Get a taste of The Lone Star State with these classic Texas foods. Many come right from the recipe boxes of Texan home cooks!
A Round-Up of 50 Famous Texas Foods
1/50
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
2/50
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.
3/50
Chicken-Fried Steak
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 steak with 1/3 cup gravy: 563 calories, 28g fat (5g saturated fat), 148mg cholesterol, 839mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 46g protein.
4/50
Pressure-Cooker Easy Pork Posole
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a meal in a bowl? Sit down to a Mexican classic full of cubed pork, 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
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 189 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 954mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
5/50
Texas Toast Garlic Bread
Why have regular garlic bread when you could have buttery, herby Texas toast instead?
6/50
Green Chile Brunch Bake
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 503 calories, 34g fat (16g saturated fat), 239mg cholesterol, 1052mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
7/50
Slow-Cooked Barbecued Beef Sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 458 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 1052mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 30g protein.
8/50
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites
Make Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites at home with this easy recipe that uses just a few simple ingredients.
9/50
Dr Pepper Sheet Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 331 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 154mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (38g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
10/50
Quick Tacos al Pastor
From the Recipe Creator:
We loved the pork and pineapple tacos from a food truck in Hawaii. My husband, a high school football referee, gives my version a thumbs-up. —Lori McLain, Denton, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 317 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 573mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
11/50
Barbecue Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
Is there a better place than Texas to find a fantastic barbecue sauce? That’s where this one is from—it’s my father-in-law’s own recipe. We have served it at many family reunions and think it’s the best! —Bobbie Morgan, Woodstock, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked chicken: 370 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 33g protein.
12/50
Daughter's Apple Crisp
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without ice cream): 391 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 216mg sodium, 68g carbohydrate (41g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
13/50
Chile con Queso
From the Recipe Creator:
Years ago, my husband invented this gooey cheese dip. I may be biased, but I have to say it's excellent. If you like heat, rev it up with finely chopped jalapenos. —Patricia Leinheiser, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 103 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 164mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
14/50
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.
15/50
Texas Stew
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 223 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 710mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 15g protein.
16/50
Maple Glaze for Doughnuts
From the Recipe Creator:
Cider doughnuts are a tradition in Vermont, but here in Texas, we love maple flavors, too. Our maple glaze of choice features delicious maple syrup. —Barbara Elliott, Tyler, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
4 teaspoons: 89 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 3mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
17/50
Texas Jalapeno Jelly
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 92 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
18/50
Easy Shrimp Tacos
From the Recipe Creator:
I love preparing these easy-to-make 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
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 359 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 153mg cholesterol, 422mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 3 fat, 2 starch.
19/50
Texas-Style Lasagna
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 349 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 1041mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein.
20/50
Chicken Chalupa
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted an easy alternative to deep-fried chalupas, so I bake them with filling on top. —Magdalena Flores, Abilene, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 chalupa: 206 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 400mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
21/50
Fresh Lime Margaritas
From the Recipe Creator:
This basic fresh margarita recipe is easy to modify to your tastes. Try it frozen or with strawberries. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 cup (calculated without salt): 149 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
22/50
Texas Black Bean Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
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.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 91 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 609mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
23/50
Buttermilk Pecan Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 691 calories, 41g fat (20g saturated fat), 191mg cholesterol, 401mg sodium, 75g carbohydrate (53g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
24/50
Pecan Raisin Bread
From the Recipe Creator:
We love raisin bread and also enjoy the nutty flavor of pecans, so I decided to combine the two for this delectable loaf. It smells terrific and the taste…oh-so good! —Lora Sexton, Wellington, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 227 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 182mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
25/50
Texas Taco Dip Platter
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 522 calories, 24g fat (9g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 1200mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 8g fiber), 27g protein.
26/50
Texas Chicken Spaghetti
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 432 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 1063mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein.
27/50
Chocolate-Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 482 calories, 20g fat (7g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 337mg sodium, 70g carbohydrate (53g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
28/50
Grilled Steak Fajitas
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
2 fajitas: 466 calories, 22g fat (7g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 703mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein.
29/50
Custard Ice Cream
From the Recipe Creator:
This ice cream is technically a custard since it contains eggs. After lots of testing (and tasting), I've found that eggs are the key to making a smooth and creamy treat that rivals what you can get at a premium ice cream shop. -Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 310 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 188mg cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
30/50
Albondigas
From the Recipe Creator:
My Grandmother Trinidad loved making this albondigas recipe. We like to serve it over tostadas sprinkled with raw cabbage. —Wanda Knutson, Waco, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 340 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 1931mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein.
