A few weeks ago, I tried Nashville Hot Chicken for the first time. I have been to Nashville before and never heard of it…it took a trip to a local chain restaurant to learn about this amazing, comforting, soul-southing dish that would eventually inspire today’s blog post (it was The Yard House, if you’re curious! If there’s one by you, I highly suggest trying it). I mean, look at this. LOOK AT THIS DISH. Hot chicken, sweet potato pancakes (which could be a meal just by themselves)…this is happiness. Pure happiness.
So today’s post is mostly inspired by the discovery of this Nashville delight, as well as a game my dad and I talked about playing several times (but actually never did…but I’m bound and determined to do it with my kids!).
So here’s what ya do. Get a map of the United States (or the world for adventurous eaters!)…like, a big one. Big enough to cover your kitchen table. Then use dice, a penny, or any small object you and your kids can easily toss and use the state or country it lands on to inspire your cuisine. Isn’t that fun?! It’s a great way to travel without spending a ton of money and a fun and clever way to introduce kids to new flavors and cultures.
Best of all, I’ve done some of the work for you! Below you’ll find 50 amazing recipes representing each state in the US (just click the picture to see the recipe!). So whether you land on Utah or Florida, you’ll have a tasty recipe you can make to get a feel and taste for every state in the US!
Happy Travels!
One Recipe for Each State in the US
Alabama: Fried Green Tomatoes
The Irondale Cafe, located in Irondale, Alabama was the inspiration for the Whistlestop Cafe in the film, Fried Green Tomatoes...and just like in the film, the Irondale Cafe is still known for whipping up some awesome fried green tomatoes.
Alaska: Roasted Maple Salmon
Salmon can be found almost anywhere along the coastlines of the United States, but no state gets better, fresher salmon than Alaska. With natives who have created unique and flavorful recipes that you can’t find anywhere else (salmon candy, anyone?) Alaska is the place to go for fresh, delicious, healthy salmon dishes.
Arizona: Chimichangas
According to lore, the founder of the Tuscan, Arizona restaurant El Charro accidentally dropped a pastry in a deep fryer in 1922. She supposedly yelled “chimichanga!” when it dropped, eventually inspiring the name of this popular dish.
Arkansas: Catfish Sandwich
Catfish abound along the banks of the Mississippi River, and the locals of Arkansas know how to turn this bottom-dwelling fish into a stand-out sandwich. Fried, baked, or broiled, catfish dishes make Arkansas a unique destination for seafood lovers.
California: Avocado and Kale Toast
The health craze has hit California hard! Basically anything containing avocado or kale can be considered “Californian”, and when you combine the two, dude…that’s like, totally bitchin’.
Colorado: Rocky Mountain Green Chili
Chili is a Colorado favorite. Call it the cold weather or the fact that it shares space with some other wild west towns, but Colorado is home to some of the best green chili cooks in the US.
Connecticut: Steamed Cheeseburgers
A true Connecticut thing, steamed burgers and cheeseburgers use hot steam to cook the patties, resulting in a juicy burger that’s unlike anything you’ve ever eaten! While you can make these at home, be sure to get yourself an authentic steamed burger next time you’re on the east coast!
Delaware: Vinegar Fries
You can find vinegar fries in other places, but no one does it quite like Delaware. The unique flavor of these fries makes them a great side dish to fish.
Florida: Key Lime Pie
Created and imported from Florida, Key Limes are a product of the Florida Keys and are often used in creating key lime pie. Much smaller than a traditional lime, these limes pack a sour punch!
Georgia: Peach and Bourbon Cobbler
Lovingly named “The Peach State”, Georgia is home to these sweet and tasty fruits, and you can get a taste of this southern state with almost any peach recipe…but this one also features another southern favorite: Bourbon! Serve with cinnamon ice cream for a tasty treat any southern belle would love!
Hawaii: Spam Sliders
Spam is the chicken of Hawaii. Used in practically every savory Hawaiian recipe, spam is a flavor that island dwellers love. It’s a great pairing to pineapple and is tasty just as is after a few seconds on the grill.
Idaho: Finger Steaks
Often served with potatoes of some kind (shocker), finger steaks are just what they sound like. Small pieces of steak are battered and fried and served like chicken nuggets. A true Idaho favorite, these little finger steaks are fun and tasty to eat.
Illinois: Deep Dish Pizza
There’s a running joke that Chicago people don’t eat deep dish…only out-of-towners who come to Chicago for the first time. I am living proof that this is not true. I’m a born and raised Chicagoian who loves deep dish, but it’s not for everyone. More like a pie with a thick crust and lots of sauce, this pizza is not for the faint of heart! But it is a tasty treat that takes me home every time I eat it!
