Carla Hall doesn’t just cook food—she tells stories. Every recipe she shares carries history, heart, and a generous helping of bold Southern flavor.
Her dishes are warm, soulful, and filled with the kind of joy that makes people lean in closer at the table. These 15 comforting classics celebrate tradition while adding Carla’s unmistakable flair.
1. Nashville Hot Chicken
This fiery favorite burns in the best way, bringing a deep, smoky spice that clings to crispy golden skin. It’s not just heat—it’s a Southern rite of passage made delicious.
Marinated, breaded, and fried until audibly crisp, the chicken is then brushed with a cayenne-laced oil that seals the deal. It’s a taste of Tennessee with serious attitude.
2. Buttermilk Biscuits With Sorghum Butter
Soft as a whisper inside and golden on top, these biscuits come out of the oven practically begging for a pat of something sweet. Sorghum butter answers with a dark, sticky sweetness that lingers.
Buttermilk gives the dough its signature tang and tenderness. Every bite feels like home on a Sunday morning.
3. Skillet Cornbread With Honey Drizzle
A hot cast iron skillet forms that irresistible crust, while the center stays warm and corn-scented. Once the honey hits, the aroma alone feels like a hug.
The balance between salty and sweet makes it impossible to forget. Break off a wedge and let the honey run wild.
4. Black-Eyed Peas And Collard Greens Stew
Smoky, rich, and slow-cooked to perfection, this stew captures the soul of Southern tradition in a single pot. Black-eyed peas soak up all the flavor while tender greens melt into the broth.
It’s the kind of meal that gets better by the hour. Deep, earthy, and rooted in good fortune.
5. Fried Green Tomatoes With Buttermilk Ranch
Cornmeal crunch meets juicy tartness in every bite of these iconic slices. The creamy buttermilk ranch, dotted with herbs, cools everything down in a refreshing swoop.
Bright, crispy, and full of contrast, they’re the ultimate Southern snack. Serve them hot and watch them vanish.
6. Sweet Potato Pudding
Velvety smooth and glowing orange, this dessert carries the spice of fall and the sweetness of old memories. Nutmeg and cinnamon deepen the flavor, giving it warmth that stays with you.
It rests somewhere between pie filling and custard. Rich and nostalgic, it disappears fast when it hits the table.
7. Okra And Tomato Gumbo
Okra thickens the stew like magic, bringing a unique, silky texture that wraps around every bite. Juicy tomatoes provide brightness and balance in this hearty, homespun gumbo.
Every simmered spoonful carries stories from the Gulf coast. It’s slow food that rewards your patience.
8. Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs
Sharp cheddar and chopped pimentos turn ordinary deviled eggs into something unforgettable. There’s heat, creaminess, and just enough tang to make you reach for a second (and maybe a third).
These eggs crackle with flavor and charm. A Southern staple reimagined with playful elegance.
9. Chicken And Dumplings
This stew brings tender chicken together with soft, fluffy dumplings that soak in every bit of the rich broth. Herbs, cream, and a hint of garlic round out the flavor.
It’s the kind of meal you want on a rainy day—or any day. Warm, filling, and full of comfort.
10. Braised Oxtails With Rice
Slow braising coaxes deep flavor from these rich, meaty cuts. The result is fall-off-the-bone tenderness drenched in a glossy, savory sauce.
Served over steamed rice, the dish becomes a complete embrace. It’s soul food with serious depth.
11. Caramel Cake With Brown Sugar Frosting
Golden layers of butter cake stack high with swirls of sticky-sweet frosting. Brown sugar brings a toasted richness that whispers of birthdays and family reunions.
This cake doesn’t need decoration. Its bold, sugary heart speaks loud and clear.
12. Cornmeal-Crusted Catfish
A golden crust crackles with each bite, while flaky white fish stays moist and flavorful beneath. The cornmeal adds texture and a slight nuttiness that’s pure Southern charm.
A splash of lemon or hot sauce sets it off just right. It’s fried fish at its finest.
13. Red Beans And Rice With Andouille Sausage
Smoky sausage, creamy beans, and just enough spice make this New Orleans classic sing. The rice underneath catches all the good stuff and holds the dish together.
It’s hearty, humble, and full of flavor that sticks around. This bowl is never a side—it’s the star.
14. Peach Cobbler With Biscuit Topping
Peaches bubble under a biscuit crust that’s golden, buttery, and just sweet enough. The juices caramelize around the edges, turning syrupy and thick.
It tastes like a Southern summer afternoon. Especially good warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting in the mix.
15. Shrimp And Grits With Bacon And Scallions
Creamy grits cradle plump shrimp, crisp bacon, and bright green onions in a dish that’s both cozy and fresh. A dash of spice kicks things into high gear.
It’s brunch with a backbone. Southern flavors layered with love and a little flair.