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Need easy soul food ideas for dinner tonight? Whether you’re craving fried chicken, mac and cheese, or cornbread, this list has something delicious for you.
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Even the simplest soul food dishes can bring comfort and warmth to your entire family. The best part?
You don’t have to be an expert cook to enjoy them at home,
These meals deliver a cozy, homemade taste without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese Copycat
This mac and cheese is a soul food classic. You should try this version.
It delivers all the creamy, cheesy goodness with minimal effort.
Get The Recipe: Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese Copycat
Stove Top Lasagna Soup
If you love the comforting flavors of lasagna but want something easier, this soup is a must-try.
It’s cheesy and meaty, with ground beef, Italian sausage, tomatoes, and onions.
Get The Recipe: Stove Top Lasagna Soup
Crockpot Black Eyed Peas
Crockpot meals are so comforting and made with simple ingredients that come together effortlessly.
Check out this one. It includes black-eyed peas, tomatoes, bacon, and ham.
Get The Recipe: Crockpot Black Eyed Peas
Slow Cooker Hoppin John
This slow cooker meal is a soul food favorite, easy enough for any day of the week.
The flavor is deep and savory, with hints of garlic, onion, and Cajun seasoning.
Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Hoppin John
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Deviled Eggs with Relish
Deviled eggs have always been a crowd-pleaser, but this version brings extra flavors.
You only need a few simple ingredients, including sweet relish, yellow mustard, and paprika.
Get The Recipe: Deviled Eggs with Relish
Air Fryer Corn Ribs
Soul food is built on tradition, but that doesn’t mean it has to be complicated. Try these corn ribs!
The air fryer works its magic, making them golden brown and crunchy without the need for deep frying.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Corn Ribs
Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Onion Soup Mix
This stew is made with beef, onions, carrots, potatoes, onion soup mix, and seasonings.
Serve it with buttery mashed potatoes for extra richness. You can also enjoy it with cornbread or coleslaw.
Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Onion Soup Mix
Red Velvet Waffles and Chicken
Give your favorite waffles and fried chicken a bold twist.
This recipe results in two delicious dishes: fluffy, chocolatey waffles and crispy chicken!
Get The Recipe: Red Velvet Waffles and Chicken
Dutch Oven Chicken Pot Pie
Turn simple ingredients into something delicious and unforgettable. Your whole family will love this pot pie.
It’s filled with rotisserie chicken, mixed veggies, potatoes, and milk.
Get The Recipe: Dutch Oven Chicken Pot Pie
Vegan Fried Chicken
Plant-based food lovers, this one’s for you.
This vegan fried chicken is made of seitan, apple cider vinegar, rice cereal, and vegan milk.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Fried Chicken
Vegan Baked Beans
Baked beans are a staple of Southern and soul food cuisine.
This is your chance to try them at home. Main ingredients include white beans, tomato paste, molasses, and onions.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Baked Beans
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Vegan Sweet Potato Pie
Craving something sweet? Try this dairy-free treat.
Its filling is smooth and creamy, with sweet potatoes, coconut milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Sweet Potato Pie
Crockpot Collard Greens
You don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen to create mouthwatering soul food dishes.
This one combines collard greens with jalapeño peppers, bacon, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth.
Get The Recipe: Crockpot Collard Greens
Crispy Fried Chicken
Nothing beats the crunch of perfectly fried chicken.
This recipe results in a crispy crust that locks in the juicy, tender meat inside.
Get The Recipe: Crispy Fried Chicken
3-Ingredient Almond Milk Mac and Cheese
Who knew mac and cheese could be this easy? This version will be another family favorite.
Feel free to tweak the recipe as you go and add more milk if it gets dry.
Get The Recipe: 3-Ingredient Almond Milk Mac and Cheese
Instant Pot Collard Greens and Navy Beans
Bring amazing flavors to your table without spending hours cooking.
This recipe combines collard greens with tomatoes, onions, beans, and seasonings.
Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Collard Greens and Navy Beans
Vegan Grits With Mushrooms and Collard Greens
This dish is buttery and incredibly satisfying, proving that you don’t need dairy to achieve that creamy Southern texture.
The grits are cooked to perfection with plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, and garlic powder.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Grits With Mushrooms and Collard Greens
Green Chile Cheddar Hot Water Cornbread
If you love cornbread but want something with a little kick, this recipe is a great option.
It’s made with yellow cornmeal, cheddar cheese, and roasted Hatch green chiles.
Get The Recipe: Green Chile Cheddar Hot Water Cornbread
Crispy Breaded Shrimp
Cooking soul food at home means you control the flavors, the ingredients, and the experience.
Enjoy this shrimp for lunch or dinner. It’s crunchy, juicy, and tender, made with Ritz crackers, Tabasco sauce, and milk.
Get The Recipe: Crispy Breaded Shrimp
Blackened Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Breast
This tasty chicken recipe only requires four ingredients: chicken breasts, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Rub on the seasonings, air fry for a few minutes, and enjoy your new favorite dish.
Get The Recipe: Blackened Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Breast
Skillet Cornbread with Honey-Butter Glaze
Yes, you can also make delicious cornbread in the skillet.
This version comes with a mouthwatering glaze made of butter, honey, and a bit of salt.
Get The Recipe: Skillet Cornbread with Honey-Butter Glaze
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Crispy Chicken Burger
If you think comfort food has to be complicated, think again. This recipe keeps things simple and portable.
You can serve this chicken on a toasted brioche bun for extra richness.
Get The Recipe: Crispy Chicken Burger
Green Beans and Potatoes
Make this dish a part of your dinner rotation. It features bacon, ham hocks, green beans, potatoes, and onions.
Don’t forget to add a bit of apple cider vinegar before serving.
Get The Recipe: Green Beans and Potatoes
Country Corn Casserole
Casseroles are amazing because they’re easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time.
This one is a delectable make-ahead meal with whole-kernel corn, corn muffin mix, and sour cream.
Get The Recipe: Country Corn Casserole
Creamy Shrimp and Grits
This dish is a soul food legend! It’s buttery, creamy, and full of bold flavors. The highlight?
Its delicious sauce made with bacon, butter, shrimp, white wine, and Cajun seasoning.
Get The Recipe: Creamy Shrimp and Grits
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Soul food has a way of making any day feel special, even when you’re short on time.
If you’re just starting to explore soul food flavors, go for the rich, smoky, and buttery ones first.
Experiment with cayenne, onions, garlic, paprika, and black pepper to give your dishes a bold taste.
25 Soul Food Desserts That Taste Like a Hug from Home
The best soul food desserts bring in some of the best Southern flavors. From peaches and pecans to chocolate and sweet potato, these desserts will be a family favorite.
Read it here: 25 Soul Food Desserts That Taste Like a Hug from Home
25 Yummy Soul Food Dishes That Bring People Together
This list of yummy soul food ideas is full of bold and hearty dishes! It includes fried chicken, mac and cheese, cornbread, casseroles, and other tasty dishes.
Read it here: 25 Yummy Soul Food Dishes That Bring People Together
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Looking for more soulful recipes? Each of these meals brings warmth, indulgence, and bold flavors:
- 25 Soul Food Dinner Plates That’ll Satisfy Your Cravings and Warm Your Soul
- 25 Black People Meal Ideas That Will Redefine Comfort Food
- 25 Soul Food Dishes That’ll Make Your Heart Sing
- 25+ Soul Food Recipes That Bond Generations Over Good Food
- 25 Sunday Dinner Ideas Soul Food Recipes That Are Too Good To Keep Secret