The 50 Most Controversial Recipes in Every State

Every state in the USA has its own culinary identity, often marked by unique and sometimes controversial dishes. From Alabama’s white BBQ sauce to Wyoming’s bison chili, these recipes spark debates, divide opinions, and define regional tastes. Join us as we explore the most contentious culinary creations from sea to shining sea.

1. Alabama’s Controversial Recipe: White BBQ Sauce

Unlike traditional red BBQ sauces, Alabama’s white version, made with mayonnaise, vinegar, and spices, raises eyebrows and divides BBQ enthusiasts.

2. Alaska’s Controversial Recipe: Reindeer Sausage

This Alaskan delicacy often shocks visitors, but locals swear by its rich, gamey flavor.

3. Arizona’s Controversial Recipe: Sonoran Hot Dogs

Wrapped in bacon and topped with an array of Mexican-inspired condiments, these hot dogs challenge traditional notions of the American classic.

4. Arkansas’ Controversial Recipe: Fried Catfish

While beloved by many, the idea of frying bottom-feeding fish doesn’t sit well with everyone.

5. California’s Controversial Recipe: Avocado Toast

Often mocked as a millennial indulgence, this simple dish has become a symbol of California’s food culture.

6. Colorado’s Controversial Recipe: Rocky Mountain Oysters

These deep-fried bull testicles are a local delicacy that often shocks unsuspecting diners.

7. Connecticut’s Controversial Recipe: New Haven-style Pizza

With its thin, charred crust and sparse toppings, this pizza style challenges traditional notions of the Italian-American favorite.

8. Delaware’s Controversial Recipe: Scrapple

This loaf made from pork scraps and cornmeal is beloved by locals but often met with skepticism by outsiders.

9. Florida’s Controversial Recipe: Key Lime Pie

Debates rage over whether this tart dessert should be topped with meringue or whipped cream.

10. Georgia’s Controversial Recipe: Peach Cobbler

While seemingly innocent, heated discussions arise over the proper way to prepare this Southern classic.

11. Hawaii’s Controversial Recipe: Spam Musubi

This sushi-like snack featuring grilled Spam has both devoted fans and disgusted critics.

12. Idaho’s Controversial Recipe: Potato Salad

In the potato state, debates over the perfect potato salad recipe can get heated.

13. Illinois’ Controversial Recipe: Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza

This thick, casserole-like pizza is often derided by New Yorkers as “not real pizza.”

14. Indiana’s Controversial Recipe: Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

The massive size of this breaded pork sandwich, often larger than the bun, raises eyebrows.

15. Iowa’s Controversial Recipe: Maid-Rite Sandwich

This loose meat sandwich, resembling a sloppy joe without sauce, puzzles many non-Iowans.

16. Kansas’ Controversial Recipe: Burnt Ends

These crispy, fatty brisket pieces are either considered a delicacy or a waste, depending on who you ask.

17. Kentucky’s Controversial Recipe: Burgoo

This hearty stew, traditionally made with whatever meat was available, can include ingredients that make some squeamish.

18. Louisiana’s Controversial Recipe: Gumbo

Fierce debates rage over the proper ingredients and preparation methods for this iconic Creole dish.

19. Maine’s Controversial Recipe: Lobster Roll

The ongoing debate between cold lobster with mayo versus warm lobster with butter divides locals and tourists alike.

20. Maryland’s Controversial Recipe: Crab Cakes

Marylanders argue passionately about the proper ratio of crab to filler in these beloved seafood patties.

21. Massachusetts’ Controversial Recipe: Clam Chowder

The creamy New England style faces off against Manhattan’s tomato-based version in an ongoing culinary rivalry.

22. Michigan’s Controversial Recipe: Coney Dogs

These chili-topped hot dogs spark debates over which city makes them best: Detroit or Flint.

23. Minnesota’s Controversial Recipe: Tater Tot Hotdish

This casserole, topped with frozen potato nuggets, is either comfort food or culinary sacrilege, depending on who you ask.

24. Mississippi’s Controversial Recipe: Fried Green Tomatoes

While popular, some argue that frying unripe tomatoes is a waste of good produce.

