15 Soul Food Sunday Dinner Ideas That Will Warm Your Heart

Welcome to our warm and inviting corner of the internet, where we celebrate the rich flavors and heartwarming traditions of soul food! Sundays are special—they’re a time for family, laughter, and of course, mouthwatering meals that bring everyone together. If you’re looking to make your Sunday dinner truly memorable, you’ve come to the right place.

In this post, we’re serving up a delectable collection of Soul Food Sunday Dinner Ideas that are sure to tantalize your taste buds and feed your soul. From crispy fried chicken to creamy mac and cheese, and from collard greens to sweet potato pie, these recipes are steeped in history and bursting with flavor.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, you’ll find something here to make your dinner table a place of joy and togetherness.

So, grab your apron, gather your loved ones, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey filled with soul, spice, and everything nice. Let’s dive into these soul food recipes that promise to make your Sunday dinner the highlight of the week!

1. Southern Fried Chicken

There’s nothing quite like Southern Fried Chicken – crispy, golden, and deliciously seasoned. This classic comfort food is perfect for family gatherings or a delightful Sunday dinner. The secret to its irresistible crunch lies in the seasoned flour coating and a few hours of marinating in buttermilk, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 2 hours.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F.
4. Dredge the marinated chicken in the seasoned flour, ensuring it’s well coated.
5. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

Sides: Mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits.

Drinks: Sweet tea, lemonade, or a cold beer.

2. Smothered Chicken

Smothered Chicken is a Southern classic that brings comfort to the table with its tender, juicy chicken smothered in a rich, savory gravy. This dish is perfect for those cozy nights when you crave something hearty and delicious.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Season the flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on both sides, then remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté the onions until translucent.
4. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and return the chicken to the skillet.
6. Cover and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, about 30 minutes.
7. Serve hot, smothered in gravy.

Sides: Mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread.

Drinks: Sweet tea, iced tea, or a glass of Chardonnay.

3. Fried Pork Chops

Fried Pork Chops are a Southern favorite, offering a crispy, golden exterior with juicy, tender meat inside. This simple yet satisfying dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in pork chops
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. Season the flour with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge the pork chops in the flour mixture, then dip in the beaten eggs, and dredge in the flour again.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Fry the pork chops until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
4. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

Sides: Mashed potatoes, collard greens, or applesauce.

Drinks: Sweet tea, lemonade, or a cold beer.

4. Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

Louisiana Red Beans and Rice is a classic Southern dish that’s rich, hearty, and full of flavor. With a mix of smoky sausage, creamy red beans, and perfectly cooked rice, this dish is a staple of Creole cuisine that’s perfect for any day of the week.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried red beans
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 6 cups water
• Cooked white rice for serving

Instructions

1. Rinse and sort the beans, then soak them overnight or use the quick soak method.
2. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery, and cook until softened.
3. Add the garlic and sausage, cooking until the sausage is browned.
4. Add the beans, thyme, bay leaf, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour, until the beans are tender.
5. Serve over cooked white rice.

Sides: Cornbread, coleslaw, or sautéed greens.

Drinks: Sweet tea, iced tea, or a cold beer.

5. Collard Greens

Collard Greens are a Southern staple, providing a nutritious and flavorful side dish that’s perfect with any meal. Slow-cooked with smoked meat, these greens are tender and infused with rich, savory goodness.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 pounds collard greens, washed and chopped
• 1 smoked ham hock or turkey leg
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine the ham hock, onion, and garlic. Sauté until the onion is soft.
2. Add the collard greens, chicken broth, and vinegar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour, until the greens are tender.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the ham hock or turkey leg before serving.

Sides: Cornbread, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Drinks: Sweet tea, iced tea, or a glass of red wine.

6. Mac and Cheese

Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, beloved by all ages. This creamy, cheesy delight is perfect as a main dish or a side, and it’s sure to bring smiles to the dinner table. The combination of gooey cheese and tender pasta is simply irresistible.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

Instructions

1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions, then drain.
2. In a pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
3. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
4. Add cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni, mixing well.
7. If desired, transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until the top is golden.

Sides: Green beans, collard greens, or cornbread.

Drinks: Sweet tea, lemonade, or a glass of white wine.

7. Cornbread

Moist and crumbly cornbread is a perfect accompaniment to many soul food dishes. It can be enjoyed plain, with butter, or drizzled with honey.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease a baking dish or skillet.
2. In a bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add milk, vegetable oil, and egg, mixing until just combined.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Serve warm.

