Missouri’s food scene is rich with BBQ, crispy-fried favorites, and indulgent sweets. These 25 classic recipes will bring a taste of the Show-Me State straight to your kitchen!
From St. Louis’s iconic thin-crust pizza to Kansas City’s renowned BBQ, each dish has a story and flavor unique to Missouri. This collection will not only tantalize your taste buds but also invite you into the heart of Missouri’s culinary heritage.
With flavors that range from sweet to savory, each recipe offers a new way to experience the comforting, hearty, and vibrant food culture of Missouri. Let’s explore these iconic dishes and bring a bit of Missouri magic to your home cooking.
1. St. Louis-Style Pizza
A cracker-thin crust supports a melty blanket of Provel cheese. Its delicate crunch contrasts with the creamy, tangy layer that only Missouri can deliver.
This pizza is not your ordinary pie. The Provel blend—a mix of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone—creates an addictive flavor unique to St. Louis.
2. Toasted Ravioli
Crisp on the outside and tender within, these fried ravioli are a St. Louis treasure. They are dipped in zesty marinara that enhances every bite.
A simple twist transforms a classic Italian treat. The crunchy breading and hearty filling make it a must-try comfort food.
3. Kansas City-Style Burnt Ends
Caramelized beef brisket chunks exude smoky richness and a hint of sweetness. These burnt ends are slow-cooked till tender.
The BBQ sauce clings to every morsel with a thick, tangy glaze. They capture the bold spirit of Kansas City’s BBQ traditions.
4. St. Paul Sandwich
An egg foo young patty is nestled between soft white bread with creamy mayo, crisp lettuce, and tangy pickles. It’s a St. Louis classic that surprises with every bite.
The texture of the patty paired with fresh garnishes creates a balanced medley of flavors. It’s an unexpected yet irresistible regional twist on a sandwich.
5. Springfield-Style Cashew Chicken
Deep-fried chicken meets a savory soy-based sauce adorned with crunchy cashews. This dish boasts a delightful contrast between crisp and tender.
Every bite is a burst of umami and nutty crunch. Its bold flavors represent Springfield’s innovative take on classic Asian influences.
6. Missouri Gooey Butter Cake
A rich, buttery cake with a wonderfully dense and gooey center. It originated in St. Louis and has become an iconic indulgence.
The cake’s sweet, melt-in-your-mouth texture is balanced by a slightly crisp top. Its decadent charm keeps people coming back for more.
7. Kansas City BBQ Ribs
Slow-cooked pork ribs are slathered in a thick, tangy tomato-based sauce. The meat falls off the bone with a satisfying tenderness.
The smoky aroma mingles with sweet and spicy notes in every bite. These ribs embody the time-honored traditions of Kansas City BBQ.
8. Fried Morel Mushrooms
Earthy morels are lightly breaded and fried until golden. Their nutty flavor and crisp exterior celebrate the bounty of seasonal foraging.
This dish brings a touch of gourmet flair to Missouri’s table. It’s a seasonal delicacy that turns simple mushrooms into a luxurious treat.
9. Concretes (Frozen Custard Shakes)
Thick, creamy frozen custard is blended with your favorite mix-ins for a refreshing treat. A St. Louis staple, concretes are indulgent and satisfying.
Their velvety texture and customizable flavors make them a fun dessert to share. Every blend is a nostalgic nod to local dessert traditions.
10. St. Louis Pork Steaks
Grilled pork shoulder cut into hearty slices and coated in savory BBQ sauce. These pork steaks offer a smoky, charred flavor that’s unmistakably regional.
The meat is juicy and tender, a testament to careful grilling and quality sourcing. They’re a signature dish that captures Missouri’s love for robust, meaty fare.
11. Provel Cheese Dip
A creamy dip made from the famous St. Louis cheese blend. Its gooey consistency and tangy, melty flavor are ideal for dipping everything from crackers to veggies.
This dip celebrates the unique character of Provel cheese. It’s a rich, versatile treat that elevates any appetizer spread with its gourmet flair.
12. Missouri Cornbread Salad
Layers of crumbled cornbread, hearty beans, juicy tomatoes, and melty cheese create a Southern-inspired medley. The salad offers an unexpected crunch and warmth in every bite.
