The Most Popular Recipes, State by State
Yummly home cooks have spoken. See who loves shrimp and grits and apple pie the most — and find out if your favorite recipe made the list.
Infographic by Emma Trithart
With a country as vast as ours, you’d need a good long while to visit every state and try its regional specialty. Last summer my family took a three-week road trip, and we only hit 13 states! We discovered some favorite local dishes we never knew of, which left me wondering what else was out there. So when I heard Yummly Business and Data Analytics Manager Cansu Kaya had figured out which recipes are uniquely popular among Yummly home cooks in every state, I couldn’t wait to dig in.
With millions of recipes in the database, Yummly is a great place to find and save new recipes — and that’s what Yummly home cooks do, every day. When a lot of people save the same recipe, you can be confident it’s a good one. And when you drill down to look at the state-by-state choices, some interesting patterns emerge.
In many cases, the most popular recipes have a clear regional connection — like Iowa’s loose meat sandwiches, New Mexico’s green chili stew, or North Dakota’s knoephla soup. In others, the link proves more elusive. Why do Arizonans like Mediterranean chicken breast, while Marylanders go for turkey wings? We may never know. All that matters is, these recipes are proven favorites, the ones people turn to again and again. Read on to find some hidden gems from across the country.
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What are the most popular recipes? Click on the map to get a closer look.
Alabama: Famous Alabama Camp Stew
This easy recipe, an Alabama version of Brunswick stew, is called “camp stew” because it’s so simple to cook over a campfire — which means it’s even easier to make in your home kitchen. Of its seven ingredients, six are canned! To get the dish going, you just dump everything into a pot (canned tomatoes, corn, butter beans, beef and pork in BBQ sauce, chicken, and a chopped raw onion) and let it simmer away.
Alaska: Classic Halibut Olympia
Alaska is known for its incredibly fresh seafood, so it makes sense that the top recipe from that state would feature fish. Halibut Olympia is an Alaskan classic, a baked fish dish made by slathering a mayo- and sour cream-based sauce on halibut fillets, sprinkling with Ritz cracker crumbs and Parmesan, and popping it into the oven.
Arizona: Healthy Instant Pot Mediterranean Chicken Breast
The connection to Arizona may not be clear here, but I imagine it has something to do with crowd-pleasing weeknight dinners. This recipe calls for basics like chicken breasts, canned artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, olive oil, and lemon juice, and it’s on the table in about half an hour. I like it with mashed potatoes, but you can serve whatever side dish you're in the mood for.
Arkansas: Instant Pot Black Beans and Rice
More than 40% of all rice grown in this country comes from Arkansas. Maybe that’s why Yummly home cooks in the state go gaga for this effortless recipe. It’s been perfectly timed so that dried black beans (no soaking required) and whole-grain brown rice go into the Instant Pot at the same time and come out perfectly cooked. Wrap some in tortillas and top with sliced jalapeños for easy tacos.
California: Easy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
I think of California cuisine as being light, even diet-conscious. And yet, Yummly home cooks in that state have endorsed this comfort-food casserole more than any other recipe. Can’t say I blame them — thanks to rotisserie chicken, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, and cheddar cheese, it takes just five minutes to get into the oven.
Colorado: Green Chili
Green chili (aka “chile”) is an unofficial Colorado state dish. Chunks of pork shoulder simmer for hours in a stew made with tangy tomatillos, green chilies, fresh cilantro, jalapeños, and fire-roasted tomatoes until the meat is fork-tender and the flavor is ambrosial.
Connecticut: Sourdough Starter Pizza Dough
I grew up in a New York suburb about 10 minutes from the Connecticut border. As a New Yorker, I may get in trouble for saying this, but: Folks in the Nutmeg State make some mighty fine pizza. Top this sourdough-based dough with tomato sauce, veggies, and mozzarella and bake in a blazing oven, and it’ll come out with a perfectly chewy crust.
Delaware: Authentic Chicken Curry (Easy Chicken Salan)
There’s a sizable Indian population in Delaware, which may explain why this traditional chicken curry tops the favorite recipes list for Yummly home cooks in that state. Richly seasoned with fresh garlic, ginger, and small green chili peppers, plus dried spices like coriander, cumin, cloves, and turmeric, the sauce just begs for white rice to soak it up.
District of Columbia: Larb, Thai Chicken Salad
The salty-tangy-sweet-sour dressing for this ground-chicken salad couldn’t be simpler — it’s just lime juice, fish sauce, and brown sugar. The whole thing comes together in 20 minutes, so it’s no wonder this is one of the most popular dinner recipes with Yummly cooks in the District of Columbia.
