21 Best Southern Appetizers

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If there’s one thing that brings Southerners together, it’s good food! Whether you’re hosting a dinner or just had a friend stop by unexpectedly, a Southern household always has some tasty appetizers on hand. We’ve collected 21 of the best Southern Appetizers that you can easily make at home.

Southern soul food dishes are always comforting and full of flavors. New Orleanians almost naturally know how to make satisfying food!

From fried okra to corn pone to cornbread dressing, here are some of our favorite Southern recipes that are easy to make and sure to impress!

Best Southern Appetizers for You to Try

Southern Fried Okra Recipe

Southern Fried Okra Recipe
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Also known as southern popcorn, this fried okra recipe is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s one of the most popular southern appetizers for its delicious golden nuggets of flavor.

Buttermilk Biscuits

Buttermilk Biscuits

If you love Popeye’s biscuits, then you’ll love this copycat recipe. Treat your friends and family to a real treat with this buttery and delicious buttermilk biscuit recipe.

Corn Pone (Easy Southern Fried Cornmeal Bread)

Corn Pone (Easy Southern Fried Cornmeal Bread)

Crispy and fried to perfection, this corn pone cornbread recipe is a southern classic that everyone is sure to devour in no time.

Cornbread Dressing

Cornbread Dressing

Perfect for seasoning and flavoring your holiday meal, cornbread dressing is an old-fashioned Southern recipe the whole family can agree on.

Best Shrimp And Grits 

Best Shrimp And Grits 

Shrimp in a spicy sauce with creamy grits, this recipe is a comfort meal you won’t be able to resist. A good Southern meal can really warm the heart and soul.

Cheddar and Herb Cheese Straws

Flaky, crispy, and cheesy, these hors d’oeuvres are perfect for a wine and cheese event. Served alongside tomato or vegetable soup, these savory bites are irresistible. 

Crispy Southern Fried Chicken

Crispy Southern Fried Chicken Without Buttermilk

Crispy fried chicken with a savory, juicy taste, this recipe puts all other fried chicken recipes to shame!

Homemade Southern Hush Puppies 

Homemade Southern Hush Puppies 

This Southern classic is a must-try – particularly if you’ve never had them before! Tasty fried dough, these irresistible bites are simple and delicious.

Southern Potato Salad

Southern Potato Salad

Creamy and hearty, this simple make-ahead side dish is the king of potluck recipes!

Southern Cornbread

Southern Cornbread

This crispy, sugarless, crispy skillet cornbread is a quick and easy classic that completes any Southern meal.

Southern Collard Greens Recipe 

Southern Collard Greens Recipe

Collard greens are a staple in Southern cuisine. Served with cornbread and hot sauce, this is your secret to a flawless Southern meal.

Fried Pickles

Fried Pickles

The only way to make savory pickles any better is to deep fry them! Yup – deep-fried pickles are an irresistible snack you won’t be able to resist.

Southern Deviled Eggs

Southern Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a traditional dish that is easy to prep in advance. No need to stress on the day of an event because these babies hold up well in the fridge.

Southern Chili

When the weather begins to turn cool, a good old-fashioned chili recipe is in order! This easy-to-make dish is hearty and delicious. It’s so good that even your picky eaters will beg for more.

Southern Candied Yam

Southern Candied Yam

Serve up the side dish everyone is craving this Thanksgiving with these sweet candied yams. Made with brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and orange juice concentrate, these sweet and buttery yams are always a crowd-pleaser.

Southern Baked Beans

Southern Baked Beans

Hearty and satisfying, these filling baked beans are a Southern side that will warm you from the inside out.

Southern Pork Rinds

Southern Pork Rinds

Crunchy, salty, and delish, these pork rinds are a perfect snack for any occasion.

Green Fried Tomatoes

Green Fried Tomatoes

We all know that unripened tomatoes are a gift. This Fried green tomatoes recipe will make anyone a fan of these tomatoes for life.

Southern Green Bean Casserole

Southern Green Bean Casserole

Southern meals are comforting, hearty, and always savory. This green bean casserole is no different. Made with wholesome ingredients, this yummy side is always a hit.

Black Eyed Peas

Black Eyed Peas

Healthy and savory, black-eyed peas are a must in any Southern meal. This recipe is a quick and simple way to enjoy this savory dish.

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Southern-fried okra is a summertime snack that has earned the nickname “southern popcorn” for its delicious golden nuggets of flavor.

Fried Okra Recipe

By: Izzy
Also known as southern popcorn, this fried okra recipe is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s one of the most popular southern appetizers for its delicious golden nuggets of flavor.
Servings: 4

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound okra
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • vegetable oil or equivalent
  • fresh lemon

Instructions 

  • Wash and dry the okra before trimming off the stem ends. Then slice widthwise into 1-inch pieces.
  • Preheat one inch of oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 375°F. Line a large plate with paper towels.
  • Combine the flour, salt, and pepper on a shallow plate.
  • Beat the eggs and milk together in a bowl.
  • Drag each piece of okra in flour, followed by the egg mixture. Deep fry in batches of a dozen pieces for 1-2 minutes, or until golden.
  • Carefully remove to the prepared plate using a slotted spoon. Sprinkle with fresh lemon juice and serve warm.

Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.

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About Izzy

I'm Izzy, a food lover and photographer. Here you’ll find a collection of simple recipes that are perfect for busy people. My blog aims to help you make and enjoy delicious and healthy food at home.

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