Eat Your Way Across the 50 States

From the Atlantic to the Pacific, we've identified one must-try dish from every state. The best part? You can whip up these recipes straight from your own kitchen, no suitcase or cross-country road trip required.

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Alabama

Photo: Oxmoor House

Alabama Recipe
If you find yourself in Alabama, you may notice one or two barbecue joints around town. One in particular that has garnered plenty of attention over the past few years is Saw's BBQ. The owner, Mike Wilson, a North Carolina native and former test kitchen chef at Cooking Light, grew quite the reputation for making some amazing barbecue and has since carried that talent straight into the hearts and appetites of Birmingham's biggest barbecue fans.

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Alaska

Sesame Cabbage Salad with Grilled Salmon

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Alaska Recipe
Alaska is home to some of the best wild salmon that nature has to offer. As one of the most iconic centerpieces of Alaskan cuisine, salmon is often served smoked, dried, cured, or even candied. We love this recipe for grilled salmon that features a hearty, fresh salad to accompany it.

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Arizona

Photo: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Arizona Recipe
The Southwest is full of amazing restaurants, but one that stands out is Someburros in Arizona, a restaurant known for some of the best chimichangas in the state. Established in 1986, Someburros can be found in multiple cities across Arizona, which is good news for every Mexican food lover out there. The even better news is that great chimichangas can also come from your very own kitchen.

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Arkansas

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Lydia DeGaris Pursell

Arkansas Recipe
The World Cheese Dip Championship? Yes, it’s a real thing, and it’s hosted every year in Arkansas. Cheese dip has been around in the state since the 1940’s and has carved out a unique place in its culinary scene. Varying from yellow to white and orange to red, you can find it in restaurants throughout the state served with tortilla chips and sometimes French fries.

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California

Photo: Levi Brown; Styling: Thom Driver

California Recipe
Make SoCal food truck-style fish tacos at home using fresh tilapia, avocado, cilantro and corn tortillas, and top with a creamy onion-jalapeño mixture for amazing flavor.

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Colorado

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Thom Driver

Colorado Recipe
The Mile High City is known for their obsession with green chili. They smother it over burritos, serve it as a dip with tortilla chips, and there are even rumors of fanatics who use it as a topping for their favorite dessert! Unlike Texas Chili, Colorado-style green chili is pork-based and loaded with fresh green peppers which give the chili its distinctive hue. We’re green with envy over this hearty bowl!

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Connecticut

Photo: Tina Cornett; Styling: Leslie Byars Simpson

Connecticut Recipe
New Haven, Connecticut, is known as the “Birthplace of the Hamburger.” If you’re ever in the area, stop by Louis’ Lunch and listen to the now-famous story of Louis Lassen and his first-ever hamburger as you sink your teeth into the original fast-food creation. The state itself is home to a plethora of top-notch burger joints, but if you try one at Louis’ place, your patty will come sandwiched between two pieces of buttered white toast instead of a traditional bun.

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Delaware

Photo: Oxmoor House

Delaware Recipe
While Delaware isn’t exactly a food mecca, it definitely has its local favorites. Though the state may not have invented scrapple, a traditional mid-Atlantic breakfast staple, it’s done much to elevate its status. The running joke is, “Don’t ask what’s in it.” Comforting.

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Florida

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Linda Hirst

Florida Recipe
If you find yourself in Key West, visit Pepe’s Café, which boasts the fact that it’s the oldest restaurant in Key West, having been established in 1909, and also boasts one of the best Key Lime Pies in the area.

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Georgia

Photo: Alison Miksch; Styling: Marian Cooper Cairns

Georgia Recipe
If you know the South, then you know that Georgia is known for its peaches. If you stop through Atlanta, Paschal’s is a great place to pick up some delicious soul food, and of course, some incredible peach cobbler.

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Hawaii

Fish Tacos with Lime Crema and Mango Salsa

Oxmoor House

Hawaii Recipe
Locals of this laid back state enjoy their fish wrapped in a tortilla, a tradition that began around the same time as the surfing craze of the late 20th century. Hawaiian fish tacos aren’t breaded, and are often times served with fresh toppings like mango or pineapple. Next time you find yourself on Maui’s northwest coast, look for taco stands that serve this local favorite.

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Idaho

Photo: Kate Sears; Styling: Gerri Williams

Idaho Recipe
More than any other food item, potatoes are iconic in Idaho, more specifically, giant potatoes that can be baked and topped with the best ingredients. In Blackfoot, Idaho, be sure to stop by the Idaho Potato Museum, which stands as a testament to the state’s most iconic food.

