When it comes to comfort food, the West Coast is the best coast! From fish tacos to pork chili verde, these West Coast foods will warm your soul.
25 Comfort Foods All West Coasters Know
Updated on Feb. 06, 2024
California Lemon Pound Cake
Citrus trees grow abundantly in California, and I’m always looking for new recipes which use the fruit from the orange and lemon trees in my yard. This is one of my favorites! My mother passed this recipe down to me. —Richard Killeaney, Spring Valley, California
1/25
2/25
Cioppino
Total Time
4 hours 40 min
Servings
8 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're looking for a great seafood recipe for your slow cooker, this classic fish stew is just the ticket. It's brimming with clams, crab, fish and shrimp, and it is fancy enough to be an elegant meal. —Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 205 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable.
3/25
Homemade Fry Bread
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Crispy, doughy and totally delicious, this fry bread is fantastic with nearly any sweet or savory topping you can think of. We love it with a little butter, a drizzle of honey and a squeeze of lemon. —Thelma Tyler, Dragoon, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 124 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 234mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
4/25
Chile Colorado Burritos
Total Time
6 hours 35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was growing up in Southern California, this was one of my favorite Mexican dishes. It's hard to find now that I live in the Midwest—except in my kitchen! —Kelly McCulley, Des Moines, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito (calculated without beans): 414 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 889mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein.
5/25
Almost It's-It Ice Cream Sandwiches
Total Time
55 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll discover why this treat is so popular in San Francisco. It's snack heaven—ice cream, delicious oatmeal cookies and a touch of chocolate. Swap the vanilla ice cream for your favorite flavor. —Jacyn Siebert, San Francisco, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 ice cream sandwich: 580 calories, 29g fat (16g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 364mg sodium, 74g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
6/25
Pacific Northwest Pickled Shrimp
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This refreshing recipe is one of my husband's favorites. I like to serve the sweet-sour pickled shrimp when we're entertaining. People say it's addictive! —Kathy Wright, Highland, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 169 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 267mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
7/25
Oregon’s Best Marionberry Pie
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I believe Marionberries make the best berry pie in the world. And when you add some cream cheese and flavorings, you'll be making the best even better! —Frances Benthin, Scio, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 572 calories, 30g fat (15g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 478mg sodium, 71g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein.
8/25
Utah Buttermilk Scones
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Buttermilk makes these classic Utah scones so delightful that you'll most likely eat too many. The texture is light and airy and the taste is delightful. It's a family favorite we eat often. Don't forget the honey butter—it's the perfect addition to the perfect scone. —Nichole Jones, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 scone: 184 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 116mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
9/25
Vegan Apple Pie
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This pie won grand champion in the Apple Pie category at the 1992 Okanogan County Fair. The pie looks traditional, but homemade filling gives it a different flair and a terrific taste. —Dolores Scholz, Tonasket, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 496 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 351mg sodium, 69g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
10/25
Chipotle Lime Corn Cobs
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In Mexico, grilled corn sometimes comes slathered in mayonnaise, rolled in grated cheese, and served with lime and chili powder. This is my family’s take on the dish, with our own flavor enhancements. —Carolyn Kumpe, El Dorado, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 ear of corn: 289 calories, 18g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 240mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein.
11/25
Herb Grilled Salmon
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I have a huge herb garden and love using herbs in almost everything I cook. Living in the Pacific Northwest, we eat a lot of wild-caught salmon, so I use fresh herbs in this moist and delicious grilled recipe. On cooler days, bake it instead. —Michelle Glassmeyer Wunsch, Bothell, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked salmon: 325 calories, 25g fat (7g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 379mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 20g protein.
12/25
Cobb Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings (1-1/4 cups dressing)
From the Recipe Creator:
Made on the fly by Hollywood restaurateur Bob Cobb in 1937, the Cobb salad is a world-famous American dish. Here's a fresh take, with all the original appeal and an extra special presentation. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 575 calories, 52g fat (8g saturated fat), 147mg cholesterol, 1171mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 20g protein.
