West Virginia is a state that is known for its beautiful landscapes, culture and people. It is also known for its delicious, homegrown cuisine.
From traditional Appalachian dishes to more modern takes on classic recipes, there’s something to tantalize all taste buds in the Mountain State. Here are just some of the foods West Virginia is famous for.
Pepperoni Rolls
The pepperoni roll, a West Virginia staple, has been around since the early 1900s when Italian immigrants first brought the recipe to the area. These tasty treats consist of pepperoni slices wrapped in soft dough and baked until golden brown. They can be enjoyed as a snack or meal and are often found at convenience stores throughout the state.
Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried green tomatoes are a popular side dish in West Virginia. The tart green tomatoes are sliced into discs and then dredged in seasoned flour before being fried until crisp and golden brown. Most restaurants offer this dish as a side or appetizer with ranch dressing for dipping.
Country-Style Ham
Country-style ham is another beloved West Virginia dish that dates back to colonial times. This type of ham is made from pork shoulder butt cut into cubes, cured with salt and sugar, and then slow-smoked over hickory wood chips until tender. It’s typically served as part of a traditional breakfast along with eggs, grits, biscuits and gravy.
Black Walnut Cake
Black walnut cake is a classic West Virginia dessert that dates back to the late 1800s when black walnuts were plentiful in the state’s forests. This moist cake features ground black walnuts mixed into an egg batter along with sugar and spices before being baked into layers and finished off with a creamy frosting.
West Virginia has many delicious foods it can call its own. From pepperoni rolls to fried green tomatoes to country-style ham to black walnut cake, there’s something for everyone in this mountain state! So next time you visit West Virginia make sure you try out some of these iconic dishes – you won’t regret it!