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Illinois

Chicago Char Dog with Fresh Cucumber Relish

Photo: Tru Studio

Illinois Recipe
Hot dogs gained popularity in Chicago during the Great Depression, where a hot meal could be purchased for just a nickel. In the 60’s, the iconic Chicago restaurant Portillo’s began as a humble hot dog stand. Today, the Portillo’s Chicago dog is still a local favorite, and the restaurant itself is a great place to get your fix of authentic Chicago fare.

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Indiana

Photo: Line T. Klein; Styling: Paige Hicks

Indiana Recipe
Word on the street is the first pork tenderloin sandwich can be traced back to Nick’s Kitchen in Huntington, Indiana. The sandwich has etched its way into Indiana’s cuisine and is typically served with French fries or onion rings.

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Iowa

Photo: Romulo Yanes; Styling: Lindsey Lower

Iowa Recipe
You know you’re from Iowa when you can eat an entire ear of corn in 20 seconds flat. Welcome to the state that leads the nation in annual corn production. In fact, corn is grown in every county in the state, but we’re not complaining. We prefer ours doused in this creamy, savory topping.

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Kansas

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Leigh Ann Ross

Kansas Recipe
Toto, we’re definitely in Kansas. It’s no doubt that barbecue rules in this state, and our Kansas City Barbecued Chicken makes for delightfully sticky-fingered eating.

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Kentucky

Photo: Line T. Klein; Styling: Paige Hicks

Kentucky Recipe
If your road trip involves a detour through Louisville, be sure to visit the historic Brown Hotel. The hotel’s famous culinary claim, the “Hot Brown,” was created in 1926 as an open-faced sandwich with turkey and bacon smothered in a Mornay cheese sauce. Today, the hotel still boasts an incredible menu, but also still takes pride in their original lunch specialty.

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Louisiana

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Ginny Branch

Louisiana Recipe
For a killer po’ boy, stop by Mahony’s on your next journey to The Big Easy. The traditional sub-style sandwich has its roots stretching all the way back to the 1800’s. Mahony’s is a small, cozy restaurant that serves up all different kinds of authentic varieties of New Orleans’ favorite sandwich.

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Maine

Photo: Marcus Nilsson; Styling: Angharad Bailey

Maine Recipe
A trip to Maine would be remiss without a taste of the state’s amazing fresh lobster. Restaurants such as Robert’s Maine Grill serve up tasty lobster dishes like pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and of course, steamed or baked stuffed lobster.

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Maryland

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Rachael Burrow

Maryland Recipe
One of the best places for award-winning crab cakes in Maryland is Phillip’s Seafood, a massive seafood institution located along Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The best news for those not in Maryland is that you can whip up your own tasty crab cakes right at home.

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Massachusetts

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Lindsey Ellis Beatty

Massachusetts Recipe
For some incredible chowder, it’s no surprise that New England has that special something. For an incredibly good bowl of authentic clam chowder, it should be thick and hearty, but not heavy. If you find yourself in Boston looking for a great place to snag a bowl, look no further than Legal Sea Foods for a great place to chow down.

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Michigan

Photo: Melina Hammer; Styling: Lydia Degaris Pursell

Michigan Recipe
Northern Michigan is known for growing the best, juiciest cherries in the world. The National Cherry Festival, held each July in Traverse City, has been named one of USA Today’s top ten annual festivals. We know not much can beat a classic cherry pie—but how about a personal-sized treat that no one can snatch from you?

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Minnesota

Swedish Meatballs with Red Currant Pan Sauce

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Lindsey Lower, Claire Spollen

Minnesota Recipe
As a state with strong Scandinavian heritage, it’s no wonder Minnesotans make a mean Swedish meatball. Ours are made with ground sirloin, grated onion, panko, dill, and other spices and are served over egg noodles with a silky-sweet red currant pan sauce.

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Mississippi

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Heather Chadduck

Mississippi Recipe
This decadent and super-chocolatey pie got its name for resembling the thick mud on the banks of the Mississippi River. Dense and fudgy, with a s’mores marshmallow topping, we don’t mind that comparison one bit.

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Missouri

Photo: Oxmoor House

Missouri Recipe
Supposedly originating with a botched cake recipe in the 1930s, gooey butter cake is very popular in the state of Missouri. Traditionally, the bottom layer of the cake is flat and dense and the top layer is the "gooey butter" and is made from powdered sugar and cream cheese. This slimmed-down version is less than 200 calories and 4 grams of saturated fat per luscious serving.