Florida: Ham and Cheese Quiche
A store-bought pie shell makes easy work of this satisfying quiche. The filling, made with eggs, milk, heavy cream, mustard powder, diced ham, and shredded cheeses, bakes up into a rich, salty custard. It’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or — with a salad — a light dinner.
Georgia: Southern Shrimp and Grits
Among the iconic dishes of the American South, shrimp and grits gets plenty of love from folks in Georgia. Here, the grits are enriched with half-and-half and cheddar cheese, and the shrimp meets up with bacon, veggies, and Worcestershire sauce.
Hawaii: Hawaiian Style Marlin with Poke Sauce
Marlin is a staple fish in Hawaii, and this marinated-and-grilled version is pretty stellar. The fish soaks up the flavors of ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and chili oil before it goes over the flames. Serve the fish with white rice, shredded cabbage, and the gingery, garlicky, cilantro-heavy poke sauce.
Idaho: Smothered Chicken Burritos
Burritos are popular everywhere, but Yummly home cooks in Idaho really appreciate a big ol’ flour tortilla filled with deliciousness — rice and beans, tender shreds of chicken simmered in a spicy sauce, avocado, and Monterey jack. Once the ‘ritos are assembled and baked, they get topped with green tomatillo salsa and red chili salsa and drizzled with crema.
Illinois: Sloppy Joe
You’ll find messy, ground beef-based sandwiches all over the Midwest — they’re classic comfort food. In Illinois, the sloppy Joe, with its sweet and tangy tomato sauce, reigns supreme. I like to serve it with sweet potato fries to scoop up all those tasty bits that fall out.
Indiana: Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles
States in America’s heartland are known for simple, soul-satisfying comfort food. In Indiana, Yummly home cooks really go for this rich, dump-and-go beef dish. With just six ingredients including chuck roast, seasoning blend, noodles, and heavy cream, it takes almost no effort.
Iowa: Maid-Rite Copycat
Maid-Rite is an Iowa-born restaurant chain, now found all over the Midwest. This recipe recreates their signature dish. It’s a loose meat sandwich, which is like a sloppy Joe, only the ground meat is seasoned simply, not tomato-sauced, and then piled into a soft bun with pickle chips and chopped onion.
Kansas: Southwest Chicken Salad
Yes, Kansas is in the Midwest, but it’s Southwest-adjacent, and I don’t blame Kansans one bit for loving this easy salad. A cilantro-lime-cumin marinade flavors the chicken, which gets tossed with crisp romaine, cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, red onion, and a creamy avocado dressing.
Kentucky: Easy Classic Chili
Who doesn’t like an easy, beefy chili recipe? The folks in Kentucky might love this one more than the rest of us. It’s easy to see why: This could be the simplest chili you’ll ever make, nothing but ground beef, seasonings, crushed tomatoes, and kidney beans. Simmer for half an hour and serve with your favorite toppings.
Louisiana: Creamy Shrimp & Corn Soup
Smooth and luscious thanks to cream cheese, half-and-half, and canned cream-style corn, this popular Louisiana chowder gets a healthy dose of spice from a Creole spice blend. It’s plenty rich, which I think makes it perfect to serve as an appetizer.
Maine: New England Fish Chowder
My family goes up to Maine almost every summer, and fish chowder is on the menu all over the place. Here’s a classic rendition using salt pork (or bacon), potatoes, onion, milk and evaporated milk, and your favorite white fish. It’s simple, traditional, and perfect.
Maryland: The BEST Baked Turkey Wings
If you’re a chicken wing fan but you’ve never cooked turkey wings, the Yummly cooks of Maryland would like a word. This recipe tops their favorites list, possibly because it’s so darn easy. To make it, you toss turkey wings with lemon juice, olive oil, and seasonings; put in a baking dish with broth or water; and bake. Pro tip: Definitely do the optional last step, and crisp up the skin under the broiler.
Massachusetts: Crispy Baked Haddock
Another New England state comes in with some seafood love. In Massachusetts, Yummly home cooks like to top haddock (or another mild white fish) with a mixture made of panko, mayo, mustard, and lemon, then bake until the fish is flaky and the crumbs are lightly browned.
Michigan: Award Winning White Chicken Chili
Michigan winters are nothing to sneeze at, so maybe that’s why the state’s top recipe is a hearty slow cooker stew. Prep takes all of 10 minutes, since you’re just putting cooked chicken, canned beans, salsa, and a handful of other ingredients into your slow cooker and setting it to Low. Go on with your day, and come back to find dinner’s ready.
