Celebrating Flavor With Southern Christmas Dinner Recipes
When it comes to Christmas dinner, the South doesn’t just show up, it shows out. Southern holidays are not the time for light bites or minimalist plates. This is the occasion where butter, slow braises, and casseroles that could double as emotional support blankets take center stage.
Southern Christmas dinner is all about bold flavors, deep traditions, and dishes that make everyone linger at the table just a little longer.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning a quiet-but-still-extra holiday spread, these Southern Christmas dinner recipes bring the comfort, the drama, and the “wow, who made this?” energy.
FAQs
Southern Christmas dinner leans heavily on comfort, casseroles, slow-cooked greens, and decadent desserts. It’s less about fancy plating and more about full tables, bold seasoning, and recipes that have been passed down for generations.
Yes! And honestly, that’s part of the magic. Many Southern dishes like mac and cheese, casseroles, greens, and desserts taste even better the next day, which makes holiday hosting way less stressful.
Pick a few show-stopping mains, then mix in make-ahead sides and simple appetizers. And remember, Southern holiday cooking isn’t about doing everything yourself, it’s about sharing the love (and the workload).
Southern Main Courses
1. Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
This juicy, holiday-perfect ham is glazed to caramelized perfection, balancing sweet and savory in a way that feels downright festive. It stands out for its tender texture and rich, slow-roasted flavor that soaks up every bit of that sticky, golden-brown glaze.
2. Southern Fried Chicken
Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, this fried chicken delivers bold seasoning and that crave-worthy crunch in every bite. The secret? A well-seasoned crust and perfectly balanced spices make it impossible to stop at one piece.
3. Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
This Southern mac and cheese is ultra-creamy, extra-cheesy, and baked until the top is golden and irresistibly crisp. What makes it special is the mix of cheeses and silky sauce that turns a simple classic into a true holiday showstopper.
Drool-Worthy Southern Sides
4. Turnip Greens
Slow-simmered with smoky, savory flavor, these turnip greens are tender, rich, and deeply comforting. The long cooking time lets the greens soak up every bit of seasoning, creating that signature Southern depth of flavor.
5. Sweet Potato Biscuits
These biscuits are soft, fluffy, and lightly sweet, thanks to the mashed sweet potatoes blended right into the dough. They stand out for their buttery layers and warm, cozy flavor that feels perfect for the holidays.
6. Homemade Pimento Cheese
Creamy, sharp, and a little bit tangy, homemade pimento cheese is pure Southern spreadable magic. What makes it stand out is the balance of real shredded cheese, mayo, and those sweet spicy pimento peppers—plus, a subtle kick of seasoning. It is perfect for crackers, sandwiches, or straight off the spoon.
7. Skillet Cornbread
Golden, tender, and slightly crumbly, cornbread delivers buttery comfort with every bite. A moist interior and crisp edges make this classic stand out, especially when served warm with a pat of melting butter or a drizzle of honey.
8. Marinated Pea Salad
Crisp peas, crumbly bacon, and sharp red onion tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing make this salad bright, refreshing, and totally addictive. What makes it special is the marination time, which lets the flavors meld together for a bold, well-seasoned bite.
9. Green Bean Casserole
Tender green beans smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce and topped with crispy onions make this dish a creamy-crunchy classic. It’s a dish famous for its combination of comforting flavors and that irresistible crispy topping.
10. Spoon Bread
Part cornbread, part soufflé, spoon bread is light, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth soft. Its rich, buttery base and airy texture make it a standout side that feels fancy but eats like comfort food.
11. Squash Casserole
This casserole is creamy, cheesy, and topped with a buttery, crunchy crust that makes every bite exciting. The tender squash balances perfectly with the rich filling, creating a dish that’s cozy and crowd-pleasing.
12. Cornbread Dressing
Savory, moist, and loaded with herbs and aromatics, this cornbread dressing brings serious holiday flavor. It stands out for its fluffy yet hearty texture and rich, seasoned depth that tastes like pure tradition.
