is crisp, tangy, and bursting with Southern flavor.

Ingredients:

• 4 large green tomatoes, sliced
• 1 cup cornmeal
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Vegetable oil for frying

Spicy Remoulade:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions:

• Whisk together cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Dip tomato slices in buttermilk, then coat with cornmeal mixture.
• Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Fry tomato slices 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
• Mix remoulade ingredients and serve alongside tomatoes.

Green tomatoes provide tangy, firm texture.

Cornmeal coating adds crunch and Southern authenticity.

These fried green tomatoes are crisp, flavorful, and a fall Southern classic.

Autumn Catfish with Cajun Seasoning

This Southern catfish is seasoned with warm autumn-inspired Cajun spices and pan-fried to perfection.

The fish is crispy on the outside and tender inside, making it ideal for a hearty fall dinner.

Serve with hush puppies, collard greens, or creamy grits for a complete Southern meal.

Every bite is flavorful, spiced, and comforting, perfect for cozy autumn evenings.

Ingredients:

• 4 catfish fillets
• ½ cup cornmeal
• ½ cup flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ½ cup buttermilk
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

• Preheat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Mix cornmeal, flour, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Dip catfish fillets in buttermilk, then dredge in seasoned cornmeal mixture.
• Fry fillets 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
• Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

Cajun spices provide warmth, depth, and autumn flair.

Cornmeal coating ensures a crispy, flavorful exterior.

This catfish is tender, spiced, and a perfect Southern fall entrée.

Sweet Potato Biscuits

These Southern sweet potato biscuits are tender, slightly sweet, and perfect for fall.

Mashed sweet potatoes are incorporated into a buttery biscuit dough, yielding soft, fluffy layers.

They’re ideal for breakfast, brunch, or alongside soups and stews during autumn.

Every bite is rich, buttery, and full of comforting Southern flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes
• ½ cup buttermilk

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
• Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Stir in mashed sweet potatoes and buttermilk until dough forms.
• Roll out dough to ½-inch thickness and cut into biscuits.
• Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden.

Sweet potatoes provide natural sweetness and moist, tender texture.

Butter and buttermilk create a flaky, rich biscuit.

These biscuits are soft, flavorful, and perfect for fall Southern breakfasts or sides

Smothered Pork Chops with Onions and Gravy

These smothered pork chops are tender, juicy, and cooked in a rich, flavorful Southern gravy.

Caramelized onions and a savory pan sauce bring warmth and depth to this classic fall dish.

They’re perfect for family dinners, holiday meals, or cozy autumn evenings.

Every bite is tender, savory, and full of comforting Southern flavors.

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in pork chops
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions:

• Season pork chops with salt, pepper, and paprika.
• Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown pork chops on both sides; remove and set aside.
• Melt butter in the same skillet, sauté onions until caramelized.
• Sprinkle flour over onions and stir to form a roux.
• Gradually add chicken broth, stirring constantly to make a gravy.
• Return pork chops to the skillet, cover, and simmer 20–25 minutes until cooked through.
• Serve warm with gravy.

Pork chops provide tender, juicy protein.

Onion gravy adds richness and deep, savory flavor.

This dish is comforting, hearty, and a classic Southern fall favorite

Autumn Peach Cobbler

This Southern peach cobbler is warm, sweet, and bursting with autumn flavors.

Juicy peaches are spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, then baked under a buttery biscuit topping.

It’s perfect for holiday desserts, family gatherings, or cozy fall nights.

Every bite is tender, sweet, and captures the heart of Southern comfort cooking.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups peeled and sliced peaches
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar (for topping)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup butter, melted
• ½ cup milk

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Toss peaches with 1 cup sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice; pour into dish.
• In a bowl, mix flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• Stir in melted butter and milk until smooth to form topping batter.
• Spoon batter over peaches, covering them evenly.
• Bake for 40–45 minutes until topping is golden and set.
• Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream.

Peaches provide sweet, juicy fruit and natural fall flavor.

Buttery topping adds richness, texture, and Southern charm.

This cobbler is warm, comforting, and a perfect fall dessert.