31/50
Salsa Roja
From the Recipe Creator:
Preparing homemade salsa lets you alter the flavor to fit your palate. Whip this easy snack together and serve with fresh veggies or. my favorite, lime tortilla chips. —Amber Massey, Coppell, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup (calculated without chips): 42 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
32/50
Handy Sausage Biscuits
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 biscuit: 131 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 211mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
33/50
Smooth Sweet Tea
From the Recipe Creator:
A pinch of baking soda eliminates bitterness in this smooth and easy-to-sip tea and it has just the right amount of sugar so it's not overly sweet. —kelseylouise, Taste of Home Community Member
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 76 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 29mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
34/50
Chunky Chipotle Pork Chili
From the Recipe Creator:
My leftover pulled pork chili recipe is a busy cook’s dream. Make it ahead and reheat later—it’s even better the second day. —Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 340 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 834mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 7g fiber), 27g protein.
35/50
Flavorful Green Rice
From the Recipe Creator:
Green onions and fresh parsley give this rice its name, but the appealing flavor is what makes it memorable. —Karin Bailey, Golden, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 240 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 505mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
36/50
Pecan Pralines
From the Recipe Creator:
My pecan praline recipe is special to me for I received it from my mother, who was an excellent cook! I also am a Texas Aggie Mom and I use pecans from a South Texas Aggie grower that our Aggie Mom's club has purchased from for many years. The quality is outstanding and far better than you will find in any grocery store. —Carol Jones, Blue Ridge, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 praline: 139 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 30mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
37/50
Texas-Style BBQ Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
We love a Texas BBQ sauce with all the right moves: ketchup, mustard, lemon juice, chili powder, Worcestershire and brown sugar. —Sandy Klocinski, Summerville, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 56 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 296mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
38/50
Chicken Tamales
From the Recipe Creator:
I love making these homemade tamales. They take a little time to make but are so worth the effort. I usually make them for Christmas, but my family wants them more often, so I freeze a big batch. —Cindy Pruitt, Grove, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
2 tamales: 564 calories, 35g fat (7g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 835mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 7g fiber), 20g protein.
39/50
Homemade Tortillas
From the Recipe Creator:
I usually have to double this flour tortilla recipe because we go through them so quickly. The homemade tortillas are so tender and chewy, you’ll never use store-bought again after learning how to make tortillas. —Kristin Van Dyken, Kennewick, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 tortilla: 159 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 148mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1.500 starch, 1 fat.
40/50
Texas Tumbleweeds
From the Recipe Creator:
Tumbleweeds blow across the roads in some parts of Texas, and I think these cute stacks look like them. I've been making these sweets with my sister for years. —Karen Lemay, Seabrook, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 76 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 57mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
41/50
Frito Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
Frito pie is legendary in the Southwest for being spicy, salty and fabulously cheesy. Here’s my take on this crunchy classic. —Jan Moon, Alamogordo, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 718 calories, 40g fat (14g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 1719mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 33g protein.
42/50
Favorite Bread & Butter Pickles
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 60 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 645mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
43/50
Barbecued Beef Brisket
From the Recipe Creator:
A guest at the RV park and marina my husband and I used to run gave me this flavorful barbecue brisket recipe. It’s become the star of countless meal gatherings, from potlucks to holiday dinners. Husband Ed and our five grown children look forward to it as much as our Christmas turkey. —Bettye Miller, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked beef: 441 calories, 21g fat (4g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 391mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 0 fiber), 31g protein.
44/50
Tangy Texas Salsa
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a "transplant" from Wisconsin currently living in Texas. Even after 20 years, I can't get enough of our wonderful local citrus. This is one way to work it into a main dish. The combination of tangy fruit, spicy jalapeno and distinctive cilantro is perfect over any meat, poultry or fish. We also dip into it with chips. —Lois Kildahl, McAllen, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 cup: 28 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
45/50
Tex-Mex Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
Sit back and relax with your family while enjoying this creamy dip. Colorful and festive, it's easy to put together ahead of time, which makes it perfect for game day. — Mary Anne McWhirter, Pearland, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 360 calories, 30g fat (11g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 878mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein.
46/50
Pecan-Cornbread Dressing
From the Recipe Creator:
Plenty of pecans and bacon give this stuffing a unique flavor, while using a packaged mix cuts down on the preparation time. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 404 calories, 26g fat (10g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 1035mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein.
47/50
Kolaches
From the Recipe Creator:
This kolache recipe was given to me by my mother-in-law, who received it from her mother! It was a standard treat in their family, made nearly every week. Now I make these kolaches for my own family for special occasions. —Maxine Hron, Quincy, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 kolache: 164 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 116mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
48/50
Spanish Chicken and Rice
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother has always been an avid cook, and my sister, two brothers and I were raised on this casserole. When I polled our family to see which recipe I should share, this fresh-tasting dish came out on the top. I know you'll enjoy it as much as we do. —Cindy Clark, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 345 calories, 12 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 73 mg cholesterol, 1,448 mg sodium, 30 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 27 g protein.
49/50
Beef ‘n’ Bean Torta
From the Recipe Creator:
This zesty dish is a favorite of mine because it has a wonderful Southwestern taste and is easy to prepare. I serve it on nights when we have only a few minutes to eat before running off to meetings or sports events. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 555 calories, 24g fat (11g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 1365mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 36g protein.
50/50
Texas Caviar
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 68 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 200mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
