Classic Southern Christmas Recipes

If there's one region in the United States that really does the Christmas season right, it has to be the South. With its own distinctive cuisine and traditions, the South is one of the most magical places to spend the holiday season. Because whatever the region may lack in that special Christmas chill in the air, it makes up for with some of the best Christmas cooking in the country.

This classic appetizer is a staple at holiday gatherings across the region. And with just four common pantry ingredients, it couldn't be easier to make.

For the Southern Sausage Balls recipe, click here.

This craveable cheese spread is a regional food you need to try. It has just the right amount of kick thanks to pimento peppers and cayenne, but if you're scared of heat, don't worry. Cheese and mayonnaise help to temper the bold flavors.

For the Bacon-Pecan Pimento Cheese recipe, click here.

Deviled eggs are one of the best party foods around, and what is Christmas in the South but one big party?

For the Easy Deviled Eggs recipe, click here.

It isn't always easy to know how to glaze and cook the perfect ham. But there are a variety of sweet ways to balance out the savoriness of a ham, including a classic brown sugar glaze.

For the Honey Brown Sugar Glazed Ham recipe, click here.

A hearty, homemade gumbo filled with andouille sausage is a classic Cajun and Creole dish that is perfect for a special holiday celebration.

For Isaac Toups' Chicken and Sausage Gumbo recipe, click here.

A moist, tender pork tenderloin is perfect for picky eaters this holiday season. Apples can be used in a variety of sweet and savory recipes, but paired with pork tenderloin, it gives a special seasonal flavor.

For the Apple and Potato Wrapped Pork Tenderloin recipe, click here.

Homemade macaroni and cheese is always a winner, especially this rich and creamy version. Whether you serve it on the side or as a main dish for the children at the table, this mac and cheese will be the star of your holiday get-together.

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

Whether you make it for Thanksgiving, Christmas or both, no Southern holiday is complete without cornbread dressing.

For the One-Pot Cornbread Stuffing recipe, click here.

Sweet potato casserole is an classic Southern dish and a holiday staple. This variation is topped with mini marshmallows, chopped pecans and brown sugar that give it that perfect holiday feel.

For the Candied Sweet Potato Casserole recipe, click here.

Collard greens are a soul food favorite that's great any night of the year, but there's something particularly special about preparing this dish for the holidays.

For the Collard Greens With Bacon recipe, click here.

No Southern table is complete without biscuits, especially a holiday table. Take the time to make these 100% homemade biscuits; your guests will be impressed by the effort.

For the Buttermilk Biscuits recipe, click here.

Sweet potato pie is one of the best pies you can make this holiday season, and it's impossible to imagine the dessert table without it.

For the Sweet Potato Pie recipe, click here.

No Christmas is complete without a variety of the best homemade cookies, candies and treats, and chewy pecan pralines are an ideal addition to the spread.

For the Pecan Pralines recipe, click here.

Southerners, especially Texans, love their pecans. Beyond pralines on the dessert table, you'll also likely have tons of crunchy, salty, sweet and creamy pecan fudge.

For the Caramel Pecan Fudge recipe, click here.

A comforting, classic pecan pie is one of the most iconic desserts in the South and all of America. If you're looking for something beyond pecan pie, here are more of the best pie recipes for the holiday season.

For the Pecan Pie recipe, click here.

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