Absolutely delicious lobster roll eaten along side the ocean near San Francisco California in Half Moon Bay with a nice sunshine in the back and a side of clam chowder edited a millennial instagram

15 States, 15 Unique Dishes You Need to Try

What's the most delicious dish from your state? You may not realize it, but every state has its own signature meal. For example, when you think of pizza, you likely think of New York.

I've picked the tastiest dishes from 15 states across the country. From Minnesota's tater tot hotdish to Washington's cedar plank salmon, these dishes reflect the ingredients and traditional flavors of their region.

Narrowing a list of 50 states to just 15 was no easy task, so some outside research was needed. With the help of friends and regional resources, I was able to pinpoint a small selection of the best dishes that stand tall as staples of different states.

New Jersey: Pork Roll Breakfast Sandwich

Pork roll breakfast sandwich cut in half
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Pork roll is the ultimate breakfast sandwich. This iconic New Jersey dish is made with pork ham (known as Taylor Ham), American cheese, and fried egg.

The egg should have a soft yolk but never be too overly runny, and the meat should usually be browned but not too crispy. This sandwich is so good that it's no surprise it has become a regional favorite!

Utah: Funeral Potatoes

Funeral potatoes in a white baking dish
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This popular Utah dish might have the strangest name I've ever heard, but it's basically a delicious cheesy potato casserole. What makes it unique is the crispy topping made with cornflakes, melted butter, and salt.

This casserole makes the perfect warm side dish for any meal, holiday dinner, or potluck.

Minnesota: Tater Tot Hotdish

Tater tot hot dish in a white baking dish
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Tater tot hotdish is an old-school, old-fashioned Minnesota classic. This dish combines beef, onion, vegetables, and cheese with tater tots placed on top. It's a super cheesy and comforting meal, perfect for a family dinner.

It's amazing for cold days when you need a big plate of delicious and hearty food. So good!

Ohio: Cincinnati-style Chili

Cincinnati-style chili on a white plate
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This Cincinnati-style chili is a unique variety flavored with chili powder, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. This delicious Ohio dish combines homemade chili served over a big plate of spaghetti, chopped onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.

Often seen with oyster crackers on the side, it's a fantastic comfort food and quite filling.

New Mexico: Green Chili Cheeseburger

Green chili cheese burger served on a white plate
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Everyone loves a good burger, but these New Mexico green chili burgers are something special. A blend of spicy, cheesy, and crispy, the chili burgers might be the best you'll ever have.

A smoky, juicy beef patty is topped with melted cheese and fire-roasted, chopped hatch green chilies. These are seriously amazing — a must-try whenever you're in New Mexico!

Wisconsin: Fried Cheese Curds

Fried cheese curds on a wooden board
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I think it's not a surprise Wisconsin's most delicious dish includes cheese. The state is known around the country for its love of cheese and dairy.

These cheese curds are breaded and fried until golden and crispy. They make a perfect snack, appetizer, and comfort food. They're just cheese and batter, so they're quite simple to make.

Washington: Cedar Plank Salmon

Cedar plank salmon with asparagus and lemon
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This is an incredibly delicious and impressive dish. Cedar planking is a way of cooking salmon by placing it on soaked cedar planks resting on a hot grill.

The technique adds amazing smokiness and depth to the meat. It's a fantastic alternative to smoked salmon. It's a must-try whenever you're in Washington state.

Arkansas: Biscuits with Chocolate Gravy

Biscuits with chocolate gravy on a white plate
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These biscuits and chocolate gravy are an Arkansas favorite and a dense special breakfast treat. It's a simple recipe but incredible when done right.

Tender, soft, and flaky buttermilk biscuits combine with sweet chocolate gravy for a seriously insane plate. They're often served with fresh fruit for dipping into a chocolate sauce. Arkansas, thank you for these!

Missouri: Toasted Ravioli

Toasted ravioli with marinara sauce on a plate
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This dish is a classic staple straight from Missouri. These breaded, deep-fried ravioli, also known as T-Ravs, are typically served as a delicious appetizer with Parmesan cheese and marinara sauce.

Fried ravioli originated in St. Louis when a chef accidentally dropped ravioli into the fryer and served it to guests. It quickly became popular across the state!

Nevada: Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp cocktail in a glass with lemon
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Tender, chilled shrimp with sweet and spicy sauce. It's a true classic hailing from the most unusual place: the desert!

A shrimp cocktail with a lemon wedge is typically served as an appetizer. The sauce is usually homemade with ketchup, Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and other simple ingredients. It's everything you want in history's most classic and refreshing appetizer!

Michigan: Michigan Pasty

Michigan pasty filled with beef on a wooden board
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Michigan pasties are a whole meal wrapped into a pastry shell. They originated from the Cornish pasty, which first became popular in Cornwall, United Kingdom.

These pastries are most commonly filled with beef and vegetables and then baked until golden brown. They are super crispy, buttery, and flaky, making for a comforting and delicious dish!

Colorado: Pork Chile Verde Stew

Pork chile verde stew in a red bowl
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Pork chile verde stew is an incredibly delicious dish! Tender pork pieces are slow-cooked with a fantastic salsa verde sauce and then served with warm tortillas, beans, or rice.

You can enjoy this stew with your favorite chili topping or smother it over your favorite dish. It's true comfort food straight from Colorado!

Maine: Lobster Roll

Lobster roll on a wooden board
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Lobster rolls are sandwiches that hail from Maine. This breaded delight is a legendary dish and regional specialty.

Tender, chilled lobster chunks are tossed in mayo and herbs, then served on buttered, toasted hotdog buns. Just one bite will transport you to a sandy, ocean beach. It's a true taste of summer on a plate.

Tennessee: Nashville Hot Chicken

Nashville hot chicken on a white plate
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Nashville hot chicken is just divine. The ultra-crispy breading is mouthwatering, savory, and spicy. The fiery chicken is fried and then tossed in a cayenne-infused glaze made with butter and lard.

It's typically served with pickles on a white bun. These days, it's popular not only in Tennessee but all over the country.

Louisiana: Gumbo

Gumbo with rice on a wooden board
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Gumbo is Louisiana's love language! This dish is a true marriage of African, Native American, and European cultures. It is a thick, stew-like dish made with okra, meat, onions, celery, and bell peppers.

In some regions of Louisiana, gumbo is traditionally served with long-grain rice or potato salad. For many families, it is a weekly ritual. It's seriously amazing!

Read More From Things That Make People Go Aww — 15 States Serving Up the Best BBQ in the US

BBQ pork ribs on brown paper with BBQ sauce, coleslaw and beans on the side.
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Are you ready to explore some of the best BBQ hotspots in the United States? From Texas-smoked brisket to Memphis-style ribs, the American BBQ scene is as diverse as it is delicious.

Let us guide you through 15 states that are famous for their BBQ, highlighting must-visit spots and signature dishes. Whether you're planning a food-focused road trip or just looking for your next favorite dish, these BBQ destinations are sure to satisfy your cravings.

15 States Serving Up the Best BBQ in the US

Author: Magda Gonczaruk

Magda Gonczaruk is the recipe developer, food photographer, content creator, and founder behind goodfooddiscoveries.com. She develops easy everyday recipes, perfect for any home cook. Her work has been featured on MSN.com and other major media sites.

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