Welcome to the Land of Lincoln, where the heartland meets the Midwest, and the food is just as diverse and delicious as the people. Illinois state foods have something for everyone’s taste when it comes to cuisine.
From the bustling streets of Chicago to the picturesque farmland of the central part of the state, Illinois has a rich culinary heritage that is sure to delight your taste buds.
Chicago, the largest city in Illinois, is known for its world-famous deep-dish pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, and hot dogs loaded with all the fixings. These iconic dishes are a staple in the Windy City and a must-try for any food lover visiting Illinois.
But Illinois isn’t all about the big city. The central part of the state is home to some of the country’s most fertile farmland; as a result, it is known for its delicious corn on the cob, sweet watermelons, and crisp apples.
In addition to these iconic dishes, Illinois is home to various cultural cuisines, from Mexican and Chinese to Thai and Indian.
There’s no shortage of delicious Illinois state food, and we hope this article has inspired you to explore the culinary delights of this great state.
So, whether you’re a local or just visiting, be sure to indulge in the delicious Illinois state food. Trust us; your taste buds will thank you!
Table of Contents
The 16 Best Ilinois State Foods
Corn
This versatile and nutritious grain is a staple in many cultures worldwide, and it’s no different with Illinois state food. Corn is one of the most frequently farmed commodities in the United States, and it is a key ingredient in many of our favorite dishes.
Corn’s adaptability is one of its best qualities. It can be eaten raw, as a side dish, or as an ingredient in a variety of cuisines. Boiled corn on the cob is a summertime favorite that goes great with any BBQ or picnic.
It’s also delicious when grilled and topped with butter, salt, and pepper. But that’s not all. Corn can also be used in various recipes such as corn chowder, cornbread, corn pudding, and even in drinks like corn-based tequila.
Another great thing about corn is its nutritional value. It’s a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamins B and C, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. It’s also relatively low in calories, making it a great food choice for those watching their weight.
In the United States, corn is grown in many states, but none more so than Illinois. The state is known for its fertile farmland and ideal growing conditions, which make it one of the leading producers of corn in the country.
Corn is also a significant crop in Iowa, Nebraska, and Indiana. So next time you’re enjoying a delicious meal, take a moment to appreciate the humble corn and all it has to offer.
Gold Rush Apple
The GoldRush apple is a true taste sensation! This variety of apples is known for its unique combination of sweet and tangy flavors, with a crisp and juicy texture that will make your taste buds sing.
The GoldRush apple is a type of apple that was developed in 1994 in the labs of the University of Illinois. The apple was created to grow in a variety of climates and on a somewhat different timetable than other apples.
The GoldRush apple is a medium-sized fruit with beautiful golden-yellow skin. The skin is smooth and shiny and has a slight blush of red on one side.
The apple’s flesh is a creamy white color and incredibly crisp and juicy. It’s perfect for biting into, and the juice will burst into your mouth with every bite.
The sweetness comes from the natural sugar present in the apple, and the tanginess comes from the acidity level, which is just perfect.
Not only are they delicious, but they are also healthy. GoldRush apples are high in fiber and vitamin C, making them a great snack option for anyone looking to stay healthy.
So, next time you’re at the grocery store or farmers market in Illinois, give the GoldRush apple a try! You won’t be disappointed.
Pumpkin Pie
The pumpkin pie is a true fall favorite of Illinois state food! This delicious dessert is made with fresh, locally grown pumpkins and is the perfect way to end a cozy autumn meal.
The crust of the Illinois pumpkin pie is made with a combination of flour, sugar, and butter, giving it a flaky, buttery texture that crumbles perfectly in your mouth.
The filling is made from a mixture of fresh pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, cream, and a blend of warming spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This filling is creamy and smooth, with a perfect balance of sweetness and spices that gives a rich pumpkin flavor.
One of the best things about Illinois pumpkin pie is that it is often made with locally grown pumpkins, giving it a fresh and authentic taste that you can’t find in store-bought pies.
The pumpkin is locally sourced and picked at the perfect time of ripeness to ensure the best quality and taste.
Not only is it delicious, but pumpkin pie is also a great source of vitamin A, which is essential for eye health. So you can enjoy your slice of pie without any guilt.
Its unique flavors and textures make it stand out among other pies!
Bacon-Wrapped Chorizo-Stuffed Dates
Bacon-wrapped chorizo-stuffed dates are an authentic Illinois state food taste sensation! These delicious appetizers are made by stuffing plump, juicy dates with spicy chorizo sausage and then wrapping them in crispy, salty bacon.
The dates are first pitted and then stuffed with chorizo and cheese. The chorizo adds a spicy and savory flavor to the sweet and chewy dates.
