24+ Mouthwatering Southern Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day Right

Southern breakfasts are a delicious celebration of bold flavors, comforting textures, and time-honored traditions.

From crispy fried chicken and fluffy buttermilk biscuits to creamy grits and savory sausage gravy, the South offers a rich variety of breakfast dishes that are both hearty and satisfying.

Whether you’re craving sweet pecan sticky buns or savory shrimp and grits, Southern breakfasts have something for everyone.

In this article, we’ve gathered over 24 authentic Southern breakfast recipes that capture the essence of Southern hospitality and flavor, perfect for inspiring your next morning meal.

24+ Mouthwatering Southern Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day Right

Southern breakfast recipes are more than just food—they’re a comforting tradition full of flavor and history.

With over 24 recipes ranging from classic biscuits and gravy to innovative takes on shrimp and grits, you can bring a taste of the South right to your table.

These dishes are perfect for family gatherings, weekend brunches, or simply treating yourself to a hearty, flavorful start to the day.

By trying these recipes, you’ll discover how Southern cuisine can turn any morning into a warm and memorable occasion.

Biscuits and Sausage Gravy

Biscuits and sausage gravy is a classic Southern breakfast that combines flaky, buttery biscuits smothered in a rich, creamy sausage gravy.

This hearty dish has been a beloved staple in Southern kitchens for generations and offers a comforting start to the day.

Ingredients:

• Buttermilk biscuits (store-bought or homemade)
• Ground pork sausage
• All-purpose flour
• Milk
• Salt and black pepper
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Bake or warm the biscuits according to your recipe or package instructions.
2. In a skillet, cook the ground sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through.
3. Sprinkle flour over the sausage and stir well to combine, cooking for a minute to remove the raw flour taste.
4. Slowly whisk in milk, stirring continuously until the gravy thickens.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
6. Split the biscuits and ladle the sausage gravy generously over the top.
7. Serve warm.

This dish is the epitome of Southern comfort food, offering a perfect blend of savory sausage and creamy gravy with flaky biscuits.

It’s a filling and flavorful breakfast that embodies the warmth and hospitality of Southern cooking.

Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and grits is an iconic Southern breakfast that features tender shrimp sautéed in a flavorful sauce served over creamy, buttery grits.

This dish balances rich seafood flavors with the smooth texture of grits for a satisfying and indulgent meal.

Ingredients:

• Grits (stone-ground or quick-cooking)
• Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Butter
• Garlic, minced
• Onion, chopped
• Bell pepper, chopped
• Chicken broth or water
• Cheddar cheese (optional)
• Cajun seasoning or paprika
• Lemon juice
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook grits according to package instructions, using chicken broth or water for cooking. Stir in butter and cheese if using, until creamy.
2. In a skillet, sauté garlic, onion, and bell pepper in butter until soft.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque. Season with Cajun seasoning or paprika and a squeeze of lemon juice.
4. Spoon shrimp and vegetables over the cooked grits.
5. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.

Shrimp and grits is a beloved Southern classic that combines creamy, cheesy grits with succulent, spicy shrimp.

It’s a luxurious yet homey breakfast perfect for special occasions or weekend indulgence.

Chicken and Waffles

Chicken and waffles is a popular Southern breakfast that pairs crispy fried chicken with fluffy, golden waffles.

The combination of savory, crunchy chicken and sweet waffles drizzled with syrup creates a unique and delicious flavor harmony.

Ingredients:

• Fried chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, or tenders)
• Waffle batter (homemade or store-bought)
• Cooking oil or spray
• Maple syrup or honey
• Butter

Instructions:

1. Prepare waffle batter and cook waffles according to your recipe or waffle maker instructions.
2. Fry chicken pieces until crispy and golden brown, ensuring they are cooked through.
3. Place fried chicken on top of warm waffles.
4. Add a pat of butter and drizzle generously with maple syrup or honey.
5. Serve immediately.

This dish beautifully combines savory and sweet elements, creating a hearty and flavorful breakfast experience that’s deeply rooted in Southern tradition.

Chicken and waffles are perfect for brunch or a special morning treat that delights every bite.

Grits and Eggs

Grits and eggs is a simple yet classic Southern breakfast that combines creamy, buttery grits with perfectly cooked eggs.

This dish is a staple in Southern households and offers a comforting, filling way to start the day.

