In North Carolina, Sunday family meals are often the highlight of the week, bringing together tradition, comfort, and regional flavors. Certain dishes appear again and again, becoming part of family rhythms and fond memories.
From the familiar to the locally inspired, these foods define the way families gather around the table. Here are 15 North Carolina dishes commonly seen at Sunday family meals.
Fried Chicken
Golden, crispy, and irresistibly juicy, fried chicken is a Sunday staple in North Carolina. This dish, often marinated in buttermilk, embodies Southern cooking at its finest, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite.
It’s not just about the chicken; the family memories woven around the Sunday table make it special. Passed down through generations, recipes vary slightly, but the love remains the same.
Paired with classic sides like mashed potatoes or coleslaw, it’s a centerpiece that invites laughter and storytelling. Whether cooked in a cast iron skillet or deep-fried, it never fails to unite families.
Collard Greens
With deep roots in Southern cuisine, collard greens bring a unique twist to any family table. Simmered with ham hocks or bacon, they offer a savory depth that complements any main dish.
The slow-cooking process infuses the greens with smoky flavors, creating a comforting aroma that fills the home. Rich in nutrients, they also bring health benefits to the feast.
Traditionally served with cornbread, collard greens are more than just a dish—they’re an experience. Gathering around the table, everyone enjoys not just the meal, but the warmth and connection it brings.
Macaroni and Cheese
Few dishes can match the comfort of macaroni and cheese. Baked to perfection with a crispy, cheesy crust, it’s a beloved classic on North Carolina tables.
Every family has its version, with some adding a hint of spice or a blend of gourmet cheeses to personalize their dish. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it irresistible to kids and adults alike.
The sight of this golden delight signals a meal that’s more than just food—it’s a moment shared with family. Each bite is a reminder of home, warmth, and cherished traditions.
Biscuits and Gravy
Soft, flaky biscuits drenched in savory sausage gravy are a Sunday morning delight in North Carolina. This hearty combination sets the tone for a comforting family gathering.
The preparation of these biscuits is a labor of love, often involving family members rolling dough together, creating memories as they go. The rich gravy adds a depth of flavor, completing the dish perfectly.
Served warm, it’s a meal that invites lingering at the table, savoring both the food and the company. Perfect for brunch or lunch, it’s a symbol of Southern hospitality.
Cornbread
Warm, buttery cornbread is a cherished side at North Carolina gatherings. Its golden hue and crumbly texture add a comforting touch to any meal, whether paired with chili or served alongside fried chicken.
Often baked in cast iron skillets, the cornbread acquires a delightful crust, cherished by all ages. Families enjoy experimenting with recipes, adding ingredients like jalapeños or cheese for an extra kick.
More than just a side, cornbread symbolizes togetherness and tradition, often leading to playful debates over whose version reigns supreme. It’s a simple yet essential part of the Sunday table.
Pimento Cheese Sandwiches
Known as the caviar of the South, pimento cheese sandwiches add a unique flair to North Carolina gatherings. This creamy, tangy spread made from sharp cheddar and pimentos is a picnic favorite.
Served on soft bread, these sandwiches offer a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, making them a hit with both young and old. It’s the perfect appetizer or light lunch for a sunny day.
Often enjoyed with sweet tea, they evoke memories of leisurely afternoons and friendly conversations. Every bite is a taste of Southern charm and culinary creativity.
Potato Salad
A staple at family gatherings, potato salad in North Carolina is as diverse as the families themselves. Each household boasts its secret ingredient, from pickles to mustard, creating a unique blend of taste and texture.
This creamy delight pairs perfectly with grilled meats or as a standalone dish, serving as a refreshing counterbalance to heavier main courses. Its presence at family events is a given.
Whether served warm or cold, potato salad is always a crowd-pleaser, sparking conversations and compliments. It’s a testament to the creativity and love inherent in Southern cooking.