Indiana: Creme-Filled Doughnuts
Indiana is home to tons of doughnut shops (I WANT TO GO TO THERE) with each shop claiming they have the best doughnuts in town. Skip all the drama and make your own at home! Best of all, your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
Iowa: Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Iowa is true farmland…and pork is abundant here in the midwest. Fry it up and serve it on a bun and you’ve got yourself a midwestern staple that is comically satisfying (I mean look at the size of that meat).
Kansas: Kansas BBQ Chicken
Every southern state wants to make their claim to delicious BBQ…and every one of those states has their own style. Kansas style is sweet and spicy and great on chicken. Make your own Kansas BBQ sauce and see if you can go back to the dry rubs of Texas!
Kentucky: Hot Brown Sandwich
Born at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, this sandwich features turkey, bacon, and Mornay sauce, a Bechamel sauce made of Gruyere cheese. Served on a piece of crispy bread, this is stick-to-your-ribs comfort food right here.
Louisiana: Beignets
It’s no surprise that the French had a large influence on Louisiana…and these light and fluffy beignets are a product of this influence. Pieces of dough are fried up and covered…COVERED…with confectioners’ sugar and served up nice and hot.
Maine: Lobster Rolls
I feel like this doesn’t even need an explanation. If you’re in Maine and you DON’T get a lobster roll, you’ve missed out on one tasty experience!
Maryland: Baltimore Crab Cakes
Granted you can easily find crab cakes in any east coast state, but Maryland takes crab cakes seriously. For the freshest and best-tasting crab cakes, look no further than Boston.
Massachusetts: Ultimate Clam Chowder
Whether you call it chowda’ or chowder, there’s no denying that Massachusetts is home to come of the best chow on the planet. Often served with potatoes and bacon, this soup will warm your insides on those cold northeastern winter nights.
Michigan: Easy Beef Pasties
Containing meat, a veggie, and potatoes all in one pastry, the Michigan pasty really is a meal all in itself. Originally used by miners and laborers as a way to essentially eat on the job, these meals are hardy, filling, and comforting. You can find authentic pasty shops all over Michigan, particularly in the northern parts of the state.
Minnesota: Minnesota Hot Dish
If Fargo taught me anything, it’s that Minnesota does not mess around when it comes to winter blizzards. Since weather in Minnesota can be very sketchy, sometimes people are stuck with making a casserole from whatever is on-hand…thus, the Minnesota Hot Dish. Often served with hash browns or tater tots, this is one casserole that will satisfy every guilty pleasure.
Mississippi: Mississippi Mud Pie
Chocolate lovers rejoice! This ooey gooey pie is a slice of heaven. Thought to have originated in Mississippi, this pie often is served with ice cream and is the perfect ending to a light summer meal.
Missouri: Toasted Ravioli
St. Louis holds claim on the creation of toasted ravioli. A delicious appetizer or snack, toasted ravioli is often made with cheese-filled pasta, seasoned and baked and served with fresh marinara sauce.
Montana: Huckleberry Buckle
Montana and Idaho are great places to find the tasty huckleberry. Similar in taste to the blueberry, the huckleberry is used to make everything from medicines to jams.
Nebraska: Classic Ruben
Thought to have come from Omaha, the Ruben is a popular sandwich consisting of corned beef and sauerkraut. Often grilled on buttered rye bread, this sandwich can be found in several restaurants across the country…but a homemade one is always best!
Nevada: Shrimp Cocktail
Though Nevada doesn’t have a traditional food, the shrimp cocktail is somewhat symbolic of the Vegas culture. A great appetizer or light dinner, the shrimp cocktail can be as simple or as elaborate as you’d like it to be!
New Hampshire: Slow Cooker Apple Maple Pork Tenderloin
Known for apples and maple syrup, New Hampshire is the place to go for hearty and tasty dishes…and this yummy recipe combines them both. Served with potatoes and peas, this dinner will fill your kitchen with delectable aromas.
New Jersey: Italian Hoagie
A large Italian population makes New Jersey the place to go for great Italian food in the US…and the hoagie (or hero or sub) is a New Jersey staple! Filled with meat and cheese and delicious Italian spices, this sandwich is worthy of at least a few fist pumps!
New Mexico: Green Chili Stew
New Mexico is home to the green chili pepper, and this stew is a great way to highlight the flavors of this tasty ingredient. Use whatever meat you’d like in this stew and serve alongside tortillas or cornbread for a dinner your family will love.
New York: New York Style Cheesecake
Cheesecake may look light and fluffy, but this dessert is anything but! Decedent and creamy, New York style cheesecake often features a simple strawberry glaze and garnish to finish it off.
