Most Popular Family Recipes From Every State

These recipes have been shared among families for generations.

Most Popular Family Recipes From Every State

Famous Minnesota hot dish with tater tots

From coast to coast, we know and love our home-state foods for so many reasons. There’s comfort in those familiar tastes and smells. But, apart from being tasty, they also define the culture in which we were raised.

We took a look around and gathered up the most-loved food recipes in every state that have been shared among families for generations. Here’s what we found.

Alabama: Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried green tomatoes are good just about anywhere, but no one does them quite like those from the state of Alabama. It’s no wonder that’s the setting of the film by the same name. You can find tons of restaurants known for the iconic, crispy, crunchy dish, but just about everyone who lives here knows how to make them just right.

Try This Recipe From Food Network

Alaska: Moose Steak

You may not be too familiar with moose steak unless you’re from Alaska or visit there often. This wild game is as common in Alaska as meats like beef, chicken or pork are elsewhere. You can find it in the grocery store or kill it yourself. It’s known to be pretty delicious in stews, but if you’re Alaskan, you’ll eat it for just about any meal of the day.

Try This Recipe From TheAlaskaLife.com

Arizona: Tamales

The tamale is a classic Mesoamerican dish that’s extremely popular in Arizona. They can be made of masa or dough and are usually wrapped in a banana leaf or corn husk. Fillings include pork, chicken, beef or vegetarian fillings such as cheese and onion. Whatever you put in them, they are pretty scrumptious no matter what.

Try This Recipe From Everyday Southwest

Arkansas: Fried Okra

This dish is definitely a southern classic. Even though okra is good for you, frying it probably doesn’t offer the most nutritional benefits. Still, dredging it in cornmeal and frying it until crispy perfection is pretty good for your tastebuds. If you’re going to give it a try, Arkansas is known as the place to do it.

Try This Recipe From Taste of Home

California: Avocado Toast

Before the concept of slathering a piece of toast with fresh avocado became mainstream, California was the avocado toast capital of, well, the world. Still, out in Cali you can get your avocado toast just about any way you like it — with spices, tomato, bacon, you name it!

Try This Recipe From California Avocados

Colorado: Elk Sausage

Everything elk is popular in Colorado. And why wouldn’t it be? If you’ve ever driven through Western Colorado, you’ve probably noticed that the elk population is not hurting! Luckily, people love to eat the delicious meat, too, especially in the form of elk sausage, which is frequently mixed with jalapenos.

Try This Recipe From Food Network

Connecticut: Grinders

If you don’t know what a “grinder” is, don’t worry — you’ve likely already had one. It’s a submarine sandwich or a hoagie. But, word on the street is, Connecticut is where the sandwich was popularized, named after the welders and “grinders” at the shipyards. What makes them so good? Or, “wicked good”? The Italian lunch meats and large amounts of olive oil.

Try This Recipe From Livestrong.com

Delaware: Creamed Chipped Beef

Creamed chipped beef is generally a brunch food. It’s dried beef in a creamy white sauce. You can add all kinds of spices or, most commonly, Worcestershire sauce, and it’s typically poured over toast or English muffins.

Try This Recipe From Small Town Woman

Florida: Conch Fritters

They probably remind you of the Caribbean, but conch fritters are every bit as popular in Florida. The crunchy fritters are made by combining conch meat, peppers, garlic and flour, and then fried to perfection. Wash it down with a margarita with a lime, and you’re basically honeymoonin’.

Try This Recipe From Garlic & Zes

Georgia: Grits

Never had a grit? Well, then you’ve never really lived! Grits are an especially popular food in Georgia, but they are becoming mainstream elsewhere. They’re a comfort food made with cornmeal that was typically popular at breakfast time. But, these days, there are tons of variations, like cheesy grits, that make them appropriate any time of day.

Try This Recipe From Grandbaby Cakes

Hawaii: Poke

It’s a diced raw fish that tastes way better than it sounds — especially in Hawaii. It’s certainly a dish that you have to try when visiting the Aloha state as either an appetizer or a main dish. The main ingredients are typically yellowfin tuna, soy sauce, seaweed and chili pepper.

