The Preferred Comfort Food In Each U.S. State

By: Lauren Fokas | Published: Oct 30, 2023

There is nothing that exudes Southern comfort more than Alabama’s favorite dish called cheese grits. These creamy, cheesy bowls of deliciousness take breakfast or supper to a higher stage. Cheese grits have your back if you’re from ‘Bama and want a warm hug in food form.

Talking salmon, you’ll have to head far north to Alaska. Fresh and melt-in-the-mouth salmon it’s an emotional support you can eat. In real life, this isn’t just food; it’s a lifestyle. Alaskans revere their salmon; with one bite, you’re almost an honorary Alaskan.

The Southwest Sizzlers: Arizona & Arkansas

It’s brunch o’clock in Arizona all the time. Chicken and waffles! In the Grand Canyon state, one way to make a person happy is to give them a sweet waffle, a crispy fried chicken, and some syrup. You can always avoid the next waffle fix, as you can always find plenty of dining spots dedicated to this glorious union.

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However, Arkansas has some tough contenders for the cheese dip. The gooey delight purportedly came from Little Rock; to be accurate, let’s say it is a legend. Chipp’n dippin is a little Arkansan way of a lot of happiness.

West Coast Flavours: California & Colorado

The taco game of California is really strong. Think of the palm trees with the ocean breeze in your hair while eating a super taco. Ah! The dream, and for Californians, just a Tuesday.

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Colorado’s food is spicy and heavy, as it likes it so. A bowl of chicken chili is undoubtedly a classic Rocky Mountain comfort. The spicier, the better, Colorado style. It’s a meal for a soul that has been living in Colorado for days.

A Slice and a Side: Connecticut & Delaware

Are you actually living in Connecticut if you haven’t had New Haven-style pizza? For a moment, forget New York and Chicago – it is Connecticut, the underdog in the pizza world. It is a love affair in every slice with a crisp crust and cheesy.

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No other state adores the scrapple and egg breakfast than Delaware. A delicious fried-up golden brown scrapple balances those runny eggs. This morning feast will leave you knowing you have yet to experience Delaware.

Fruity and Tart: Florida & Georgia

Key lime pie is the king of dessert in Florida. Imagine that you are in the Keys and eating tangy Key lime goodness in a crumbly crust; each bite is an exotic journey. This would be a slice of heaven if heaven were a pie.

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Georgia presents us with peaches. Think about it. One can be resting on a porch, the sun is shining and one taking a bite out of a juicy Georgia peach. Is that Southern comfort or what?

Tropical and Tubers: Hawaii & Idaho

Loco moco is a source of comfort for Hawaii. It’s the ultimate comfort dish that checks all the boxes: carbs, protein, and gravy. Think of the aloha spirit in a bowl.

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On the other hand, Idaho fulfills its potato-full reputation with mashed potatoes. These aren’t your average mashed potatoes; they are the comforting, creamy goodness you can’t live without.

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Cheesy Comfort: Illinois & Indiana

Nothing beats grilled cheese in Illinois. What more could you want besides a melty cheese sandwich between crunchy pieces of bread? The comfort of grilled cheese is a matter of agreement for any Chicagoan, and everyone argues about deep-dish pizza.

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They are just dreams for an Indiana pork tenderloin sandwich. Imagine a juicy piece of pork fried deep in the middle of two buns with cream cheese, pickles, and coleslaw on top.

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Adventure in a Bun: Kansas & Kentucky

The barbecue pulled pork sandwich from Kansas is an amazing delicacy that fills our soul. Juicy pulled pork soaked in mouthwatering BBQ sauce, toasted in a soft bun. Each bite is like the soul of a Kansas summer cookout.

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In Kentucky, it is all about the Hot Brown. This sandwich has layers of turkey and bacon topped with a creamy Mornay sauce and broiled to perfection. It’s not a meal but a Bluegrass State institution.

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Sweet and Savory: Louisiana & Maine

In Louisiana, gumbo reigns supreme. It is a Creole dish that contains seafood flavors, sausage flavors, and a roux-based broth that your taste buds would love to do a two-step. It is a hearty, filling bowl that will warm you and have a touch of Mardi Gras.

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The lobster roll has to be comfort food for Mainers. Picture juicy chunks of lobster with mayo and a buttered and toasted bun. You are transported to a beautiful New England harbor with every bite without ever leaving your seat. And that’s what comfort is all about.

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The Midwestern Mashup: Iowa

The loose meat sandwich is simple in Iowa. Do not let the simplicity deceive you; the messy concoction of burger meat, onions, and spices is like a hug in sandwich form. It’s as strong as a Midwestern handshake and as welcome.

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There you have it, a delicious trip across America’s greatest comfort foods. Each state has a taste with its flavors, which together create the rich mosaic of America’s cultural cuisine. So jump in a car and let go of yourself to let your taste buds lead you on the most delicious food journey ever!

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