A bold, crunchy snack featuring oversized cheese crackers topped with tangy pickle slices, creamy pepper jack cheese, and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning. It’s a quick bite that balances salty, spicy, and savory flavors—perfect for party trays or an elevated snack fix.

Everything Cracker Pickle Bites

This time of year between fake fall and actual cooler weather is an odd time for a food blogger from the south.

Some bloggers jump right into fall foods even when soups and stews and nice hearty casseroles just don't quite fit yet for us. I'm telling y'all, it's hard for me to focus on fall and winter recipes when the heat is still on outside!

But... there's football in the fall, so that's where I tend to keep my focus, on snackable foods for game day viewing and recipes that fit no matter the season, at least until the weather actually cools off down here.

These sweet-and-spicy party bites bring the heat with a Southern twist! Frozen meatballs simmer low and slow in a bold blend of grape jelly, barbecue sauce, and Louisiana hot sauce until sticky, saucy, and irresistible. Perfect for game day, potlucks, or anytime you need a flavor-packed crowd-pleaser.

Sweet and Spicy Meatballs

My husband, aka The Cajun, loves meatballs. If there's a crockpot of meatballs at a party, you'll find him close by!

He also loves football, although that's a bit waning here lately with the performance of his favorite New Orleans Saints team, but... I regularly make meatballs and/or wings for him to enjoy over the college and NFL weekend.

Easy Mexican-style rice starts with toasted medium grain rice, then simmered with tomato sauce, aromatic spices, and a duo of bouillons for rich depth. A wedge of onion infuses subtle sweetness, while fresh cilantro offers a bright finish.

Easy Mexican-Style Rice

This vibrant, flavor-packed rice dish is a comforting staple inspired by classic Mexican home cooking and pairs beautifully with any Mexican or Tex-Mex main dish. 

I've made quite a few variations of this side dish based on the old school Spanish rice dish I've shared here on the website before, and this version is what I've settled on. It's not a heavily seasoned dish, so the flavor is subtle enough that it's really a great side dish for pretty much any meal.

Not your average queso, Velveeta and cream cheese bring the richness, taco-seasoned meat adds depth, and Rotel and jalapeño kicks up the heat. With a secret twist that keeps everyone guessing, it’s bold, creamy, and impossible to stop dipping.

Creamy Queso

I first learned about this recipe from an Oklahoma friend, Tommie. She and I met on a low carb board online many years ago and she's inspired quite a few recipes here on the website! (She's actually done a whole lot better with the low carb thing over all these years than I have, but I digress...)

Her family calls this one "The Greatest Queso That Ever Lived!"

I've since learned from social media that a few people have shared a similar secret ingredient queso, so I finally got around to trying Tommie's version, and I have to say... trust me on this. It's really delicious y'all!

Never would I ever have thought to use this ingredient in queso, even though it's actually a staple in my kitchen as it is in many other southern cooks' kitchens, but... who knew?!!

Viral Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger Sliders aka Crack Burgers

These irresistible Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger Sliders — often dubbed the viral 'Crack Burgers' — pack bold flavor into bite-sized patties. Made with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and a punch of ranch mix, they’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser for game day spreads and casual gatherings alike.

Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger Sliders

These cheeseburgers have been trending on social media for a while now, though they are actually a take of a recipe that's been around forever called Hidden Valley Original Ranch Burgers.

Originally made with just ground beef, ranch seasoning mix and cheese, the internet thought to enhance that a tad and it got the reputation of being called "crack" burgers.

Anything that tastes so good it's a bit addictive gets that designation in our modern world, though for the record, I really dislike that. But... the internet is what it is.

Beef chuck roast, generously seasoned with all-purpose seasoning, seared to a rich golden brown, then simmered with sweet onions and aromatic dried herbs in a hearty beef stock - all brought together effortlessly in the Instant Pot for a tender, comforting, flavor-packed finish.

Instant Pot Pot Roast

My favorite way to cook a pot roast is always going to be low and slow whether on the stovetop or in the oven. You just can't beat the result and the aroma while it's cooking is enticing.

When I'm in the mood for a roast but a little more short on time, I've become a big fan of using the Instant Pot for a pot roast too, but I've certainly learned one thing.

Even with the Instant Pot, you still can't rush the process.

Explore a mouthwatering lineup of cornbread recipes from Deep South Dish - ranging from classic cast iron skillet Southern-style to sweet, savory, and spicy favorites. Whether you're craving comfort or a bold twist, there's a cornbread here to complement any meal.

Cornbread Collection

I didn't grow up with a lot of cornbread in my life here in the Deep South. We seem to have been more sliced white bread, yeast roll and French bread kind of people.

Over the years of blogging food recipes to the world, I've learned that folks in the Southern U.S. can get very territorial about their cornbread, and boy will they let you know what they think!

But, having the advantage of writing recipes over these years, I've been able to play around with many different variations of cornbread. 

Here's all of the wide variety of ways I've shared here on my website on how to make cornbread. Be sure to check back for updates in the future, as there are many more recipes on the horizon!

Real Southern Cornbread

Cast iron skillet Southern cornbread made with buttermilk and stone-ground cornmeal.

English Muffin Chicken Melts - Dolly's Chicken Feed

Chicken breast, folded into a creamy blend of mayonnaise, butter, cheese and savory seasonings, spooned open-faced onto lightly toasted English muffins and passed under the broiler until golden and bubbly.

English Muffin Chicken Melts

Last year, Dolly Parton, together with her sister Rachel, published a cookbook called Good Lookin' Cookin' (#ad) and y'all know, with a name like that, I had to grab me one!

On page 23, there was a recipe for an open-faced sandwich that they called "Chicken Feed," a recipe they had received from a friend years ago and one that had become a family favorite ever since.

Fresh chicken wings, tossed with lemon, seasonings and herbs and air fried.

Air Fryer Lemon Herb Chicken Wings

I love the combination of lemon and herbs with chicken, certainly one of my top favorites for a roasted chicken, so I thought, why not wings?

Afterall, as I write this it's football season and wings are just another football staple now, aren't they?

And let me tell you that if you haven't tried wings in your air fryer you are missing out!

Whole kernel frozen corn and creamed corn, paired up with a thickener and shredded cheese for a quick and easy, cheesy creamed corn your family will love.

Cheesy Creamed Corn

I realize we're on the waning side of in-season summer corn, so while you might just find the last of some fresh corn at the market, as I write this it's September and we're heading into fall.

Think about it. September.

Meaning Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner and this is a great side dish for either of those holidays. Others too and, it works well with a slow cooker! I'd say worth a bookmark.