So, whether you’re a food enthusiast or you are just trying to find ideas for gift-giving this holiday season, you’re in for a treat. This isn’t your average “best of” list. You’ll find gifts you can buy and American food recipes to try for each state in this ultimate guide to the quirky, the delicious, and the downright iconic treats that define our nation.
Alabama
Immerse yourself in Alabama’s southern hospitality as you discover a rich culinary heritage. Gifts to Buy: Pecan Pralines Conecuh Sausage Southern Biscuits Recipes to Try: Buttermilk Biscuits Maple Bacon Pancakes with Pecan Praline Topping.
Alaska
Explore the wild and rugged flavors of Alaska, a state synonymous with adventure and pristine natural beauty. Gifts to Buy: Smoked Salmon Tortuga Birch Syrup Cake Alaska Birch Syrup – Use discount code: TOPFOODAK24 for 10% off Expires 12-31-2024. Recipes to Try: Smoked Salmon Birch Apple Cake from Canadian Birch Company
Arizona
Experience the vibrant and diverse culinary landscape of Arizona, blending influences from Native American, Mexican, and Southwestern cuisines. Gifts to Buy: Prickly Pear Syrup or Prickly Pear Candy (cactus fruit) Scorpion in a sucker Gun Slinger Hot Sauce or Variety Pack Recipes to Try: Tamale Pie Cowboy Caviar Sonoran Hotdogs
Arkansas
Delight in the warm and comforting flavors of Arkansas, where Southern comfort food takes the spotlight. Gifts to Buy: Southern Grits House of Webster Jam Fischer’s Honey Janis & Melanie Cookies Recipes to Try: Shrimp and Grits Skillet Cornbread
California
Indulge in the culinary wonders of California, abundant in fresh produce and innovative cuisine. Gifts to Buy: Pistachios Almonds Avocodos See’s Candies Recipes to Try: California Roll Pistachio Drop Cookies
Colorado
Discover the altitude-inspired tastes of Colorado, where local ingredients and a zest for outdoor adventure shape the culinary landscape. Gifts to Buy: Rocky Mountain Chocolate Palisades Peaches Enstrom’s Toffee Recipes to Try: Homemade Granola Red Velvet Cake Rocky Road
Connecticut
Savor the coastal charm of Connecticut, a state known for its captivating seafood traditions and rich culinary history. Gifts to Buy: Knipschildt’s Caramel Sea Salt Collection Willoughby’s Coffee & Tea Recipes to Try: Salted Chocolate Covered Caramels Strawberry Crepes
Delaware
Experience Delaware’s coastal offerings, where flavors of the Atlantic Ocean blend with local farm-fresh ingredients. Gifts to Buy: Fisher’s Caramel Corn Pizza Delivery from Nicola Recipes to Try: Scrapple Spritz Cookies
Florida
Embark on a flavorful journey through Florida’s tropical tastes, where citrus fruits, fresh seafood, and Caribbean influences abound. Gifts to Buy: Florida Oranges Fat Cat Florida Sauce Capital City Fruit – Discount Code: GRAPEFRUIT24 Recipes to Try: Key Lime Pie Cuban Sandwich
Georgia
Enjoy the hospitality and soulful flavors of Georgia, where traditional Southern fare and sweet peaches create a truly memorable culinary experience. Gifts to Buy: Southern Sweet Tea Company – Buy one get one 50% Discount Code: AO7OAWJ3700HB at checkout. Fried Peanuts Peaches Pepper’s Georgia Peach and Vidalia Onion Hot Sauce Recipes to Try: Coca Cola Cake Peach Jam
Hawaii
Dive into the tropical paradise of Hawaii, where vibrant fruits, fresh seafood, and indigenous traditions intertwine. Gifts to Buy: Kauai Luau Pudding Big Island Bees Honey Saki Ika Dried Kuttlefish Recipes to Try: Hawaiian Dream Cake Coconut Macadamia Nut Bars
Idaho
Transport yourself to the rustic flavors of Idaho, where the humble potato takes center stage alongside rich dairy products and mountain-inspired cuisine. Gifts to Buy: Idaho Potato Chips Idaho Spud Candy Bars John’s Steak Seasoning Spice (Idaho Redneck Blend) – Discount Code: Tastesbetterfromscratch for 10% off the entire order when you buy 3 or more. Recipes to Try: Homemade Potato Bread Potato Skins
