A State-by-State Guide to America's Most Famous Foods
Despite the growing number of chain restaurants across America, regional cuisine remains as vast as our continent is wide. After all, there are whole TV shows dedicated to traveling for a taste of each state's authentic and iconic dishes, but to know the history behind their creation is another story. For instance, do you know who invented the first Philly cheesesteak? How about the California Cobb salad? We've gathered 50 dishes from 50 states to prime you about the dishes you love. Be forewarned: this slideshow will make you hungry.
- With Haley Lyndes Susannah Chen, Nancy Einhart, Lauren Hendrickson, Nicole Perry, and Sara Yoo
Alabama: Fried Apple Pies
McDonald's can thank the state of Alabama for its beloved fried apple pies. It's said that fried pies originated in Alabama to use up leftover pie dough and fillings. After a hot oil bath, the pies are sprinkled with sugar.
fried apple pie by stu_spivack CC BY 2.0Alaska: King Crab Legs With Butter
Prized king crabs found off the coast of Alaska are expensive due to their scarcity and because king crab fishing is one of the most dangerous occupations in the world.
GettyArizona: Chimichangas
The Phoenix-based Macayo's restaurant chain started a petition to make the chimichanga Arizona's first recognized state food. Word has it that the chain's founder accidentally dropped a burrito into the deep fryer in 1946, and it's been a Southwestern favorite ever since. It makes sense, given the state's proximity to the Mexican state of Sonora, which is known for its wheat flour tortillas.
Mmm... fried pork and cheddar burritos by jeffreyw CC BY 2.0Arkansas: Chicken
