Texans love to eat. In fact, I might venture to say that it’s a state-wide favorite past-time. And when we do eat, we’re pretty dang serious about it. We’ve got some strong ideas on what counts as good Texas food and what doesn’t. We’ve listed some of our favorite Texas dishes below, with recipes attached. What’s your favorite Texas delicacy?
Recipes
10 Texas Dishes That’ll Make You Shout Yee-Haw
1. Chicken Fried Steak
Photo: Courtesy of grandbaby-cakes.com
Let’s just get this one out of the way. No one will argue that chicken fried steak does not belong on any Texas foodie list. We know how seriously Texans take this dish. A golden breaded crunchy coating gives way to a moist and meaty inside. Dish this up with some seriously smooth and buttery mashed potatoes and a creamy velvety gravy, and no one is going away from the table hungry.
Give this recipe a go: Grandbaby Cakes Chicken Fried Steak
2. Armadillo Eggs
Photo: flickr.com/litsinsoon
The good people of HEB first turned me on to armadillo eggs. As far as I knew, armadillos weren’t running around laying eggs, so I needed to investigate. My investigations led me to discover the perfect nugget for noshing. Cream cheese-stuffed, jalapenos, hiding in a spicy meatball of sausage. Want to make some up for your next shin-dig?
Check out this recipe from the Homesick Texan: Homesick Texan Armadillo Eggs
3. Texas Sheet Cake
Photo: by Kelly Jaggers
Foodie historians debate the origins of the Texas sheet cake. Did it originate in Texas? Is it named for our state because of its size? Or is it the sprinkling of pecans over top that ties it to our area? No one can say for sure. But we all can agree that this recipe could cause someone to “take the cake” at your next party.
Put this recipe to the test: Evil Shenanigans Texas Sheet Cake
4. Venison
Photo: flickr.com/leighwolf
If Texas designated a state meat like it did a flower, you might find a giant ribeye listed as the state’s chosen one – a close second might be venison. Whatever the preference, Texans love their meat and their grills. Few things put a bigger smile on a Texans face than the perfect piece of char-grilled tender meat with a cold beer.
Here’s a recipe to try the next time you’re craving venison. Hank Shaws Grilled Venison Loin
5. Cheese and Onion Enchiladas with Chile Con Carne
Photo: flickr.com/jeffreyww
Okay, admit it. Can you honestly say that a steaming plate of cheesy, ooey, gooey goodness swimming in a tangy smoky sauce doesn’t make your mouth want to sing with anticipated pleasure. We certainly love our Tex-Mex and whipping up this classic in the comfort of your own home while sipping a margarita sounds like a perfect way to spend an evening.
Check out this recipe from the blog Evil Shenanigans: Evil Shenanigans Cheese and Onion Enchiladas with Chile Con Carne
6. Prickly Pear Margaritas
Photo: by Maria Stordahl Nelson
Speaking of margaritas, you can’t cruise through the Texas Hill Country without stumbling over a prickly pear cactus, paddles sprawling like outstretched hands. Syrup from the magenta colored fleshy fruit of this succulent, when stirred together with tequila, lime juice and sweet and sour mix makes for a margarita made in Hill Country heaven. Make it even more Hill Country by mixing up a pitcher with a bottle of Austin based Dulce Vida organic tequila.
Here’s a recipe for you to try: Pink Patisserie Prickly Pear Margarita
7. Kolaches
Photo: flickr.com/whitney
So after honoring our Mexican heritage, how about a little shout out to our European ancestors? You can’t take a Texas road trip without skipping by a kolache shop or two. It’s classic Texas road trip food. But don’t wait for your next trip out of town to chow down on these soft pillowy buns of stuffed goodness, make them at home yourself with this recipe: Homesick Texan Kolaches.
8. Texas Caviar
Photo: flickr.com/bkajino
For the healthier side of Texas cuisine, try this side dish also known as Texas caviar. It looks like a garden exploded in a bowl, and does it ever meet the mark when looking for a bright, flavorful snack. Try this recipe loaded with veg, beans and just the right amount of cilantro and lime. Adults and kids alike will swing elbows to belly up to the bowl for more.
Give this recipe a go: Le Creme de la Crumb Cowboy Caviar.
9. Cowboy Beans
Photo: by Chris Cockren of sharedappetite.com
Imagine a dusty, handsome cowboy fresh from wrangling cows all day rambling up to your homey cabin with an insatiable hunger. One taste from your cast iron pot of cowboy beans stewing for hours soaking up secret spices, bacon and brown sugar and you’ll have an admirer for life.
We bet cowboys won’t be your only fans when you make this recipe: Shared Appetite Cowboy Beans.
10. Peach Cobbler
Photo: flickr.com/purdman1
Who doesn’t love to bite into a sweet peach, juices running over your chin and down your arm? It’s the quintessential summertime fruit when you reside in the Texas Hill Country. And while the peach pretty much embodies perfection straight off the tree, a flavorful peach cobbler can’t be beat on a hot summer’s day.
Try this recipe here: Real Texas Peach Cobbler