Every state has traditional foods that often find their way to the dinner table. West Virginians are creative and daring when it comes to creating food. We follow recipes handed down through the generations, tweaking a bit here and there, but always coming away with a delicious home cooked meal.
Let’s look at the 13 food and drinks that West Virginians love the most.
1. Pepperoni Rolls
Pepperoni rolls were created in West Virginia and are a staple on both home and restaurant menus. There is nothing like a warm pepperoni roll straight from the oven!
2. Chili and Slaw Dogs
Only West Virginians truly know how to eat a hot dog. Many states have adopted the chili and slaw hot dog, but it originated right here. The best chili and slaw dogs are served up right here in West Virginia at Hillbilly Hot Dogs.
3. Cornbread And Pinto Beans
Pinto beans and cornbread is a West Virginia staple. There is an old West Virginia saying that goes "A bean without cornbread is like a kiss without a squeeze."
4. Ramps
When spring has sprung, it is ramp hunting season. If you can’t get out to dig your own, it's easy to find someone selling them along the road. Ramp and tater dinners are held by different organizations all across the state.
5. Buttermilk Biscuits
Biscuits are part of West Virginia breakfasts. Most Mountain State homes have Hudson cream self-rising flour in their kitchen cupboard and buttermilk in their fridge. Rolling out homemade biscuits in the morning is a West Virginia tradition.
6. Morels
Hunting for morels, also known as Molly Moochers, in the spring is an adventure that most West Virginians love to do. Morels are delightfully delicious.
7. Venison
Deer hunting is a big thing in West Virginia. Venison is one of the most popular types of meat. There is nothing like a big pan full of fried tenderloin.
8. Spaghetti And Meatballs
Spaghetti and meatballs is a popular dish no matter where you live. One of the reasons it is so popular is because it is considered a comfort food.
9. Mexican Cornbread
Mexican cornbread is cornbread with a kick. Everyone has their own recipe, but for the most part you add creamed corn, chiles, Monterey Jack, and cheddar cheese to your favorite cornbread recipe that has been passed down for generations.
10. Potato Cake
Potato cakes are what West Virginians do with their leftover mashed potatoes. Simply mix the potatoes with flour, egg, onion and salt and pepper and fry in oil. Potato cakes are great with any meal or all by themselves.
11. Pizza
Everyone loves pizza, but West Virginians know that the secret to an amazing pizza is cooking it in a cast iron skillet.
12. Milk
Milk is one of the most popular drinks in West Virginia. Many West Virginians, especially farmers, drink raw milk.
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13. Mountain Dew
Mountain Dew is the most popular soft drink in West Virginia.
Did I miss your favorite food or drink? If so, share it with me in the comment section!
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