Try This Recipe From AllRecipes

Idaho: Tater Tots

Potato recipes in Idaho are rampant! But the people in the potato state really love their tots, and they take them seriously, too. You can put them in a casserole, turn them into nachos or eat them plain. No matter what, you’ll be satisfied with whatever tots you taste in Idaho.

Try This Recipe From Damn Delicious

Illinois: Deep-Dish Pizza

Everyone knows Chicago is all about the deep-dish pizza, but it’s so well-loved in the Windy City that this pie with thick crust and tons of space for extra cheese and marinara can be found all throughout the state. It’s certainly a must-try when visiting with the fam.

Try This Recipe From Sally’s Baking Addiction

Indiana: Shrimp Cocktail

It might not be an obvious choice, but shrimp cocktail is uber-popular in Indiana — mainly due to the signature dish at Indianapolis’ popular Elmo Steakhouse. The secret? The cocktail sauce is made with make-your-eyes-water spicy horseradish.

Try This Recipe From The Curvy Carrot

Iowa: Roast Beef Sandwiches

Iowans love roast beef, and they love it even more when it’s sliced extra thin and in between two slices of white bread. Mashed potatoes on top or on the side are also a must and, oh yeah, tons of smooth, creamy, thick gravy. It’s definitely one of the most popular orders at restaurants, but if you live in Iowa, your grandma would probably be happy to make it for you, too.

Try This Recipe From Cuisine at Home

Kansas: Ribs

You probably know you’re in Kansas if you have sticky fingers. Folks in the Sunflower State love to get their hands dirty, at least when they’re eating ribs. The classic dish is usually characterized by an extra thick sauce and tons of flavor. Luckily, they know how to barbeque the best ribs around, so it’s well worth the mess.

Try This Recipe From Serious Eats

Kentucky: Hot Brown

Haven’t heard of it? While it may not exactly be the most appetizing-sounding dish, the hot brown is a classic in Kentucky — and rightfully so. It was created at The Brown Hotel in Louisville. It generally involves Texas toast, turkey, bacon, tomatoes and a whole lot of cheese and cream.

Try This Recipe From The Brown Hotel

Louisiana: Beignets

Louisiana doesn’t really have limits when it comes to fried food. But the classic beignet is probably the most iconic one in the state. It’s basically a French donut or a deep-fried pastry covered in powdered sugar.

Try This Recipe From Louisiana Cookin’

Maine: Lobster Roll

If you’ve never had the pleasure of consuming a lobster roll, get yourself up to Maine in a hurry. The folks up north know their lobster and know exactly how to get that buttery roll to melt in your mouth.

Try This Recipe From Destination Kennebunkport

Maryland: Crab Cakes

There’s nothing quite like steamed Maryland crabs covered in Old Bay seasoning. But this East Coast state takes crab to the next level in the form of crab cakes. The lump crab meat coupled with the perfect spices is a must-have if you’re passing through.

Try This Recipe From Once Upon a Chef

Massachusetts: Clam Chow-dah

OK, you don’t have to say it with an accent, but your friends in Massachusetts will. Clam chowder is one of the most popular foods you can find in the New England state. (They don’t call it New England Clam Chowder for nothing.) It’s the perfect cold-weather dish, made with a creamy base, potatoes, butter, bacon and, of course, clams.

Try This Recipe From Hunter Angler Gardener Cook

Michigan: Pasty (or Hand Pie)

These are basically meat pockets that came out of the need for convenience. The wives of mine workers made these pocket pastry meals in the 19th century because they were easy to eat in the mines. They usually contain ground beef and a variety of veggies, like peas, onions and carrots.

Try This Recipe From Taste of Home

Minnesota: Hot Dish

This classic Minnesota food is definitely not found all across the U.S., but it’s certainly a staple in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. What is it, you ask? Well, it’s a casserole that usually contains a starch (like tater tots), meat, frozen veggies and a can of soup.

Try This Recipe From Mr. Food Test Kitchen

Mississippi: Pan-Fried Chicken

Southern United States Crispy Fried Chicken

There are several states that would likely argue that they have the best fried chicken. But it’s Mississippi where they perhaps take it the most seriously. It’s classic comfort food that locals have been making for decades, and they have the recipe down to a science. Every restaurant serves it, but if you live there, you’re probably making it yourself tonight for a family dinner.

