30 Famous Foods In Texas

Texas food is one of the most unique, flavorful, and diverse cuisines in America. From Tex-Mex favorites like tacos and enchiladas to classic Southern dishes like fried chicken and barbecue, the famous foods in Texas consist of a little bit of everything for every foodie out there.

The interesting blend of flavors and influences in Texas’s food culture sets it apart from other states and makes it an exciting destination for any food lover.

1. Favorite Chocolate-Bourbon Pecan Tart

I grew up in Louisiana where, as in most of the South, pecan pie is a staple. This tart variation is extra good because it includes chocolate. I decided to up the decadence even more by adding bourbon and drizzling some caramel on top. —Amber Needham, San Antonio, Texas

2. Texas Twinkies

This appetizer is similar to jalapeno poppers, but the recipe calls for meat and barbecue sauce, making the dish a bit more hearty. Texas Twinkies are a great tailgate snack, cookout app, or even a side dish if you like to add heat to your weeknight dinners.

3. Chicken-Fried Steak & Gravy

As a child, I learned from my grandmother how to make these chicken-fried steaks. I taught my daughters, and when my granddaughters are older, I’ll show them, too. —Donna Cater, Fort Ann, New York.

4. Pressure-Cooker Easy Pork Posole

Looking for a meal in a bowl? Sit down to a Mexican classic full of cubed pork, and sliced sausage. hominy and more. It all goes into the pressure cooker, so you can come home at night and dinner is ready in a flash. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, TX

5. Texas Toast Garlic Bread

Why have regular garlic bread when you could have buttery, herby Texas toast instead?

6. Green Chile Brunch Bake

It’s easy to make this ahead of time in a 13×9-inch pan. It is filling, is perfect for a crowd and helps out busy parents. —Trista Thinnes, Fort Worth, Texas.

7. Slow-Cooked Barbecued Beef Sandwiches

Chuck roast makes delicious shredded beef sandwiches after simmering in a rich, homemade sauce all day. The meat is tender and juicy and takes minutes to prepare for a weeknight dinner or potluck. —Tatina Smith, San Angelo, Texas.

8. Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

Make Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites at home with this easy recipe that uses just a few simple ingredients.

9. Dr Pepper Sheet Cake

When we visited the Dr Pepper museum in Dublin, Texas, I bought a Dr Pepper cake mix. It was so delicious that I decided to come up with my own sheet cake version. It’s become a family favorite. —Karen Daigle, Burleson, Texas.

10. Daughter’s Apple Crisp

My mom’s apple crisp is the best in all of Texas, honest! I tweaked it slightly, though, and now I spend less time in the kitchen and more time catching up with my spry 92-year-young mother. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas.

11. Texas Roadhouse Butter

Hold the steak, hold the loaded baked potato and hold the Cactus Blossom. The real reason we go to Texas Roadhouse is for their fresh rolls and creamy whipped Texas Roadhouse butter.

12. Texas Stew

I love to experiment with many different types of recipes. But as a mother of young children, I rely on family-friendly ones more and more. Everyone enjoys this stew. —Kim Balstad, Lewisville, Texas

13. Texas Jalapeno Jelly

A jar of this sweet and spicy jelly is always warmly appreciated. To add an extra southwestern accent, I trim the lid with a snappy bandanna print fabric. —Lori McMullen, Victoria, Texas

14. Easy Shrimp Tacos

I love preparing these easy shrimp tacos. Hatch chiles are a staple ingredient in my home state of Texas, and this was the very first recipe that I conquered with them. Mix and match your favorite toppings—salsa and avocado would be perfect additions. —Deborah Jamison, Austin, Texas

15. Texas-Style Lasagna

With its spicy flavor, this dish is a real crowd-pleaser. It’s wonderful with side servings of Picante sauce, guacamole, and tortilla chips.— Effie Gish, Fort Worth, Texas

16. Texas Black Bean Soup

This hearty meatless stew made with convenient canned items is perfect for spicing up a family gathering on a cool day. It tastes as if it’s made with love and yet it requires so little time and attention. —Pamela Scott, Garland, Texas.

17. Buttermilk Pecan Pie

This is the treasured “golden oldie” that my grandmother made so often whenever we’d come to visit. Grandma grew her own pecans, and we never tired of cracking them and picking out the meat when we knew we’d be treated to her special pie! —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas

18. Texas Taco Dip Platter

When I’m entertaining, this colorful dish is my top menu choice. My friends can’t resist the hearty appetizer topped with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and olives. —Kathy Young, Weatherford, Texas

19. Texas Chicken Spaghetti

This recipe for Texas chicken spaghetti was given to me years ago by a favorite sister-in-law, a wonderful cook. My whole family has the recipe and enjoys it too. It is easy to freeze or it can be made the day before and kept in the fridge. You can use two cans of cream of mushroom soup instead of one mushroom and one chicken. —Virginia Chamblin, Youngsville, Louisiana

20. Chocolate-Peanut Butter Sheet Cake

I love peanut butter and chocolate, so I combined recipes to blend the two. This chocolate peanut butter cake is heavenly served plain or topped with ice cream. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas

21. Grilled Steak Fajitas

This tasty main dish is as quick and easy to assemble as tacos. Marinating the meat overnight makes it very tender. We like the hearty and flavorful steak slices. I serve the fajitas with Spanish rice, refried beans, and a gelatin dessert. —Pamela Pogue, Quitman, Texas

22. Handy Sausage Biscuits

These are similar to old-fashioned biscuits made from scratch, but they’re even better thanks to the tasty sausage throughout. It’s almost impossible to stop eating them. I like to serve these biscuits with an egg dish or soup. —Nancy Parker, Seguin, Texas

23. Texas-Style Brisket

This is the quintessential Texas-style brisket. Even my husband’s six-generation Texas family is impressed by it! Grilling with wood chips takes a little extra effort, but I promise you’ll be glad you did. Each bite tastes like heaven on a plate. —Renee Morgan, Taylor, Texas

24. Classic Texas Caviar

I adapted this Texas caviar from one in a cookbook I received a long time ago, and now, I can’t imagine a get-together at my house without this quick and healthy appetizer. —Becky Oliver, Fairplay, Colorado

25. Favorite Bread & Butter Pickles

I made these pickles while growing up and love them because you can eat them with just about anything. Now, both of my children love these pickles, too. I think you’ll enjoy them as much as we do! —Linda Weger, Robinson, Illinois