27+ Quick and Hearty Southern Lunch Recipes to Try Today

There’s something timeless and comforting about a Southern lunch—rich with soul, steeped in tradition, and full of bold, satisfying flavors.

Whether you’re craving a hearty plate of fried chicken, a warm slice of tomato pie, or a bowl of smoky red beans and rice, Southern cuisine brings warmth to every bite.

These 27+ Southern lunch recipes celebrate the region’s most beloved classics and hidden gems, from crispy fried fare to slow-simmered stews and creamy sides.

Perfect for laid-back Sundays, quick weekday meals, or potluck gatherings, this collection brings authentic Southern flavor straight to your kitchen—no matter where you are.

27+ Quick and Hearty Southern Lunch Recipes to Try Today

With these 27+ Southern lunch recipes, you can bring the rich traditions and comforting flavors of the South to your midday meal.

From smoky meats and golden-fried delights to garden-fresh vegetables and creamy casseroles, each dish tells a story—and satisfies deeply.

Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving something homemade and hearty, this collection has something for everyone.

Let your lunch plate become a little piece of the South, wherever you are.

Fried Chicken

Sink your teeth into golden, crispy fried chicken, a true Southern classic brimming with comfort and flavor.

The crackling crust, seasoned just right, gives way to juicy, tender meat with every bite.

Perfect on its own or served with buttery biscuits and greens, this iconic dish brings bold texture and homey aroma to any lunch table.

Shrimp and Grits

Savor the creamy richness of stone-ground grits topped with succulent shrimp, bathed in a smoky, buttery sauce.

Each bite bursts with coastal flavor and Southern soul, combining smooth, hearty texture with a pop of spice.

Whether enjoyed as a standalone dish or with a side of cornbread, it’s a lunch that satisfies deeply.

Chicken and Dumplings

Experience the warmth of slow-simmered chicken and dumplings in a silky, savory broth.

The aroma of herbs and tender chicken fills the air as fluffy dumplings soak up all the comforting flavors.

Perfect for a filling, nostalgic lunch that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Pimento Cheese Sandwich

Delight in the creamy, tangy goodness of a pimento cheese sandwich—Southern simplicity at its best.

The smooth, sharp cheese spread melts just slightly between slices of fresh bread, offering rich flavor with a subtle kick.

Ideal as a quick lunch or picnic favorite, it pairs perfectly with sweet tea or a side of pickles.

Collard Greens

Relish the deep, smoky aroma of slow-cooked collard greens simmered with garlic, onions, and a hint of bacon.

Each tender leaf absorbs layers of flavor, balancing earthiness with savory depth.

This versatile dish shines as a side or a hearty main when served with cornbread or rice.

Fried Green Tomatoes

Enjoy the irresistible crunch of fried green tomatoes—crispy on the outside, juicy and tangy within.

The cornmeal coating delivers a satisfying bite, while the tart tomato flavor shines through each golden slice.

Serve with a creamy dipping sauce or tuck into a sandwich for a lunch that bursts with Southern charm.

Buttermilk Biscuits

Fluffy, buttery buttermilk biscuits rise high with golden tops and tender layers that melt in your mouth.

The rich aroma of warm dough and butter fills the kitchen, inviting you to pull them apart and enjoy with jam, honey, or ham.

Delicious on their own or as a companion to soups, salads, or stews, these biscuits make any Southern lunch feel complete.

Catfish Po’ Boy

Taste the bold crunch and flavor of a classic Catfish Po’ Boy, where crispy fried catfish meets a soft French roll.

Dressed with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a tangy remoulade, every bite offers a mix of creamy, crispy, spicy, and cool.

This sandwich stands tall as a filling lunch and pairs perfectly with fries or a side of slaw.

Red Beans and Rice

Enjoy the deep, smoky scent of red beans slow-simmered with spices, sausage, and vegetables, served over fluffy rice.

Each spoonful is hearty and flavorful, with a creamy texture and comforting warmth that lingers.

This dish makes a satisfying main or a soulful side that’s steeped in tradition.

Cornbread

Bite into golden, slightly sweet cornbread with a crisp edge and soft, moist center.

The scent of cornmeal and butter is unmistakably Southern, comforting and nostalgic.

Whether paired with chili, greens, or eaten on its own with a drizzle of honey, it brings heart and texture to any lunch plate.

BBQ Pulled Pork

Get lost in the smoky aroma of slow-cooked pulled pork slathered in tangy barbecue sauce.

Tender, juicy meat falls apart effortlessly and piles high on a bun or plate, bursting with savory, sweet, and spicy notes.

Serve it with slaw or baked beans for a lunch that’s as messy as it is mouthwatering.

Okra and Tomatoes

Savor the taste of Southern gardens with okra and tomatoes stewed until tender in a flavorful, seasoned broth.

The dish offers a balance of tartness and spice, with okra’s smooth texture complementing the bright acidity of tomatoes.

A delicious lunch side or light main that brings freshness and tradition to every bite.

Hoppin’ John

Dig into a hearty bowl of Hoppin’ John, where black-eyed peas, rice, and smoky bacon come together in perfect harmony.

