While a state's iconic food is often a nostalgic and delicious comfort food, when you get down to brass tax, a state is defined by what recipes its home cooks make often. Everyone from moms with a brood of kids to college students uses Pinterest to find inspiration for everything from weeknight dinners to weekend brunch recipes at home.
To that end, Pinterest recently released The Foodnited States, a collection of the top recipes in each state. Because food is their top category with over 15 billion results, you could say Pinterest has the data to back it up.
The best part? All of these recipes look delicious.
1. Alabama: Lemon Sour Cream Pound Cake
Alabama has been on the hunt for some delicious pound cake in true Southern fashion, but there can only be one top recipe.
This sour cream pound cake, finished with a lemon glaze, is a recipe that works any time of year but is especially delicious in the summertime with a glass of sweet tea. Can't you just taste it?
2. Alaska: Survival Bread
To no surprise, Alaskans have been searching for survival bread for an awfully long time.
This fantastic and easy-to-follow recipe is the most popular version out there, and it's tasty to boot.
3. Arizona: Green Chicken Chile Enchiladas
Arizonans have been in a chile mood lately, and what better way to incorporate chiles than into a Mexican staple?
This enchilada recipe is so delicious because it comes green chile sauce and sour cream, baked until it turns a golden brown.
4. Arkansas: Coca-Cola Meatballs
Arkansas has a thing for cooking with Coca-Cola, and this recipe is the top-saved recipe for both meatballs and Coca-Cola in the state.
These are the perfect main dish for dinner or the best appetizer to bring to the party. Don't worry, we won't tell the secret ingredient if you don't either.
5. California: Fig, Rosemary, and Goat Cheese Tartines
If you thought Californians were really into avocados, you might need to rethink your state stereotypes because figs are actually the most popular Pinterest search for those in California.
This simple and delicious recipe puts the figs front and center and is a great appetizer or summer dinner. No wonder it's the most popular fig recipe in California.
6. Colorado: Carnitas Tamale Pie
For a state that loves green chiles, it's no surprise that a Mexican-inspired recipe would make the list. Coloradans are searching for carnitas on the regular.
However, the one recipe to beat them all is this carnitas tamale pie that's a fantastic weeknight warrior recipe as well as comfort food.
7. Connecticut: Homemade Cannolis with Mascarpone Cream
The Italian influence is strong in Connecticut and cannolis are a top food interest for the state as a whole.
This recipe with mascarpone cream also provides a nice tutorial on how to get those brilliant tube shapes every time, which might explain why it's so popular. Oh, and it's delicious, too.
8. Delaware: Original Old Bay Crab Cakes
Delaware, Marylanders appreciate your interest in Old Bay crab cakes, trust me. Crab is the particular most-searched interest category, but this simple and classic recipe takes the cake in popularity.
This recipe is a true Maryland recipe and one that should be in your recipe book no matter where you live.
9. Florida: Thyme Heart DIY Cake Stopper
Quite possibly the only non-recipe on this list, Florida has been searching for DIY cake toppers lately. So what is their favorite?
This thyme heart version, made for Valentine's Day, isn't just for the day of love. It makes a sweet cake topper regardless of the holiday, or if you're creating something just to say, I love you.
10. Georgia: Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
While wings are top interest in Georgia, it's not buffalo that the people are often. These baked honey garlic chicken wings are the overall favorite, beating out the competition.
In terms of weeknight dinners that don't skimp on flavor, this recipe has it all. Serve with rice and green beans, and you've got a full dinner.
11. Hawaii: Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte
Hawaiians are focused on matcha lately, specifically matcha tea. Which is no surprise, then, when you consider that this beautiful recipe is the top-pinned favorite of the state.
If you haven't branched into the wonders of matcha yet, both for health and flavor, let this recipe guide you.
12. Idaho: Homemade Canned Tomato Sauce
In the summer, Idaho can produce some beautiful tomatoes so it's no surprise than Idahoans are searching for canned tomato sauce recipes themselves.
This particular recipe cleared the competition by a landslide and with step-by-step instructions on the canning process, you can see why.
13. Illinois: Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Wild rice soup is a favorite of those in Illinois, and this chicken version is a real raved-about favorite above all.
This is a delicious winter soup recipe, though it could seriously knock down a cold or flu any time of year in a heartbeat.
14. Indiana: Chicken Noodle Casserole
While noodle casseroles are the most searched-for recipes in Indiana, this chicken noodle casserole is the clear frontrunner and therefore the superior noodle casserole.
I mean, when you take chicken noodle soup and turn it in into a casserole, what can go wrong? Nothing, as this recipe proves.
15. Iowa: Homemade Chex Mix
Why buy store-bought when you can tailor your flavors to your own tastes?
This homemade recipe definitely has room for upgrades so feel free to switch out some seasonings here and there like I'm sure the Iowans do.