13/25
Utah Funeral Potatoes
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This versatile side dish is so good with grilled steak, and is delicious with other meats as well. A creamy cheese sauce and crunchy topping make this potato casserole popular for family dinners and potlucks. —Teresa Stutzman, Adair, Oklahoma. In the time of grief, console your loved ones with these funeral desserts.
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 663 calories, 43g fat (27g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 1359mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein.
14/25
Pork Chile Verde
Total Time
6 hours 55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pork slowly stews with jalapenos, onion, green enchilada sauce and spices in this flavor-packed Mexican dish. It's wonderful on its own or stuffed in a warm tortilla with sour cream, grated cheese or olives on the side. —Kimberly Burke, Chico, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 345 calories, 18g fat (4g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 545mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein.
15/25
Thai Takeout Fried Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband often ordered pineapple fried rice at Thai restaurants, so I surprised him by tweaking some similar recipes to come up with a version that's both simple and delicious. —Bonnie Brien, Pacific Grove, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 491 calories, 18g fat (3g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 513mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein.
16/25
Sufganiyot
Total Time
40 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Sufganiyot are believed to have first come from Spain, adapted from a similar treat, the sopaipilla. Others say the sopaipilla was borrowed from the Jews. Either way, as a tradition, these Hanukkah doughnuts are an easy one to adopt, especially with this delicious sufganiyot recipe. —David Feder, Buffalo Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 filled doughnut: 133 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
17/25
The Ultimate Fish Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is my favorite meal to prepare. Adding my own personal touch to the marinade makes my fish tacos pop with flavor. I warm corn tortillas on the grill and add salsa, cilantro, purple cabbage and fresh squeezed lime. —Yvonne Molina, Moreno Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 284 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 278mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
18/25
Huckleberry Cheese Pie
Total Time
50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To us Idahoans, huckleberries are a treasure. My family enjoys this recipe a lot, and I serve it as a special treat when we have guests. —Pat Kuper, McCall, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 379 calories, 23g fat (12g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 192mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
19/25
Carne Adovada Sopes
Total Time
2 hours 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I call this "dude food", as my husband and son would eat this weekly. The tender pork is great. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 sope with 1/2 cup pork mixture (calculated without optional toppings): 423 calories, 23g fat (5g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 787mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 24g protein.
20/25
Monster Cookies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Who can resist gigantic monster cookies chock-full of goodies like chocolate chips, M&M's and peanut butter? If your appetite isn't quite monster-size, make them by heaping tablespoonfuls. This is the world's best monster cookies recipe. —Judy Fredenberg, Missoula, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 320 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 213mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
21/25
Chicken Chimichangas
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I developed this quick and easy recipe through trial and error. I used to garnish it with sour cream, but I eliminated it in order to lighten the recipe. My friends all love it when I cook these chimichangas, and they're much healthier than deep-fried. —Rickey Madden, Clinton, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 chimichanga: 269 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 613mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
22/25
Smoked Salmon in the Oven
Total Time
45 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A magazine featured this recipe years ago, and it's still my favorite way to serve salmon. Just add crackers for a super simple yet elegant appetizer. —Norma Fell, Boyne City, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 ounces cooked salmon: 95 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 324mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 10g protein.
23/25
Pineapple Pie with Coconut Cream
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings (2/3 cup coconut cream)
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll find pineapples and coconuts everywhere in the South Pacific, so we play them up in this creamy cool pineapple pie, dolloped with coconut cream. Divine! —Karen Naihe, Kamuela, Hawaii
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece with about 1 tablespoon coconut cream: 601 calories, 41g fat (24g saturated fat), 139mg cholesterol, 320mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
24/25
Creamy Mushroom-Thyme Soup
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I pick the mushrooms for this soup in the beautiful forests of the Pacific Northwest. There is nothing like harvesting fresh ingredients all by yourself, surrounded by nature. It's a spiritual thing! —Kristy Arnett, Stevenson, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 231 calories, 17g fat (11g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 685mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
25/25
Oregon's Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Cookie
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Oregon has an abundance of nuts, and these nutty cookies are popular with the ladies at my craft club. Growing up during the Depression, my mother taught us to use what was available and said, "It doesn't have to be expensive to be good." She was right! —Selmer Looney, Eugene, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 299 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 251mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