It’s a celebration of comfort food reimagined with a twist. Each layer provides a different texture and flavor that pays homage to Missouri’s diverse culinary roots.
13. Kansas City Strip Steak
A perfectly seared, juicy cut of beef with simple seasoning does wonders for steak lovers. Its charred exterior locks in natural juices and robust flavor.
The steak’s simplicity is its charm. Every bite is a reminder that sometimes the best ingredients need only a light touch to shine.
14. Persimmon Pudding
Dense and spiced, this pudding captures the unique flavor of Missouri’s native persimmons. Its warm spices and rich texture evoke the comfort of a homemade dessert.
Every slice tells a story of autumn harvests and family traditions. The pudding’s hearty consistency makes it a seasonal favorite that warms the soul.
15. Crispy Fried Catfish
Cornmeal-crusted catfish fillets are fried to a perfect, golden crisp. This river favorite is tender on the inside with a satisfying crunch outside.
The dish pairs well with a squeeze of lemon and a side of tart dipping sauce. Its simple, rustic flavor celebrates Missouri’s love for fresh, local fish.
16. Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies)
A sweet, crunchy snack featuring Chex cereal tossed with chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. It’s a fun treat that delivers both crunch and a hint of nostalgia.
The blend of flavors and textures creates a delightful mix that is as addictive as it is easy to make. It’s a snack that brings back memories of casual gatherings and happy moments.
17. Chili Mac
A hearty fusion of spaghetti and a meaty, chili-infused sauce. This comfort food dish is both filling and full of flavor, great for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
The rich, savory sauce clings to every noodle, creating a warming dish that feels like home. It’s Missouri comfort on a plate, blending two favorites into one.
18. Kansas City-Style Baked Beans
Smoky and sweet, these baked beans are loaded with BBQ flavor and a hint of spice. They simmer slowly to achieve a tender, sauce-infused consistency.
Every spoonful offers a balance of textures and tangy taste. They serve as the best side dish for a true Kansas City BBQ feast.
19. Oatmeal Pie
A dessert that feels like a cross between pecan pie and a cookie. Its dense, slightly crumbly texture and sweet, nutty flavor evoke simpler times.
This pie’s understated charm lies in its familiar ingredients and comforting taste. It’s a humble treat that nonetheless delights with its homey appeal.
20. Grape Salad
A unique Midwestern twist on salad, blending sweet grapes with tangy cream cheese and a drizzle of brown sugar. The result is refreshingly unexpected and deliciously balanced.
The creamy and fruity combination creates a texture that is both smooth and crunchy. It’s a playful dish that showcases the quirky side of Missouri’s culinary scene.
21. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Slow-cooked pork shoulder is shredded and piled high on a soft bun with crisp slaw and a generous squirt of BBQ sauce. The sandwich is a riot of smoky, tangy flavors.
This dish is the essence of comfort food, combining tender meat with bold, zesty accompaniments. Every bite is a hearty reminder of Missouri’s love for slow-cooked goodness.
22. Buttered Corn on the Cob
Missouri-grown sweet corn is boiled until tender and then slathered in creamy butter. Its natural sweetness is highlighted by a sprinkle of salt and a hint of fresh herbs.
This summertime staple is simple yet irresistible. The burst of juicy kernels makes it a must-have side that celebrates local harvests.
23. Wild Blackberry Cobbler
Fresh Missouri blackberries are tucked beneath a sweet, biscuit topping. Baked to perfection, the cobbler offers a warm, tangy contrast between fruit and crust.
Its rustic charm and vibrant flavors evoke memories of family picnics and sunny afternoons. This dessert is a seasonal celebration of the region’s abundant produce.
24. Homemade Runzas (Meat-Filled Pastries)
Savory pockets filled with seasoned ground beef and cabbage, encased in soft, doughy bread. These runzas offer a satisfying mix of hearty filling and tender pastry.
The flavors meld together in a delightful, portable meal. They are a testament to the creative fusion of Midwestern and Eastern European culinary traditions.
25. Scotch Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are enveloped in a savory sausage mix, then breaded and fried till crisp. This pub favorite delivers a burst of flavor with every bite of its crunchy exterior and soft, rich center.
The combination of textures is both playful and satisfying. Scotch eggs bring a touch of gourmet comfort to any table, inviting you to indulge in a hearty treat.