The Best Recipes from Every State
Updated: Mar. 02, 2022
It's time to take your taste buds on a road trip. We found the best recipes from every state—all submitted by local home cooks. In these collections, you'll find both iconic regional dishes and treasured family recipes.
Alabama
Residents of Alabama know that nothing beats home-cooked Southern fare. Throughout the Heart of Dixie, you’ll find baked grits, homemade biscuits, green tomato pie, cornbread and more.
Alaska
Get a taste of the Last Frontier without traveling way up North. You’ll find Alaskan recipes that call for fresh-caught salmon, highbush cranberries and other local ingredients.
Arizona
As a state on the border, it’s no surprise that Arizona has put its own twist on enchiladas, tamales and other Mexican favorites. Throughout the Grand Canyon state, you’ll find recipes with Southwest flair and a whole lot of flavor.
Arkansas
Headed to the Natural State? Keep your eye out for Southern favorites, like fried okra, biscuits and gravy or pecan-crusted catfish.
California
California is the king of fresh flavors. After all, the Golden State is known for its abundant citrus crop, buttery avocados and fresh-from-the-ocean seafood. From San Diego to Sacramento, you’ll find recipes that call for these flavorful ingredients.
Colorado
Get a taste of the Rocky Mountain State by indulging in green chili recipes and lots of lamb.
Connecticut
Clam pizza? Don’t knock it until you try it. This Connecticut classic—along with juicy cherry pie and bean dishes—give you a version of New England cuisine.
Delaware
For a true taste of the First State, plan to put crab, peaches and chicken on the menu. These ingredients are abundant across the state.
Florida
Take your taste buds on a vacation with recipes from the Sunshine State. You’ll find grilled mains, fresh-caught seafood and plenty of puckery citrus flavors.
Georgia
Georgia is known for its fresh peaches, but you’ll also find recipes that call for pecans, green tomatoes and Coca-Cola in this Southern state.
Hawaii
Say Aloha to Hawaiian fare. You’ll find recipes that call for tropical flavors, such as pork, pineapple and coconut.
Idaho
You can prepare to find potato recipes in Idaho, but the Gem State is known for other fresh flavors, too. Keep your eye out for huckleberry pie, morel mushrooms and honey.
Illinois
You don’t have to be from Chicago to love Italian beef, giardiniera or deep-dish pizza. You’ll find these Illinois staples (and more!) all across the Land of Lincoln.
Indiana
Did somebody say sugar cream pie? You’ll find this iconic dish, plus persimmon pie, corn dogs, popcorn and more across the Hoosier State.
Iowa
Iowa is much more than a flyover state—and these comfort food classics prove it. Throughout the Hawkeye state, you’ll find recipes that call for iconic crops, such as corn, pork and beef.
Kansas
Toto, you know you’re in Kansas when you see bierocks, ribs, and pie on the menu. Enjoy these favorites (and many more!) all across the Sunflower State.
Kentucky
Home to hot browns and whiskey, Kentucky offers a taste of Southern culture. Indulge in recipes like coconut pecan pie, Mamaw’s strawberry cake and squash casserole.
Louisiana
As the home to New Orleans, Louisiana is known for its Creole, Cajun and Southern fare. You’ll find local favorites—like jambalaya, beignets and cornbread—that are easy to make at home.
Maine
Bordering Canada, Maine is one of the coldest states in the U.S. Stay warm and indulge in these recipes for creamy casseroles and hot soups. In the summer, take advantage of the Pine Tree State’s bountiful blueberry crop and make a pie or tart.
Maryland
We hope you’re hungry for fresh seafood—you’ll find lots of it in Maryland. Crab cakes are the state’s specialty, but you’ll also find an assortment of comfort foods and family-friendly favorites.
Massachusetts
If you want to eat like a resident of the Bay State, look to these recipes that call for seafood, apples and other fresh ingredients. You’ll also find local favorites like Boston baked beans.
Michigan
In the heart of the Midwest, the Great Lakes State is known for producing bountiful fruit crops. You’ll find recipes that call for apples, cherries and blueberries; plus classic comfort foods.
Minnesota
It’s a hot dish—not a casserole—don’t cha know? You’ll find many variations of this creamy, tater-tot-topped dinner throughout the North Star State. Wild rice soup and Swedish-inspired recipes are other popular favorites.
Mississippi
Nestled in the heart of the South, the Magnolia State is known for its delicious soul food and down-home country cooking. Throughout Mississippi, you’ll find recipes that call for catfish, sweet potatoes and pecans.
Missouri
Have you ever been to the Show-Me State? Then you know it has a lot of delicious food to offer. You’ll find recipes that speak to several portions of the state, such as Ozark Mountain Berry Pie and KC-style barbecue.