Cheese adds a creamy and salty touch to the stuffing. Then, the stuffed dates are wrapped with a thin slice of bacon and secured with a toothpick. The bacon adds a smoky and salty flavor to the dates and also provides a nice texture contrast.
These appetizers are best served warm, straight from the oven or grill. As you take a bite, you’ll experience a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, with a bit of heat from the chorizo.
The combination of textures is also unique, with the chewy dates, creamy and spicy filling, and crispy bacon.
These appetizers are perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to more formal events. They are also easy to make, and you can prepare them in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Overall, bacon-wrapped chorizo-stuffed dates are a must-try for anyone who loves a delicious and unique appetizer experience.
Deep-Dish Pizza
This delicious pizza is characterized by its high buttery crust, chunky tomato sauce, and large amounts of cheese and toppings. It’s a must-try Illinois state food for anyone visiting the Windy City!
The crust of the Illinois deep-dish pizza is made with a combination of flour, yeast, sugar, and butter, giving it a flaky, buttery texture that crumbles perfectly in your mouth.
The crust is also high and deep, allowing a generous amount of toppings and cheese to be added. The toppings are added in layers, with cheese being the first, then meats and vegetables, and finished with a chunky tomato sauce.
One of the best things about Illinois deep-dish pizza is that it is often made with locally sourced ingredients, picked at the perfect time of ripeness, giving it a fresh and authentic taste that you can’t find in other pizzas.
Not only is it delicious, but deep-dish pizza is also an excellent option for sharing with friends and family. It’s perfect for a casual night in or a big group gathering.
So, next time you’re in Illinois, be sure to give deep-dish pizza a try! You won’t be disappointed.
Apple Fritter
These delicious treats are made by combining fresh, locally-grown apples with a sweet and fluffy dough, then deep-frying them to perfection.
The dough for the fritter is made with flour, sugar, milk, eggs, and yeast, giving it a fluffy and sweet texture. Chunks of apples are then added to the dough and mixed in, giving it a nice apple flavor.
The dough is then shaped into a ring and deep-fried in hot oil until golden brown. The result is a crispy exterior with a warm and fluffy interior filled with chunks of sweet apples.
One of the best things about Illinois apple fritters is that they are often made with locally grown apples, giving them a fresh and authentic taste that you can’t find in store-bought fritters.
Not only are they delicious, but apple fritters are also a great breakfast option or a sweet treat. They can be enjoyed warm or cold and can be topped with powdered sugar or glaze for added sweetness.
Its unique flavors and textures make it stand out among other pastries. So don’t miss out on apple fritters as your must-try Illinois state food! Your expectations will be exceeded.
Chicago-Style Hot Dog
These delicious sandwiches are made with all-beef frankfurters. They are typically served on a steamed poppy seed bun with various toppings, including mustard, onion, relish, tomato, pickle, sport peppers, and celery salt, one of the key ingredients that makes it a Chicago-style hot dog.
The frankfurter is made with high-quality beef, giving it a juicy and savory flavor. It’s then cooked to perfection, whether it’s grilled, boiled, or steamed, ensuring that the hot dog is cooked all the way through but still juicy and tender. The bun is typically steamed, which gives it a soft and fluffy texture.
The combination of toppings and the celery salt make it a unique flavor experience; it’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, salty, and a bit of tangy, which makes it a truly delicious hot dog.
They are delicious, and Chicago-style hot dogs are also an excellent option for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
They can be enjoyed at a local hot dog stand or a baseball game and are often considered a classic in Illinois state food.
Its unique flavors and textures make it stand out among other hot dogs.
Pizza Pot Pie
This delicious dish combines two classic comfort foods – pizza and pot pie. It’s made by layering pizza toppings, such as pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and cheese, inside a flaky, buttery pie crust.
The crust of the pizza pot pie is made with a combination of flour, butter, and water, giving it a flaky and buttery texture that crumbles perfectly in your mouth.
The filling is made from a mixture of pizza toppings, such as pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and cheese, and a rich tomato sauce.
The toppings are added in layers, with cheese being the first, then meats and vegetables, and finished with a rich tomato sauce.
Not only is it delicious, but pizza pot pie is also a great option for a quick and easy dinner or a comfort food option. It can be enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, and served as a main dish or a side dish.
Overall, pizza pot pie is a must-try for anyone who loves a delicious and unique pizza experience.
Shrimp De Jonghe
This dish is made with succulent shrimp smothered in a rich, buttery garlic and breadcrumb sauce. It’s a classic Illinois state food that’s sure to have your taste buds doing the happy dance.
The shrimp is first cooked until it’s perfectly pink and plump, then it’s smothered in a buttery garlic sauce made with butter, garlic, parsley, and breadcrumbs.