13. Giblet Gravy
This gravy is silky, deeply savory, and packed with rich, poultry-forward flavor. The addition of finely chopped giblets gives it an old-school depth that makes everything on your plate taste better.
14. Cabbage Roll Casserole
Savory browned ground beef, melty cheese, and tender-crisp cabbage come together in this comforting one-dish wonder. This flavor-packed casserole turns a humble veggie into a comfort food favorite. It stands out for its rich texture and the bold seasoning that completely transforms the cabbage.
15. Creole Green Gumbo
This gumbo is rich, smoky, and layered with complex spices that build flavor in every spoonful. What makes it shine is the slow-cooked roux, loads of leafy greens, and bold Creole seasoning that deliver deep, comforting heat.
16. Pineapple Casserole
Sweet, tangy pineapple baked with buttery, cheesy goodness creates a shockingly delicious sweet-and-savory combo. This dish stands out because it walks the line between side and dessert in the best possible way.
Classic Southern Appetizers
17. Cheese Straws
These crisp, buttery bites are packed with sharp cheese and a hint of spice for bold, savory flavor. They’re light, crunchy, and dangerously snackable, which is precisely why they disappear so fast.
18. Deviled Eggs
Creamy, tangy, and perfectly seasoned, these deviled eggs bring big flavor in one bite. The smooth filling and subtle kick of spice are what make them a timeless Southern favorite.
Sweet Southern Desserts
19. Southern Buttermilk Pie
This pie is creamy, tangy, and lightly sweet, with a silky custard filling and flaky crust. Its simple ingredients create a rich, old-fashioned flavor that feels nostalgic and totally irresistible.
20. Watergate Salad
Light, fluffy, and loaded with pistachio flavor, whipped topping, and pineapple, this nostalgic dessert is sweet and refreshing. What makes it special is the fun mix of creamy, fruity, and fluffy textures in every bite. Best part? You only need six ingredients and about 10 minutes to whip it up.
21. Sweet Potato Casserole
Creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan or marshmallow topping make this dish pure holiday comfort. The contrast between silky filling and crisp topping is what makes it unforgettable.
22. Pecan Pralines
These candy-like treats are sweet, buttery, and packed with toasted pecan flavor. They stand out for their perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures with rich caramelized sugar.
23. Ambrosia Salad
This classic Southern fruit salad is creamy, sweet, and bursting with citrusy brightness. The mix of fluffy whipped topping, coconut, and fruit makes it light, refreshing, and nostalgic.
24. Sweet Potato Pie
Smooth, spiced, and deeply comforting, this pie brings warm holiday flavors in every slice. What makes it remarkable? The velvety texture and perfectly balanced spices.
25. Chocolate Gravy and Biscuits
This rich, silky chocolate gravy poured over fluffy biscuits is sweet, indulgent, and completely unforgettable. It’s a uniquely Southern treat that feels like dessert and breakfast all in one bite.
26. Fruit Cake
Fruit cake is a holiday staple, and I love this recipe because it’s not your traditional dense cake. This lighter version is rich and packed with dried fruits and nuts. It’s a traditional cake that is full of warm, spiced flavor. And the complex taste gets even better as it ages.
27. Coconut Cake
Light, fluffy cake layered with creamy frosting and coated in sweet shredded coconut delivers pure Southern elegance. It’s beloved for its soft texture and rich coconut flavor in every forkful.
28. Banana Pudding
Creamy vanilla pudding layered with bananas and cookies creates a cold, dreamy dessert everyone loves. Its mix of soft, crunchy, creamy, and fruity textures makes it a guaranteed crowd favorite.
29. Pecan Pie
Sticky, sweet, and loaded with toasted pecans, this pie is rich, gooey, and totally decadent. The balance of caramel-like filling and crunchy nuts makes it a holiday staple that never disappoints. And it’s the perfect finale for a traditional Southern Christmas dinner.
By Imma