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Montana

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Cindy Barr

Montana Recipe
Out in Big Sky Country where the economy is mostly based on ranching, you can go just about anywhere and get a juicy bison dish that rivals any beef steak or burger you’ve ever had. Bison has a deeper, richer flavor that stands up well to the piney rosemary in this iconic kebab plate.

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Nebraska

Photo: Oxmoor House

Nebraska Recipe
Some people assume the Reuben was created in New York City where the sandwich is very popular but the truth is that it was invented by Reuben Kulakofsky in Omaha, Nebraska, as a filling late-night snack for his poker-playing friends.

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Nevada

Shrimp Cocktail with Green Goblin Dressing

Photo: Charles Schiller; Styling: Lynn Miller

Nevada Recipe
It might be a Vegas cliché, but the shrimp cocktail is one thing that Nevada has made its own. In 1959, the Golden Gate Hotel-Casino introduced it for fifty cents. It stayed fifty cents until 1991, and now costs $2.99. Since then, the Golden Gate has sold more than 30 million cocktails, always served lettuce filler-free in a tulip sundae glass.

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New Hampshire

Panko-Crusted Cod with Tomato-Basil Relish

Photo: Brian Woodcock; Styling: Mary Clayton Carl

New Hampshire Recipe
Everyone knows seafood is a specialty and a point of pride in all New England cuisine. New Hampshire, which has massive inland lakes and a few dozen miles of Atlantic shoreline is no different and is known for the cod fish with mild flavor and flaky white flesh.

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New Jersey

Photo: Marcus Nilsson

New Jersey Recipe
A great place for a burger in New Jersey can be found in a town called Hackensack at a local favorite called White Manna, a pint-sized burger joint that draws in big crowds for its iconic burgers and fries.

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New Mexico

Photo: Peden & Munk; Styling: Amy Wilson

New Mexico Recipe
Like all good New Mexico food, these Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas are simple, earthy, and delicious. Its heat depends on the chiles so go with Anaheims if you scorch easily.

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New York

Photo: John Kernick; Styling: Kim Ficaro

New York Recipe
Interested in the best cheesecake New York City has to offer? Stop by places like Eileen’s Special Cheesecake in Manhattan, or Junior’s Restaurant in Brooklyn for some of the best slices of cheesecake in The Big Apple.

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North Carolina

North Carolina Recipe
The marinade for this chicken was inspired by the great North Carolina pork barbecue techniques. If you find yourself in Lexington, a great barbecue joint there is called Lexington Barbecue, but is better known as "The Honey Monk."

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North Dakota

Photo: Tina Rupp

North Dakota Recipe
Kuchen is a traditional German fruit or cheese-filled yeast cake that's common in North Dakota and served at any time of day. We love that this is a hearty, rustic, belly-filling pastry with nothing dainty about it. North Dakota also gets to share their love of kuchen with their favorite neighboring state, South Dakota.

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Ohio

Photo: Helene Dujardin; Styling: Missie Neville Crawford

Ohio Recipe
In this classic confection from the Buckeye State, creamy peanut butter and chocolate combine to create an adorable replica of an Ohio tree nut.

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Oklahoma

Photo: Van Chaplin; Styling: Vanessa McNeil Rocchio

Oklahoma Recipe
If you’re looking for a great chicken-fried steak, you don’t have to look any further than Oklahoma City. What many describe as the state’s official meal, it’s easy to see that this country style steak is the quintessential Route 66 chicken-fry experience. Needless to say, it’s delicious and probably covered in gravy.

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Oregon

Grilled Salmon with Sumac Oil and Green Onion Yogurt

Photo: Thomas J. Story

Oregon Recipe
Portland is known for some great food. Whether you’re looking for a great burger, a variety of beers, or a hot cup of coffee, you can find what you’re looking for. But for a piping hot plate of fresh Pacific Northwest salmon, look no further than Ox, a restaurant in Portland that pays homage to the wood-fired grilling tradition of Argentina.

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Pennsylvania

Photo: Oxmoor House

Pennsylvania Recipe
It’s meaty, gooey, and delightfully messy. Originating from Pat’s King of Steaks shop in Philadelphia in 1930, the shop is still going strong with their original creation of hot slices of steak, melted cheese, and a hearty bun.