The breadcrumbs give it a nice crunchy texture, and the garlic adds an excellent depth of flavor to the dish.
The dish is then baked to perfection, giving the breadcrumbs a nice golden brown color and the sauce a nice bubbly texture.
The best part about Illinois Shrimp DeJonghe is that it’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways, whether it’s as a main course, an appetizer, or even a topping for pasta.
It’s a perfect dish for any occasion, whether you’re having a romantic dinner for two or a big party with friends. It’s an easy dish to prepare, and it’s sure to impress guests.
Sport Peppers
These mild chili peppers, referred to as sport peppers, are very popular in the southern United States of America and Illinois.
Pickled in vinegar, the peppers typically have a Scoville Heat Unit of 10,000 to 23,000. They are typically served on a Chicago-style hot dog but can also be used to add a little heat to sandwiches, dips, and chili.
Sport Peppers are small, bright green peppers that look innocent enough, but don’t let their size fool you.
Depending on the variety, they pack a powerful punch of heat ranging from mild to hot. They have a bright, slightly sweet, and tangy taste that balances the heat.
These peppers are usually found pickled and can be found in jars at most grocery stores, or you can make them at home if you can find fresh ones.
The pickling process gives them a nice crunch and adds a tangy vinegar taste to the pepper.
They pack a punch of flavor that will have your taste buds doing backflips. So, next time you’re in Illinois, be sure to give them a try and see if you can handle the heat!
Chicken Vesuvio
This dish is a classic Chicago recipe that combines succulent chicken with a delicious, garlicky, white wine sauce and crispy, roasted potatoes. It’s a dish that will have your taste buds doing the cha-cha!
Known as Chicken Vesuvio in Chicago’s Italian-American restaurants, it is named after the Mount Vesuvius volcano near Naples.
The chicken is first seared and then baked in the oven with garlic, white wine, and chicken broth, giving it a tender and juicy texture.
The sauce is made from the pan juices of chicken, butter, garlic, parsley, and white wine, which creates a flavorful and rich sauce.
The potatoes are also roasted in the oven with olive oil and garlic, giving them a crispy and golden brown exterior.
It’s easy to make, and it’s sure to impress your guests. It’s a perfect dish to enjoy with a group of friends or family and also an excellent option for a romantic dinner.
Its unique flavors and textures make it stand out among other chicken dishes!
Mother-in-Law
This Chicago classic sandwich combines tamale, chili, and cheese, all nestled inside a steamed bun. It’s a sandwich that will have your taste buds doing the salsa!
The sandwich starts with a steamed bun, which is then filled with a tamale, chili, and cheese.
The tamale is a traditional Mexican dish made of masa (corn dough) that is steamed or cooked in a pot. It’s usually filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables; in this case, it’s wrapped in a corn husk.
The chili is made with ground beef, diced tomatoes, onion, and spices, giving it a rich and savory flavor. The cheese adds a nice creaminess and a little bit of saltiness to the sandwich.
Although its origins are mysterious, it is widely joked that this sandwich will give you heartburn, like a real mother-in-law.
An Illinois Mother-In-Law Sandwich is a must-try for anyone who loves a delicious and unique sandwich experience. It’s a staple among Illinois state foods.
Maxwell Street Polish
Chicago’s Maxwell Street Polish sandwich is one of the most iconic street foods. It is believed that Jimmy Stefanovic, a Macedonian immigrant who ran a hot dog stand in Chicago’s old Maxwell Street market district back then, created the sandwich in 1943.
This Chicago classic sandwich combines a juicy, grilled Polish sausage topped with grilled onions, yellow mustard, and a pickle spear, all nestled inside a bun. The sandwich starts with a bun, which is then filled with a juicy, grilled Polish sausage. The sausage is made of pork and beef, seasoned with garlic and other spices, giving it a savory and juicy flavor. The bun is then topped with grilled onions, adding sweetness and a little smokiness to the sandwich.
The yellow mustard adds a nice tanginess and a little bit of heat, and the pickle spear adds a crunch and a bit of sourness to the sandwich.
One of the best things about Maxwell Street Polish is that it’s a classic Chicago sandwich that is perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, and it’s sure to impress your guests.
Maxwell Street Polish is Chicago’s signature sandwich that you can find at many street vendors and restaurants. It’s a staple of the Maxwell Street Market, a historic open-air market in Chicago famous for its ethnic foods, including Polish Sausage.
Stuffed Pizza
Chicago’s stuffed pizza began its rise to popularity a bit later than deep-dish pizza, which it shares many similarities with.
It features a thicker and smoother crust than a deep-dish pizza. In addition, the dough is drier and sweeter.
The pizza starts with a double crust made from a combination of flour, yeast, sugar, and butter, giving it a flaky, buttery texture that crumbles perfectly in your mouth.
