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A Southern Soul: Easy Recipes & Stressfree Entertaining Ideas

I’m Donya, the life behind A Southern Soul. I share recipes that are easy to make and full of flavor using simple ingredients. You'll find meal plans for family dinners along with inspiration for entertaining.

Featured Post

❤️Date Night Starts Right In Your Kitchen

Hey Reader! Friday nights were made for this. I just published the first post in my new Easy Weekend Hosting series — and I started where it matters most. A cozy date night menu for two. Pull out the good plates. Light a candle. You've got this. See The Full Menu & Plan Get The Full Post & Recipes More Weekend Goodness Hamburger Hobo Dinner Foil Packs Creamy Southern Coleslaw Pineapple BBQ Baked Beans No-Bake Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Cups Learn how to make this 5-star rated recipe......

Hey Reader! I’ve lived a lot of weeknights where dinner needed to be on the table fast, and I think you've all had days like that too! Easy weeknight options that are full of flavor but don’t require much cook time are lifesavers. If you need some meal inspo for the week, then these 30-minute dinners have you covered! Quick Weeknight Dinners Pasta Carbonara Tender noodles tossed in a rich, silky sauce made with eggs and Parmesan cheese then sprinkled with smokey bacon. Try This Recipe Pin for...

Hey Reader! Sauce made with San Marzano tomatoes, ground beef, and a family story behind every bite. My sons grew up watching me make this sauce on Sunday afternoons, and somewhere along the way, they started calling it “Mama Sauce.” Now they’ve moved out and have families of their own — and they still make it. Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Try This Recipe Pin for Later Make it a Full Meal! I serve it with a big green salad with one of my homemade dressings, a side of roasted broccoli, and garlic...

Hey Reader, This week we are making a steakhouse feast at home! We begin with a strawberry spinach salad, then follow that up with an easy marinated London broil, and classic classic steakhouse sides of twice-baked stuffed potatoes and crock pot creamed corn! And celebrate mom this weekend with strawberry shortcake sheet cake, ham and cheese quiche for brunch, easy stuffed mushrooms to snack on, and a raspberry mimosa to sip on! Get This Meal Plan! Pin for Later On the Menu: • Main: Marinated...

Best Potluck Recipes

Hey Reader! I grew up calling them covered dish suppers. You might call them potlucks. Either way, the goal is the same — show up with something good and make people happy. I put together my best collection of Southern potluck recipes for you. Appetizers that disappear before everyone has a plate. Salads that travel perfectly. Slow cooker mains that stay warm all party long. And desserts that look like you spent the afternoon in the kitchen — even when you did not. Pick one. Make it ahead....

Southern Cornbread Salad

Hey Reader! I have been making this Southern Cornbread Salad for years, and it is the one dish I never have to carry back to the car. Cubed cornbread, pinto beans, sweet corn, fresh vegetables, and sharp cheddar — all layered in a trifle bowl and topped with a homemade buttermilk ranch dressing. Make it the night before and let it chill overnight. That is when the magic happens. Southern Cornbread Salad Try This Recipe Pin for Later What to Serve With This Balsamic Chicken Thighs Oven Baked...

Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan

Hello Reader! Chicken Parmesan has always felt like a special occasion meal to me. The breading, the frying, the layering — it is a whole production. So I put it in the crock pot. And it is every bit as good. The secret is a quick two-minute sear before it goes in. That one step gives you a golden, crispy crust that holds up all day in the sauce. Come home to melted mozzarella, rich marinara, and chicken that tastes like you cooked all afternoon. Easy Weeknight Dinner Try This Recipe Pin for...

Hey Reader! Around here, pound cake isn’t just dessert, it’s a tradition. It’s the kind of cake that shows up at celebrations, holidays, and even just-because moments, always baked with love and a little bit of pride. I’m sharing timeless pound cake recipes that are rich, tender, and absolutely unforgettable. Share a Slice With Someone Special Million Dollar Pound Cake Buttery soft with the rich flavors of vanilla and almond, this classic not only looks impressive but also tastes amazing. Try...

Hey Reader, This week we are making crock pot Sloppy Joes, with potato salad, creamy pea salad, and no-bake cherry delight in jars for dessert. And The Weekend Spread, to help you relax with friends and family, featuring: creamy fruit or dessert dip, blueberry sour cream muffins for breakfast, Carolina vinegar BBQ sauce that's perfect for grilling season, and buffalo chicken flatbread to snack on while you watch The Derby. Get This Meal Plan! Pin for Later On the Menu: • Main: Crock Pot...

Hey Reader! Whether you’re setting the table for a quiet morning with family or hosting a full-on gathering, these brunch recipes are a thoughtful way to celebrate the moms, grandmothers, and women who make life sweeter. I’ve gathered my favorite Southern-inspired dishes that are easy to make, full of fresh spring flavor, and made to bring people together around the table. Celebrate Mom with... Ham & Cheese Strata Made with eggs, bread, ham, and two kinds of cheese, this make-ahead recipe...