Famous Kansas Foods
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 Kansas dishes throughout the entire state.
Does every state have a food that they are known and famous for?
Each state in the US has its own unique personality and often also a cuisine that it is known for.
From New York’s iconic pizza to Maryland’s beloved crab cakes and Texas’ famous barbecue, each state has contributed something special and delicious to the American culinary repertoire.
Other states are well known for their locally grown produce or other ingredients in their region.
For example, Maine is home to succulent lobsters, while Georgia is famous for its Southern peaches.
Regional dishes are common across several states. For instance, Midwesterners take pride in their classic fried chicken recipes. Additionally, New Englanders boast about their fresh seafood chowders. Meanwhile, Southerners get excited about zesty gumbo.
No matter which state you visit, you’ll find something flavorsome. Therefore, tasty options await everywhere.
What is a fun way to celebrate the food that is the specific state is known for?
Celebrating a state’s food is a great way to learn about the area and have some delicious snacks. Consider hosting a potluck with all of the signature dishes from the state, such as Texas chili or Maryland crab cakes.
Alternatively, you can plan a themed dinner party with everyone pitching in to make their best ‘local cuisine’ dish.
It would be an interesting way to experience different types of regional cooking. You could even take it further and carve out tastings around the state, trying various regional specialties like South Carolina pulled pork sandwiches and Louisiana jambalaya.
Whatever your preferred method, indulging in local specialties is a great way to explore your home state and have a memorable time!
What are some fun ways to enjoy famous foods from the United States?
Some popular U.S. foods are widely known, such as hamburgers, fries, and hotdogs. However, there are several delicious options to explore. Enjoy unique flavors of classic American dishes at home. Therefore, you don’t need restaurant trips to savor them.
Try cooking at home with a creative spin to explore and truly appreciate these eats. Re-invent hamburger night in your house with new ingredients like pineapple slices, or make it vegetarian-friendly!
Or try assembling a simple tamale pie for an unexpected take on Mexican food. If sweets sound more interesting, pit two contrasting flavors together by creating ice cream sandwiches with crunchy macaroons sandwiching gooey peanut butter cups.
Adding a few extra twists never hurt; get experimental with American classics and discover fun ways to enjoy them!
Famous Kansas Foods
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.
Barbecue Ribs
Kansas barbecue is famous for its tender, fall-apart qualities. Cooks make ribs in the oven, on a grill, in a smoker, and in a slow-cooker. The key is to cook them low and slow. Consequently, 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. It looks like a tortilla. Additionally, people often top it 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 uses salt-cured beef brisket and a side of cabbage. You can cook it on the stove, in the oven, or in a slow cooker. Consequently, it offers versatile cooking options.
- 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. Cooks make the noodles from scratch. Consequently, 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. You can find them as a dish on their own. Additionally, they feature in 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!
