Start your day off right with a hearty Southern breakfast! There’s nothing like gathering around the table with family and friends to enjoy a warm, comforting meal that’s full of flavor. In the South, breakfast is often the most important meal of the day, and we’ve got 18 delicious recipes to help you start yours off on the right foot.
From classic buttermilk biscuits with sausage gravy to sweet potato hash with fried eggs, these Southern breakfast recipes are sure to become new favorites. Whether you’re in the mood for something savory like country ham and red-eye gravy or something sweet like pecan waffles with maple syrup, we’ve got a recipe that’s perfect for your morning meal.
In this article, we’ll share our top 18 Southern breakfast recipes, from comforting classics to innovative twists. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy breakfast solution or a special occasion-worthy dish, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings. So grab a cup of coffee, pull up a chair, and get ready to start your day off right with some good ol’ Southern cooking!
Buttermilk biscuits with sausage gravy
Classic comfort food at its finest! These buttery biscuits are a perfect match for a rich and savory sausage gravy.
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
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in buttermilk until dough comes together in a shaggy mass.
5. Turn dough onto a floured surface and gently knead 2-3 times until it forms a cohesive ball.
6. Roll out dough to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thickness. Cut into squares or use a biscuit cutter.
7. Place biscuits on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) between each.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Sausage Gravy:
– Cook sausage in a pan over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until no longer pink.
– Remove sausage from pan and set aside. Leave drippings in the pan.
– Add 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour to the pan and whisk together with drippings to make a roux. Cook for 1 minute.
– Gradually add 1 cup milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
– Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened. Serve over warm biscuits.
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes (biscuits), 5-7 minutes (gravy)
Southern-style grits with cheese
Start your day off right with a warm, comforting bowl of creamy grits smothered in melted cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water or milk
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (sharp or extra-sharp work well)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring the water or milk to a boil in a medium saucepan.
2. Gradually whisk in the grits and reduce heat to low.
3. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently, until the grits have thickened and come away from the sides of the pan.
4. Stir in the butter until melted.
5. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the grated cheese until melted and well combined.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Fried green tomatoes with remoulade
A Southern classic gets a creamy twist! Thinly sliced green tomatoes are dredged in a crispy coating and fried to a golden brown, served alongside a tangy remoulade sauce for dipping.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 green tomatoes
– 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 (see below)
Remoulade Sauce:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cut the green tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick slices.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
4. Dip each tomato slice into the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
5. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Fry the coated tomato slices for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve hot with remoulade sauce.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pecan waffles with maple syrup
Savor the sweet and nutty flavors of these pecan waffles, perfectly paired with a drizzle of pure maple syrup.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and melted butter.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in the chopped pecans.
6. Pour approximately 1/4 cup of batter onto the preheated waffle iron and cook for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Serve warm with a drizzle of pure maple syrup.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (depending on waffle iron)
Country ham and red-eye gravy
A classic Southern breakfast staple, this recipe brings together the savory flavors of country ham and rich red-eye gravy.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound country ham, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 cup strong brewed coffee
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the country ham and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until browned and crispy.
3. Remove the ham from the skillet and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium and whisk together the flour and broth in the same skillet.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until thickened slightly.
6. Stir in the brewed coffee and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve the red-eye gravy over the country ham.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Shrimp and grits breakfast bowl
Start your day with a flavorful and filling breakfast bowl that combines succulent shrimp, creamy grits, and savory spices.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup stone-ground grits
– 1 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 cup large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1 egg, beaten (for topping)
Instructions:
1. Bring the grits and water or broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until creamy.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until pink and cooked through.
3. In the same skillet, add olive oil, onion, and garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in parsley and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Serve the shrimp mixture over the grits, topped with a beaten egg.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Sweet potato hash with fried eggs
A hearty breakfast or brunch option that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the savory richness of fried eggs.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 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, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper until coated.
3. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
4. Meanwhile, crack eggs into a non-stick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium heat.
5. Cook eggs to desired doneness, about 2-3 minutes per side.
6. Serve sweet potato hash topped with fried eggs.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cornmeal pancakes with honey butter
Savor the warm, comforting taste of homemade cornmeal pancakes paired with a rich honey butter spread.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornmeal
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Honey (for serving)
– Unsalted butter (for serving)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (do not overmix).
5. Drop 1/4 cupfuls of batter onto the preheated skillet or griddle.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
7. Flip pancakes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
8. Serve warm with honey butter: mix softened butter with a drizzle of honey to taste.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes (depending on the number of pancakes).
Bacon and cheddar breakfast casserole
Start your day off right with a hearty Bacon and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole. This comforting dish is perfect for brunch, breakfast gatherings, or even a cozy morning at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 (16 ounce) package frozen hash browns, thawed
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 large eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4-6 bread slices (white or whole wheat)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the hash browns over medium heat until golden brown. Drain excess moisture.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream and eggs. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
5. Arrange 2-3 bread slices in the bottom of the dish.
6. Add half of the cooked hash browns, followed by half of the crumbled bacon, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Pour half of the cream mixture over the layers, then repeat the process.
