Cincinnati chili
For good reason, cincinnati chili is one of Ohio’s most famous dishes. This delicious chili is packed with the flavor of lots of warm spices like cinnamon and allspice, contrasted with cloves, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper. The recipe also calls for a mixture of beef and pork cooked in a tomato sauce that includes cocoa powder, red wine vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. All of these ingredients combine to create the signature sweet but slightly spicy flavor of Cincinnati chili that Ohioans and visitors alike love. If you’re looking to experience a true Ohio classic, Cincinnati chili should be at the top of the list.
Bacai
Buckeyes are iconic treats that are worth trying if you are in Ohio. While they may not look as appealing as some of the other dishes Ohio has to offer, such as Cincinnati chili, they have firmly taken their place in the state’s culinary scene. Extremely simple yet delicious, these little bites taste like peanut butter heaven and they couldn’t be easier to make given the three ingredients: peanut butter, sugar, and chocolate. If you want to improve the flavor of your Bakai, try one of the many variations, such as adding crunchy cereal or making them with real butter instead of margarine. A timeless classic in Ohio’s culinary lineup, you’ll be doing your taste buds a disservice if you don’t try Buckeye for yourself.
Hot Browns
Hot Browns, originating at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, have been a staple of the Cincinnati culinary scene since the 1930s. A warm and hearty comfort food, Hot Browns are a delicious blend of roasted turkey, bacon, and tomatoes topped with a gooey mornay sauce and baked to perfection under a layer of cheese and breadcrumbs. For many Ohioans, hot browns symbolize everything that is good about home cooking, which has been honed for generations in Buckeye family kitchens. The rich combination of flavors – the juiciness of the turkey and the smoky aroma of bacon wrapped in creamy mornay – can transport anyone to nostalgic memories of a cool fall gathered around a cozy table for dinner.
Pierogi
Ohio’s signature dish, pierogi, has been a staple of Polish cuisine for centuries and is now a beloved part of Ohio culture. Although they are often referred to as boiled dumplings, they are more complex. Boiled or fried pierogi come in a variety of flavors and can be eaten with any filling, including potatoes, sauerkraut, fruit, cheese, and more. They are simply delicious, and regardless of your preferences, you can find a filling for a pierogi that will appeal to your taste buds. Eating a pierogi is like diving into Ohio history. For generations, families have made pierogi from scratch at home for special meals and occasions, carrying on the tradition of this beautiful Ohio dish.
Goetta
Goetta is one of Ohio’s favorite foods. This delicious pork, beef, and oat dish has been prepared for generations in Cincinnati and other parts of the Buckeye State. Its unique blend of flavors creates a savory and satisfying dish perfect for breakfast or any time of day. To create unique recipes, you can experiment with flavors, shapes, and cooking styles. Perfectly cooked Goetta has a crispy exterior but retains moisture inside. If you like this unique specialty, you’ll want to start every morning with the right preparation.
Sloppy Joe
A local culinary favorite for decades, Ohio’s signature dish Sloppy Joe’s has a long and notable history. It originated in the 1930s in the working-class neighborhood of Scottsdale, Ohio, during the Great Depression. The classic sandwich consists of ground beef with onions, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce or ketchup and spices on a hamburger bun – simple ingredients that can create incredible flavor. Sloppy Joes blurs the line between comfort food and irresistible appeal, no matter how you prepare it or what toppings you add to it – from cheese to seasonings, onions or mushrooms. Once you’ve tasted this comforting classic, you’ll find yourself on your list of iconic Ohio dishes; every bite brings back nostalgic memories that no other food can.
Cleveland-style pizza
The specialty of Ohio is Cleveland-style pizza, which is a favorite dish of the Midwest. It differs from other types of pizza by a large portion of tomato sauce, liberally applied to the surface of the pizza before baking. This layer adds extra flavor and prevents the dough from getting soggy during consumption. The crust also has a unique texture, often called biscuit or thin, because it is cooked in a greased pan. In addition, cheese takes center stage for Cleveland-style pizza, topped with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese instead of traditional mozzarella. As someone who’s tried many types of pizza in Ohio, it’s no surprise that Cleveland-style pizza will become your favorite.
Skyline Chili
Skyline Chili is an Ohio specialty and one of the most famous dishes in the state. Skyline Chili was founded in 1949 by Greek immigrant Nicholas Lambrinides, who brought his homegrown chili peppers to Cincinnati. Since then, Skyline has become a local favorite due to its unique flavor. It is usually served over spaghetti noodles with cheese and onions, creating a cozy version of chili con carne that is distinctly Ogoyan. Many claim that the secret to its popularity lies in the unique blend of spices used in its recipe. Regardless of why it gained popularity as the state’s signature dish, fans agree that Skyline Chili is delicious.