Minnesota: Tater Tot Hotdish
Hotdish — a casserole of ground beef, frozen veggies, and a creamy sauce made with canned soup under a lid of crispy Tater Tots — was born in Depression-era Minnesota. Naturally, it’s beloved by Minnesotan home cooks. This version slips a layer of shredded cheddar between the tots and the filling. Can’t say no to that.
Mississippi: Best Damn Air Fryer Salmon
Salmon isn’t exactly native to the Magnolia State, but I can’t blame Mississippians for putting this recipe at the top of their list. It goes from fridge to plate in just 15 minutes! That’s thanks to the air fryer, which produces moist-inside, crisp-outside fillets in a flash.
Missouri: Oven Baked Bbq Pork Steaks
Missouri is a state known for barbecue, but smoking meat for hours over indirect heat isn’t exactly a weeknight activity. Enter this oven-baked version, which will have you dining on saucy, Kansas City-style pork in a little over an hour.
Montana: Scotch Egg
Montana has a sizable population that can claim Scottish descent, which might explain why a recipe for Scotch eggs comes in at number one here. Or it might be that a hard-boiled egg wrapped in seasoned ground beef, coated with breadcrumbs, and fried makes such a great appetizer, nobody can resist.
Nebraska: Runza Casserole
The Cornhusker State doesn’t have an official food, but if it did, it would be the runza sandwich, a pocket of fluffy bread filled with ground beef, cabbage, and onions. This clever casserole version adapts store-bought crescent roll dough, laying it on the top and bottom, with a hearty sprinkling of mozzarella for gooey cheesiness.
Nevada: Skillet Chicken Fajitas Bake (Low Carb and Keto)
People all over America love fajitas, but in Nevada, apparently, they enjoy them baked. Traditional seasoned chicken, bell peppers, and onion are mixed with sour cream and cream cheese in a cast-iron skillet, then topped with cheddar cheese. These are the ultimate in creamy, cheesy comfort food. If you’re not keto, serve with flour (or gluten-free corn) tortillas.
New Hampshire: Steakhouse Salads with Homemade Ranch Dressing
Residents of the Granite State are known for Yankee practicality, and what’s more practical than a salad that includes good-for-you veggies as well as perfectly marinated steak, bacon, cheese, croutons, and French fries? With homemade ranch dressing, it’s got everything you want.
New Jersey: Authentic Cavatelli and Broccoli
I was tempted to make a comment about how New Jersey was home to The Sopranos, but — oh wait, I just did. Yes, this state has a significant Italian-American population, but that’s not the only reason they’ve embraced this pasta dish. It’s also weeknight-easy, with al dente cavatelli, garlic, and crisp-tender broccoli.
New Mexico: Green Chile Stew
This New Mexican specialty makes the most of green chiles, for which the state is justifiably famous. You won’t believe how much complex flavor you can get out of eight ingredients: ground beef, onion, green chiles, broth, potatoes, tomatoes, and spices.
New York: Chicken Marsala
It’s possible that somehow I’m responsible for chicken Marsala coming in at number 1 for New Yorkers — I can’t get enough of the stuff. Pounded-thin chicken cutlets meet a scrumptious pan sauce made with sliced mushrooms, shallots, garlic, and Marsala wine. I like to turn any leftovers into a quick pasta sauce.
North Carolina: Tomato Pie
Savory Southern tomato pie makes the most of peak summer tomatoes, which go into a par-baked pie shell with onions and basil, then get topped with a combo of grated cheeses, mayo, and hot sauce. Bake until bubbly, let cool a bit, and slice.
North Dakota: North Dakota Knoephla Soup
When German settlers arrived in North Dakota, they brought with them a simple dumpling that came to be known as knoephla. It’s a little heartier than spaetzle, and it’s often served in this hearty soup made with veggies, cooked chicken, potatoes, and plenty of cream.
Ohio: Cassie's Comforting Chicken and Noodles
Move over, chicken noodle soup: The people of Ohio have a similar-but-different favorite recipe. And it’s easy. Chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, butter, chicken broth, and fresh egg noodles mingle in the slow cooker until thick, fragrant, and cozy.
Oklahoma: Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry
Today I learned there’s an official Oklahoma State Meal, the only state to have one. But none of those items tops the list for Yummly home cooks in Oklahoma. Instead, this gorgeous curry bursting with Indian flavors claims the number 1 spot. Love how pantry-friendly it is, and the fact that it’s ready in less than an hour.