The crust is then filled with gooey cheese and your choice of toppings, such as pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and onions.
The toppings are added in layers, with cheese first, then meats and vegetables, and finished with a chunky tomato sauce.
Overall, Chicago Stuffed Pizza is a must-try for anyone who loves a delicious and unique pizza experience.
Its unique flavors and textures make it stand out among other pizzas, adding it to the list of classic Illinois state foods.
Italian Beef Sandwich
This sandwich is a classic Illinois state food with a rich history that goes all the way back to the early 20th century.
The story goes that Italian immigrants in Chicago’s stockyards neighborhood used to bring a bag of thinly sliced roast beef sandwiches to work for lunch.
They would dip the sandwiches in the flavorful juices of the roast beef to add moisture and flavor; thus, the Italian Beef Sandwich was born!
The sandwich starts with an Italian roll, a long, crusty roll perfect for holding all the juicy roast beef.
The beef is slow-cooked to perfection, making it tender and juicy. It’s then thinly sliced, piled high on the roll, and topped with your choice of toppings like giardiniera, a mix of pickled vegetables, or sweet peppers.
The real magic of the sandwich comes from the au jus, a flavorful broth that the sandwich is dipped in, giving it a boost of flavor and moisture.
The au jus is made from the juices of roast beef, mixed with spices and seasonings, creating a rich, savory, and delicious broth!
Chicago Thin Crust Pizza
This pizza is a classic Chicago dish with a rich history from the early 20th century. It’s a thin, crispy pizza and loaded with toppings.
The origins of Chicago thin crust pizza can be traced back to the city’s large population of Italian immigrants in the early 20th century.
These immigrants brought their traditional pizza-making techniques and started experimenting with local ingredients.
They used high-gluten flour and a long fermentation process to create a pizza crust that was crispy, thin, and easy to fold.
This thin-crust pizza is typically cut into squares, and it’s loaded with toppings such as cheese, meats, vegetables, and a chunky tomato sauce.
The cheese is typically a blend of mozzarella and provolone, giving it a nice balance of creaminess and saltiness.
One of the best things about Chicago thin crust pizza is that it’s a classic Chicago pizza that is perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, and it’s sure to impress guests!
FAQs
Why is corn on the cob a staple in Illinois state foods?
Corn on the cob is the state food of Illinois because it is a major crop grown in the state, and it is also a traditional food that Illinois residents have enjoyed for generations.
Are there any festivals or events in Illinois celebrating the state’s food heritage?
There are several festivals and events in Illinois that celebrate the state’s food heritage, including the Illinois State Fair, the Sweet Corn Festival, and the Illinois Corn and Soybean Classic.
What are the other state symbols of Illinois?
The state bird of Illinois is the cardinal, the state flower is the violet, the state tree is the white oak, and the state motto is “State Sovereignty, National Union.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, Illinois state food offers a delicious and diverse culinary experience that will have your taste buds doing the happy dance!
From the succulent Shrimp DeJonghe to the classic Chicago-style hot dog with Sport Peppers, to the mouthwatering Pizza Pot Pie, and Chicago’s signature sandwich, the Italian Beef Sandwich, Illinois has it all.
From Italian immigrants who brought their traditional pizza-making techniques to Chicago and created Chicago Thin Crust Pizza, to the Maxwell Street Market in Chicago, a historic open-air market known for its ethnic foods, including Polish sausages, the state’s food scene reflects its rich history.
Illinois state food is a reflection of its diverse population; with a mix of different cultures, flavors, and ingredients, it offers a unique culinary experience that can please any palate.
Whether you’re a foodie looking for a new culinary adventure or simply craving a comforting classic dish, Illinois state food has something for everyone.
So next time you’re in Illinois, indulge in its delicious and diverse culinary offerings! Your taste buds will thank you!
Visiting other destinations in Illinois? Check out our other delicious guides:
- Where To Find The Best Deep Dish Pizza In Chicago: Our Top 5 Favorite Picks
- 15 Best Restaurants In Naperville
- Must-Try Chicago Food
- 10 Best Chicago Dishes
- The Best Mediterranean Food In Chicago
- 17 Best Restaurants Peoria Illinois
- The 10 Best Michelin Star Restaurants In Chicago
- The 10 Best East Chicago Pizza Restaurants
Igor Jovanovski is an aspiring digital nomad, travel blogger and graphic designer who really loves food. He also has a creative side, and he works as a freelance graphic designer in his spare time. He has traveled across Europe quite a few times since he was young and recently started his mission to visit every country in the world! Igor’s favorite thing about traveling is the way he gets to know new people, food, places and cultures.
This exciting experience helps him create his own stories and make memories that will last forever