Tom Foster
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Unofficial comfort foods from each state are bound to differ considering that, well, everyone’s tastes are different. What might stand out as an ick for some folks could end up as a delicacy for others. The point is that comfort food is aptly named since it’s the type of fare that a lot of people don’t eat all the time, and find pleasing when they need something to chow down on.
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Alabama-Pecan Pie
There is a legend that Alabama is where the pecan pie was first created. Some think it was Louisiana, but it’s preferred to share a slice of this nut-laden pie rather than argue over it.
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Alaska-King Crab Legs
It sounds like a lot of work to go out, get the crab, clean the crab, and then enjoy this as comfort food. But seriously, when it’s available, don’t question it, and certainly don’t knock the use of this delicacy as a comfort food.
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Arizona-Chimichanga
How do you make a burrito better without changing its fundamental nature? Deep fry that sucker and enjoy, and you’ll have your answer. A good chimi can change your entire day if you let it.
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Arkansas-Cheese Dip
It’s simple, it’s good, and yeah, it’s not all that great for your health if you eat it constantly. But it’s still good and easy to procure and make, so it works. It’s funny to think it was created in Arkansas back in the 30s but dip your chip as you ponder and enjoy.
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California-Fish Tacos
A lot of people turn their noses up at fish tacos since the general idea is that beef or hamburgers are highly preferred. But when the meat is cooked correctly and the toppings are given the type of care needed to provide the full spectrum of taste, this is a great snack that won’t leave you feeling weighed down afterward.
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Colorado-Breakfast Burrito
Unofficial comfort foods in each state are vastly different most of the time. But a breakfast burrito is something that is found quite often in a lot of states. Still, learning that Colorado residents enjoy these so often is kind of uplifting since they are a great way to get your morning meal in one neat package.
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Connecticut-Steamed Hamburger
A lot of people think of a steamed burger and wrinkle their noses. However, it does have a few benefits over the average fried burger. Plus, it’s a simple and easy-to-make meal that doesn’t require a lot of work.
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Delaware-Scrapple
Delaware and their scrapple. As comfort foods in each state go, this isn’t something that looks that appealing. But it’s tough to argue with something that’s lasted for this long and is still a favorite dish of so many.
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Florida-Key Lime Pie
There are a lot of people who swear by this dish since it’s a great way to end a meal and feel satisfied when it’s all said and done. Then again, some might want to skip the meal altogether and just enjoy their slice of pie.
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Georgia-Peach Cobbler
When seeking out the unofficial comfort foods from each state it’s easy to run into stereotypes and assumptions based on pop culture or legend. But a Georgia peach and its many applications are easy to enjoy since peach cobbler is one of those dishes that a lot of people don’t feel the need to over-analyze.
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Hawaii-Loco Moco
When taking a look at unofficial comfort foods from each state it’s easy to look at Loco Moco and wonder what off-kilter imagination came up with this combination. But the upside is that it’s good for breakfast, lunch, or dinner since each component justifies such a decision.
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Idaho-Fries with Fry Sauce
Simplicity is king sometimes since comfort food doesn’t require complicated steps and measures. Sure, some of the unofficial comfort foods from each state are better or worse depending on their prep and cooking time. Fries and fry sauce are something one can enjoy with little to no time needed to get it all together.
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Illinois-Deep Dish Pizza
Some folks argue that this is a casserole, but don’t bother telling this to a Chicago resident since the deep dish is a delicacy. It’s more of a pizza pie for certain, but it’s comfort food, enjoy it and don’t worry about the semantics.
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Indiana-Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Looking at this thing makes it easy to think that it’s a joke food more than anything. But the deep-fried goodie slapped between two buns is something that a lot of people swear is great. It’s worth trying, at least once.
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Iowa-Loose Meat Sandwich
A lot of other people might see this as another version of a Sloppy Joe, but in Iowa, this is a comfort that many enjoy. It’s sloppy, and it’s hard to avoid getting part of it in your lap, but as a childhood favorite it’s one that’s hard to beat.
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Kansas-Smoked Sausages
Thank goodness for immigrants and all the various cuisines they brought to these shores, right? When talking about unofficial comfort foods in each state it’s easy to see how this Kansas favorite spread across the country in a big way.
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Kentucky-Hot Brown
Put plainly, the name doesn’t sound that great to people who don’t know the dish. But since 1926 this sandwich with turkey, bacon, and Mornay sauce has remained a favorite food in Kentucky.
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Louisiana-Gumbo
When listing the unofficial comfort foods of each state it does feel a little stereotypical to put gumbo on this list. But the taste of a well-made bowl of gumbo erases the need to care about that since the truth is that on any given day, this dish can warm a person up and leave them satisfied.
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Maine: Lobster Roll
Connecticut and Maine have a claim to lay on this dish, but typically those who know anything about lobster will think of Maine first. They’re both great states to find this delicacy in, but Maine has a firmer lock when it comes to its association with a great lobster roll.
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Maryland-Crab Cake
It’s true that the crab cake has made the rounds from one coast to another. However, the abundance of resources used to make this dish is still found in Maryland, and that’s the story a lot of people are sticking to.
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Massachusetts-New England Clam Chowder
People from one side of the nation to the other respect this dish and the many varieties that exist. But there’s something about a warm cup of chowder served in New England that feels right.
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Michigan-Coney Dog
Plenty of states have taken ownership of their own type of hotdog. Michigan though sticks to the coney, even though some folks still debate between this dish and pasties.
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Minnesota-Juicy Lucy
Sure, it looks like another hamburger, but unlike a lot of other hamburgers, the cheese is INSIDE. It’s not always spelled the same way, but it tastes just as good no matter how it’s classified.
