20 Prepared Foods Southerners Would Never Pick Up From The Grocery Store

In the heart of the South, food is more than just sustenance; it’s a tradition, a way of life, and a source of pride. Many Southerners uphold the belief that some dishes are best made from scratch, preserving the authentic flavors and cherished family recipes passed down through generations. The grocery store aisles might offer convenience, but for these 20 prepared foods, the homemade touch is irreplaceable. Whether it’s the perfect seasoning, the right texture, or the pure joy of cooking, Southerners have their reasons for skipping these store-bought versions.

1. Boxed Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is a staple of Southern comfort food, especially during the holidays. While the convenience of a boxed version might be tempting, nothing compares to the rich, creamy texture of a homemade baked mac and cheese. Infused with real cheese, butter, and love, the homemade version offers a golden crust that simply can’t be replicated in a box. Southerners take pride in crafting this dish to perfection, often serving it as a centerpiece during family gatherings. It’s not just food; it’s a tradition passed down through generations, evoking nostalgia and warmth.

2. Pre-Made Potato Salad

In the South, potato salad is more than a side dish—it’s an art form. Pre-made versions often miss the mark, either being too sweet, too vinegary, or simply lacking that homemade touch. A true Southern potato salad is creamy, seasoned to perfection, and made with fresh ingredients like potatoes, eggs, and a hint of mustard. It’s crafted with love and attention, often becoming a family’s secret recipe. The joy of making it at home transcends taste, connecting generations through shared culinary experiences, and adding a personal touch to any gathering.

3. Store-Bought Pimento Cheese

Pimento cheese, often called the “caviar of the South,” is a beloved spread that Southerners cherish. Store-bought versions in plastic tubs often fail to capture the sharp, tangy essence that homemade pimento cheese offers. Made with sharp cheddar, mayonnaise, and pimentos, the homemade version bursts with flavor, offering a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with crackers or sandwiches. For many in the South, making pimento cheese is a ritual, a chance to showcase their culinary skills and indulge in a delightful treat that embodies the spirit of Southern hospitality.

4. Canned Collard Greens

Collard greens are a Southern staple, but the canned variety often leaves much to be desired. Overcooked and lacking seasoning, canned collards can’t compete with the homemade version, which simmers low and slow with ham hocks or smoked turkey. The rich, smoky flavor and tender texture of homemade collard greens are a testament to traditional Southern cooking methods. Often enjoyed with cornbread, these greens are a symbol of Southern heritage and comfort, representing the patience and love that goes into crafting a meal worth savoring.

5. Jarred Gravy

In the South, gravy is more than just a topping—it’s a culinary masterpiece. Whether it’s sausage gravy or brown gravy, the jarred versions often fall short, lacking the depth of flavor that homemade gravy provides. Made from drippings and flour, homemade gravy achieves a rich, velvety texture that elevates any dish. It’s a skill passed down through generations, a testament to Southern hospitality and love for comfort food. Making gravy at home is an art, a chance to create something truly special that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table.

6. Frozen Biscuits

Nothing compares to the flaky, buttery goodness of a homemade biscuit. Frozen varieties might be convenient, but they can’t replicate the love and care that go into making biscuits from scratch. In the South, biscuits are a cherished tradition, often enjoyed on Sunday mornings with a dollop of homemade jam or gravy. The process of cutting in the butter, folding the dough, and baking to golden perfection is an experience in itself. It’s a labor of love that yields a comforting, delicious result, making homemade biscuits a staple in Southern homes.

7. Boxed Cornbread Mix

Cornbread holds a special place in Southern hearts, and the boxed mixes often miss the mark. True Southern cornbread is made with stone-ground cornmeal, not the sweetened variety found in mixes. It’s a savory delight that’s typically baked in a cast-iron skillet, offering a crispy crust and tender interior. Making cornbread from scratch connects Southerners to their roots, celebrating the simplicity and flavor of this iconic dish. It’s more than just bread; it’s a symbol of Southern tradition, a warm and comforting addition to any meal.

8. Canned or Frozen Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings is a comfort dish that Southerners hold dear, and the canned or frozen versions simply can’t compete. The texture is often off, with dumplings that are either too doughy or too mushy. Homemade chicken and dumplings, on the other hand, offer a delightful combination of tender chicken and fluffy dumplings, simmered to perfection in a rich broth. This dish embodies the warmth and love of Southern cooking, often enjoyed around the family table, bringing joy and satisfaction with every bite.

9. Pre-Packaged Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a Southern delicacy, often gracing the table at family gatherings and picnics. Pre-packaged versions tend to be rubbery and bland, missing the fresh, zesty flavor that homemade deviled eggs offer. Made with creamy yolks, mustard, mayonnaise, and a sprinkle of paprika, homemade deviled eggs are a delightful treat that captures the essence of Southern hospitality. They’re a labor of love, crafted with care and attention to detail, transforming simple ingredients into a flavorful masterpiece that’s both comforting and satisfying.

10. Store-Bought Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is a Southern icon, and store-bought versions often fall flat in comparison to homemade. The crispiness, flavor, and tenderness of homemade fried chicken are unmatched, often seasoned with a secret blend of spices passed down through generations. Whether made in a cast-iron skillet or deep fryer, homemade fried chicken is a labor of love that brings joy and satisfaction with every bite. It’s more than just food; it’s a symbol of Southern tradition and hospitality, enjoyed at family gatherings and picnics with pride.

