Tastes Better from Scratch;Recipe Girl

You Know You're a Southerner If You Make These 10 Southern Meals

Being from the South isn't just about where you live, it's a way of life. In the Southern half of America, we do things a little differently, and we like it that way. Coming from a slower pace of life is what sets us apart, that and our delicious, can't-turn-down-a-second-plate, gotta-have-it food. They say home is where the heart is, and in the South, our hearts are in our tummies.

If you're coming down to this part of the country, or even aspiring to make a Southern-inspired meal, you've come to the right place. With breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert covered, think of this as your one stop shop to all of the southern goodness your eyes (and kitchen) can take.

Better yet, these recipes aren't anything out of the ordinary, all hands on deck type of recipes. They're ones that may take a little slowin' down to make, but that's just the southern way. Take your shoes off, open up that fridge, and get to cookin' up something good, hearty, and southern for any meal your heart—and tummy—desires.

1. Biscuits and Sausage Gravy

This is the epitome of a Southern breakfast. Just add a side of fruit and a whole lot of butter and you've got yourself quite the meal.

Get the recipe here.

2. Chicken and Waffles

Don't knock it until you've tried it! This combination just seems to make sense when you take a bite out of everything all together. Once you've smothered it in syrup, of course.

Get the recipe here.

3. Country Honey Glazed Ham

There is no wrong in any attempt to put honey on food, at least not in the South. We're not saying it'll change your life, but . . . you'll probably never be the same again.

Get the recipe here.

4. Cheesy Shrimp 'n' Grits

This is another thing that just makes sense when you put the two together. If you're lucky enough to live in the coastal region of a Southern state, you get prime pickins' of shrimp, making it all the better to chow down on with cheese grits.

Get the recipe here.

5. Chicken, Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo

You can thank the residents of the Southern states (talkin' 'bout you, Louisiana) for keeping this tradition alive. Gumbo should never, and will never, go out of style.

Get the recipe here.

6. Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings

My, oh my. There are truly no words to express just how breathtaking this dish is. The creaminess with the softness of the dumplings and the melt in your mouth chicken . . . who's making us some for dinner?

Get the recipe here.

7. Chicken Fried Steak

This is another classic Southern staple that's also heard all around the country. The thing is, everything just tastes better in the South. Plus, it's best to go straight to the source.

Get the recipe here.

8. Southern Fish Fry

Rally up some friends, colleagues, and a big, fat deep fryer to host your own southern fish fry! All that's required here is crumbs, fish, fryers, and fun.

Get the recipe here.

9. Pulled Pork Sandwiches

If you're from any state in the South, you know pulled pork is one of the few contenders that are made generally the same throughout the states. Therefore there's no going wrong with this recipe, no matter where you reside.

Get the recipe here.

10. Southern Peach Cobbler

It's all in the name, y'all. Just because you hear it and see it so often doesn't mean it's not a goodie. And it surely doesn't mean that us southerners have our own way of cookin' things up.

Get the recipe here.

Watch: The 10 Best Chicken Fried Steaks in Texas