The aroma is rich and savory, with each spoonful offering a satisfying blend of creamy legumes and tender grains.

Ideal as a filling lunch or a lucky meal on any day, it pairs beautifully with greens or cornbread.

Tomato Pie

Savor the comforting layers of a Southern Tomato Pie, where ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a cheesy mayo topping bake into a flaky crust.

The blend of warm, tangy tomatoes and melted cheese creates a creamy, savory bite with every forkful.

Serve it warm or at room temperature for a cozy, elegant lunch that stands deliciously on its own.

Chicken Fried Steak

Treat yourself to Chicken Fried Steak, a Southern staple with crispy breading and tender, juicy beef inside.

Smothered in creamy white gravy and seasoned to perfection, it delivers a satisfying crunch with bold, comforting flavors.

Pair it with mashed potatoes or green beans for a soul-warming, filling lunch.

Deviled Eggs

Enjoy classic Deviled Eggs—creamy, tangy, and topped with a dash of paprika for a hint of heat and color.

The filling is rich with mayo and mustard, tucked into smooth, tender egg whites for a bite-sized Southern delight.

Great as a light lunch, side, or appetizer, they add charm and flavor to any spread.

Ham Salad

Taste the sweet and savory blend of chopped ham, pickles, and creamy dressing in a traditional Ham Salad.

It’s cool, crunchy, and flavorful—perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or scooped onto greens.

A refreshing lunch option that’s quick, satisfying, and full of nostalgic Southern flair.

Brunswick Stew

Spoon into a warm bowl of Brunswick Stew, loaded with tender meats, tomatoes, corn, and lima beans.

The smoky, slow-cooked flavor fills the air, and every bite is rich, thick, and brimming with comfort.

Serve with cornbread or on its own for a hearty, slow-simmered Southern lunch experience.

Corn Pudding

Enjoy the warm, custardy comfort of Southern Corn Pudding—creamy, sweet, and speckled with whole kernels in every bite.

The rich aroma of butter and corn fills the air, with a golden top giving way to a soft, spoonable interior.

Perfect as a side or a standalone dish, it’s a satisfying lunch that brings sweet and savory together in harmony.

Blackened Catfish

Savor bold, smoky flavor in every bite of Blackened Catfish, seared with a Cajun spice blend until perfectly crisp on the outside.

The tender, flaky fish delivers a satisfying heat and deep aroma that fills the kitchen.

Delicious on its own or served over rice or salad, it’s a lunch full of Southern fire and flair.

Southern Slaw

Refresh your plate with Southern Slaw, a crisp, tangy blend of shredded cabbage, carrots, and creamy dressing.

The crunch is irresistible, with just the right balance of vinegar and sweetness in every forkful.

It shines as a side, sandwich topping, or light lunch on its own.

Country Ham

Experience the savory depth of Country Ham, dry-cured and pan-fried until the edges are crispy and golden.

The aroma is intensely meaty and smoky, with a salty bite that pairs beautifully with biscuits, eggs, or greens.

A bold Southern lunch option that brings deep, traditional flavor with minimal effort.

Grits Bowl

Dig into a Southern Grits Bowl layered with creamy grits, sautéed greens, crispy bacon, and a soft egg on top.

Each spoonful offers warmth, richness, and texture, balanced with smoky and earthy flavors.

A nourishing, comforting lunch that can be customized with endless toppings.

Lima Beans

Taste the slow-cooked goodness of creamy Lima Beans, seasoned with smoked meats, garlic, and pepper.

Their tender texture and rich, savory broth make them a humble yet deeply flavorful lunch option.

Serve them with rice or cornbread for a simple, soulful midday meal.

Chicken Bog

Dive into a steaming bowl of Chicken Bog—a cozy Carolina dish made with tender shredded chicken, rice, and smoked sausage.

The slow-simmered flavors create a savory, slightly peppery aroma that feels like home.

Perfect for a filling lunch that’s hearty, rich, and rooted in Southern tradition.

Baked Mac and Cheese

Relish the creamy, golden comfort of Baked Mac and Cheese, with bubbling cheese sauce and a perfectly crisp top.

Every bite delivers velvety richness and satisfying chew, wrapped in a buttery, cheesy aroma.

Enjoy it solo or alongside fried chicken, greens, or BBQ for a classic Southern lunch plate.

Pickled Okra

Add a crunchy, tangy punch to your lunch with Pickled Okra, brined with garlic, dill, and a touch of spice.

Its bright, bold flavor and crisp texture cut through rich dishes with refreshing Southern flair.

Ideal as a snack, side, or zesty addition to sandwiches and salads.

Conclusion

Southern cooking is more than just food—it’s heritage, hospitality, and heart.

These 27+ Southern lunch recipes invite you to slow down, savor the moment, and enjoy dishes that warm both the body and soul.

With flavors rooted in generations of tradition and creativity, these meals offer comfort with every bite.

So grab a plate, gather around, and enjoy the magic of a true Southern lunch—made from scratch, shared with love.