Famous Kansas Foods include barbecue ribs, sour cream and raisin pie, corned beef and cabbage, homemade chicken noodle soup, and potatoes and gravy.
These popular recipes will remind you of the best part of being in Kansas.
Check out our 50 states unit study for some fun states info!

Don’t forget to check out this Kansas Unit Study as well to learn more about fun state facts and history.
Kansas is a midwestern state that borders Colorado, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Nebraska. Its capital is Topeka and the biggest city is Witchita. You can find these delicious dishes throughout the entire state.
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 Kansas.
Table of Contents
Barbecue Ribs
Kansas barbecue is famous for its tender, fall-apart qualities. Ribs are made in the oven, on a grill, in a smoker, and in a slow-cooker. The key is to cook them low and slow until they fall apart in your hands.
- How to Make Kansas City Style Ribs
- Kansas City-Style Barbecue Ribs Recipe
- Kansas City Style Baby Back Ribs Recipe
Bierocks
These German rolls are stuffed with cabbage and beef. They’re perfect to eat with one hand while walking around festivals at Oktoberfest.
Grebble
Grebble is a German pastry that is fried and puffed. They are soft and tender and a classic German dessert.
- Grebbel (Fried Dough)
- German Scones Recipe with Cinnamon Honey Butter
- Holiday baking: Grebel, a German pastry
Sour Cream Raisin Pie
This pie is a spiced custard filled with raisins and topped with a layer of meringue in a flaky pie crust. It’s a classic Midwest dessert.
- Grandma’s Sour Cream Raisin Pie Recipe: How to Make It
- Sour Cream Raisin Pie: An Irresistible Easy Custard Pie
- Sour Cream Raisin Pie
Lefse
Lefse is a traditional Norwegian flatbread made with potatoes that look like tortillas. They are often topped with sweet or savory ingredients.
- Flatbread Recipe: Norwegian Potato Lefse
- Norwegian Lefse Recipe
- Lefse Recipe Using Real Potatoes – A Norwegian Tradition
Corned Beef and Cabbage
This traditional dish is made with salt-cured beef brisket and a side of cabbage. It can be cooked on the stove, in the oven, or in a slow cooker.
- Corned Beef and Cabbage Slow Cooker Recipe (Video)
- The Very Best Corned Beef and Cabbage
- Corned Beef & Cabbage Recipe
Chicken and Noodles Soup
Homemade chicken noodle soup is different in Kansas because cooks make the noodles from scratch too. This warm and comforting soup is the best you’ll ever have!
- Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Literally the BEST Chicken Noodle Soup
- Truly Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Zwiebach
These sweet and soft dinner rolls originate with Mennonites who came to Kansas and introduced the dish to locals. They can be found at dinner tables all over the state.
Pork Meatballs
Pork meatballs are popular in Kansas and can be found as a dish on their own or in other dishes like spaghetti, soup, or sandwiches.
- Honey Garlic Pork Meatballs Recipe
- Pork and Onion Meatballs With Tomato Sauce Recipe
- The Best Meatball Recipe!
Potatoes and Gravy
Mashed potatoes topped with savory gravy is a classic comfort dish in Kansas. The gravy can be made with meat drippings or without and it’s served over creamy mashed potatoes.
- BEST Mashed Potato Gravy {No Drippings Needed!}
- Homemade Gravy – How to make it perfectly every single time!
- Gravy Recipe – No Drippings Needed! Ready in 25 Mins or Less!