North Carolina: Pulled Pork (or Chicken) Sandwiches
Another state trying to lay claim to amazing BBQ, North Carolina has it’s own style of treating pork and chicken. Featuring a tangy sauce made from a few spices and vinegar, North Carolina BBQ is a unique and delicious take on this southern favorite.
North Dakota: Plum Kuchen
Kuchen comes from the large German influences in North Dakota. You can make it with almost any fruit you’d like, and every Dakota grandma has her own go-to recipe. Served in bar form or as pie slices, this dessert is a Dakota claim to fame.
Ohio: Buckeye Peanut Butter Balls
These Buckeye candies are an Ohio favorite. Featuring two of my favorite flavors, chocolate and peanut butter, you can find these tasty treats at almost any Ohio football game.
Oklahoma: Stuffed Fried Okra
Part of the state meal of Oklahoma (yes, that’s a real thing), fried okra is a southern favorite. Sometimes battered and fried, sometimes stuffed and battered and fried, because–why not?–fried okra makes a great side dish if you can find it in your local grocery store.
Oregon: Beer Marinated Chicken Drumsticks
Oregon is home to several amazing breweries, making these beer marinated drumsticks a wonderful taste of the west coast. Serve with an ice cold IPA for a true Portland experience.
Pennsylvania: Cheese Steak Sandwich
Pennsylvania dwellers take their cheese steak sammies seriously. With several restaurants offering up the same sandwich, each spot has loyal customers that swear that their restaurant offers the best option. Thankfully, you can avoid all the back and forth and just make amazing cheese steak sandwiches right from the comfort of your own home!
PS – How come no one on The Office ever ate a cheese steak sandwich? Not even Kevin!! Missed opportunity, NBC. 😉
Rhode Island: Spicy Calamari
Another popular east coast snack, calamari is best served in Rhode Island. Rhode Island calamari features a lighter coating and sometimes has a little spicy kick.
South Carolina: Shrimp and Grits
A true South Carolina stable, shrimp and grits can be found at almost any restaurant in the south. Rich and comforting, this dish is just as comforting as it is delicious.
South Dakota: Chislic
Featuring cubed red meat served on a skewer, chislic is a dish commonly served in South Dakota. The meat is often grilled or fried and can be anything from beef to lamb.
Tennessee: Nashville Hot Chicken
A local specialty of Nashville, hot chicken is basically fried chicken with a spicy batter. Often served with a side of ranch dressing, this spicy chicken is a serious game changer!
Texas: True Texas Brisket
There’s no better place to get beef brisket than Texas. I mean, look at that slice!! Served just as is or piled high on a sandwich, Texas brisket is a meathead’s happy place.
Utah: Funeral Potatoes
A popular Mormon dish usually served at after-funeral dinners, Funeral Potatoes feature all the things that make your soul happy: potatoes, cheese, cream, and butter. These potatoes are great if you need a little pick-me-up, no matter what the reason!
Vermont: No-Bake Vermont Maple Syrup Cookies
Do yourself a favor and throw out any syrup you have that’s not directly from Vermont…because once you taste the real thing, you’re not gonna go back. These no-bake cookies allow the real flavor of Vermont maple syrup to shine through and they’re sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Virginia: Peanut Soup
Yes, it sounds weird…but peanut soup is a Virginia staple, and has been since the days of colonial Williamsburg. Thick and satisfying, this soup is great for cold winters and is also a popular staple in African cooking.
Washington: Sweet Rainier Cherry Pie
Cherry pie may seem pretty universal, but pie made with Sweet Rainier cherries…that’s 100% Washington state! Sweet and beautiful in coloring, Sweet Rainier cherries grow in Washington state and are tasty baked, cooked, or fresh off the tree!
West Virginia: Pepperoni Rolls
A strange, yet satisfying food, pepperoni rolls can be found all over West Virginia. They all feature pepperoni slices baked inside loaves of fresh bread and can come with any variety of cheeses or other additions.
Wisconsin: Bratwurst Beer Cheddar Pretzel Pot Pie
I think I’d be hard-pressed to find a more Wisconsin-themed recipe. Bratwurst…beer….cheese…pretzels….this pot pie features all the amazing flavors of this dairy state…and served with a nice stout, this pot pie will help you get through even the toughest midwestern winter.
Wyoming: Cowboy Chili
The cowboy state deserves a proper cowboy recipe. Bursting with bold and strong flavors in a hearty stew, this cowboy chili is a guaranteed winner the whole crew is sure to enjoy.
Every Monday is a “Reci-bee” post, where I share my favorite recipes, recipe collections, and cooking and baking hints and tips.
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