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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

My Top 5 Chicken Recipes-All Tested, All Loved

Hey Reader! If there is one thing my family never gets tired of, it is chicken. And honestly, neither do I — because the right recipe makes it anything but boring. These are my five most reached-for chicken recipes. The ones I make when I need dinner to work. The ones people ask me to bring to every gathering. I think you are going to love every single one. Melt In Your Mouth ChickenJuicy chicken breasts baked under a creamy parmesan topping that browns into a golden crust. Five ingredients...

Taco Spaghetti Casserole

Hey Reader! Tacos and spaghetti in one cheesy baked casserole. I know it sounds simple, but trust me — this dish has a way of making everyone come back for seconds. Ground beef with homemade taco seasoning, Ro-Tel tomatoes, and two kinds of melted cheese all baked together with spaghetti. One skillet. One baking dish. Done. Make a double batch and freeze the second one. Future you will be very glad you did. Taco Spaghetti Bake (Easy Weeknight Casserole) Try This Recipe Pin for Later What to...

Hey Reader! Some meals just make the whole house smell like something good is happening. These are those ribs. Rich homemade sauce, a quick sear, and eight hours of slow cooking that does all the work. Finish them under the broiler and watch them disappear. Serve with Boursin mashed potatoes, creamy coleslaw, sour cream cornbread, and Southern green beans. That is a table worth gathering around. Slow Cooker Country Style Pork Ribs Try This Recipe What I'm loving from Amazon These pants are so...

Hey Reader! If juggling sports, carpool, and homework has you stressing about what to make for dinner, we've got you covered. I've rounded up these family-favorite, quick and easy dinner recipes guaranteed to disappear from plates! Skip the stress and serve... Baked Spaghetti A easy one-pan meal with a creamy, cheesy center and a meaty sauce that takes comfort food to a whole new level! Try This Recipe Pin for Later Baked Ranch Chicken This chicken couldn't be easier and comes out of the oven...

Hey Reader! When a snack craving hits, sometimes a handful of almonds or a piece of fruit just isn't going to cut it. That's why I always keep easy snacks on hand to satisfy any craving. And by making my own homemade snacks, I have some control over what ingredients are being used! These snacks will give you the fuel you need to take on the day, whether they're being packed in a school lunchbox, you need a road trip treat, or a mid-day pick-me-up! Satisfy your craving with... Chocolate Chip...

Hey Reader, This week we are making oven baked BBQ chicken, a seasonal spinach watermelon feta salad, Southern corn fritters, and decadent million dollar pie for dessert. And The Weekend Spread, to help you prep for back-to-school madness, featuring some quick lunches, grab-and-go breakfasts, and satisfying snacks like: orzo broccoli pasta salad, banana granola muffins, Waldorf chicken salad, and pickled shrimp! Get This Meal Plan! Pin for Later On the Menu: • Main: Oven Baked BBQ Chicken -...

Hey Reader! Buttery croissants, savory ham, and melty Swiss, all baked into one golden, custardy casserole — and here's the best part: you do the work the night before. About ten minutes tonight, then wake up, bake, and carry it to the table. It's my go-to for holiday mornings, overnight guests, and slow weekends when the house is full — and everybody swears I was up at dawn. P.S. It reheats beautifully, so leftovers are tomorrow's breakfast too. Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole Try This...

Low Country Boil

Hey Reader! There is something about a Low Country Boil that just pulls people in. You spread it out on the table, no fancy plates, no fuss, and suddenly nobody wants to leave! I love every minute of it. Shrimp, sweet corn, potatoes, and smoked sausage — all cooked in one pot, dumped right in the center, no plating, no fuss. The secret's all in the timing (potatoes first, shrimp last), so nothing overcooks. I wrote down exactly how I do it — timing, table setup, and all. Get My Classic Low...

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 inspiration, then these 30-minute dinners have you covered! Quick Weeknight Dinners Shrimp Scampi Pasta A one-pot shrimp pasta that's simple enough to make for a weeknight meal and fancy enough for entertaining! Try This Recipe Pin for Later...

Hey Reader! July has been so good in my kitchen. Fresh vegetables, bold sauces, and the kind of comfort food that feels right no matter the season. Before we turn the page to August, I wanted to share the recipes that stood out most this month. These are the ones you saved, made, and came back to tell me about. I am so grateful for every single one of you. Here is the best of July: Best Homemade Sausage Gravy — rich, creamy, and the kind of breakfast that makes everyone slow down and stay at...