Montana
Montana is known for its meat, peaches and delectable baked goods. Throughout the Treasure State, you’ll find local recipes that honor these favorite dishes.
Nebraska
Stuffed beef sandwiches? Nebraska natives understand how delicious this German-Russian dish is. You’ll find recipes for these sandwiches—plus many other favorites—all across the Cornhusker State.
Nevada
It’s difficult to pin down specific foods that make Nevada famous, but the state’s entertainment hub, Las Vegas, has no shortage of ethnic dishes. You’ll find representations of different cooking styles all across the Silver State, including Mexican recipes, Southern favorites and much more.
New Hampshire
Fall flavors take center stage in New Hampshire cuisine. Across the state, you’ll find recipes that call for apples, pumpkin and maple.
New Jersey
Have you ever had a Jersey-style hot dog? Trust us, they’re delicious. Throughout New Jersey, you’ll find this classic recipe—plus other Garden State favorites.
New Mexico
Spices rule the Southwestern recipes of New Mexico. You’ll find twists on all sorts of Mexican favorites, dominated by jalapenos, green chilies and lime.
New York
There’s no shortage of iconic New York foods. From bagels to pastrami sandwiches and buffalo wings to cheesecake, these recipes are sure to transport you to the Big Apple (and beyond!).
North Carolina
Hungry for some quality Southern cooking? Head to North Carolina where you’ll find recipes for fried chicken, barbecue and peach-y desserts.
North Dakota
With strong German and Scandinavian influences, plus bountiful local crops, North Dakota’s famous foods are a must-try. Look for knoephla soup, Swedish rice rings, rhubarb desserts and freshly caught walleye.
Ohio
From Cincinnati to Cleveland—and everywhere in between—you’ll find classic Ohio cuisine. chili, German dishes, and those chocolate-covered peanut butter balls put the Buckeye State on the map.
Oklahoma
Ah, Oklahoma! Where the wind comes sweepin’ down the plains. This state is known for its twists on Southern cuisine. You’ll find fried okra, biscuits with gravy, corn bread and other comfort foods.
Oregon
Oregon’s state fruit is the pear, but you’ll also find marionberries, cherries and cranberries throughout the Beaver State. Look for pies, cookies and breads that incorporate these fresh fruits.
Pennsylvania
Whether you’re chowing down on a Philly cheesesteak or an Italian delicacy, enjoy these recipes from across the Keystone State.
Rhode Island
When you’re situated right on the ocean, fresh seafood is a given. Enjoy Rhode Island delicacies, like stuffed clams and chowder, all across the Ocean State.
South Carolina
Fresh seafood or Southern flair? Get the best of both worlds in South Carolina. Throughout the Palmetto State, you’ll find fresh crab, juicy peach cobblers, cheesy grits and more.
South Dakota
Similar to North Dakota, you’ll find that rich German dishes and local produce define the cuisine of the Mount Rushmore State. Look for kuchen, fresh walleye and garden-grown vegetables.
Tennessee
In true Southern fashion, you’ll find plenty of comfort food in the Volunteer State. Corn bread, fried chicken, sweet potatoes and pretty pies line dinner tables all across Tennessee.
Texas
Just like everything else in Texas, the food is big on flavor. Throughout the Lone Star State you’ll find a lot of Mexican-inspired dishes as well as classic Southern comfort foods.
Utah
Can you really claim to be from Utah unless you love funeral potatoes? We didn’t think so. This creamy casserole made with potatoes, cream soup and crunchy topping is enjoyed at all sorts of occasions. In the Beehive State, you’ll also find recipes that call for some of Utah’s signature crops, such as corn, apples and peaches.
Vermont
Vermont is known for many famous foods (looking at you Ben & Jerry’s!), but perhaps no item is as iconic as maple syrup. After all, the state produces millions of gallons of the stuff every year. Throughout the Green Mountain State, you’ll find lots of maple recipes, plus a few local favorites.
Virginia
If you want to eat like a Virginia local, indulge in peanuts, crab and oysters. You’ll find recipes that call for these staples across the entire state.
Washington
The Pacific Northwest is known for its fresh seafood and bountiful apple crop. Throughout the Evergreen State, you’ll find recipes for apple pie, grilled salmon, crab cakes and more.
West Virginia
West Virginia is right on the border between the South and the Northeast, so locals borrow flavors from both regions. You’ll find recipes for biscuits, stews, pies and more.
Wisconsin
Say cheese! The Badger State is known for its signature ingredients: cheese, bratwurst and beer. You’ll find these staples all across the state, as well as dishes that pay homage to Wisconsin’s German roots.
Wyoming
Residents of Wyoming know that you need fuel for a long day on the ranch, so head on over to the Cowboy State and indulge in steak, giant cookies and other farm-fresh favorites.
Originally Published: September 04, 2018
