When the rain starts to fall in Tennessee, the craving for comfort kicks in fast. There’s something about a gray sky that makes a bowl of creamy grits, slow-cooked beans, or bubbling chicken and dumplings taste even better. The sound of thunder pairs perfectly with the smell of cornbread fresh from the skillet or a pot roast simmering low and slow.
So pull up a chair, pour some sweet tea, and let these Tennessee country dishes turn even the stormiest day into pure Southern comfort.
Chicken and Dumplings – Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Imagine a warm kitchen on a stormy day, filled with the aroma of Cracker Barrel’s Chicken and Dumplings. Tender chicken melds with fluffy dumplings in a savory broth that’s pure comfort. Each spoonful is like a hug, evoking memories of Southern family dinners.
Cracker Barrel, with its charming rustic ambiance, offers this dish as a staple of its menu. It’s the kind of meal that makes you linger at the table, savoring every bite and moment.
Meatloaf – Monell’s Dining & Catering
At Monell’s, the meatloaf is more than just a dish; it’s an experience. Served family-style, this moist, flavorful recipe is a nod to classic comfort. The rich aroma fills the air as you sit at communal tables, sharing stories and laughter.
Paired with creamy mashed potatoes and green beans, it’s a meal that warms you from the inside. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, making every rainy day feel like a family gathering.
Country Ham & Red-Eye Gravy – The Loveless Café
The Loveless Café transforms a rainy morning into a feast with its country ham and red-eye gravy. This dish features thinly sliced ham, rich with the robust flavor of coffee-infused gravy.
Served alongside the café’s famous fluffy biscuits, it’s a meal that embodies Southern hospitality. The Loveless Café is more than just a restaurant; it’s a Nashville institution where tradition meets taste.
Barbecue Spaghetti – The Bar-B-Q Shop
Memphis is known for its inventive spirit, and barbecue spaghetti from The Bar-B-Q Shop is a testament to that. This dish combines tender smoked pork, tangy barbecue sauce, and spaghetti.
It’s a unique fusion that surprises and delights the palate, perfect for a rainy day indulgence. The Bar-B-Q Shop offers a cozy, welcoming space where you can savor this delicious twist on tradition.
Tennessee Onions – Allrecipes
A cheesy symphony awaits with Tennessee Onions, a beloved casserole perfect for cozy weather. Sweet Vidalia onions blend with butter and cheese, creating a rich, savory dish.
Popular on social media, this simple, yet flavorful casserole has captured hearts nationwide. It’s a celebration of comfort food, inviting you to indulge in its creamy embrace.
Hot Slaw – Cleveland, Tennessee
Cleveland, Tennessee, spices things up with hot slaw, a zesty take on traditional coleslaw. Made with mustard, it adds a fiery twist to your meal.
This dish is celebrated locally, even having its own festival. It’s the perfect side to bring warmth and a hint of tanginess to any rainy day meal.
Chicken Pot Pie – Tennessee Farm Table
Nothing says comfort like a chicken pot pie from Tennessee Farm Table. Beneath the flaky crust lies a treasure trove of tender chicken and vegetables enveloped in creamy sauce.
This dish is a hug in a bowl, providing warmth and satisfaction. It’s ideal for those chilly, wet days when you need something to lift your spirits.
Cornbread – Arnold’s Country Kitchen
Arnold’s Country Kitchen knows cornbread like no other. Moist and slightly sweet, it’s a staple that completes any Southern meal.
Paired with meats or vegetables, its comforting flavor and texture are like a warm embrace. Arnold’s provides a genuine taste of Tennessee, where each visit feels like coming home.
Sweet Potato Casserole – Taste of Home
Sweet Potato Casserole from Taste of Home offers a delightful blend of sweet and savory. Mashed sweet potatoes meet a buttery, brown sugar topping in a harmonious dance of flavors.
This dish is a favorite during holidays but suits any rainy day perfectly. It’s a comforting classic that wraps you in warm, sweet nostalgia.
Banana Pudding – The Pancake Pantry
The Pancake Pantry serves up nostalgia with its banana pudding. This classic dessert features layers of creamy pudding, vanilla wafers, and fresh bananas.
It’s a sweet indulgence that can brighten any gloomy afternoon. The Pancake Pantry offers a slice of Southern tradition, where every bite feels like a sunny memory.
Beef Stew – City Café Diner
City Café Diner in Chattanooga offers a bowl of warmth with its hearty beef stew. Slow-cooked to perfection, tender beef mingles with vegetables and aromatic herbs.
This dish is a flavorful escape from the rain, wrapping you in its rich, savory goodness. City Café Diner provides a comforting, familiar atmosphere where the stew feels like a cherished family recipe.