8. Top with remaining cheddar cheese and bake for 35-40 minutes or until eggs are set and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Fried chicken and waffles
This classic comfort food dish combines crispy fried chicken with a fluffy waffle and drizzles of sweet and savory goodness. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of making both components from scratch.
Ingredients:
For the Fried Chicken:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
For the Waffles:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 4 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 4 tbsp melted butter
– Flavorings of your choice (e.g., vanilla extract, cinnamon)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken piece into buttermilk, then coat with the flour mixture. Fry for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown.
4. For the waffles, preheat a waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions. Mix wet ingredients and dry ingredients separately, then combine and pour onto the iron. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (frying chicken) + 10-15 minutes (cooking waffles)
Southern-style biscuits and jam
Classic Southern-Style Biscuits and Jam Recipe
Get ready to experience the quintessential Southern comfort food with this simple recipe that yields tender, flaky biscuits perfect for sopping up sweet and tangy jam.
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
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add buttermilk and stir until dough comes together in a shaggy mass.
5. Turn dough onto a floured surface and gently knead 2-3 times until it forms a cohesive ball.
6. Roll out to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thickness and use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out shapes.
7. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) space between each biscuit.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Jam Suggestions:
– Strawberry preserves
– Grape jelly
– Orange marmalade
Enjoy your warm biscuits with a dollop of your favorite jam for the ultimate Southern comfort food experience!
Cheesy grits with sautéed mushrooms
Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with this comforting and flavorful dish, featuring creamy grits infused with melted cheddar cheese and savory sautéed mushrooms.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped scallions or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in the grits and reduce heat to low. Cook, covered, for 15-20 minutes or until creamy.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and brown slightly (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Stir the grated cheese into the cooked grits until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve the cheesy grits hot, topped with the sautéed mushrooms.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pimento cheese omelet
Start your day with a flavorful twist on the classic omelet, featuring the creamy richness of pimento cheese.
Ingredients:
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon pimento cheese spread
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped green onions or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk together with a fork. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the butter in a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat.
3. Pour in the egg mixture and cook until the edges start to set, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Sprinkle the pimento cheese spread evenly across half of the omelet.
5. Use a spatula to gently fold the other half of the omelet over the filling.
6. Cook for an additional 30 seconds to melt the cheese and cook the eggs through.
7. Slide the omelet onto a plate and garnish with chopped green onions or chives, if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes
Fried apples with cinnamon
This recipe transforms crisp apples into a sweet and comforting dessert by coating them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, then frying until golden brown. A perfect treat for any time of the year!
Ingredients:
– 2-3 apples (Granny Smith or other firm variety), peeled and sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Toss the apple slices in the mixture to coat evenly.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch (1 cm) of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Carefully add the coated apple slices to the skillet in batches, if necessary.
5. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until apples are golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes total
Sausage and egg breakfast tacos
Start your day with a flavorful breakfast twist – crispy sausage and scrambled eggs wrapped in a warm tortilla.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound sweet or hot sausage, casings removed
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 medium onion, diced
– 1/2 medium bell pepper, diced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, cilantro, sour cream
Instructions:
1. Cook the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
2. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Crack in the eggs and scramble them with a spatula until cooked to desired doneness.
5. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6. Assemble the tacos by slicing the cooked sausage and placing it on top of the scrambled eggs, then add any desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Banana pudding French toast
Start your day with a decadent twist on classic French toast, infused with the creamy goodness of banana pudding. This recipe combines tender bread, sweet bananas, and velvety pudding for a breakfast treat that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread (preferably challah or brioche)
– 2 ripe bananas, sliced
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together milk, heavy cream, and melted butter.
2. Add sliced bananas to the mixture and stir gently to combine.
3. Dip each bread slice into the banana pudding mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place the coated bread slices on a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Collard greens and scrambled eggs
A classic Southern breakfast combo gets a flavorful boost from tender collard greens and fluffy scrambled eggs.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch collard greens, cleaned and chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 4 large eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the chopped collard greens to the skillet, stirring occasionally. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the greens have wilted and reduced in size.
3. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk until smooth. Pour the egg mixture over the cooked greens and stir gently to combine.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the eggs are scrambled and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and apple cider vinegar (if using). Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Peach cobbler oatmeal
Start your day with a warm and comforting bowl of peach cobbler oatmeal, combining the flavors of ripe peaches, crunchy oat topping, and creamy milk.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1 cup water or milk
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup diced fresh peaches (or canned)
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a pot, bring the water or milk to a simmer.
2. Add the oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the oats have absorbed most of the liquid.
3. Stir in the diced peaches and honey.
4. In a separate pan, toast the chopped pecans over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until fragrant.
5. Spoon the oat mixture into a bowl and top with the toasted pecans (if using).
6. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the oatmeal has reached your desired consistency.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Enjoy your warm and delicious Peach Cobbler Oatmeal!
Summary
Get ready for a cozy morning 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 your hand at Southern-style grits with cheese or pecan waffles with maple syrup. Or go for something more indulgent like fried chicken and waffles or banana pudding French toast. Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting and familiar or adventurous and new, these recipes are sure to start your day off right.