Famous Illinois Foods
These Famous Illinois Foods can be found all over the state. They include the Chicago hot dog, Italian beef sandwiches, apple fritters, and pizza pot pie. These popular recipes will remind you of the best part of being in Illinois.
Check out our 50 states unit study for some fun states info!
Don’t forget to check out this Illinois Unit Study as well to learn more about fun state facts and history.
Illinois is a state in the midwest in the Great Lakes region. One of its most notable, and biggest, cities is Chicago. Food is ever-evolving in this state and has a combination of old-style comfort food and new modern concepts.
These 10 food categories include three recipes each from notable professional chefs and home chefs with the recipe testing and dish development done for you. All you need to do is enjoy the wonderful combinations that make these dishes uniquely Illinois.
Pierogi
Pierogi are dumplings filled with savory potatoes and served with melted butter. Also, they can be sweet with fruit compote. In addition, you can steam or boil them.
- Pierogi Recipe
- How To Make Better-than-Grandma’s Potato and Cheese Pierogies
- Homemade Pierogi Recipe
🍳 My New Favorite — With a Reader Discount!
This is my new favorite nonstick skillet I use every single week — and I’ve got a deal just for you!
🛍️ Elite 5.5-Quart Oval Electric Skillet
- ✔️ Non-toxic & PFAS-free
- ✔️ Easy to clean (even after cheesy eggs!)
- ✔️ Beautiful enough to serve in
🌿 $25 off a $150+ purchase with code: 3BOYSANDADOG
🟢 “400+ readers clicked this code last month – I truly love this pan!”
Gyros
Gyro sandwiches are Greek and made with lamb or chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, drizzled with a yogurt dressing called tzatziki sauce, and served in a pita.
- Homemade Greek Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
- Easy Homemade Gyro Recipe
- Homemade Greek Chicken Gyro Recipe
Chicago Dog
A Chicago-style hot dog is a culinary icon, celebrated for its unique combination of flavors and textures. It starts with an all-beef hot dog nestled in a soft, poppy-seed bun.
The bright green relish brings a sweet contrast, while a dill pickle spear adds a refreshing crunch. Juicy tomato slices and pickled sport peppers contribute a burst of flavor, and a dash of celery salt ties everything together.
Distinctive and beloved in Chicago, this hot dog is more than just a meal; it’s a flavorful tribute to the city’s rich culinary tradition.
Chicago Pizza
Chicago pizza, famously known for its deep-dish style, offers a unique and hearty dining experience. Its thick, buttery crust forms the foundation, rising high to encase layers of gooey cheese and rich, chunky tomato sauce.
This pizza often includes a variety of savory toppings such as Italian sausage, pepperoni, and vegetables, making each slice a filling delight.
Its popularity stems from its indulgent nature and the way it brings a comforting, satisfying meal to the table, setting it apart from the thin, crisp offerings of other regions.
Enjoying a slice of Chicago pizza is more than a meal—it’s a celebration of flavor and tradition.
- Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza
- Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza Recipe
- Easy 1 Hour Deep Dish Pizza Recipe
Would you like to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later! You'll also get regular recipes & printables to your inbox!
Italian Beef Sandwich
Slow-cook a beef shoulder with pepperoncinis for Italian beef sandwiches. Also, place the meat in a hoagie roll. In addition, add provolone slices on top and broil to perfection.
- Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches
- Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches {Tailgating Must}
- Italian Beef Sandwiches
Polish Sandwich (Zapiekanka)
These open-faced sandwiches are topped with raw or cooked vegetables, sliced ham, mushrooms, chopped onions, and garnished with ketchup.
- Polish Zapiekanka (Open-Faced Sandwich) Recipe
- Polish Open-Faced Sandwich (Zapiekanka) Recipe
- Polish Open Face Sandwiches – Kanapki
Apple Fritter
These pastries are deep-fried with chunks of apples, cinnamon, and covered in icing. They are best served hot!
Pizza Pot Pie
Start by filling ramekins with mozzarella, marinara, and toppings. Also, cover with pizza dough. In addition, bake until the crust forms. Flip it to reveal mozarella on top and crust on the bottom.
Horseshoe Sandwich
This open-faced sandwich starts with a toasted slice of thick bread, topped with sliced ham, crispy french fries, and drizzled with cheese sauce.
- Horseshoe Sandwich Recipe: How to Make It
- Easy Horseshoe Sandwich Recipe
- Hot Turkey Horseshoe Sandwich Recipe
Chicken Boti Kabob
This skewered chicken is marinated in a blend of mayonnaise, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cinnamon, nutmeg, paprika, coriander, and lemon juice. The chicken can then be grilled, baked, slow-cooked, or air-fried.