16. Kansas: Chicken Enchiladas
This hearty meal is a favorite of those in Kansas who search for chicken enchiladas on the regular. This recipe has staying power, however, and is a top-pinned classic.
With a low difficulty level and the ability to swap in homemade ingredients for store-bought, or vice versa, this chicken enchilada recipe is a clear winner.
17. Kentucky: Five-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge
Those in Kentucky are not messing around with fancy recipes when they have clearly defined this five-ingredient peanut butter fudge recipe as a favorite.
The recipe truly sets up quickly and the hardest part about letting it rest is waiting for it to cool to dig in!
18. Louisiana: Shrimp, Tomato, and Spinach Pasta in Garlic Butter Sauce
In the bayou, shrimp pasta has been on everyone's mind, and this recipe is a top-pinned favorite.
Pulling together classic flavors found in Italian cooking, this one-pot pasta meal is an easy weeknight hero when it comes to getting dinner on the table quickly.
19. Maine: Bomboloni
Mainers are on a doughnut kick, and these Italian doughnuts with pastry cream filling are the most popular options.
What better way to make it through a Nor'easter than with the task of frying doughnuts and dusting them granulated sugar? Find the recipe here.
20. Maryland: Perfectly Seared Scallops
Marylanders may have crab recipes memorized, but this seared scallops recipe proves that they're branching out and experimenting with all types of seafood daily.
This top-saved recipe for the state is an easy tutorial in perfectly succulent, seared scallops.
21. Massachusetts: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Massachusetts doesn't have the best winter, and this soup proves that staying warm and cozy while eating seasonally is a top priority.
This butternut squash soup is a top favorite and with its simple prep work, it's easy to see why.
22. Michigan: Chocolate No-Bake Cookies
No-bake cookies are a popular search in Michigan, and this chocolate recipe is a top-pinned option. No-bake recipes are great for a few circumstances: when it's summer and the last thing you want to do is turn on your oven; when your oven is already in use, but you want a quick dessert option; and when you just really don't feel like doing much at all.
Find the recipe here and save it for a rainy day. Or tonight. Or right now.
23. Minnesota: Creamy Broccoli Salad
Broccoli salad is a top food interest for Minnesotans, and this creamy salad version that works well both in the winter and the summer is a real crowd-pleaser.
Add this recipe to your own list, and eat as the Minnesotans do!
24. Mississippi: Chicken Spaghetti
Chicken spaghetti is a favorite in Mississippi, but the rest of the recipes have absolutely nothing on the Pioneer Woman's cowboy-approved casserole version.
This chicken spaghetti recipe is so delicious, you'll never imagine it's a weeknight workhorse, but it comes together so easily.
25. Missouri: Cheesecake Dip
Missourians might have delicious barbecue, but cheesecake dip is really where their minds have been lately.
This top-saved recipe has four ingredients and is incredibly smooth and creamy. Find the recipe here.
26. Montana: Raspberry Lemon Scones
Despite the cattle roaming the fields of Montana, the top food interest in the state is scones! Montana, we like where your head is at.
These raspberry-lemon scones are a fresh, citrus take on a pastry classic that is just the right amount of sweet to tart. This recipe breaks down all of the steps easily.
27. Nebraska: Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
People in Nebraska have been all about sloppy joes lately, and this Philly Cheesesteak twist on the classic is a top recipe.
All of the flavors you expect from a Philly cheesesteak fill a bun as opposed to a hoagie roll and this recipe is the perfect take on two traditional recipes at once.
28. Nevada: Marbled Cake Pops
Cake pops are a popular recipe in Nevada, but these marbled cake pops really win the popularity contest.
Not only is it a great recipe, but it also teaches you how to get that marbling effect that you can apply to an array of other baked goods. Find the recipe and the tutorial here.
29. New Hampshire: Lemon Drop Martini
This martini recipe is a favorite of those in New Hampshire who have a penchant for martinis, it turns out. What is a better nightcap in a cold winter night than a dry martini, shaken not stirred?
This recipe brings the lemon flavor forward without the lip-puckering tartness, a rare feat for martini recipes. Find it here and get to squeezing!
30. New Jersey: Tropical Sangria
The Garden State is staying true to its nickname by falling in love with all things sangria. This tropical sangria recipe, in particular, is a favorite by a landslide.
Pulling together a sangria out of what you have on hand is a great way to use up fruit, both fresh and frozen, and the addition of kiwis to this recipe makes it that much more tropical.
31. New Mexico: Beef Empanadas
Why take-out when you can stay at home and make some delicious empanadas yourself? That's the question New Mexicans are asking.
And this recipe is answering with its pantry list of ingredients and its preference to baking versus frying. Find the recipe here.
32. New York: Homemade Falafel with Tahini Sauce
Looks like the Halal Guys in NYC have inspired New Yorkers across the state to recreate their own versions of the famous falafel.
This recipe is easy to follow and doesn't skimp on flavor. Find the recipe here.
