Home is where the heart is. And, for us, that’s our beautiful Missouri. Sometimes we leave home – for a vacation; we move then return; or we leave permanently, coming back every so often to visit family and friends. But, no matter how far we roam, Missouri will always remain our beloved home state. Leaving, whether temporarily or permanently, can also give some pretty massive cravings for the delicious foods only Missouri knows how to do right. Here are 10 foods every Missourian craves when they leave Missouri. (See if you agree!)

1. Gooey butter cake

Mmm…mmm…nothing beats gooey butter cake sprinkled with powdered sugar. You won’t find anything like this sweet treat anywhere but Missouri unless, of course, you decide to make your own.

2. St. Louis-style pizza

Sure, we can find good pizza in just about any city we visit. But, none quite compare to a St. Louis-style pizza pie with its thin, crispy crust, Provel cheese, and square slices. What’s your favorite St. Louis-style pizza topping?

3. Toasted ravioli

Dunk your deep-fried, toasted ravioli – made with cheese or meat – in a bowl of marinara. Sure, you can find toasted ravioli in other states, but no one makes it quite like Missourians.

4. Slinger

Is there any better way to start the day than with a slinger? And, the best place to find a slinger – hash browns, eggs, and meat topped with chili con carne and cheese – is an old school Missouri diner.

5. Fried chicken

Just like toasted ravioli, we can find fried chicken just about anywhere we go. But, we won’t find it as good as it’s made in Missouri – and paired with a side of fluffy mashed potatoes and corn or green beans.

6. Kansas City BBQ

Can’t you just smell the Kansas City BBQ as it’s slow-cooked? Now imagine it – topped with its tomato and molasses sauce. Finger licking good!

7. Red Hot Riplets

Red Hot Riplets are the best potato chips in the world, wouldn’t you agree? Good thing about the popular chips. You can order ‘em online and have them sent to you, so you’ll always have a taste of home.

8. Frozen custard

We, Missourians, love our desserts. Arguably the world’s most popular treat, the ice cream cone was invented right here in Missouri. And, of course, we love our frozen custard and concrete treats.

9. Cheese curds

You just can’t go wrong with cheese. And, if you add a crispy crust around that ooey-gooey cheese, you’ve got heavenly cheese curds. Easy to miss when we’re away.

10. St. Paul Sandwich

Hungry? Really hungry? Then, a St. Paul sandwich is sure to satisfy that hunger. A popular St. Louis sandwich, the St. Paul features an egg foo young patty, topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions.

What else would you add to this list of foods Missourians crave when we leave home? Let us know in the comments! Then, when you’re home and in the mood for comfort foods, you’ll definitely want to try one of these 11 eateries. Click here to read more.