profile

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

My Favorite Cozy Soups To Keep You Warm This Winter

Hey Reader! There’s just something about a simmering pot of soup that feels like home. These soups also stretch beautifully for leftovers. Make a double batch to enjoy for lunch throughout the week, or freeze half for another time. During this busy time of year, having a homemade meal ready-to-heat means one less night of takeout! Stay warm with... Creamy White Chicken Chili Made with cream cheese and tender chicken, this chili hits the spot on a cold night and is great for game day. Try This...

Hey Reader! Baking Christmas cookies is the holiday tradition that makes the whole season feel festive! Whether you're whipping up a batch to leave out for Santa, loading up a tray for a cookie exchange, or baking homemade gifts, the warm, buttery smell drifting through the house is enough to put everyone in a holiday mood. There are the classics, creative new takes, and the cookies that are popular year-round, but still find their way onto the holiday table. Start baking these now... Easy...

This Week In My Kitchen

Hello Reader! This week in my kitchen, I’ve been leaning into cozy nights in, easy treats, and recipes that make it a little easier to gather the people you love. I hope you find one small thing here that makes your weekend a little cozier and your holidays a little easier. Make Every Holiday Moment Count With These Family Night Ideas Simple ways to press pause—snacks, games, movies, and easy traditions you can start tonight. Family Night Recipes And Ideas Easy Mexican Hot ChocolateRich...

Hey Reader! When I say this homemade snack mix is the best, I truly mean it! This sweet and salty snack mix is always on our holiday table because it’s easy to make and so, so good! It’s a festive treat that combines sweet, salty, and crunchy flavors in every bite. Perfect for gifting, entertaining, or enjoying for holiday movie night. Sweet And Salty Christmas Snack Mix Try This Recipe Pin for Later More DIY Christmas Food Gifts Peanut Butter Balls Spicy Cheese Cracker Snack Mix Old...

Hey Reader, This week we are making crispy Parmesan crusted chicken with cheesy scalloped potatoes, skillet green beans, and eggnog muffins for dessert! And we're kicking it into hosting gear and making coconut date balls that are perfect for gifting, chocolate chip cheesecake dip, pigs in a blanket, and festive mistletoe mimosas! Get This Meal Plan! Pin for Later On the Menu: • Main: Parmesan Crusted Chicken - This easy and foolproof chicken is golden, crispy, and loaded with flavor—the kind...

Christmas Dips and Spreads Roundup

Hey Reader! I don’t know about you, but the minute the Christmas season rolls around, my brain goes straight to what I’m going to feed people. Not in a stressed-out way (we’re not doing that anymore), but in a “how can I make this feel warm, generous, and easy” kind of way. After years of hosting Christmas Eve get-togethers, open houses, and last-minute drop-ins, I’ve learned this: If I’ve got a good lineup of dips and spreads, I can handle just about any gathering. That’s why I’m so excited...

Hey Reader! Check out these irresistible recipes that A Southern Soul readers couldn't stop making in the month of November. If it ain't broke, don't stop making it for dinner. November’s Best Recipes Crock Pot Potato Soup Topped with bacon, cheese, and chives, this reader-favorite soup tastes like a loaded baked potato spoonful after spoonful! Try This Recipe Pin for Later Spinach Artichoke Dip This cheesy, warm dip with swirls of fresh spinach and artichokes is a crowd-pleasing appetizer...

Hey Reader! The easiest way to get in the holiday spirit is to start baking! Whether you're looking for after-dinner showstoppers, festive holiday baked gifts, or cookies for Santa, these favorites will surely be a hit with the kids, adults, and Saint Nick! For a Sweet Holiday Season Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Dip Rich, creamy, and loaded with mini chocolate chips, it’s a perfect party dip that comes together in just 5 minutes with pantry staples! Try This Recipe Pin for Later Maple Bourbon...

Hey Reader! There will be lots of yummy food at Thanksgiving, so there will surely be terrific leftovers! We love leftovers in my family. One of my favorite things is to turn delicious food into new dishes using leftovers. Transform those leftovers! Southern Ham Salad Turn leftovers into ham salad that's perfect for sandwiches, on crackers, and makes a yummy dip. Try This Recipe Pin for Later Turkey Noodle Soup It’s a comfort food meal loaded with turkey, tender noodles, and vegetables, all...

Hey Reader! There will be lots of yummy food at Thanksgiving, so there will surely be terrific leftovers! We love leftovers in my family. One of my favorite things is to turn delicious food into new dishes using leftovers. Transform those leftovers! Southern Ham Salad Turn leftovers into ham salad that's perfect for sandwiches, on crackers, and makes a yummy dip. Try This Recipe Pin for Later Turkey Noodle Soup It’s a comfort food meal loaded with turkey, tender noodles, and vegetables, all...