Illinois
Discover the diverse culinary landscape of Illinois, where Chicago’s deep-dish pizza and cultural melting pot of flavors shine. Gifts to Buy: Illinois Corn Chowder Mix Vienna Beef Chicago Hot Dog Kit – Discount Code: SCRATCH for $10 off Chicago Style Pizza (Giordanos Pizza) Recipes to Try: Meringue Cookies Chicago Style Pizza
Indiana
Experience the heartland charm of Indiana, where comforting dishes, farm-fresh ingredients, and Midwestern hospitality reign supreme. Gifts to Buy: Amish Country Popcorn Tell City Pretzels St. Elmo’s Steak Sauce Gift Pack Recipes to Try: Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie Buttered Popcorn Cookies
Iowa
Embrace Iowa’s agricultural roots with hearty farm-to-table cuisine and a strong emphasis on homegrown flavors. Gifts to Buy: Bacon Maytag Blue Cheese Twin Bing Candy Bars Sweet Corn Recipes to Try: Pork Chops with Creamy Mustard Sauce Scotcheroos Rhubarb Pie
Kansas
Treat your taste buds to the smoky allure of Kansas, where barbecue traditions and Midwestern hospitality merge. Gifts to Buy: Jack Stack BBQ Sauce Joe’s Kansas City French Fry Seasoning Strawberry Hill Povitica Recipes to Try: Sourdough Donuts Peppernuts (Pfeffernusse Cookies)
Kentucky
Indulge in the rich traditions of Kentucky, from world-renowned bourbon to soul-warming Southern classics and farm-fresh delights. Gifts to Buy: Ale-8-One Soda Mint Julep Cocktail Syrup Oak and Bond Coffee Company – Discount Code: TBFS for 15% off the entire order through 1/1/25. Recipes to Try: Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Kentucky Bourbon Balls Recipe
Louisiana
Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of Louisiana’s Creole and Cajun cuisine, where spices, seafood, and hospitality create an unforgettable dining experience. Gifts to Buy: Boudin Cracklins Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning Aunt Sally’s Pralines Recipes to Try: Beignets Mardi Gras King Cake Sweet Potato Pie
Maine
Experience the coastal allure of Maine, where lobster, seafood chowder, and blueberry-infused delights highlight the state’s culinary identity. Gifts to Buy: Stonewall Kitchen Wild Maine Blueberry Jam Maine Coast Sea Salt Ocean’s Balance Seaweed – Discount Code TBFS10 until 1/15 Recipes to Try: Lobster Roll Blueberry Pie Maine Whoopie Pies
Maryland
Delve into Maryland’s seafood traditions, known for its famous blue crabs and old bay seasoning. Gifts to Buy: Berger Cookies Goetze’s Caramel Creams (Bullseye candy) Old Bay Crab Cake Mix Candy Kitchen Salt Water Taffy Recipes to Try: Crab Cakes Smith Island Cake
Massachusetts
Experience the historical flavors of Massachusetts, where fresh seafood, clam chowder, and Boston cream pie reign supreme. Gifts to Buy: Beacon Hill Chocolates McCrea’s Candies Cape Cod Cranberry Chutney Grillo’s Pickles Recipes to Try: Clam Chowder Fish and Chips Cannolis
Michigan
Discover Michigan’s culinary offerings, from cherries and craft beers to iconic Detroit-style pizza and pasties. Gifts to Buy: Mackinaw Island Fudge Cherry Republic Germack Cherry Berry Nut Mix Cherry Bay Orchard’s Dried Cherries Recipes to Try: Cherry Pie Detroit-Style Pizza Coney Dogs
Minnesota
Embrace the Scandinavian and Midwest influences of Minnesota, where delicious wild rice dishes and hot dish casseroles await. Gifts to Buy: Wild Rice Pearson’s Salted Nut Roll North Mallow S’mores Kit – Discount Code: TBFSGIFT to get a FREE extendable roasting stick ($12 value) with each purchase of a S’mores Kit. Recipes to Try: Tater Tot Hotdish Minnesota Munchers
Mississippi