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Mississippi-Mississippi Mud Pie
There’s a saying about beating your feet in the Mississippi mud, but this delight is certainly better when it starts to melt in your mouth. The resemblance to Mississippi mud is a great way to give a name to a dish though, and makes for a fun story.
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Missouri-Toasted Ravioli
A deep-fried ravioli…that’s interesting, to say the least. But it does appear that people in Missouri swear by this dish, and as a comfort food, it certainly looks like something to eat when you need a pick me up.
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Montana-Meat Pasty
As something that is portable and was consumed by miners back in the day, the pasty is a dish you don’t hear about often enough these days. Essentially a meat pie, it’s a tasty snack that’s worth hanging onto.
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Nebraska: Cheese Frenchee
How do you make something better? Deep fry the heck out of it and enhance the flavors, right? Okay, so it doesn’t work with everything, but with a cheese sandwich, it’s something that Nebraska residents still pine for today.
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Nevada-Buffet
A lot of people think of Reno and Las Vegas when thinking of Nevada, which makes it tough to come up with a favorite comfort food. But instead of that, a buffet offers so much to so many that picking a favorite isn’t necessary.
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New Hampshire-Apple Crisp
New Hampshire is home to a lot of the same treats as many states in the region. That makes it tough to choose a favorite food, but apple crisp is a great choice.
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New Jersey-Taylor Ham Sandwich
It’s a ham sandwich or a ham roll, but it looks good and reportedly it is good, so it’s a great choice. Combine it with eggs and this is the type of sandwich you’ll look forward to in the morning.
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New Mexico-Green Chile Stew
Don’t bother arguing about red or green chile stew, since you’ll spend all day talking. Take the green and enjoy it, since New Mexico knows how to do a great chile stew.
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New York-Buffalo Wings
Here’s a tip, take your wings, sit down, and enjoy them without commenting on who makes them best. New Yorkers lay claim to a lot of great things, but one thing you don’t want to argue about is their wings.
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North Carolina-Barbecue Pork Sandwich
There are places you go for barbecue, and places you don’t ever dispute when it comes to who does it best. Sauce styles, chopped or pulled, it’s just best to take your sandwich and say ‘thank you’ instead of debating.
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North Dakota-Kuchen
Technically it’s the state dessert of South Dakota, but it’s still popular in the north. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a comfort food that comes from another state.
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Ohio-Pierogi
There are plenty of favorite dishes in Ohio, and a lot of them were brought in and maintained by immigrants who made the USA their home. But the pierogi is one of those that has endured in its original form.
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Oklahoma-Chicken-Fried Steak
Ask anyone who’s started the day with a hangover or needs something to warm their bones. A chicken-fried steak is one of the best remedies around, and the taste stays with you for a while.
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Oregon-Marionberry Pie
This is one of the many dishes that help to bring in the summer in the PNW. Whether you see them in the store or at a restaurant, a slice of pie is fine anytime.
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Pennsylvania-Cheesesteak
More than one state has tried to lay claim to the cheesesteak as one of their greatest dishes. But tell that to someone from Philly and you’re likely to hear a snicker. Seriously, don’t diss the Philly cheesesteak.
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Rhode Island-Johnny Cakes
They look like flattened biscuits, but Johnny cakes are the type of food that makes you eat one, then another, and then wonder how you’ve polished off a dozen. Rhodey has a lot of great comfort foods, but these are next-level.
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South Carolina-Shrimp and Grits
Anywhere you go in the South it’s likely that you’ll see or hear about grits. But adding shrimp to the mix is something that South Carolina sees as a must.
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South Dakota-Frybread Tacos
It’s a taco, not a pizza, but it’s made with Navajo frybread, which is interesting and tasty-looking. It’s bound to get a little messy, so tuck in and hold on tight.
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Tennessee-Nashville Hot Chicken
Spicy fried chicken along with side dishes and a lot of bread. It’s heaven on a plate, or in a basket, or however you want to serve it. No need for further words, just…yeah.
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Texas-Barbecue Brisket
Texas is where you go when you want something barbecued to perfection. Or at least it’s one of the places. But don’t tell that to a Texan, they might shut the grill and tell you to move on.
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Utah-Funeral Potatoes
If you can get past the odd name then you’re in the clear. Usually served after funerals, this hashbrown, cheese, onions, potato chips, cream soup, butter, and cornflakes concoction is dull-looking but absolutely satisfying.
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Vermont-Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream
Put on the pjs, start binge-watching whatever show you’re into, and make sure your freezer is stocked with your favorite flavors. Honestly, that’s how a lot of us would love to do it, right?
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Virginia: Country Ham Biscuits
Ham is king in Virginia, and coming up with simple ways to present it fits the comfort food narrative perfectly. You might want a bit of sauce or something else, but keep the sandwich simple.
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Washington-Cedar Plank Salmon
People in the PNW often want to boast about their seafood, and at this point, they’ve earned it. Alaska is a big salmon state, but in terms of comfort food, Washington knows how to make it work.
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West Virginia-Pepperoni Roll
Bread and meat, it’s that simple. The idea that one can find these in convenience stores in West Virginia is ideal. The other fact, that it comes in whole loaves? John Denver was right, take me home.
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Wisconsin-Fried Cheese Curds
You’d kind of expect Wisconsin to see a cheese product as a comfort food, right? These squeaky goodies are great to consume while watching movies or TV and with dip…try not to drool.
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Wyoming-Beef Jerky
Beef jerky is common throughout the US, but in Wyoming, it’s special since it’s so prevalent. Sure, you can get it anywhere, but if you want the best, go to one of the best sources.
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