Ingredients:

• Grits (stone-ground or quick-cooking)
• Eggs (fried, scrambled, or poached)
• Butter
• Salt and pepper
• Cheese (optional)
• Green onions or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook grits according to package instructions, stirring in butter and cheese if desired, until smooth and creamy.
2. Prepare eggs to your liking—fried, scrambled, or poached work well.
3. Season eggs with salt and pepper.
4. Serve eggs atop a bowl of grits.
5. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh finish.

This dish is beloved for its creamy texture and rich flavor, providing a warm, hearty breakfast that feels like a hug on a plate.

It’s quick to make and can be customized with your favorite egg style or additional toppings.

Fried Green Tomatoes with Bacon and Eggs

Fried green tomatoes with bacon and eggs is a true Southern delight that features crispy, tangy fried green tomato slices served alongside crispy bacon and eggs cooked to your preference.

This breakfast is packed with bold flavors and textures.

Ingredients:

• Green tomatoes, sliced
• Cornmeal
• Eggs
• Bacon strips
• Salt and pepper
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Coat tomato slices in cornmeal seasoned with salt and pepper.
2. Fry tomato slices in hot oil until golden and crispy, then drain on paper towels.
3. Cook bacon until crispy and drain excess fat.
4. Prepare eggs your favorite way—fried or scrambled work well.
5. Plate fried green tomatoes with bacon and eggs, serving immediately.

This breakfast balances the acidity and crunch of fried green tomatoes with savory bacon and rich eggs, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal that celebrates Southern ingredients and cooking techniques.

Country Ham and Red-Eye Gravy

Country ham and red-eye gravy is a traditional Southern breakfast featuring salty, cured country ham served with a strong, flavorful coffee-based gravy.

Paired with biscuits or grits, this dish offers a bold and savory start to your morning.

Ingredients:

• Country ham slices
• Strong black coffee
• Pan drippings from ham
• Butter or bacon fat
• Biscuits or grits for serving

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook country ham slices until browned and slightly crisp. Remove and keep warm.
2. In the same skillet, add coffee to the ham drippings and stir, scraping up browned bits.
3. Add butter or bacon fat to thicken slightly, creating the red-eye gravy.
4. Serve ham slices topped with red-eye gravy alongside warm biscuits or creamy grits.

This breakfast highlights the deep, smoky flavors of country ham combined with the unique bitterness of coffee in the gravy.

It’s a rich, satisfying dish that’s a true Southern tradition and perfect for those who enjoy bold, savory breakfasts.

Chicken and Grits Casserole

Chicken and grits casserole is a comforting Southern breakfast dish that layers tender, seasoned chicken with creamy grits baked to perfection.

It’s a hearty and flavorful meal that combines two Southern favorites into one satisfying bake.

Ingredients:

• Cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• Grits
• Cheese (cheddar or pepper jack)
• Eggs
• Milk or cream
• Butter
• Garlic and onion powder
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook grits according to package instructions and stir in butter and cheese until melted.
3. In a bowl, whisk eggs with milk or cream and season with garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Mix cooked grits with the egg mixture, then fold in the chicken.
5. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes until set and golden on top.
6. Let cool slightly before serving.

This casserole blends creamy grits with savory chicken for a filling breakfast that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.

It’s a warm, satisfying dish that brings Southern comfort right to your table.

Pecan Praline French Toast

Pecan praline French toast is a sweet Southern breakfast favorite featuring thick slices of bread soaked in a rich custard, fried to golden perfection, and topped with a sticky pecan praline sauce.

It’s indulgent, flavorful, and perfect for special mornings.

Ingredients:

• Thick bread slices (Texas toast or brioche)
• Eggs
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Brown sugar
• Butter
• Pecans, chopped
• Cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon to create the custard mixture.
2. Dip bread slices in the custard, soaking both sides.
3. Cook on a greased skillet over medium heat until golden brown on both sides.
4. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in brown sugar and pecans to create the praline sauce.
5. Drizzle praline sauce over the French toast and serve warm.

This French toast offers a crunchy, nutty, and sweet topping that perfectly complements the soft, custardy bread beneath.

It’s a decadent breakfast that brings Southern charm to your table.

Black-Eyed Peas and Collard Greens Hash

Black-eyed peas and collard greens hash is a savory Southern breakfast that combines tender black-eyed peas and hearty collard greens sautéed with onions, garlic, and spices.

Served with eggs or cornbread, it’s a nutrient-rich and flavorful start to the day.