Delight in the soulful tastes of Mississippi, where dishes like fried catfish, gumbo, and pecan pie celebrate Southern heritage. Gifts to Buy: Mississippi Cheese Straw Factory Mississippi Mud Puppies J. Lee’s Gourmet BBQ Sauce Bass Pecan Company Recipes to Try: Mississippi Mud Cake Mississippi Mud Pie
Missouri
Experience the flavors of the Show-Me State, from Kansas City-style barbecue to toasted ravioli and frozen custard. Gifts to Buy: Fitz’s Root Beer – Discount Code: TBFS10 for 10% off any order. (craft sodas or craft soda cans) Pappy’s Smokehouse BBQ Red Hot Riplets Potato Chips Imo’s Pizza Recipes to Try: Gooey Butter Cake Toasted Ravioli
Montana:
Embrace the rustic flavors of Montana, known for its bison dishes, huckleberry treats, and wild game specialties Gifts to Buy: Montana Huckleberry Jam Wild Huckleberry Syrup Beef Jerky – Montana Jerk Co. Alpine Touch Seasoning Fat Kid Cookie Company – Discount Code: TBFS 20 for 20% off the total order, a one-time purchase. Recipes to Try: Butternut Squash Butter Date Swirl Cookies
Nebraska
Discover Nebraska’s hearty farm-to-table cuisine, featuring hand-cut steaks, corn-fed beef, and sweet corn. Gifts to Buy: Runza Jisa’s Farmstead Cheese Nebraska Star Beef – Discount Code: TOPGIFTS24 for 10% off your order – excludes items that are already on sale. Recipes to Try: Raisin Pie Apple Hand Pies
Nevada
Indulge in the vibrant and eclectic culinary scene of Nevada, with its famous buffets and desert-inspired flavors. Gifts to Buy: Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory Ethel M Chocolates Sage Brush Honey Recipes to Try: Nevada Basque Shrimp Cocktail
New Hampshire
Experience the charming tastes of New Hampshire, from maple syrup and farm-fresh cheeses to apple cider donuts. Gifts to Buy: Whitmore Farm Maple Syrup Port City Pretzels – Discount Code: NEWHAMPSHIRE for 15% off until 11/30/24. Limit one use per customer. Van Otis Chocolates Recipes to Try: Rum Cake Boiled Dinner
New Jersey
Explore the diverse food landscape of New Jersey, where iconic dishes like Taylor ham, boardwalk funnel cake, and fresh tomatoes shine. Gifts to Buy: Salt Water Taffy Funnel Cake Kit New Jersey Pork Roll Recipes to Try: Deep Fried Oreos Disco Fries
New Mexico
Delve into the rich flavors of New Mexico, with its vibrant chile peppers, traditional Mexican cuisine, and delicious sopaipillas. Gifts to Buy: Fire Roasted Green Chile Fire Roasted Red Chile Biscochitos Recipes to Try: Sopaipillas Navajo Tacos
New York
Indulge in the culinary wonders of New York, from thin-crust pizza and bagels to iconic dishes like buffalo wings and cheesecake. Gifts to Buy: New York Bagels New York Cheesecake Buffalo Wing Sauce Recipes to Try: Lox Bagel Egg Cream
North Carolina
Experience a culmination of Southern flavors in North Carolina, renowned for its barbecue, pimento cheese, and sweet potato treats. Recipes to Buy: Pimento Cheese Moravian Cookies Hushpuppy Mix Recipes to Try: Apple Pie Collard Greens
North Dakota
Discover North Dakota’s heartland flavors, with dishes like knoephla soup, bison meat, and Scandinavian delights. Gifts to Buy: Lefse Flatbread Chocolate Covered Potato Chips Recipes to Try: Pioneer Bread Fry Bread Tacos
Ohio
Savor a taste of Ohio’s diverse food scene, featuring coney dogs, hearty buckeye candies, and beloved Midwest classics. Gifts to Buy: Buckeyes Party Pack of Buckeyes Guggisberg Baby Swiss Recipes to Try: Buckeyes Apple Cider
Oklahoma
Embrace the diverse culinary traditions of Oklahoma, showcasing dishes like chicken fried steak, Indian tacos, and sweet pecan pie. Gifts to Buy: Miller Pecan Co. Pecans Hardtimes Beef Jerky Recipes to Try: Pecan Pie Sonic Cherry Limeade Fried Okra
Oregon
Experience the farm-to-table movement in Oregon, where fresh seafood, craft beers, and artisanal chocolates take center stage. Gifts to Buy: Marionberry Jam Portland Coffee Hazelnuts Recipes to Try: Blackberry Cobbler Marionberry Galette
