Sure, They Do It Bigger, But Do They Really Do It Better?
It’s a well-known fact that Texans like to do everything bigger. The second-largest state in the USA, a cultural identity of pride, a well of ambition… and the food. Texans, and the USA at large, have a longstanding history of making some of the most delicious (or disgusting) meals you could ever find on a dinner plate. Take a look at this list and see if, and what, you would eat from The Lone Star State.
1. Texas Twinkies
This savory take on the Illinois-based treat consists of a jalapeño stuffed with cream cheese and smoked brisket. But it doesn’t stop there! After your jalapeño is thoroughly stuffed, wrap the whole thing in bacon and top it off with a sweet glaze.
2. Pecan Pie
While pecan pie's official origins are still unclear, what is clear is that Texas has a lot of pecans. This southern staple found its way into Texan cookbooks back in the 1870s. A much simpler recipe than the one we know today, and without the yummy goodness of our friend, corn syrup.
3. Brisket
Hearing the word brisket is nearly equal to hearing the word Texas. The Texan way to make a brisket is to give your meat a spice rub and smoke it with mesquite wood for at least 12 hours. The result is a smoky, juicy, and delicious dinner for the whole family.
4. Chile con Queso
Because Texas is in such close quarters with Mexico, it’s no surprise that a few Tex-Mex recipes would show up on this list. Chile con Queso is melted cheese with chili peppers, tomatoes, and a few spices, served as a dip for tortilla chips.
5. Kolaches
Known for being a sweet pastry in Czechoslovakia, Texas kolaches are very different from their origins. The Texan kolaches are savory and hearty, and typically filled with sausage, cheese, and jalapeños.
6. Frito Pie
More like a casserole than a pie, this southern delicacy combines corn chips, ground beef, corn, beans, cheese, tomatoes, and onion with a couple of different spices. This recipe was promoted by Fritos back in 1949, and it quickly became a staple at high school football games.
Jess Lander from Culver City, CA, USA on Wikimedia
7. Chicken-Fried Steak
This dinner delight consists of a breaded beefsteak cutlet coated with flour and deep-fried (hence the name chicken-fried). It’s said that the origins of this dish are unclear, but thought to have been brought over by German and Austrian immigrants in the 19th century, making it a play on Wiener Schnitzel.
(WT-en) Ash rex at English Wikivoyage on Wikimedia
8. Chili
Texas chili differs from your standard chili recipe, as it often doesn’t contain beans or tomatoes. The key to achieving a flavorful Texas chili is using stewed beef, adding dried chili peppers, and letting the cumin and chili powder do all the talking.
9. Armadillo Eggs
This recipe gets its name due to its shape and tough exterior, not because Texans are commonly chomping down on some armadillo. This recipe also calls for cream cheese-stuffed jalapeños that are wrapped in bacon or sausage and smoked over oak wood.
10. Texas Toast
A staple at Whataburger or Raising Cane’s, Texas toast is simply thick-sliced bread with butter that has been broiled or grilled until it achieves a golden brown color. Easy, delicious, and the perfect side for any main.
Pink Sherbet Photography from USA on Wikimedia
11. Dr. Pepper Sheet Cake
A Dr. Pepper sheet cake has been a Texan staple since the latter half of the 20th century. Very similar to Coca-Cola cake, this recipe calls for the standard items you’d find in a sheet cake, but you use Dr. Pepper instead of water.
12. Texas Caviar
Also known as cowboy caviar, this dip is easy to make and very tasty. Compile tomatoes, avocados, red onion, black beans, black-eyed peas, corn, bell pepper, jalapeño, and fresh cilantro. Mix it all up with a flavorful vinaigrette and you have a perfect party dish.
13. Barbecued Beef Sandwiches
Not necessarily a Texas staple, but definitely a state that does it the best. Texans are known for their barbequing powers, and enjoying a slow-cooked chuck roast with homemade barbecue sauce would be the highlight of anyone's day.
14. Tex-Mex Migas
Migas are a Mexican dish that consists of cheesy scrambled eggs tossed with crumbled tortilla chips. It already sounds delicious, right? Well, Tex-Mex migas also include sautéed peppers and onions, with any toppings of your choice. We’d recommend some cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.
Juan Emilio Prades Bel on Wikimedia
15. Black Bean Soup
This popular slow-cooker recipe is great for the two days Texans experience a chill in any calendar year. It’s a hearty meal that is good for the stomach, but also good for the soul.
16. Pecan Bread
If you have the pecans, why not put them to good use? Pecan bread is a popular sweet dish in Texas, but also a great base to try out other recipes. Incorporate some raisins and cinnamon, and you have a tasty weekend breakfast ready to go.
17. Barbecued Chicken
The method of chicken flavors varies depending on your region. In the Southwestern regions, folks usually slow-roast their chicken and season it with salt, pepper, and a vinegar-based sauce. In the East, it’s more popular to oven-roast your meat with onions and sweet but smoky sauces.
18. Chicken Spaghetti
This versatile dish has existed for centuries, but the one we know today likely had its origins in Mississippi. Texan chicken spaghetti usually incorporates a cream soup base, jalapeños, and pepper jack cheese.
19. Texas Stew
This cowboy stew recipe incorporates kielbasa sausage, cumin, chili, and other veggies and spices for a hearty and filling dinner. While you can make it on the stovetop, it’ll be much more flavorful if cooked all day in a crockpot.
20. Chocolate-Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
This delicious dessert can feed a small village if you make it the right way. Typically made with a chocolate cake base, the pièce de résistance is the peanut butter frosting thickly smeared over top. Why buy peanut butter cups when you can have this instead?
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