Ingredients:

• Cooked black-eyed peas
• Fresh collard greens, chopped
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Olive oil or bacon grease
• Salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper
• Eggs (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat oil or bacon grease in a skillet and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
2. Add chopped collard greens and cook until wilted and tender.
3. Stir in cooked black-eyed peas and season with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.
4. Cook until heated through and flavors meld.
5. Serve as is or topped with fried or poached eggs.

This hash is a savory and wholesome breakfast option rich in fiber and protein.

It celebrates traditional Southern ingredients in a tasty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for starting the day with a flavorful punch.

Chicken Fried Steak and Eggs

Chicken fried steak and eggs is a hearty Southern breakfast featuring tenderized beef steak coated in seasoned flour, fried to crispy perfection, and served alongside eggs cooked your way.

This dish is classic comfort food, combining crispy textures and savory flavors.

Ingredients:

• Beef cube steak
• Flour
• Salt, pepper, and paprika
• Eggs
• Oil for frying
• Milk or cream for gravy
• Butter

Instructions:

1. Season the flour with salt, pepper, and paprika. Dredge the cube steak in the flour mixture.
2. Heat oil in a skillet and fry the steak until golden and crispy on both sides.
3. Remove steak and prepare a creamy gravy using pan drippings, milk, and butter.
4. Cook eggs to your liking—fried or scrambled are popular choices.
5. Serve the chicken fried steak topped with gravy, alongside eggs and toast or biscuits.

This breakfast offers a satisfying combination of crispy, creamy, and savory elements that truly embody Southern comfort cuisine.

It’s a filling meal perfect for a weekend or special morning.

Cornbread and Sausage Skillet

Cornbread and sausage skillet is a rustic Southern breakfast dish where crumbled, flavorful sausage is cooked with cornbread batter in a skillet until golden and bubbly.

It’s warm, hearty, and perfect for sharing.

Ingredients:

• Ground breakfast sausage
• Cornbread mix or homemade cornbread batter
• Eggs
• Milk
• Butter or oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown the sausage in a cast-iron skillet and drain excess fat.
3. Prepare cornbread batter according to package or recipe instructions, mixing in eggs and milk.
4. Pour the batter over the cooked sausage in the skillet.
5. Bake until the cornbread is golden and a toothpick comes out clean, about 25-30 minutes.
6. Serve warm, straight from the skillet.

This dish combines savory sausage with sweet, crumbly cornbread for a balanced, crowd-pleasing breakfast.

It’s easy to make and perfect for cozy mornings or gatherings.

Sweet Potato Hash

Sweet potato hash is a flavorful Southern breakfast featuring diced sweet potatoes sautéed with onions, bell peppers, and spices.

It’s often served with eggs and provides a colorful, nutritious start to your day.

Ingredients:

• Sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• Onion, chopped
• Bell pepper, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Olive oil
• Paprika, salt, and pepper
• Eggs (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add diced sweet potatoes and cook until they begin to soften.
3. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
4. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Serve with fried or poached eggs on top if desired, garnished with fresh parsley.

This hash offers a sweet and savory flavor profile with hearty textures, making it a delicious and healthy Southern-inspired breakfast option.

It’s perfect for those looking for a veggie-packed start to the day.

Shrimp and Cheddar Grits

Shrimp and cheddar grits is a beloved Southern breakfast dish that pairs tender, seasoned shrimp with creamy, cheesy grits.

This comforting meal combines bold flavors and smooth textures for a satisfying start to the day.

Ingredients:

• Stone-ground grits
• Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Cheddar cheese, shredded
• Butter
• Garlic, minced
• Chicken broth or water
• Cajun seasoning
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook grits in chicken broth or water according to package instructions. Stir in butter and cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
2. In a skillet, sauté garlic and shrimp with Cajun seasoning until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
3. Serve shrimp over the cheesy grits and garnish with chopped green onions.
4. Enjoy immediately.

This dish showcases the perfect harmony of creamy grits and flavorful shrimp, making it a staple in Southern kitchens.

It’s rich, hearty, and ideal for a filling breakfast or brunch.

Pimento Cheese and Bacon Omelette

Pimento cheese and bacon omelette is a Southern-inspired breakfast that combines creamy, tangy pimento cheese with crispy bacon folded into fluffy eggs.

This omelette is packed with bold, savory flavors that bring a taste of the South to your morning plate.