Pennsylvania
Delight in the rich culinary heritage of Pennsylvania, from Philly cheesesteaks and Pennsylvania Dutch treats to chocolate-covered pretzels. Gifts to Buy: Soft Pretzel Mix Amish Country Popcorn Shane Confectionary (America’s Oldest Candy Store) Recipes to Try: Amish Shoefly Pie Philly Cheesesteak
Rhode Island
Explore the flavors of the smallest state in the nation, with its iconic clam cakes, stuffies, and quahog chowder. Gifts to Buy: Coffee Syrup Ocean State Pepper Co. Del’s Lemonade Mix Recipes to Try: Clam Chowder Coffee Milk
South Carolina
Indulge in the Lowcountry cuisine of South Carolina, famous for its shrimp and grits, She-crab soup, and tangy mustard-based barbecue. Gifts to Buy: Red Clay Hot Honey Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce Heritage Shortbread Blenheim Ginger Ale Recipes to Try: Shrimp and Grits Peach Cobbler
South Dakota
Discover the flavors of South Dakota, where Native American influences, buffalo dishes, and hearty Midwestern fare await. Gifts to Buy: Craizy Daisy’s Gourmet Popcorn Bison Beef Stick Sunflower Seeds Recipes to Try: South Dakota Peach Kuchen Chislic
Tennessee
Experience the soulful tastes of Tennessee, known for its hot chicken, Memphis-style barbecue, and iconic Southern comfort food. Gifts to Buy: Goo Goo Clusters Martin’s BBQ Potato Chips Colt’s Chocolate Recipes to Try: Chess Pie Banana Pudding
Texas
Embark on a culinary journey through Texas, where sizzling steaks, Tex-Mex delights, and finger-licking barbecue reign supreme. Gifts to Buy: Jalapeno Jelly Clint’s Texas Salsa Millican Jalapeño Pecan Jelly Millican Pecan Butter – Discount Code: STORE17 for 17% off Recipes to Try: Texas Style Smoked Beef Brisket Texas Twinkies
Utah
Delve into the unique flavors of Utah, with its jellied salads, fry sauce, and honey-sweetened treats influenced by pioneer heritage. Gifts to Buy: Fry Sauce Utah Honey (Beehive State) Salt Water Taffy Recipes to Try: Funeral Potatoes Pretzel Salad
Vermont
Experience the farm-fresh flavors of Vermont, from maple syrup and artisanal cheeses to locally sourced meats and craft beers. Gifts to Buy: Vermont Maple Syrup Pure Maple Candy Vermont Cheese Recipes to Try: Fried Dough Apple Cheddar Pie
Virginia
Savor the tastes of Virginia, ranging from Chesapeake Bay blue crabs and ham biscuits to colonial-era recipes and lush vineyards. Gifts to Buy: Smithfield Ham Virginia Diner Peanuts – Discount Code: TBFS2024 for 15% off order through 12/31/24 Virginia Diner Peanut Pie Recipes to Try: Apple Cake Baked Ham
Washington
Indulge in the abundance of the Pacific Northwest in Washington, with its fresh seafood, apples, and renowned coffee culture. Gifts to Buy: Theo Chocolate Rainer Cherries Tim’s Cascade Potato Chips Recipes to Try: Cedar Plank Salmon Baked Apples
West Virginia
Delight in the mountain flavors of West Virginia, featuring pepperoni rolls, homemade Appalachian treats, and hearty comfort food. Gifts to Buy: Black Walnuts Buckwheat Pancake Mix Recipes to Try: Pepperoni Rolls West Virginia Slaw Dog
Wisconsin
Discover the cheese-filled delights of Wisconsin, where dairy products, bratwurst, and Friday night fish fry traditions thrive. Gifts to Buy: Cheese Brother’s Cheese Curds – Discount Code: THANKYOU10 for 10% off Skinny Sticks Maple Syrup – Discount Code: TastesBetterFromScratch for 20% off any single order. Limit 2 per customer Recipes to Try: Beer Bread Cornish Pasties Baked Mac and Cheese
Wyoming
Embrace the frontier flavors of Wyoming, known for its bison, elk jerky, and cowboy-inspired cuisine. Embrace the frontier flavors of Wyoming, known for its bison, elk jerky, and cowboy-inspired cuisine. Gifts to Buy: Elk Jerky Chokecherry Jam Recipes to Try: Ranger Cookies Beef Stew Prime Rib This post contains affiliate links.
