Texas has a culture all its own. From language like “fixin’ to” and “y’all” to traditions like Friday night lights and the State Fair, Texans are proud of their heritage. As any good Texan will tell you, food is a big part of our lives and family gatherings.
And our family is no different! Whether you live in Texas or not, we just have to share the love. Below are some of our family’s favorite Texas recipes.
The Home of Shiner and Lone Star Beer Also Enjoys a Good co*cktail
Whether it’s pre-gaming, happy hour, or just shooting the breeze, Texans work up a mighty thirst. Local, ice cold Texas beers are a great option for cutting the dust. So are these co*cktails.
Texas Ranch Water co*cktail
When a margarita meets the carbonized classic, Topo Chico, you’ve got Texas Ranch Water. The drink gets its name from the cloudy look that resembles well water out at the ranch. This one is best on the rocks.
https://www.cowboysindians.com/2017/09/recipe-dulce-vida-texas-ranch-water-co*cktail/
Texas Ranch Water co*cktail
Longhorn Bull Shot
For those who enjoy a less fruity beverage, brace yourself for savory and spice. Anything related to beef makes a Texan happy.
https://www.saveur.com/article/Wine-and-Drink/Longhorn-Bull-Shot
Appetizers
No doubt about it, Texans like dip, and not just the kind you stick between your cheek and gum. Tortilla chips are a staple in any Texan’s pantry because they double as eating utensils for Texas classics like these.
Chile Con Queso
Most commonly referred to just as “queso”, this cheesy dip is one of our favorites. It’s great on chips, on burgers, as a topping for omelets, and anywhere else you need a cheesy condiment. You could opt for the Velveeta and Rotel recipe, or kick things up a notch with this homemade selection.
https://www.texasmonthly.com/food/chile-con-queso/
Chile con Queso
Texas Caviar
For the days when we prefer a healthier option to dip into, we enjoy the fresh, summery taste of Texas Caviar. Black-eyed peas form the foundation for this healthy side. Where you land on the polarizing flavor of cilantro will impact how you season this Texas tradition.
https://www.saveur.com/article/Recipes/Texas-Caviar
Jalapeño Poppers
If there are three things Texans love in regards to our food, it’s spice, cheese, and fried. These poppers are the trifecta. If you’re not from around these parts, it’s important to know that the jalapeño seeds are the source of the spice. Fewer seeds mean milder spice. Proceed at your own risk.
https://www.saveur.com/article/Recipes/jalapeno-poppers
Entrees
A hearty meal is a reward at the end of a day of hard work. It’s also a bonafide reason to gather family and friends around the table to celebrate or just enjoy each other’s company. Anything cooked over an open flame, especially beef, fits our Texas culture. Aside from that, these dishes entice our Texas tastebuds.
Chicken Fried Steak
We Texans are known for deep-frying just about anything. (If you’ve been to the State Fair, you may have noticed deep-fried Oreos, fried cookie dough, fried beer… You get the idea.) However, it all started with chicken and progressed from there. Beef was soon thereafter, leading to one of our family favorites: chicken fried steak. Meat and potatoes topped with gravy, what could be better?
https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/chicken-fried-steak-gravy/
King Ranch Chicken Casserole
Not all Texas cuisine is fried. Some of it appears in casserole form. King Ranch Chicken Casserole ranks at the top of all casseroles, making even the pickiest eater forget the entire meal arrives in one dish. It’s that good. It has to be to bear the King Ranch (another Texas legend) name.
https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/king-ranch-chicken-casserole
Frito Pie
Don’t let our pride for our state fool you, Texans are simple people. We don’t always eat ribeyes. In fact, when it comes to comfort food, you just can’t beat Frito Pie on a cool day. Our love for Texas chili meets our love of corn chips in one bowl.
https://www.homesicktexan.com/2010/05/frito-pie-with-texas-chili.html
Frito Pie
Pimento Cheese Sandwich
Sometimes you just need a small lunch portion, a reliable sandwich to hold you over until dinner. Pimento cheese is part salad, part cheesy goodness. To avoid the mayonnaise-based options you buy at the store, make your own at home with a little kick. A well-kept secret: pimento cheese makes a wonderful grilled cheese sandwich. https://www.saveur.com/article/recipes/pimento-cheese-sandwich-with-homemade-pickles
Texas Sides
Not every side dish can be mashed potatoes (although we wouldn’t mind). Our family enjoys these vegetable options.
Texas Slaw
Shredded cabbage combined with the Texas flavors of ranch dressing and jalapeño to create the perfect side for brisket, fajitas, or anything else you choose to grill.
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/59375/texas-slaw/
Fried Okra
If you’re scared of okra being slimy, you haven’t tried it fried. The fried version of this garden vegetable is a hit with all ages, even the tiniest picky eaters. It’s great by itself, but feel free to dip it in a side of ranch dressing.
https://palatablepastime.com/2015/08/25/southern-fried-okra/
Fried Okra
Desserts
Keep your fork! These Texas desserts are worth the calories. Trust us.
Pecan Pie
Pecan trees around the state drop pecans just in time for fall recipes like pecan pie. If you live too far away to pick up fresh Texas pecans, store-bought will do. Whipped cream topping is optional.
https://www.heb.com/recipe/recipe-item/texas-pecan-pie/1392843255029
Texas Sheet Cake
If you could combine the rich chocolate flavor of homemade brownies with the light, fluffy texture of devil’s food cake and top it with a buttery icing, you would have Texas Sheet Cake. The only thing that would make this recipe better is a scoop of Blue Bell Ice Cream on the side. Chase it with a cup of fresh coffee and call it a night.
https://www.thedailymeal.com/recipes/texas-sheet-cake
Texas Sheet Cake
Bon appetit, friends. Share your favorite Texas recipes in the comments.