Ingredients:

• Eggs
• Pimento cheese
• Cooked bacon, chopped
• Butter or oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Whisk eggs with salt and pepper.
2. Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat and pour in the eggs.
3. As eggs begin to set, sprinkle pimento cheese and cooked bacon over one half.
4. Fold the omelette and cook until cheese melts and eggs are fully cooked.
5. Serve hot.

This omelette delivers a rich and satisfying breakfast experience with creamy cheese and smoky bacon, all wrapped in fluffy eggs.

It’s perfect for those craving authentic Southern flavors.

Buttermilk Pancakes with Maple Syrup

Buttermilk pancakes with maple syrup are a Southern breakfast classic featuring fluffy, tender pancakes made with tangy buttermilk and served drizzled with sweet maple syrup.

This simple yet indulgent dish is a favorite for all ages.

Ingredients:

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Sugar
• Buttermilk
• Eggs
• Butter, melted
• Maple syrup for serving

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
2. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring just until blended.
4. Heat a griddle or skillet and grease lightly.
5. Pour batter onto the skillet and cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.
6. Serve warm with maple syrup.

These pancakes are a Southern staple, celebrated for their light texture and slightly tangy flavor from the buttermilk.

Paired with maple syrup, they create a sweet, comforting breakfast everyone will love.

Biscuits and Fried Chicken

Biscuits and fried chicken is a beloved Southern breakfast that pairs flaky, buttery biscuits with crispy, seasoned fried chicken.

This combination creates a satisfying contrast of textures and flavors, making it a hearty morning meal.

Ingredients:

• Buttermilk biscuits (homemade or store-bought)
• Fried chicken pieces (breast, thigh, or tenders)
• Cooking oil
• Seasonings for chicken (paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper)

Instructions:

1. Prepare or warm the biscuits according to your recipe or package instructions.
2. Season chicken pieces and fry in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Split the biscuits and place fried chicken inside.
4. Serve warm, optionally with honey or hot sauce.

This breakfast is a perfect blend of crunchy, savory chicken and soft, flaky biscuits.

It’s a classic Southern comfort food that’s perfect for brunch or a special weekend treat.

Country Ham and Biscuits

Country ham and biscuits is a traditional Southern breakfast featuring salty, cured ham served on warm, flaky biscuits.

Simple yet flavorful, this dish highlights the rich taste of country ham paired with tender biscuits.

Ingredients:

• Country ham slices
• Buttermilk biscuits
• Butter (optional)

Instructions:

1. Warm the biscuits in the oven or microwave.
2. Lightly fry or heat country ham slices until warm.
3. Split the biscuits and add a slice of country ham.
4. Add butter if desired and serve immediately.

This breakfast showcases the savory, salty flavor of country ham with the soft texture of biscuits.

It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s a staple in Southern homes.

Sweet Potato Pancakes

Sweet potato pancakes are a delicious Southern twist on traditional pancakes, made with mashed sweet potatoes for natural sweetness and a tender texture.

These pancakes are perfect for a cozy and flavorful breakfast.

Ingredients:

• Mashed sweet potatoes
• Flour
• Baking powder
• Eggs
• Milk
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Butter or oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes, flour, baking powder, eggs, milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
2. Heat a skillet and grease with butter or oil.
3. Pour batter onto the skillet and cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.
4. Serve warm with butter and syrup.

These pancakes combine the natural sweetness and nutrition of sweet potatoes with the classic comfort of pancakes.

They’re a flavorful and hearty way to start your day with a taste of the South.

Red-Eye Gravy and Biscuits

Red-eye gravy and biscuits is a classic Southern breakfast pairing where savory, pan-fried ham drippings are combined with strong coffee to create a bold, flavorful gravy served over warm, flaky biscuits.

This traditional dish is simple yet packed with deep, robust flavors.

Ingredients:

• Country ham or ham steak
• Strong black coffee
• Butter or bacon fat
• Buttermilk biscuits

Instructions:

1. Pan-fry ham until browned and crispy; remove ham and keep warm.
2. Pour strong black coffee into the skillet with ham drippings, scraping up browned bits.
3. Add a bit of butter or bacon fat to thicken the gravy slightly.
4. Serve the red-eye gravy poured generously over warm biscuits alongside the ham.

This dish delivers a uniquely Southern flavor combination of salty, bitter, and rich elements.

