Famous Missouri Foods include St. Louis pizza, toasted ravioli, butter cake, Kansas City barbecue, concrete ice cream, and cheese curds. These popular recipes will remind you of the best part of being in Missouri.
Check out our 50 states unit study for some fun states info!
Don’t forget to check out this Missouri Unit Study as well to learn more about fun state facts and history.
Missouri is known for The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, being named after a Sioux tribe, the extensive cave system, and that the ice cream cone was invented at the World’s Fair.
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 Missouri.
Does each state have its own famous foods?
Absolutely, much like a quilt with a variety of patterns, each state in the United States prides itself on having signature dishes that reflect its unique culture and history. These regional specialties often arise from local ingredients, ancestral recipes, and cultural influences.
For instance, Louisiana is renowned for its Cajun and Creole cuisines, with dishes like gumbo and jambalaya. In Texas, barbecue brisket and chili take center stage, while Maine’s claim to culinary fame lies in its fresh lobster rolls. Vermont is known for its maple syrup, and no trip to New York would be complete without sampling its iconic New York-style pizza or cheesecake.
These famous foods not only cater to local tastes but also attract food enthusiasts from around the globe eager to get a taste of America’s diverse culinary landscape.
What are the most popular foods in the state of Missouri?
In Missouri, a state celebrated for its culinary diversity, the smoky aroma of barbecue, especially Kansas City-style, dominates the gastronomic landscape. This method of cooking meats low and slow sets the stage for a beloved taste sensation entrenched in Missouri’s food culture.
Alongside barbecue, toasted ravioli stands out as a unique St. Louis invention – breaded, deep-fried, and served with marinara sauce. But Missouri’s food scene isn’t limited to savory treats; it also boasts the iconic butter cake, a St. Louis dessert known for its gooey richness that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
With these dishes and more, Missouri’s popular foods illustrate the state’s rich and diverse culinary traditions.
Does Missouri have a state specific food?
Missouri, the Show-Me State, may not have a designated official state food, but it boasts a culinary landscape as rich and diverse as its history. One dish that stands out is the St. Louis-style pizza, a unique pie with a thin, cracker-like crust topped with Provel cheese—a processed blend of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone.
The city’s love affair with barbecue also shines through in Kansas City, where the smoky, sauce-drenched meats provide a mouthwatering testament to the state’s passion for comfort food.
Toasted ravioli, which is breaded, deep-fried, and served with marinara sauce, also claims its origins in St. Louis, offering a crunchy twist on the Italian classic.
While these delicacies are not officially recognized by Missouri legislation, they convey the state’s flavor and culinary traditions.
St. Louis Style Pizza
This pizza has no yeast and has a thin, crispy crust. It’s easy to make and there’s no need to wait around for the dough to rise.
Toasted Ravioli
These ravioli are filled with cheese or meat, fried, and dusted with parmesan cheese and parsley. They are often dipped in marinara sauce.
Butter Cake
This cake is a famous Missouri food that has an ooey-gooey center and is served for dessert and at parties.
Kansas City Barbecue Sauce
Barbecue is sacred in Kansas City, Missouri. This sauce is tangy and sweet made with tomatoes, vinegar, molasses, and chili powder. It’s brushed on chicken, ribs, and brisket.
- Kansas City Barbecue Sauce
- Homemade Kansas City Style BBQ Sauce
- Kansas City-Style Barbecue Sauce Recipe
Concrete Ice Cream
This frozen custard ice cream is so thick it’s practically “concrete.” It’s made with eggs and sugar and then refrigerated overnight before being churned into ice cream.
- Chocolate Frozen Custard Recipe
- Vanilla Frozen Custard Recipe {Easy Small Batch Homemade Ice Cream}
- Vanilla Frozen Custard Ice Cream
Pork Steaks
These thick pork chops are cooked like steak and can be grilled, pan-fried, or baked. They’re delicious with barbecue sauce with a side of mashed potatoes.
Burnt Ends
These small cuts of brisket are smoked and then coated with barbecue sauce. They are often crispy and always delicious!
Hot Salami Sandwiches
These hot sandwiches are made with salami, cheese, pickles, and provolone. They are perfect for lunch with a side of french fries.
- Hot Salami & Cheese Sandwiches
- Hot Salami Sandwich Recipe with Pepperoncini and Provolone
- Salami and Pickle Grilled Cheese
Shop My Printables
These printables are great for meal planning and organizing! Simply click the image to check out my shop products!
Apple Pie
Apple pie is a famous Missouri food made with fresh apples and flaky pie crust. It’s best served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Our Favorite Apple Pie
- Apple Pie Recipe with the Best Filling
- Dutch Apple Pie with Butter Crumb Topping
Cheese Curds
Mozzarella cheese is cut into small chunks, breaded, then fried. They are melty and amazing dipped in marinara sauce. They are most often served as an appetizer.
