Famous Virginia Recipes
Famous Virginia Recipes include pimento cheese, fried pies, oysters, apple butter, peanut pie, macaroni and cheese, and shrimp and grits.
Check out our 50 states unit study for some fun states info! These popular recipes will remind you of the best part of being in Virginia.

Don’t forget to check out this Virginia Unit Study as well to learn more about fun state facts and history.
Virginia is known for the famous Virginia Beach with long beaches, seafood restaurants, and tourist attractions. Norfolk is home to military bases and the state is a major producer of tomatoes, peanuts, and tobacco. The name Virginia comes from Queen Elizabeth I, who was known as the Virgin Queen.
These ten food categories include three recipes 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 Virginia.
Pimento Cheese
This creamy spread is made with mayonnaise, cheese, pimentos, and seasonings. It’s perfect for dipping vegetables or bread, spreading on sandwiches, or eating with crackers.
Fried Pies
These small pies are perfect for holding in your hands to eat. Pie dough is filled with apples, cherries, or strawberries, folded over, and then fried.
- Fried Apple Hand Pies {Tender & Flaky Crust}
- Easy Fried Pies Southern Style with Shortcut
- Easy Fried Pies Recipe
Oysters
Fresh oysters right from the ocean are steamed, grilled, or baked. They are cooked with herbs, lemon, breadcrumbs, or fish stock. These tasty morsels are fun to eat right off the shell.
Apple Butter
Cooks slow-cook apples until they turn rich golden brown to make this creamy condiment. Interestingly, the name is misleading since it contains no butter. You can spread it on pancakes. Additionally, it works well on toast or French toast.
Peanut Pie
Peanut pie resembles pecan pie. It uses corn syrup, brown sugar, and eggs. Additionally, it includes butter, vanilla, and whole, shelled peanuts. This pie is a famous Virginia recipe. Plus, it is popular in the southern states.
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Macaroni and Cheese
Elbow pasta combines with various cheeses to create this cheesy dish. Sometimes, cooks add meat or vegetables. They often top it with breadcrumbs. They also bake it for added flavor.
- Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese (Contest Winning!)
- Extra Cheesy Homemade Mac and Cheese
- Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Shrimp and Grits
Spicy creole shrimp served over creamy grits is a classic southern dish. It’s served in high-end restaurants as well as hole-in-the-walls. One thing they all agree on is that this dish is delicious.
Brunswick Stew
Onions, garlic, and potatoes create this savory stew. It includes lima beans, corn, and tomatoes. Barbecue sauce and brown sugar add flavor. Seasonings, chicken, and pork complete the dish. Over time, this stew evolved into a famous Virginia recipe.
Peanut Soup
Peanut soup is popular in Virginia due to its abundant peanut production. Cooks often use carrots, celery, and onions. They add cream, peanut butter, and garlic powder. Other seasonings enhance the flavor. Different regions offer variations of this soup.
Biscuits and Ham
Warm, homemade biscuits transform into sandwiches with thick country ham and melty cheese. They are served for lunch. Additionally, enjoy them for an easy dinner at potlucks or backyard barbecues.
- Ham & Cheese Biscuit Bake
- Virginia Country Ham Biscuits
- The Best Poppy Seed Ham Biscuits in the World. Ever.