Sides: Collard greens, fried chicken, or chili.

Drinks: Sweet tea, iced tea, or a cold beer.

8. Sweet Potato Pie

A classic soul food dessert, sweet potato pie features a smooth, spiced sweet potato filling encased in a flaky crust. Topped with whipped cream for an extra decadent touch.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a bowl, mix together mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
4. Bake for about 1 hour, or until the filling is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Allow to cool before serving.

Sides: Whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Drinks: Coffee, tea, or a glass of dessert wine.

9. Hoppin’ John (Black Eyed Peas and Rice)

Hoppin’ John is a traditional Southern dish believed to bring good luck and prosperity, especially when served on New Year’s Day. This flavorful combination of black-eyed peas, rice, and savory seasonings makes for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried black-eyed peas
• 4 cups water
• 1 ham hock or smoked sausage
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 2 cups cooked white rice

Instructions

1. Rinse and sort the black-eyed peas, then soak them overnight or use the quick soak method.
2. In a large pot, combine black-eyed peas, water, ham hock or sausage, onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour, until the peas are tender.
3. Remove the ham hock or sausage, chop the meat, and return it to the pot.
4. Serve the black-eyed peas mixture over cooked white rice.

Sides: Collard greens, cornbread, or sautéed spinach.

Drinks: Sweet tea, iced tea, or a cold beer.

10. Fried Okra

Coated in a light batter and fried until crispy, okra adds a unique texture and flavor to any soul food meal.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh okra, sliced
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. Soak the sliced okra in buttermilk for about 10 minutes.
2. In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, salt, and pepper.
3. Dredge the okra in the cornmeal mixture, ensuring it’s well coated.
4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry the okra in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

Sides: Cornbread, collard greens, or mashed potatoes.

Drinks: Sweet tea, lemonade, or a cold beer.

11. Candied Yams

Sweet potatoes glazed with a brown sugar and butter mixture, candied yams are a classic and comforting side dish.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 large yams, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Arrange the sliced yams in a baking dish.
3. In a saucepan, melt the butter and add brown sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
4. Pour the mixture over the yams.
5. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the yams are tender and the sauce is thick and bubbly.
7. Serve hot.

Sides: Turkey, ham, or roast chicken.

Drinks: Apple cider, sweet tea, or a glass of white wine.

12. Collard Green Soup

A flavorful and healthy soup made with collard greens, vegetables, and a touch of ham or bacon. Perfect for a lighter yet satisfying soul food option.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound collard greens, washed and chopped
• 1 smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté the sausage, onion, and garlic until the onion is soft.
2. Add the collard greens, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and thyme.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour, until the greens are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot.

Sides: Cornbread, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Drinks: Sweet tea, iced tea, or a glass of red wine.

13. Peach Cobbler

Warm, juicy peaches topped with a buttery, crumbly biscuit crust make peach cobbler a delightful and classic soul food dessert.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 cups sliced peaches (fresh or canned)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup self-rising flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a baking dish, mix the peaches with 1/2 cup of sugar and cinnamon.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, remaining sugar, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Pour the batter over the peaches.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
6. Serve warm.

Sides: Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Drinks: Coffee, tea, or a glass of dessert wine.

14. Chicken and Waffles

Crispy fried chicken served atop fluffy waffles creates a sweet and savory combination that is a true soul food icon. Drizzled with maple syrup for an extra touch of indulgence.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 pieces of fried chicken (see Southern Fried Chicken recipe)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 3/4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Butter and syrup for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat the waffle iron.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the preheated waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Serve the waffles topped with fried chicken, butter, and syrup.

Sides: Fresh fruit or a side salad.

Drinks: Orange juice, coffee, or a mimosa.

15. Fish Fry

A classic Fish Fry features crispy, golden fish fillets served with a side of tartar sauce and lemon wedges. This Southern staple is perfect for a casual gathering or a family meal, offering a deliciously satisfying crunch with every bite.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 white fish fillets (such as catfish or tilapia)
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip the fish fillets in buttermilk, then dredge in the cornmeal mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
4. Fry the fillets in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side.
5. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

Sides: French fries, coleslaw, or hush puppies.

Drinks: Sweet tea, lemonade, or a cold beer.

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