11. Instant Grits

Grits are a Southern breakfast staple, but instant varieties simply can’t compete with the real deal. True grits lovers understand the importance of slow-cooking stone-ground grits, achieving a creamy texture that melts in your mouth. Whether served with butter, cheese, or shrimp, homemade grits offer a rich, hearty flavor that warms the soul. It’s a dish that embodies Southern comfort, connecting generations through a shared love for this humble yet delicious food. Making grits from scratch is a ritual, a chance to savor the simple pleasures of life.

12. Bottled Sweet Tea

Sweet tea is the unofficial beverage of the South, and bottled versions often miss the mark. Too sweet or not sweet enough, store-bought sweet tea can’t replicate the refreshing taste of homemade. Brewed strong and sweetened just right, homemade sweet tea is a symbol of Southern hospitality, often served in a tall glass with lemon and a sprig of mint. It’s a simple pleasure that brings comfort and joy, evoking memories of lazy afternoons on the porch and gatherings with loved ones. For Southerners, making sweet tea at home is a cherished tradition.

13. Pre-Made Banana Pudding

Banana pudding is a Southern dessert classic, and pre-made versions often lack the charm and flavor of homemade. Made with layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and creamy pudding, homemade banana pudding is a delightful treat that embodies Southern comfort. It’s crafted with love and attention, often topped with meringue or whipped cream. The homemade version offers a rich, satisfying taste that store-bought options simply can’t match. For many Southerners, making banana pudding is a cherished ritual, a chance to create a sweet masterpiece that brings joy to any occasion.

14. Store-Bought Pound Cake

Pound cake is a cherished Southern dessert, known for its rich, buttery flavor and dense texture. Store-bought versions often fall short, being too dry or artificial-tasting. Homemade pound cake, on the other hand, is a labor of love, baked to golden perfection with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and eggs. It’s a dessert that brings joy and satisfaction, often enjoyed with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of fresh berries. For Southerners, making pound cake from scratch is a tradition, a chance to share a sweet, comforting treat with loved ones.

15. Canned Green Beans with Bacon Flavoring

Green beans are a staple in Southern cuisine, but the canned versions with artificial bacon flavoring often disappoint. Homemade green beans are simmered with real bacon, onions, and sometimes a touch of sugar, offering a rich, savory flavor that canned varieties can’t match. This dish embodies the essence of Southern comfort food, crafted with care and attention to detail. It’s a simple yet satisfying addition to any meal, bringing warmth and joy to the table. For Southerners, making green beans from scratch is a tradition that celebrates the flavors of home.

16. Frozen Okra Dishes

Okra is a beloved Southern vegetable, but frozen varieties often come out mushy and lack the fresh flavor that homemade dishes provide. Whether fried or stewed, homemade okra offers a delightful taste and texture that captures the essence of Southern cooking. Fried okra, with its crispy coating and tender interior, is a favorite at family gatherings and picnics. It’s a simple pleasure that brings joy and satisfaction, evoking memories of summer days and shared meals. For Southerners, making okra from scratch is a celebration of tradition and flavor.

17. Refrigerated Corn Pudding or Casseroles

Corn pudding is a Southern favorite, often enjoyed at church potlucks and family gatherings. Refrigerated versions often fall flat in texture and taste, lacking the rich, creamy goodness of homemade. Made with fresh corn, eggs, and cream, homemade corn pudding is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. It’s a labor of love, crafted with care and attention to detail, transforming simple ingredients into a flavorful masterpiece. For Southerners, making corn pudding from scratch is a cherished tradition, a chance to share a beloved dish with loved ones.

18. Microwave Meatloaf Dinners

Meatloaf is a classic Southern comfort food, and microwave dinners simply can’t compete with homemade. Often too salty or rubbery, microwave versions lack the tender, flavorful goodness of a homemade meatloaf. Made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and a tangy tomato glaze, homemade meatloaf is a labor of love that brings joy and satisfaction to the table. It’s a dish that’s often passed down through generations, a testament to Southern hospitality and the love of home-cooked meals. For Southerners, making meatloaf from scratch is a tradition worth preserving.

19. Store-Bought Brunswick Stew

Brunswick stew is a hearty Southern dish, and store-bought versions often miss the mark. This meat-and-vegetable stew varies by region, but homemade versions are almost always better. Made with a combination of meats like chicken, pork, or beef, and simmered with tomatoes and vegetables, homemade Brunswick stew offers a rich, flavorful experience that warms the soul. It’s a dish that brings people together, often enjoyed at community gatherings and family meals. For Southerners, making Brunswick stew from scratch is a tradition that celebrates the diverse flavors of the South.

20. Pre-Made Cobbler Cups

Cobbler is a beloved Southern dessert, and pre-made cups often fail to capture its juicy, comforting essence. Made with fresh fruit and topped with a buttery, golden crust, homemade cobbler is a celebration of flavor and tradition. Whether peach, blackberry, or apple, each bite offers a taste of nostalgia, evoking memories of family gatherings and summer days. For Southerners, making cobbler from scratch is a cherished ritual, a chance to create something truly special that brings joy and warmth to any occasion.