Start your day off right with a warm, comforting plate of Southern goodness. The South is famous for its hearty breakfasts, and we’ve gathered 18 of our favorite recipes to help you do just that. From classic shrimp and grits to decadent peach cobbler oatmeal, these dishes are sure to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.
One of the key elements of Southern breakfast cuisine is the use of rich, creamy ingredients like buttermilk, cheddar cheese, and country ham. These recipes incorporate these flavors in creative ways, from savory sausage gravy over flaky biscuits to gooey cheese grits with crispy bacon. Whether you’re a native Southerner or just looking to add some Southern charm to your morning routine, these recipes are sure to become new favorites.
In this article, we’ll be exploring the full range of Southern breakfast possibilities, from sweet treats like maple syrup-topped pancakes and honey butter-slathered cornbread, to savory delights like fried green tomatoes with remoulade sauce. So go ahead, grab a cup of coffee or tea, and get ready to start your day off right with these 18 hearty Southern breakfast recipes.
Buttermilk Biscuits with Sausage Gravy
These classic Southern biscuits are perfect for a comforting breakfast or brunch, served alongside a rich and savory sausage gravy. With only a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be enjoying a warm and satisfying meal in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 4 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup buttermilk
Sausage Gravy:
– 1 pound sweet or hot sausage, casings removed
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add buttermilk and stir until dough forms.
5. Roll out dough to 1-inch thickness and cut into biscuits.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Cook sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking apart with a spoon.
8. Whisk together flour and broth; add to sausage and stir until thickened.
9. Serve warm biscuits with rich sausage gravy.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Southern-Style Grits with Cheese
Get cozy with this creamy, cheesy take on traditional grits. This recipe is a staple of Southern cuisine, perfect for a comforting breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (sharp or extra-sharp works best)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Gradually whisk in the grits and reduce heat to low.
2. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the grits are creamy.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted. Add the grated cheese and stir until well combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions or chives if desired.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Classic Shrimp and Grits
Classic Shrimp and Grits Recipe
Savor the comforting flavors of Southern cuisine with this timeless recipe that combines succulent shrimp with creamy grits.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook grits according to package instructions using water or broth, stirring frequently. Add paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp to the pan and cook until pink and tender, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Combine cooked grits and shrimp in a serving dish. Top with chopped parsley and grated cheddar cheese (if using).
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes with Maple Syrup
Start your day off right with these tender and flavorful pancakes, perfectly balanced by the sweetness of pure maple syrup.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 2 large eggs
– Maple syrup (for serving)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, buttermilk, and eggs. Whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined (do not overmix).
5. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the preheated skillet or griddle.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry. Flip and cook an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
7. Serve warm with a drizzle of pure maple syrup.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (for 8-10 pancakes)
Fried Green Tomatoes with Remoulade Sauce
This Southern classic combines crispy fried green tomatoes with a tangy and creamy remoulade sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal or as an appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 green tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Remoulade Sauce (recipe below)
Remoulade Sauce:
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon ketchup
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each green tomato slice into the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry the coated tomato slices for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve hot with remoulade sauce.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Country Ham and Red-Eye Gravy
Savor the rich flavors of traditional Southern comfort food with this classic country ham and red-eye gravy recipe. This hearty combination is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound country ham, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cups strong brewed coffee
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the country ham slices and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the brewed coffee and whisk in the flour to form a smooth paste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes or until thickened.
4. Stir in paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Serve the country ham with the red-eye gravy spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes
Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles
This classic Southern comfort food combination is a match made in heaven. Crispy fried chicken served atop a fluffy waffle, drizzled with pure maple syrup – it’s a treat for the senses.
Ingredients:
For the Fried Chicken:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
For the Waffles:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 4 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 4 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions:
1. Prepare the chicken by mixing flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Dredge chicken pieces in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
3. Dip floured chicken in buttermilk, then coat with flour mixture again.
4. Fry chicken in hot oil until golden brown (5-7 minutes).
5. Prepare waffles by whisking together flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, eggs, milk, and melted butter.
6. Cook waffles according to manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Serve fried chicken on top of waffles with pure maple syrup drizzled on top.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Homemade Cornbread with Honey Butter
This classic cornbread recipe gets an extra layer of flavor from a sweet and tangy honey butter topping. Perfect for a cozy evening or a casual gathering, this comforting treat is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup yellow cornmeal
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Honey Butter Topping (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. Whisk together flour, cornmeal, salt, and sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients; stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Honey Butter Topping:
– Mix 2 tablespoons unsalted butter with 1 tablespoon honey until smooth. Spread on warm cornbread.
Bacon and Cheddar Cheese Grits
Start your day off right with these creamy, savory grits packed with crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water or chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (sharp or extra-sharp work well)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water or broth to a boil.
2. Gradually whisk in the grits and reduce heat to low. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Add butter, crumbled bacon, and grated cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and well combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes from start to finish.