25. Missouri’s Controversial Recipe: Toasted Ravioli

These breaded and fried pasta pockets challenge traditional Italian cuisine norms.

26. Montana’s Controversial Recipe: Bison Burgers

While healthier than beef, some argue that grinding lean bison meat into burgers is a culinary misstep.

27. Nebraska’s Controversial Recipe: Runza

This bread pocket filled with beef, cabbage, and onions is beloved locally but puzzling to outsiders.

28. Nevada’s Controversial Recipe: Buffalo Wings

In a state known for extravagant buffets, the humble buffalo wing sparks debates over sauce heat levels and proper accompaniments.

29. New Hampshire’s Controversial Recipe: Apple Cider Donuts

While popular, some argue these treats are too sweet and mask the natural flavor of the apples.

30. New Jersey’s Controversial Recipe: Pork Roll

This processed meat product, also known as Taylor Ham, divides the state over its name and preparation methods.

31. New Mexico’s Controversial Recipe: Green Chile

The state’s obsession with this spicy condiment baffles some visitors, while locals can’t imagine eating without it.

32. New York’s Controversial Recipe: Bagels

New Yorkers insist their bagels are superior due to the water, a claim that sparks heated debates with other cities.

33. North Carolina’s Controversial Recipe: Eastern vs. Western BBQ

The state is divided over BBQ styles, with Eastern preferring vinegar-based sauce and Western opting for tomato-based.

34. North Dakota’s Controversial Recipe: Knoephla Soup

This German-Russian dumpling soup is comfort food for locals but can seem bland to outsiders.

35. Ohio’s Controversial Recipe: Buckeyes

These peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate resemble poisonous nuts, which some find unappetizing.

36. Oklahoma’s Controversial Recipe: Fried Okra

While popular in the South, okra’s slimy texture when fried is off-putting to many.

37. Oregon’s Controversial Recipe: Marionberry Pie

Some argue that this blackberry hybrid doesn’t deserve its cult status in Oregon’s culinary scene.

38. Pennsylvania’s Controversial Recipe: Cheesesteaks

Debates rage over proper cheese choice (Whiz or provolone) and the inclusion of vegetables.

39. Rhode Island’s Controversial Recipe: Coffee Milk

This sweet, coffee-flavored drink is puzzling to those outside the smallest state.

40. South Carolina’s Controversial Recipe: Shrimp and Grits

While beloved locally, the combination of seafood and corn porridge baffles some outsiders.

41. South Dakota’s Controversial Recipe: Chislic

These cubes of deep-fried meat (usually lamb) are a local favorite but can seem overly simple to visitors.

42. Tennessee’s Controversial Recipe: Hot Chicken

The extreme spiciness of this Nashville specialty is too much for some palates.

43. Texas’ Controversial Recipe: Brisket

Texans argue passionately about the best way to smoke and serve this beef cut.

44. Utah’s Controversial Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

This cheesy potato casserole’s name and ubiquity at gatherings can be off-putting to non-locals.

45. Vermont’s Controversial Recipe: Maple Syrup

While beloved, some argue that Vermont’s obsession with maple syrup goes too far, appearing in unexpected dishes.

46. Virginia’s Controversial Recipe: Ham Biscuits

Debates arise over the proper ham (country or city) and biscuit recipe for this Southern staple.

47. Washington’s Controversial Recipe: Salmon

While prized locally, some argue that Washingtonians’ obsession with salmon leads to its overuse in dishes.

48. West Virginia’s Controversial Recipe: Pepperoni Rolls

These simple bread rolls filled with pepperoni are beloved locally but can seem too basic to outsiders.

49. Wisconsin’s Controversial Recipe: Cheese Curds

The squeaky texture and sometimes pungent smell of fresh cheese curds can be off-putting to the uninitiated.

50. Wyoming’s Controversial Recipe: Bison Chili

While nutritious, some argue that using lean bison meat in chili results in a less flavorful dish compared to beef.

From coast to coast, these controversial recipes showcase the diverse and sometimes divisive nature of American cuisine. Whether you love them or hate them, these dishes are an integral part of each state’s culinary identity, sparking passionate debates and keeping local food traditions alive.