Southern side dish is a term used to describe traditional dishes from the Southern United States. Common examples of Southern side dishes include OKRA, grits, pone, and mashed yams. OKRA is a green vegetable that is often cooked with tomatoes and onions. Grits are a type of porridge made from ground corn. Pone is a type of cornbread that is usually baked in a skillet. Mashed yams are a sweet potato dish that is often served with butter and spices.