Pecan Pie French Toast
Pecan Pie French Toast: A Twist on a Classic Breakfast Dish
Elevate your breakfast game with this decadent Pecan Pie French Toast recipe, featuring the rich flavors of caramelized pecans and maple syrup.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread ( Challah or Brioche work well)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together melted butter, maple syrup, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Dip each bread slice into the mixture, coating both sides evenly.
3. Place coated bread slices on a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
4. Meanwhile, mix eggs and heavy cream in a bowl. Dip cooked French toast slices into the egg mixture to coat.
5. Serve warm, topped with chopped pecans and an additional drizzle of maple syrup if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Cheesy Scrambled Eggs with Chives
A classic breakfast staple gets a boost from melted cheddar and fresh chives. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a weekend brunch or weekday pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk together with a fork until smooth.
2. Heat the butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
3. Pour in the eggs and scramble until they’re almost set, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the eggs and continue scrambling until the cheese is melted and the eggs are fully cooked, about 1-2 minutes more.
5. Stir in the chopped chives and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Sweet Potato Hash with Fried Eggs
Start your day off right with this hearty breakfast dish that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the richness of fried eggs.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Spread sweet potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
4. While sweet potatoes are roasting, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, then add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
6. Crack eggs into the skillet and cook until whites are set and yolks are cooked to desired doneness.
7. Serve roasted sweet potato hash with fried eggs on top.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Southern-Style Biscuit Breakfast Sandwich
Start your day off right with a warm, flaky biscuit sandwiched between juicy eggs and crispy bacon.
Ingredients:
– 1 batch of Southern-style biscuits (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 large eggs
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 2 tablespoons of butter, softened
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Split the biscuit in half horizontally.
3. Fry or poach the eggs until desired doneness.
4. Assemble the sandwich by spreading a small amount of butter on the bottom biscuit half, followed by a fried egg, crumbled bacon, and finally the top biscuit half.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (includes cooking time for eggs and biscuits)
Fried Apples with Cinnamon and Brown Sugar
Warm up with a delicious and aromatic treat – Fried Apples with Cinnamon and Brown Sugar!
Ingredients:
– 3-4 apples, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Dip each apple slice into the mixture, coating both sides evenly.
3. Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add the coated apple slices to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until caramelized and tender.
5. Remove from heat and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Enjoy your sweet and crispy Fried Apples with Cinnamon and Brown Sugar!
Savory Sausage and Egg Casserole
Start your day with a hearty breakfast that’s sure to please the whole family! This savory sausage and egg casserole is an easy and satisfying way to fuel up for a busy morning.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound sweet or hot sausage, casings removed
– 6 large eggs
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up with spoon as it cooks, until browned and cooked through.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
4. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange half of the sausage mixture, followed by half of the egg mixture, then half of the cheese. Repeat layers.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until eggs are set and cheese is melted and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Peach Cobbler Oatmeal
Transform your morning routine with this warm and comforting oatmeal recipe, infused with the flavors of a classic peach cobbler. This sweet and satisfying bowl is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup diced fresh peaches
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– 1 tablespoon chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the milk to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Add the oats, diced peaches, honey, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats have absorbed most of the liquid and the mixture has thickened slightly.
3. Remove from heat and stir in salt and chopped pecans (if using).
4. Serve warm, garnished with additional peaches or a drizzle of honey if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Collard Greens and Bacon Breakfast Bowl
Start your day with a nutritious and flavorful breakfast bowl featuring tender collard greens, crispy bacon, and creamy eggs.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch of fresh collard greens, chopped
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup of water
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside. Leave the grease in the pan.
3. Add the chopped collard greens and water to the same pan with the leftover bacon grease. Cook until the greens are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Pour the egg mixture over the cooked collard greens and stir until the eggs are scrambled to your liking.
6. Serve the breakfast bowl hot, topped with crispy bacon pieces.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Banana Pudding Stuffed French Toast
A sweet twist on traditional French toast, this recipe fills thick slices of bread with a creamy banana pudding filling, then coats them in a crispy egg mixture and cooks them to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of Challah or Brioche bread
– 1 ripe banana, mashed
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 eggs
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, mix together the mashed banana, softened butter, and granulated sugar.
2. Cut the bread into 1-inch thick slices and hollow out the centers to create a shell.
3. Stuff each bread slice with the banana pudding mixture.
4. In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and vanilla extract.
5. Dip each stuffed bread slice into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
6. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the French toast for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Summary
Start your day off right with these 18 hearty Southern breakfast recipes. From classic buttermilk biscuits with sausage gravy to sweet potato hash with fried eggs, there’s something for everyone. Try making fluffy pancakes with maple syrup or crispy country ham and red-eye gravy. You can’t go wrong with traditional shrimp and grits, cheesy scrambled eggs with chives, or a Southern-style biscuit breakfast sandwich. And don’t forget the sweet treats like peach cobbler oatmeal or banana pudding stuffed French toast. These recipes are sure to make your morning cozy and delicious.