It’s a hearty and satisfying breakfast perfect for anyone who loves bold, savory flavors.

Grits Casserole with Cheese and Bacon

Grits casserole with cheese and bacon is a warm, baked Southern breakfast that combines creamy grits, crispy bacon, and melted cheese into a deliciously comforting dish.

It’s great for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead.

Ingredients:

• Grits
• Cooked bacon, chopped
• Cheddar cheese, shredded
• Eggs
• Milk or cream
• Butter
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook grits until creamy and stir in butter and cheese.
2. Mix eggs and milk in a bowl and combine with grits and bacon.
3. Pour mixture into a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) until set and golden on top.
4. Serve warm.

This casserole blends creamy textures with smoky bacon and gooey cheese, making it a crowd-pleasing and satisfying breakfast that’s rich with Southern charm.

Southern Style Breakfast Hash

Southern style breakfast hash is a skillet dish that mixes diced potatoes, bell peppers, onions, and sausage or bacon, all seasoned and cooked until crispy and flavorful.

Often served with eggs, this hash is a filling and savory way to start the day.

Ingredients:

• Potatoes, diced
• Bell peppers, chopped
• Onion, chopped
• Breakfast sausage or bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Garlic, minced
• Salt, pepper, and paprika
• Eggs (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sauté diced potatoes in oil until crispy and golden.
2. Add bell peppers, onion, and garlic; cook until softened.
3. Stir in cooked sausage or bacon and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
4. Serve topped with fried or poached eggs if desired.

This hash is a hearty, flavorful breakfast full of textures and Southern spices.

It’s perfect for a satisfying morning meal that warms you up and keeps you energized.

Chicken and Dumplings Breakfast Bowl

Chicken and dumplings breakfast bowl is a Southern-inspired dish that combines tender shredded chicken with fluffy dumplings in a savory, comforting broth.

This hearty breakfast warms you up and provides a satisfying start to the day.

Ingredients:

• Cooked shredded chicken
• Chicken broth
• Flour
• Baking powder
• Milk
• Butter
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a pot, bring chicken broth to a simmer and add shredded chicken.
2. Prepare dumpling batter by mixing flour, baking powder, milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter into simmering broth.
4. Cover and cook until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
5. Serve the bowl garnished with fresh parsley.

This breakfast bowl offers a warm, creamy, and hearty meal perfect for chilly mornings.

It’s a comforting Southern classic that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Pecan Sticky Buns

Pecan sticky buns are a sweet, indulgent Southern breakfast treat featuring soft, buttery rolls topped with caramelized pecans and sticky glaze.

They’re perfect for a special morning or weekend brunch.

Ingredients:

• Ready-made cinnamon roll dough or homemade dough
• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Pecans, chopped
• Honey or caramel sauce

Instructions:

1. Prepare cinnamon roll dough according to instructions.
2. Spread butter and sprinkle brown sugar and chopped pecans over the dough before rolling.
3. Bake rolls until golden and cooked through.
4. Drizzle with honey or caramel sauce before serving.

These sticky buns offer a rich, sweet, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with morning coffee.

They’re a delicious indulgence that brings Southern hospitality to your breakfast table.

Fried Catfish and Grits

Fried catfish and grits is a Southern breakfast that pairs crispy, golden fried catfish with creamy, cheesy grits.

This dish combines crunchy texture and smooth richness for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• Catfish fillets
• Cornmeal
• Flour
• Eggs
• Grits
• Cheddar cheese
• Butter
• Oil for frying
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Season catfish fillets with salt and pepper.
2. Dip fillets in beaten eggs, then coat with a mixture of cornmeal and flour.
3. Fry catfish in hot oil until crispy and golden.
4. Cook grits according to package instructions, stirring in butter and cheddar cheese.
5. Serve fried catfish on a bed of creamy grits.

This dish showcases classic Southern flavors and textures with crispy fish and cheesy grits.

It’s a hearty, comforting breakfast that’s perfect for seafood lovers.

Conclusion

Exploring Southern breakfast recipes is like taking a flavorful journey through the heart of Southern culture. Each recipe offers a unique combination of ingredients that emphasize bold, savory, and sweet flavors. From comforting casseroles to crispy fried favorites, these 24+ Southern breakfast ideas provide plenty of options to suit any palate. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Southern cooking or new to its delicious traditions, these recipes make it easy to enjoy a soulful and satisfying breakfast every day.