Classic Southern Recipes That Are Better Than Grandma's

Despite being one country, America is made up of different regions that enjoy different cuisines. Southern cooking is known for its African, European and Native American roots that can be found in dishes such as collard greens, cornbread, biscuits and more. The recipes get passed down from generation to generation, but these classic Southern recipes are probably better than your grandma's.

Buttermilk biscuits are one of those staple dishes you'll find on any Southern breakfast table. This classic recipe requires only a few ingredients and tastes great with some butter or jam as a side for a big plate of fried chicken.

For the Buttermilk Biscuits recipe, click here.

This is classic white gravy that is best eaten with chicken-fried steak and other delicious Southern cuisines. If you're looking for recipes to finish your gallon of milk, make this.

For the Southern White Gravy recipe, click here.

Southerners love their barbecue, and this pulled pork slider recipe is the perfect meal to enjoy at a backyard barbecue. It's also one of those comfort foods you can make and then freeze.

For the Pulled Pork Sliders recipe, click here.

This Southern sausage balls recipe is quick and easy and one of those things you didn't know you could make with biscuit mix. Simply mix together ground sausage, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper and that biscuit baking mix for a fun appetizer.

For the Southern Sausage Balls recipe, click here.

Buttermilk beignets are one of the most iconic dishes in America. Make this New Orleans classic at home, and don't forget to load 'em up with powdered sugar.

For the Buttermilk Beignets recipe, click here.

What makes a great addition to any regional breakfast dish you can make at home? Hash browns. This traditional potato hash brown recipe uses chili powder for a little kick.

For the Traditional Hash Browns recipe, click here.

Not sure how to cook the perfect ham? Try a slow cooker. With this sweet Southern slow-cooker ham recipe, you can enjoy some appetizing holiday ham any time of the year.

For the Sweet Southern Slow-Cooker Ham recipe, click here.

This shrimp etouffee and grits recipe adds flavor to traditional grits using the light roux from the etouffee with shrimp scattered on top. It's the perfect mashup of traditional Southern food and classic Cajun recipes.

For the Shrimp Etouffee and Grits recipe, click here.

You can likely find a crawfish boil happening at many of America's best seafood shacks. But now you can get the same enjoyment right at home. Though it is a long process and may get messy, it's worth it for the joy of chowing down on crawfish with family and friends.

For the Crawfish Boil recipe, click here.

There are plenty of unexpected ingredients that go great with mac and cheese, and this recipe uses cream cheese to take the dish to another level.

For the Cheese and Macaroni Pie recipe, click here.

This is one of the many enjoyable New Orleans recipes that you can make at home. Use rice, sausage, ham or shrimp and plenty of spice to create this one-pot dish.

For the Creole Jambalaya recipe, click here.

This bananas Foster recipe is an impressive dessert that requires bananas to be cooked in a cinnamon, sugar and butter sauce with banana liqueur and dark rum. Once done, it is usually eaten with a cold scoop of ice cream on top.

For the Bananas Foster recipe, click here.

Grilled corn during the summer is great, but creamed corn is the perfect side dish to enjoy with different chicken recipes. Add crumbled bacon or chopped green onions for more flavor.

For the Creamed Corn recipe, click here.

Why just have regular steak when you can make it chicken-fried? The name refers to when a steak is covered in flour and batter for frying, similar to frying chicken. This chicken-fried steak is one of the many iconic Texas recipes.

For the Chicken-Fried Steak recipe, click here.

Pecan pie is an icon of Texas and one of the most famous pies in America. This recipe is made up of sweet fillings and topped with roasted pecans but also adds some chocolate.

For the Pecan Pie recipe, click here.

You can make this old-fashioned peach cobbler using the ingredients you already have in your pantry. Choose fresh, frozen or canned peaches to create this classic.

For the Old-Fashioned Peach Cobbler recipe, click here.

This creamy mac and cheese recipe is perfect for feeding your family on a weeknight. The secret is to grate your own cheese rather than using pre-grated cheese from the store in order to achieve that smooth, creamy texture.

For the Gooey, Creamy Mac and Cheese recipe, click here.

If you're looking for one of the best dishes you can make with rice, look no further than this red beans and rice recipe. Pair this side dish with your favorite chicken recipe.

For the Red Beans and Rice recipe, click here.

This fresh, zesty key lime pie is one of the regional desserts you need to try. The Florida-inspired recipe calls for you to use an Instant Pot to create the pie filling before it chills in the fridge for two hours or overnight.

For the Instant Pot Key Lime Pie recipe, click here.

This chocolate chess pie recipe may be Virginia's most iconic dessert, but you can bring a little of the South to your kitchen.

For the Chocolate Chess Pie recipe, click here.

Just because you have some dietary restrictions doesn't mean you can't enjoy some Southern delights. This vegan-friendly gumbo recipe replaces that meat and seafood with vegan meat and tons of veggies.

For the Vegan File Okra Gumbo recipe, click here.

Boiled peanuts are one of the must-have game day snacks in the South. This Southern appetizer consists of peanuts that have been boiled until they reach a soft consistency. They are then seasoned with ground chile and seasoned salt.

For the Boiled Peanuts recipe, click here.

There are probably some dishes you didn't realize you can make in a cast-iron pan. This cornbread recipe is one of them. What's a Southern dinner without cornbread?

For the Cast-Iron Pan Jalapeño Cornbread recipe, click here.

Collard greens with bacon is a classic in both Southern cuisine and soul food. It can be the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving or any other time.

For the Collard Greens With Bacon recipe, click here.

Not only are black-eyed peas among the groceries with a long shelf life, but they also make for an amazing Southern side. This recipe calls for you to use an Instant Pot to prepare the legumes in less than an hour.

For the Instant Pot Black-Eyed Peas recipe, click here.

Frito pie is Texas' guilty pleasure when it comes to a midday snack. This simple recipe involves opening a bag of Fritos, adding some beef chili and topping it with chopped onions and cheese.

For the Frito Pie recipe, click here.

Deviled eggs are one of the vintage appetizers that need to make a comeback. You can make this easy deviled eggs recipe in less than an hour, and it's a great appetizer to have out during a small dinner party.

For the Easy Deviled Eggs recipe, click here.

Fried green tomatoes are easy to make, especially if you know how to fry food properly. All you have to do is fry the green tomatoes covered in a cornmeal mixture. Then after they're done, drizzle the tomatoes with a buttermilk chipotle dressing.

For the Fried Green Tomatoes recipe, click here.

There's nothing dirty about this rice. Dirty rice gets its name from the combination of meats, vegetables and seasonings that causes the white rice to change color. If you made too much rice the night before, this dish is one of the best ways to use leftovers.

For the Dirty Rice recipe, click here.

Pimento cheese is a classic Southern delight that is typically served on bread or crackers, but this recipe adds a twist to turn it into the perfect breakfast meal. Pimento cheese is an unexpected ingredient that goes great with eggs. If you want to continue experimenting with eggs, consider the 101 ways to cook an egg.

For the Pimento Cheese Omelette recipe, click here.

More from The Daily Meal:

Regional Breakfast Foods You Can Make at Home

How to Grill Chicken: Avoid These Mistakes

Cold Side Dishes, Soups, Entrees and Desserts for Hot Days

State Fair Food: The Answers to All Your Burning Questions

Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe, Nachos and More Game Day Snacks