Fried Catfish
Fresh from the waters of North Carolina, fried catfish is a culinary treasure. With its crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior, it captures the essence of Southern seafood cuisine.
Coated in cornmeal and spices, each bite offers a satisfying crunch, enhanced by a splash of lemon or a dollop of tartar sauce. It’s a favorite at fish fries and family dinners alike.
This dish speaks to the state’s rich fishing heritage, bringing a taste of the coast to the table. It’s not just a meal; it’s a connection to the land and sea.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole is a holiday favorite that graces many North Carolina tables year-round. Topped with toasted marshmallows or pecans, its sweet, creamy texture complements any feast.
The warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg add depth, making it a beloved choice for both children and adults. It’s a dish that bridges the gap between dessert and side.
Whether served as part of a Thanksgiving spread or a Sunday dinner, this casserole brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia, reminding families of happy times shared around the table.
Barbecue (Pork, Eastern Style)
Eastern-style barbecue in North Carolina is a work of art. Slow-cooked to perfection, pork is the centerpiece of many Sunday feasts, with vinegar-based sauce adding a tangy twist.
Served with coleslaw and hush puppies, it’s a meal that brings people together, each bite reminding everyone of the state’s rich culinary heritage.
At family gatherings, debates over the best barbecue joints are as common as the dish itself. Whether homemade or restaurant-bought, it never fails to satisfy, making it a quintessential part of North Carolina cuisine.
Green Beans with Bacon
Green beans with bacon is a side dish that perfectly marries simplicity with flavor. The smoky bacon adds an irresistible depth, turning an ordinary vegetable into something special.
Sautéed with onions until tender, this dish is a perfect accompaniment to mains like fried chicken or pork. It’s a beloved choice for family gatherings, offering a savory touch.
Beyond its taste, it symbolizes the perfect blend of tradition and taste, where fresh ingredients and thoughtful preparation meet. It’s a reminder of home and hearth, bringing smiles to every bite.
Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a quintessential part of North Carolina’s family gatherings. Their creamy filling, spiced with mustard and paprika, offers a delightful contrast to the smooth egg white.
These bite-sized delights are often the first to disappear at any event, loved for their simplicity and elegance. Each family has its secret twist, from adding pickles to experimenting with spices.
Perfect as an appetizer or a side, they embody the spirit of Southern hospitality, inviting everyone to savor a taste of home. Their presence on the table is always a welcome sight.
Red Velvet Cake
Rich, moist, and visually stunning, red velvet cake is a showstopper at any North Carolina family gathering. Its vibrant red color and tangy cream cheese frosting create a dessert that’s both beautiful and delicious.
Often reserved for special occasions, its unique flavor and texture make it a favorite choice for birthdays and anniversaries. Each slice is a celebration in itself.
Beyond its taste, the cake symbolizes joy and togetherness, turning any meal into a festive occasion. It’s a sweet ending to a delightful Southern feast, cherished by all ages.
Hush Puppies
Hush puppies, golden balls of fried cornmeal, are a beloved side dish in North Carolina. Their crispy exterior and soft interior offer a delightful contrast, making them irresistible.
Often served with seafood or barbecue, these little bites bring a hint of sweetness to any meal. The name’s origin is as charming as the dish itself, said to have been used to quiet barking dogs.
A staple at fish fries and family gatherings, they add flavor and fun to the table. Each bite is a taste of Southern tradition and culinary creativity.
Banana Pudding
Banana pudding is a classic Southern dessert that brings smiles to any gathering in North Carolina. Layers of creamy pudding, ripe bananas, and crunchy vanilla wafers create a medley of textures and flavors.
This dessert is often the highlight of family meals, offering a sweet ending that delights all ages. The whipped cream topping adds an extra touch of indulgence.
Beyond its deliciousness, banana pudding is a nostalgic favorite, evoking memories of childhood and family picnics. It’s a dessert that embodies love, comfort, and the joy of shared meals.