Try This Recipe From Food52

Missouri: Beans and Ham Hocks

A perfect food for those chilly Missouri winters, beans and ham hocks is the ultimate comfort food. It’s simiilar to a chili or soup with a delicious ham flavor that brings back memories of grandma’s house.

Try This Recipe From Midwest Living

Montana: Bear (or Grizzly) Paws

Bear paws make a sweet treat that you aren’t likely to know about unless you live in Montana. They are small “paws” of handmade vanilla caramel dipped in milk or semi-sweet chocolate with cashews on top.

Try This Recipe From Cooking With Carlee

Nebraska: Chicken Fried Steak

Chicken fried steak is a midwestern staple, and several restaurants (and families) have their own variation. It’s a spicy, crunchy piece of cube steak that’s fried (like chicken) and then covered in gravy. If that doesn’t sound delicious to you, then head to the Cornhusker State where they just might change your mind.

Try This Recipe From Food Network

Nevada: Eggs Benedict

Eggs Benedict can be found in any state in the U.S., but no one loves the comfort of this breakfast food like Nevadans do. Perhaps it has something to do with all those late nights at the casinos. From Reno to Vegas, an order of this breakfast staple anywhere in Nevada is bound to be good.

Try This Recipe From The New York Times

New Hampshire: Maple Syrup Candy

Yes, it’s as delicious as it sounds. People are pretty much obsessed with maple syrup candy in New Hampshire. And why wouldn’t they be? It’s all the best things combined — maple syrup and butter — and it’s downright addictive. If you’re visiting the great state of New Hampshire, you’re definitely going to want to bring a stash home and give it to everyone you know (or keep it for yourself).

Try This Recipe From The Spruce Eats

New Jersey: Pork Roll

No, it’s not a hot dog. It’s breakfast meat, also known as Taylor ham, which is a sausage-like sliced meat that everyone in New Jersey seems to know and love. And they definitely don’t just savor it in the morning.

Try This Recipe From Saveur

New Mexico: Red Chile Enchiladas

When it comes to eating in New Mexico, you can’t go wrong with red chile enchiladas. Surely, you’ve tried enchiladas elsewhere, but New Mexicans fix them with their very own red chile sauce that makes them all their own. Plus, they typically stack their tortillas instead of rolling them, which makes the dish that much more flavorful.

Try This Recipe From New Mexico True

New York: New York-Style Pizza

The second pizza on this list, New Yorkers would argue that you haven’t had pizza until you’ve had a New York slice. From the crispy crust, to the perfection of the sauce, to the mere size of the slice, grabbing some “za” from a New York pizza shop is pretty much heaven. Of course, if you want to recreate the taste at home, investing in a pizza stone is a must.

Try This Recipe From Men’s Journal

North Carolina: Pimento Cheese Sandwich

This southern staple is especially popular in North Carolina. To make them you’ll use cheddar cheese, mayonnaise and pimentos (or red pepper). The mashed-up mix is spread onto white bread. For an added touch, spread the top exterior pieces of bread with mayonnaise, and cook the sandwich in a skillet with the mayonnaise side down. Yum!

Try This Recipe From Food Network

North Dakota: Goulash

Goulash, sometimes called a funeral hot dish, is a hearty midwestern meal that offers up a huge serving of comfort. In North Dakota, it’s made using macaroni noodles, ground beef, cheese and tomato sauce. Because who says you can’t pair your mac with more than just cheese?

Try This Recipe From Red River Valley Girls

Ohio: Chili Dogs

They're just hot dogs slathered in chili, but no one makes them quite like they do in the Buckeye State. There are all kinds of recipes that locals use — some that even include ingredients like cocoa and cinnamon.

Try This Recipe From The Chunky Chef

Oklahoma: Biscuits and Gravy

This traditional breakfast dish is especially popular in Oklahoma. You make it by cooking pork sausage in a pan, browning flour and adding milk and seasonings, such as salt and pepper, to create a thick gravy. Then, pour it over delicious, flaky biscuits.

Try This Recipe From Simply Recipes

Oregon: Dungeness Crab

Dungeness crab from the Oregon coast is one of a kind and is especially popular during the winter fishing season. The critter, named for the port in Washington by the same name, is served up several ways in this northwestern state, but simply steamed and served with aioli is just perfection.

