Considering that Iowa is such a huge food producer, it’s no surprise that we take our food pretty seriously. Every state and region has its own specialties, and Iowa is no exception. From sandwiches to entrees to desserts, here are the 11 mouthwatering foods that Iowa does better than any other state.
- Maid-Rites
Flickr/rayb777 Maid-Rites were first created in Iowa, and they are now one of Iowa’s most iconic and delicious sandwiches. This loose meat sandwich contains spiced, steamed ground beef on a hamburger bun. It may sound simple, but it is magic.
- Pork Tenderloins
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM No list of Iowa foods would be complete without the pork tenderloin. These breaded, deep fried pork sandwiches are incredible, and no one does them like Iowa.
- Sweet Corn
Flickr/regan76 You haven’t had sweet corn until you’ve had Iowa sweet corn. Firm yet tender, bursting with sweet deliciousness and seasoned with butter and salt? It is literally to die for.
- Lefse
Flickr/Vrangtante Brun Iowa is home to a large population of people with Norwegian heritage, and nothing says Norwegian like Lefse. This delicacy is kind of like flat bread. Tender, paper thin, and rolled with butter and sugar or other toppings, and you’ve got on big ‘ol roll of deliciousness.
- Twin Bing
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM Twin Bings originated in Sioux City, they’re made by the Palmer Candy Company, and they are seriously delicious. These chewy round candies consist of peanuts and chocolate wrapped around cherry-flavored nougat. Yum.
- Taco Pizza
Facebook/Happy Joe’s Pizza Tacos are delicious. Pizza is delicious. So why not combine the two? This is one of the genius Iowa food innovations that you definitely have to try. The first taco pizza was served by Happy Joe’s, and since then, it’s become a classic pizza on menus all over the country.
- Rhubarb Pie
Flickr/Emily One of Iowa’s most classic pies is made with fresh rhubarb, hand picked right out of the back yard. The tartness of the rhubarb couples beautifully with the sweet and buttery crust.
- Scotcharoos
Flickr/Matt If you’re not from Iowa, you may have never heard the term, “Scotcharoos,” but now you have. You’re welcome. These delicious bars are basically rice crispy treats, but with added peanut butter and chocolate.
- Iowa Chops
Flickr/Derek Taken from the choicest part of the pork loin, Iowa chops are thick cut, juicy and seriously delicious.
- Steak de Burgo
Flickr/Alan Light Steak de Burgo is a specialty from the Des Moines area. It’s a mouthwatering Iowa specialty that consists of a steak topped with butter, Italian herbs and garlic.
- Dutch Letters
Flickr/Doramon You can’t get better Dutch letters than in Iowa’s Dutch community, Pella. Jaarsma Bakery serves the most delicious S-shaped puff pastries with almond paste.
For more delectable Iowa food, 11 ‘Hole In The Wall’ Restaurants In Iowa That Will Blow Your Taste Buds Away.
Flickr/rayb777
Maid-Rites were first created in Iowa, and they are now one of Iowa’s most iconic and delicious sandwiches. This loose meat sandwich contains spiced, steamed ground beef on a hamburger bun. It may sound simple, but it is magic.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
No list of Iowa foods would be complete without the pork tenderloin. These breaded, deep fried pork sandwiches are incredible, and no one does them like Iowa.
Flickr/regan76
You haven’t had sweet corn until you’ve had Iowa sweet corn. Firm yet tender, bursting with sweet deliciousness and seasoned with butter and salt? It is literally to die for.
Flickr/Vrangtante Brun
Iowa is home to a large population of people with Norwegian heritage, and nothing says Norwegian like Lefse. This delicacy is kind of like flat bread. Tender, paper thin, and rolled with butter and sugar or other toppings, and you’ve got on big ‘ol roll of deliciousness.
Twin Bings originated in Sioux City, they’re made by the Palmer Candy Company, and they are seriously delicious. These chewy round candies consist of peanuts and chocolate wrapped around cherry-flavored nougat. Yum.
Facebook/Happy Joe’s Pizza
Tacos are delicious. Pizza is delicious. So why not combine the two? This is one of the genius Iowa food innovations that you definitely have to try. The first taco pizza was served by Happy Joe’s, and since then, it’s become a classic pizza on menus all over the country.
Flickr/Emily
One of Iowa’s most classic pies is made with fresh rhubarb, hand picked right out of the back yard. The tartness of the rhubarb couples beautifully with the sweet and buttery crust.
Flickr/Matt
If you’re not from Iowa, you may have never heard the term, “Scotcharoos,” but now you have. You’re welcome. These delicious bars are basically rice crispy treats, but with added peanut butter and chocolate.
Flickr/Derek
Taken from the choicest part of the pork loin, Iowa chops are thick cut, juicy and seriously delicious.
Flickr/Alan Light
Steak de Burgo is a specialty from the Des Moines area. It’s a mouthwatering Iowa specialty that consists of a steak topped with butter, Italian herbs and garlic.
Flickr/Doramon
You can’t get better Dutch letters than in Iowa’s Dutch community, Pella. Jaarsma Bakery serves the most delicious S-shaped puff pastries with almond paste.
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