6 Store-Bought Southern Staples to Skip And 9 Homemade Favorites Locals Actually Trust
Southern cuisine is all about slow-cooked flavor, rich tradition, and recipes passed down through generations. But not everything you grab off the shelf at the grocery store lives up to that standard. Some so-called “Southern” products miss the mark completely—while others are best made from scratch, just like Grandma used to do. Here are 6 store-bought Southern staples to skip, and 9 homemade favorites that locals actually swear by.
1. Canned Biscuits
They’re fast, sure—but the texture is more rubbery than flaky, and they lack that buttery, layered magic of real buttermilk biscuits. When you bite into a homemade biscuit, it crumbles delicately and melts in your mouth, unlike the dense and chewy store-bought versions.
Baking biscuits from scratch is not just a task but a Southern tradition. The aroma of fresh biscuits baking can transform any morning into a cozy Southern breakfast experience, setting a warm, inviting tone for the day.
While canned biscuits offer convenience, the soul of a true biscuit lies in its homemade charm.
2. Jarred Pimento Cheese
Most store versions are overly processed, oily, and way too mild. True pimento cheese is sharp, creamy, and full of bite.
The homemade version combines sharp cheddar, mayonnaise, and diced pimentos with a touch of cayenne, creating a spread that balances creaminess with a zesty kick.
Spread it on crackers, sandwiches, or even a burger, and it transforms into a Southern staple that locals cherish. Store-bought jars fail to deliver the bold, homemade flavor that makes pimento cheese a beloved Southern delicacy.
3. Instant Grits
Convenient, yes—but real grits take time. The instant kind is watery, bland, and nowhere near the silky goodness of the slow-cooked version.
Stone-ground grits, simmered slowly, soak in the flavors of cream or broth, creating a dish that’s hearty and satisfying. A pat of butter or a sprinkle of cheese enhances the rich, smooth texture, making every spoonful a delight.
Instant grits might save time, but they miss the depth of flavor that makes Southern grits a comforting classic.
4. Pre-Made Banana Pudding Cups
More like artificial banana-flavored mousse. If it doesn’t have fresh bananas, vanilla wafers, and homemade custard, it’s not the real deal.
Banana pudding from scratch layers homemade vanilla pudding with freshly sliced bananas and crisp Nilla wafers, topped with whipped cream or meringue.
This dessert, always made in a big dish, is a Southern favorite that never lasts long at gatherings. Pre-made versions simply can’t replicate the texture and flavor of a well-made homemade pudding.
5. Bottled Sweet Tea
Overly sweet, flat, and full of additives. Southerners know fresh-brewed tea with lemon and sugar (or none at all) is the only way to sip.
The process of brewing tea from scratch, letting it steep to perfection, and adding just the right amount of sugar creates a refreshing beverage with a balance of flavors.
While bottled versions claim convenience, they lack the personal touch and refreshing quality of homemade sweet tea, a staple of Southern hospitality.
6. Frozen Mac and Cheese ‘Southern Style’
Most versions are gluey, bland, and missing the crispy baked top and rich cheesy layers that define a true Southern mac.
Homemade mac and cheese, baked to a golden perfection, offers layers of gooey cheese and a delightful crunchy top, making it a comfort food favorite.
The frozen versions simply fall short of the rich, creamy indulgence that defines a well-made Southern mac and cheese, a beloved dish in Southern kitchens.
7. Buttermilk Biscuits
Made with real buttermilk, cold butter, and a light hand. Flaky, golden, and best served with honey, gravy, or pimento cheese.
These biscuits are a staple in any Southern kitchen, embodying the art of baking passed down through generations. Each bite reveals layers of buttery, soft goodness that’s both comforting and flavorful.
The secret behind their deliciousness lies in the simplicity of the ingredients and the love put into kneading the dough, creating a breakfast essential that warms the heart.
8. Pimento Cheese (Made Fresh)
Sharp cheddar, a little mayo, diced pimentos, and a hint of cayenne or hot sauce. Spread it on crackers, sandwiches, or burgers.
This homemade spread is a Southern favorite, bringing a tangy and creamy burst of flavor to any dish. Known as the ‘caviar of the South,’ pimento cheese is cherished for its adaptability and unique taste.
Making it fresh at home ensures each bite is rich with the authentic flavors that jarred versions fail to capture.
9. Stone-Ground Grits
Slow-cooked with cream or broth and finished with butter and cheese. Smooth, hearty, and deeply Southern.
Stone-ground grits require patience and love, absorbing flavors slowly for a rich, satisfying dish that’s worth the wait. Creamy and buttery, they offer a warmth that speaks to the heart of Southern cuisine.
Paired with shrimp or enjoyed on their own, they embody the comforting essence of a Southern breakfast, making every meal feel like a special occasion.
10. Banana Pudding (Layered the Right Way)
Homemade vanilla pudding, fresh banana slices, Nilla wafers, and whipped cream or meringue. Always made in a big dish and never lasts long.
This dessert is a Southern classic, known for its layers of flavor and creamy texture that delights at any gathering.
Each spoonful combines the sweet, ripe bananas with the smooth pudding and crisp wafers, creating a nostalgic treat that brings smiles to faces across the South, surpassing any store-bought versions.
11. Collard Greens (Simmered Low and Slow)
Cooked with smoked ham hocks or bacon, onions, and vinegar. Tender, tangy, and full of soul.
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cuisine, simmered slowly to absorb the smoky flavors and tanginess that define this hearty dish. Each bite is a taste of tradition, bringing the warmth and richness of Southern kitchens to the table.
The process of cooking them low and slow preserves their vibrant color and flavor, making them a must-have at any Southern gathering.
12. Fried Green Tomatoes
Crispy cornmeal-coated slices of tart green tomatoes, pan-fried and served with remoulade or comeback sauce.
This Southern classic offers a crunchy exterior with a soft, tangy interior, providing a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
Fried green tomatoes capture the essence of Southern cooking, where simple ingredients are transformed into something extraordinary. Served as an appetizer or side dish, they bring a taste of Southern charm to any meal.
13. Chicken and Dumplings
Comfort food at its finest—shredded chicken in a rich broth with soft, pillowy dumplings. Homemade makes all the difference.
This dish brings warmth and comfort to the table, each bite offering a taste of Southern hospitality. The dumplings, tender and savory, soak up the flavorful broth, while the chicken adds a satisfying heartiness.
Making it from scratch ensures the flavors meld perfectly, creating a meal that’s both nourishing and nostalgic.
14. Cornbread (Not From a Box)
Whether sweet or savory, real cornbread is cast-iron baked with cornmeal, buttermilk, and a golden crust.
The aroma of cornbread baking in a cast-iron skillet is a staple in Southern homes, offering a warm, comforting addition to any meal.
Homemade cornbread, with its rich texture and flavors, surpasses anything from a box mix, embodying the heart and soul of Southern cooking. Its versatility makes it a beloved side for any Southern feast.
15. Peach Cobbler
Juicy, ripe peaches bubbling under a buttery biscuit or pie crust topping. Always best warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Peach cobbler is a Southern dessert that embodies the sweetness of fresh, seasonal peaches combined with a rich, buttery crust.
The comforting aroma of baking peaches fills the kitchen, making it a beloved treat for any occasion. The balance of sweet and tangy flavors, paired with a crispy crust, creates a delightful end to any meal.