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Rhode Island

Rhode Island Recipe
Chow down on some clam chowder in true Rhode Island fashion. This Quahog Chowder is the ultimate New England food anthem for the eastern Atlantic shore. If you can’t tread for clams for obvious geographic reasons or can’t seem to find them at your local market, you can order bundles of quahog clams online for only $1.29 per pound (excluding tax & shipping). Fun fact: Quahogs are famously named the state shellfish of Rhode Island.

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South Carolina

Photo: Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen

South Carolina Recipe
Charleston, SC is known for its beautiful harbor and historic architecture, but most of all, for the signature southern staple, shrimp & grits. Locals would eat this once humble dish during peak shrimp season. With its rise to the top of Southern cuisine, it’s no wonder why this lovely Lowcountry dish is now a beaming icon for Southern dining.

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South Dakota

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Mindi Shapiro and Amanda Widis

South Dakota Recipe
The folks of South Dakota take their love for German pastries to a whole new level. Kuchen, a yeast cake adorned with a variety of crunchy nuts, tart fruits, and creamy cheeses, is a pretty big deal in this state. In fact, an annual Kuchen Festival is held in honor of the official state dessert.

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Tennessee

Photo: Lisa Hubbard; Styling: Sara Quessenberry

Tennessee Recipe
It may come as no surprise that Tennessee is the iconic home for world-famous Memphis BBQ. In true southern style, get down and dirty with a rack of dry rub ribs. This finger-licking good southern staple draws millions of visitors to taste a culture rich in history, music, and food that's good for the soul.

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Texas

Photo: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Texas Recipe
In Dallas, it’s go big or go home. With a winning combination of Tex-Mex and barbecue, there’s no question why Dallas is known for juicy, tender, melt in your mouth brisket. Braised overnight, low and slow – these carne stuffed tortillas pack some big Texas flavor.

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Utah

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Lydia Degaris-Pursell

Utah Recipe
Bear Lake, Utah is famous for its raspberries. The climate is perfect for growing these sweet berries and the nearby town of Garden City boasts the best raspberry shakes you will ever try. No trip to Bear Lake, Utah is complete without one!

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Vermont

Karry Hosford

Vermont Recipe
Vermont’s agricultural landscape is home to rich maple forests and abundant dairy farms. With the best of both, Vermont is home to a frosty treat dubbed the "maple creemee," a swirling tower of soft-serve ice cream sweetened with maple.

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Virginia

Photo: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Karin Olsen

Virginia Recipe
One of the pride and joys of Virginia agriculture is the peanut. Virginia peanuts are famously larger and crunchier than standard peanuts and are considered more of a gourmet variety. A great way to enjoy authentic Virginia peanuts is to include them in a fantastic array of desserts and snacks to get the most out of their hearty crunch.

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Washington

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Mindi Shapiro and Amanda Widis

Washington Recipe
The state of Washington produces more than half of the country’s apples. What to do with all of those apples? Make a pie, of course! If you happen to find yourself in Seattle, stop by Pie, a place with a simple name that sells any and every kind of pie you could think of, including of course, apple pie.

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West Virginia

West Virginia Recipe
Some like it cheesy, some like it relished. West Virginia likes their dog topped with yellow mustard, a meaty chili sauce, and iconically topped with sweet coleslaw. If you stop through West Virginia, be sure to find Hillbilly Hot Dogs, an establishment with over 20 different kinds of hot dogs to choose from!

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Wisconsin

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Heather Chadduck

Wisconsin Recipe
Everybody knows that Wisconsin is known for its cheese, and all it takes is one bite of the macaroni and cheese from Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery in Milwaukee to understand that. We love this four-cheese macaroni topped with breadcrumbs, bacon, and pecans for a crunchy yet creamy take on this pub favorite.

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Wyoming

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Leigh Ann Ross

Wyoming Recipe
In the Cowboy State, good old faithful beans and jerky are a way of life living on the frontier. With two times more cows than people and the largest bison population roaming the grasslands, there’s no debate where to get the best authentic cowboy cuisine.

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Eat Your Way Across the 50 States

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Alabama

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Alaska

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Arizona

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Arkansas

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California

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Colorado

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Connecticut

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Delaware

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Florida

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Georgia

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Hawaii

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Idaho

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Illinois

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Indiana

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Iowa

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Kansas

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Kentucky

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Louisiana

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Maine

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Maryland

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Massachusetts

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Michigan

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Minnesota

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Mississippi

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Missouri

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Montana

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Nebraska

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Nevada

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New Hampshire

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New Jersey

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New Mexico

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New York

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North Carolina

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North Dakota

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Ohio

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Oklahoma

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Oregon

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Pennsylvania

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Rhode Island