Try This Recipe From Food & Wine

Pennsylvania: Cheesesteaks

Most locals have a cheesesteak shop that they’ll defend to their death. It’s the spot they’ve gone with their parents since they were kids. No matter what, though, it’s safe to say this state churns out the best cheesesteaks around.

Try This Recipe From Delish

Rhode Island: Johnnycakes

If you aren’t from Rhode Island, then you might not be familiar with Johnnycakes. Think of them as New England’s version of the tortilla. They can be made thick or thin, but how to make the best ones tends to vary based on what part of Rhode Island you’re from. They’re pretty simple to make, though, using cornmeal and milk.

Try This Recipe From Martha Stewart

South Carolina: Hush Puppies

A hush puppy is a savory, deep-fried round ball made from cornmeal-based batter. They are downright delicious, no doubt, and South Carolina is definitely the place to try them. Even the puppies here think so, which is why they got their clever name. Hunters and fishermen would feed them to their dogs to “hush the puppies,” while trying to catch a fish or stay quiet to kill their dinner.

Try This Recipe From Savory Spice

South Dakota: Fry Bread

South Dakota knows a thing or two about fry bread. It’s a flat dough bread, which can be fried or deep-fried. You can put just about anything on it, too! From jam to beef, you can do no wrong with options on your fry bread.

Try This Recipe From South Dakota Public Broadcasting

Tennessee: Fried Pickles

This tasty, crispy snack is a great anytime food, especially when you’re in Tennessee. Of course, they know how to do fried food of any kind, but there’s something about biting into a bitter pickle in the center of this crunchy masterpiece that will keep you coming back for more. Just try not to bite it while it’s too hot. Experienced fried pickle eaters know, you will scorch your tongue!

Try This Recipe From She Wears Many Hats

Texas: Brisket

You can get barbecue anywhere, but Texans really know how to smoke their beef brisket to perfection. Famous for their rubs, locals combine several spice ingredients to create a tasty, melt-in-your-mouth piece of meat. But smoking is really the name of the game here. Just a little salt, pepper and a delicious piece of meat are all you need.

Try This Recipe From House of Nash Eats

Utah: Scones

The British baked good is also incredibly popular in Utah — especially because their version is fried. So, basically they’re donuts or beignets, but why would we want to call them that?

Try This Recipe From Completely Delicious

Vermont: Maple Cookies

Not to be confused with New Hampshire’s maple syrup candy, maple cookies are also a thing. And they are exactly what they sound like — cookies made with delicious, local maple syrup. Most locals know how to make them, and chances are, you won’t be able to have just one.

Try This Recipe From Taste of Home

Virginia: Icebox Cake

An icebox cake is a dessert staple everywhere in Virginia, from Richmond to Roanoke. The name certainly suits it because it doesn’t need cooking or baking, and it’s served cold. It’s a layered cake with fruit and yummy whipped cream, and it’s pretty simple to whip up!

Try This Recipe From Kitchn

Washington: Salmon

Of course, Washington state has some of the best seafood offerings around, but salmon is king (whether you’re eating king salmon or sockeye). When heading up north, there are all kinds of salmon dishes to try. People say, the simpler the salmon dishes, the better. Either way, you’re going to get quality, tasty fish.

Try This Recipe From Taste of Home

West Virginia: Apple Butter

Spread it on a piece of toast or a biscuit, or eat it straight out of the jar. West Virginians love nothing as much as a delicious apple butter spread made from fresh-picked apples.

Try This Recipe From My Baking Addiction

Wisconsin: Beer Cheese Dip

The Badger State is famous for its cheese. You can eat cheese any which way, but one of the hometown favorites is in dip form. Not just any dip, but beer cheese dip. They love it with pretzels or crispy bread. But let’s face it: Just about anything tastes good in cheese dip.

Try This Recipe From Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin

Wyoming: Cowboy Cookies

In Wyoming, everyone knows how to make cowboy cookies because the recipes have been passed down for generations. There are tons of variations, but they’re typically made with coconut, oats, chocolate chips and whatever else strikes your fancy. They are definitely hearty enough for any cowboy’s taste!

Try This Recipe From Cooking and Beer