Nothing brings family together quite like a Homemade Southern Soul Food Plate loaded with crispy fried chicken, creamy macaroni and cheese, buttery mashed potatoes, candied yams, collard greens, savory dressing, and sweet cranberry sauce. This classic comfort food feast is a Southern tradition served during Sunday dinners, holidays, family reunions, and special celebrations across the American South.

Every bite delivers rich, homemade flavor—from perfectly seasoned golden fried chicken to creamy mashed potatoes, cheesy baked mac and cheese, slow-simmered collard greens, sweet glazed yams, and old-fashioned cornbread dressing. This is true Southern cooking made from scratch.

Whether you’re preparing Thanksgiving dinner, Sunday supper, or a comforting family meal, this homemade soul food plate is guaranteed to satisfy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Southern comfort food

Crispy, juicy fried chicken

Creamy homemade macaroni and cheese

Rich mashed potatoes

Sweet candied yams

Traditional collard greens

Perfect holiday or Sunday dinner

Family-sized comfort meal

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Servings: 8

Menu Includes

Southern Fried Chicken

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Candied Yams

Southern Collard Greens

Cornbread Dressing (Stuffing)

Cranberry Sauce

Southern Fried Chicken

Ingredients

3 pounds chicken pieces

2 cups buttermilk

2 tablespoons hot sauce

2½ cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon black pepper

2 teaspoons salt

Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

Marinate the chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Mix the flour with all the seasonings.

Dredge each piece thoroughly.

Fry at 325°F (163°C) for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Drain on a wire rack.

Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

1 pound elbow macaroni

4 tablespoons butter

4 tablespoons flour

3 cups whole milk

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup Colby Jack cheese

1 cup mozzarella cheese

½ teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper

Instructions

Cook the macaroni until al dente.

Make a roux with butter and flour.

Slowly whisk in the milk.

Add the cheeses until smooth.

Combine with the pasta.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes until bubbly.

Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients

3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes

½ cup butter

¾ cup heavy cream

3 roasted garlic cloves

Salt

Black pepper

Instructions

Boil the potatoes until fork-tender.

Mash with the butter, roasted garlic, and warm cream.

Season to taste.

Southern Candied Yams

Ingredients

4 large sweet potatoes

½ cup butter

1 cup brown sugar

½ teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Slice the sweet potatoes.

Arrange them in a baking dish.

Pour over the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45–50 minutes, basting occasionally until tender and glazed.

Southern Collard Greens

Ingredients

2 pounds collard greens

6 slices smoked bacon, chopped

1 smoked turkey wing or ham hock

1 onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

6 cups chicken broth

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Salt

Black pepper

Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Cook the bacon until crisp.

Sauté the onion and garlic in the bacon drippings.

Add the turkey wing, broth, and greens.

Simmer for 1½–2 hours until tender.

Stir in the vinegar before serving.

Southern Cornbread Dressing

Ingredients

6 cups crumbled cornbread

2 cups toasted bread cubes

1 onion, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

½ cup butter

2 teaspoons poultry seasoning

1 teaspoon sage

2 eggs

3 cups chicken broth

Instructions

Sauté the onion and celery in the butter.

Mix with the cornbread and bread cubes.

Stir in the seasonings, eggs, and broth.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes until golden.

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients:

12 ounces fresh cranberries

1 cup sugar

1 cup orange juice

1 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions

Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan.

Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Cool before serving.

Assemble the Soul Food Plate

Serve each plate with:

2–3 pieces of crispy Southern fried chicken

A generous scoop of baked macaroni and cheese

Creamy garlic mashed potatoes

Candied yams

Slow-cooked collard greens

Cornbread dressing

Cranberry sauce

Enjoy with sweet tea, cornbread, or buttery dinner rolls.

Tips for the Best Soul Food Plate

Marinate the Chicken Overnight

This keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.

Use Freshly Shredded Cheese

Fresh cheese melts better and creates a creamier macaroni and cheese.

Cook the Greens Low and Slow

Long simmering develops the deep, smoky flavor that Southern collard greens are known for.

Roast the Garlic

Roasted garlic adds a sweet, mellow flavor to mashed potatoes.

Let the Dressing Rest

Allow the cornbread dressing to sit for 10 minutes before serving to help it set.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

Freezer

The fried chicken, dressing, macaroni and cheese, and candied yams can all be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat fried chicken in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 15–20 minutes to restore crispiness. Warm the remaining sides in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes soul food different from Southern food?

Soul food is rooted in the culinary traditions of African American communities in the Southern United States. While it shares many ingredients with Southern cuisine, it emphasizes deeply seasoned comfort dishes, family recipes, and cooking techniques passed down through generations.

Can I make this meal ahead of time?

Yes. Most side dishes can be prepared a day in advance. Fry the chicken shortly before serving for the best texture.

What’s the best oil for frying chicken?

Peanut oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil are excellent choices because they have high smoke points and produce a crispy crust.

Can I bake the chicken instead?

Yes. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Southern Soul Food Plate is the ultimate comfort meal, bringing together crispy fried chicken, creamy baked macaroni and cheese, buttery mashed potatoes, sweet candied yams, slow-cooked collard greens, savory cornbread dressing, and homemade cranberry sauce. Every component is made from scratch and packed with rich Southern flavor, making this feast perfect for Sunday dinners, holiday gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a truly unforgettable homemade meal. 🍗