We discovered what this Western film icon liked to eat, and it's one delicious round-up.
14 of John Wayne’s Favorite Foods
Updated on Aug. 25, 2024
John Wayne was more than a movie star and iconic American. He was also a normal guy who loved to grill out and eat good food. From beef casserole to recipes made with tequila, we know what tickled the Duke’s fancy.
1/13
2/13
Grilled Steak
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Grilling was one of John Wayne’s favorite hobbies—he even owned a huge indoor grill. He dabbled in chicken, pork and seafood, but steak was his favorite. Learn our secrets for grilling the best steak.
Nutrition Facts:
1 steak: 570 calories, 40g fat (15g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 592mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 40g protein.
3/13
Anything with Whiskey
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
The Duke loved whiskey. He liked blending and creating drinks, and when his son found several cases after his death, he was inspired to join forces with winemakers and start Duke Spirits.
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 277 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 18mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
4/13
Chiles Rellenos Souffle
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
John’s third wife, Pilar, made a special souffle whenever her husband was filming on location. It’s packed with green chiles and cheese, and her recipe is replicated often, even today.
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 305 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 128mg cholesterol, 708mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 16g protein.
5/13
Cheese Grits
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Arguably the most appropriate (and punnily titled) food featured in The Official John Wayne Way to Grill, is his True Grits with Cheese. We think he’d like this version, too.
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 225 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 629mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
6/13
John Wayne Casserole
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Perhaps the most popular food connected with John Wayne is his eponymous casserole. This similar, hearty baked dish is packed with beef and finished with a biscuit-like topping. Find more of our great ground beef casseroles.
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 373 calories, 18g fat (9g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 949mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
7/13
Carnitas with Tequila
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tequila was one of the Duke’s favorite spirits, whether in the form of a beverage or flavoring his food. He must’ve loved that subtle taste of agave. Not sure what to mix with tequila? Here’s some help.
Nutrition Facts:
1 carnita (calculated without optional toppings): 363 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 615mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
8/13
Oven-Fried Cornbread
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When you love to cook, a cast iron skillet is your friend. John Wayne’s recipe for cornbread made use of this magnificent tool and a similar recipe is included in the John Wayne Cast Iron Official Cookbook.
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 238 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 709mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
9/13
Crab Dip
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
5 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Linda Evans, star of Dynasty and one of John’s Hollywood pals, shared a crab dip recipe that she got from him. Sounds like they ate well together! This recipe is a good copycat.
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 100 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 140mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
10/13
Spicy Chili
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This spicy chili recipe is the culmination of several years' worth of experimenting to get just the right flavor. For those who like their chili very hot, the secret is to add more jalapenos. The most I ever used in a recipe was five ... was it spicy! —Liesha Hoek, Somerset, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 256 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 669mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein.
11/13
Roast Beef and Gravy
Total Time
8 hours 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Considering his status as a man’s man, it’s no surprise that John Wayne loved roast beef. Yet another cookbook full of recipes near and dear to the Wayne family, The Official John Wayne Family Cookbook, includes several meaty mains.
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 267 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 517mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 27g protein.
12/13
Grilled Meatballs
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
John used his mother’s meatball recipe, making them extra-special by cooking them on the grill. Need more proof that moms know best? We have it!
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup spaghetti with 1/2 cup sauce and 3 meatballs: 446 calories, 14 g fat (5 g saturated fat), 79 mg cholesterol, 470 mg sodium, 55 g carbohydrate (7 g sugars, 4 g fiber), 25 g protein.
13/13
Sharp Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes
Total Time
1 hour 40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Try as I might, I can never follow a recipe exactly. Here's what I came up with when I made a family friend's scalloped potatoes recipe in my own kitchen. These potatoes are so good—you'll just keep going back for more. —Susan Simons, Eatonville, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 436 calories, 26g fat (16g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 576mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