Oregon: Easy Roasted Tomatoes and Shrimp with Feta, Oregano, and Fennel
Oregon has an active and sustainable shrimp fishery. Maybe that’s why home cooks in the state have embraced this simple, one-dish recipe. To make it, you put chopped, seasoned tomatoes in a baking dish and roast until they soften and release their juices. Top with shrimp and feta cheese, and bake until the shrimp turn pink.
Pennsylvania: Roasted Pork Loin with Sauerkraut
Pork and sauerkraut is a big dish in Pennsylvania — it’s a traditional New Year’s meal, in fact. This recipe, the favorite among Yummly home cooks in the state, adds briny sauerkraut, whole-grain mustard, and caraway seeds to a classic pork loin.
Rhode Island: Easy Chicken Cacciatore Stew
Rhode Island has a higher percentage of people with Italian ancestry than almost any state in the nation. This no-fuss version of a long-simmering, rustic stew is ready in less than an hour, thanks to boneless chicken thighs.
South Carolina: Slow-Cooker Chana Masala
Who doesn’t like chana masala, the Indian stew made from chickpeas, tomatoes, and plenty of spices? This slow cooker version is super-popular in South Carolina. Home cooks there must love coming home to that intoxicating aroma, knowing they can dig right in.
South Dakota: Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Casserole with Spinach
I don’t know if people in South Dakota eat brunch more often than folks in other states, but they sure do like this tasty casserole. It’s almost like a crustless quiche thanks to eggs, half-and-half, and cheese. With a salad alongside, it works equally well for dinner.
Tennessee: Tennessee White Chili
You’ll find all sorts of chili recipes on Yummly, but home cooks in Tennessee appreciate their own. This version starts with cooked chicken and canned white beans, so it’s ready in just 40 minutes. Dollop some sour cream, sprinkle some shredded Monterey jack, and grab a fork.
Texas: Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Enchiladas are a cornerstone of Tex-Mex cuisine, so it’s no surprise to find this streamlined, meat-filled version atop the state’s list of favorite recipes. It starts with store-bought enchilada sauce, which means all you have to do is prepare the filling, roll up the tortillas, and bake.
Utah: Homemade Apple Pie with Chai Spices
Only one state has dessert as their most cherished recipe. And we’re not talking brownies or chocolate chip cookies, either. In Utah, all-American apple pie claims the top spot — but it’s all-American with a twist, thanks to spices like cardamom in the mix.
Vermont: Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps (better than P.F. Chang's)!
As far as I know, there’s no clear link between the state of Vermont and these delicious little Chinese-inspired bundles, but I definitely don’t blame cooks there for loving the recipe. A simple stir-fry is much more fun to eat in lettuce cups, sprinkled with crushed peanuts.
Virginia: Classic Creamy Chicken Pot Pie
I’ll bet they served a chicken pie similar to this one way back when Virginia was among the original 13 colonies — only here, shortcuts like store-bought piecrust and rotisserie chicken make dinner a whole lot easier.
Washington: Chicken Yakisoba
As a Pacific Rim state, Washington has a significant population of Japanese-Americans. This may help to explain why an Americanized version of yakisoba, the stir-fried noodle dish, is so popular there. That, or because it’s got so much flavor for relatively little effort.
West Virginia: Quick Crock Pot Meal of Cheesy Potato Ham Casserole
Don’t the words “cheesy potato ham casserole” make your mouth water? It certainly enticed Yummly home cooks in West Virginia, where this recipe claims the top spot. They like to layer thin slices of potato with an onion-ham-cheese mixture and add milk-thinned cream of mushroom soup. Then they turn on the slow cooker and walk away.
Wisconsin: Classic Taco Dip
Wisconsinites are sometimes referred to as “cheeseheads,” so it makes sense that their favorite recipe features plenty of dairy. Cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar cheese get layered up with lettuce, tomato, black olives, and scallions — and spiced up with taco seasoning mix. All you need are tortilla chips.
Wyoming: Cheesy Meatball Sandwich With Marinara Sauce
Like so many of us, residents of Wyoming can really get down with a meatball Parm hero, especially when it’s a deluxe, cheesy meatball sandwich. This recipe puts a lot of care into the humble dish, with flavorful homemade meatballs; a quick, from-scratch tomato sauce; and three kinds of cheese.
Illustration by Emily Trithart
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