33. North Carolina: The Best Banana Pudding Ever
Banana pudding is a top-saved recipe for North Carolinians, and from the looks of this, it's not hard to see why.
This simple, yet decadent banana pudding pulls together classic pantry ingredients to form an easy dessert that can be whipped up in a snap. Find the recipe here.
34. North Dakota: Chewy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars
Chocolate chip oatmeal bars are a top-searched item in North Dakota, where it seems they like their chocolate chips with a dose of healthy oats.
These bars are soft, yet stable, and use everything you love about classic chocolate chip cookie recipes. Find this bar recipe here.
35. Ohio: Double Layered Peanut Butter Brownies
Peanut butter brownies are a top interest in Ohio, and this recipe is a fan favorite. With words like double layered, it's an easy sell, right?
These truly decadent brownies were just made to pair with a glass of milk. Find the recipe here.
36. Oklahoma: Crock-Pot Taco Soup
It seems that those Tex-Mex flavors from the South have taken Oklahoma by storm. This crock-pot recipe is the definition of set it and forget it.
Top generously with dollops of sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese, and indulge as Oklahomans do with this recipe.
37. Oregon: Coconut Curry Shrimp
While Oregonians are searching for curry, this coconut curry shrimp recipe is a top favorite of all the recipes.
Step outside your comfort zone and give this delicious recipe full of coconut milk a try. Find the recipe here.
38. Pennsylvania: Sex on the Beach
It turns out Pennsylvanians are really into cocktails with Peach Schnapps right now, which is where the Sex on the Beach comes into play.
This easy-to-follow recipe finally unveils the mystery of the tropical celebration cocktail.
39. Rhode Island: Buttercream Flower Cupcakes
The smallest state in the Union has big dreams: flower cupcakes are a top interest, and this fantastic tutorial covers all of the bases for buttercream flowers.
When you live in a state with a long winter, it makes sense that you'd want to brighten up each and every day with this buttercream flower recipe.
40. South Carolina: Red Velvet Cupcakes
It seems that South Carolinians have a serious sweet tooth, or they're just having a lot of parties. Red velvet cupcakes are a top interest for the state.
This recipe, which is just so decadently red, will let anyone you make it for know how much you really do love them after all.
41. South Dakota: Homemade Tater Tots
Tater tots, in particular, are a top food interest in South Dakota, and this recipe is so easy to follow when it comes down it.
South Dakotans know how to use tater tots to their full potential, too. Can anyone say tater tot hot dish? Find the recipe here.
42. Tennessee: Southern Cornbread
The perfect pairing to chili, beef stews, and basically any dish you can imagine, it's no wonder Tennesseans choose Southern cornbread.
The best part about cornbread is that when it goes a little stale and hard, you can eat it like cereal with milk in a bowl. Was that just my family? Well, try it! Find the recipe here.
43. Texas: Taco Stuffed Avocados with Chipotle Cream
Would you expect anything less from Texans? This Tex-Mex recipe combines every delicious flavor from the Lone Star State and Mexico into one quaint avocado shell.
Why make your guacamole separate when you can practically infuse it with your taco bowl? Find the recipe here.
44. Utah: Crispy Coconut Chicken Strips
Coconut chicken is what's striking the fancy of those out in Utah, and with the way this recipe looks, it's no question why.
Expand your own dinner horizons and follow in their footsteps with this recipe.
45. Vermont: Roasted Carrots and Beets with Thyme
From the state of maple syrup and cheese comes a surprising top food choice: beets! Vermont really loves every recipe for beets, but this roasted carrots and beets recipe stands out as the most popular choice.
It makes sense -- comforting, nutritious food in a long winter always warms you from the inside out. Find the recipe here.
46. Virginia: Banana Berry Smoothie Bowl
Virginians are interested in smoothie bowls, and this berry-blasted banana version is the most popular and pinned recipe.
With five ingredients, simply toss all ingredients in a bag the night before and blend up in the morning for a quick breakfast. Find the recipe here.
47. Washington: Chicken Pad Thai
Chicken pad thai is a top interest for those in Washington, and when you consider just how easy it is to whip up, it makes sense.
Find the recipe here.
48. West Virginia: Pumpkin Cobbler
Pumpkin desserts are of interest to West Virginians, no matter what time of year it is! This pumpkin cobbler recipe makes it easy to see why.
This recipe, best topped with ice cream, is an anytime-of-the-year favorite. Find the recipe here.
49. Wisconsin: Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies)
Puppy chow, the chocolate peanut butter treat based around in elementary schools everywhere is a top food interest in Wisconsin.
This recipe only has six ingredients and produces something so simply delicious, it's magic. Find the recipe here.
50. Wyoming: No Bake Energy Bites
Energy bites are considered a top-food interest in Wyoming, and this easy no-bake recipe from Gimme Some Oven is the perfect blend of healthy and tasty.
Find the recipe here.
This article was originally published on Apr 10, 2019.
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