Okay, guys. BE RATIONAL for two seconds. How is a person supposed to pick just one favorite food from Tennessee?
I know other states have their recognizable things like salmon or peaches. But Tennessee has spicy chicken and barbecue and about a million other things that just hit right every time. It is a flavor wonderland.
So I decided that we don’t have to choose just one. I put together a list of 15 glorious Tennessee foods that you need in your life right this very second.
1. Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches
Nashville saw a good thing with their famous hot chicken and decided to make it even better by putting it between bread.
This recipe piles that spicy chicken onto a brioche bun with some cooling coleslaw and pickles to balance the heat. It is the perfect way to enjoy that classic flavor without needing a fork and knife.
2. Memphis-Style Pork Ribs
You only need ribs and your homemade dry rub to get this party started. If you want a flavor profile that walks the line between sweet and spicy, this version swaps in sweet paprika and adds a kick of cumin and cayenne.
Both options turn out incredibly delicious, so you really can’t go wrong here.
3. Tennessee Onions
An onion casserole might sound a little wild at first, but one bite will change your mind forever.
We are talking about sweet Vidalia onions and garlic baked with three types of cheese until everything is golden and bubbly. It is wonderfully cheesy and works perfectly as a burger topping or a standalone side.
4. Memphis Barbecue Chicken Wings
These wings are the perfect appetizer for your next game day or summer cookout. They come together in under an hour and use just five simple ingredients.
You get a result that is crispy and saucy on the outside while staying tender and succulent on the inside.
5. Instant Pot Tennessee Meatloaf
You can have a hearty meatloaf ready for dinner in less than an hour with this method. Using the Instant Pot means it requires almost zero effort on your part.
It uses fewer than ten ingredients and comes with a sauce that is totally addicting.
6. Homemade Moon Pies
Moon Pies are a Tennessee classic, and this recipe absolutely nails it. They are spongy and chocolatey with that creamy marshmallow center we all love.
It takes a little patience to let the dough rise, but the result is a fluffy, oversized treat that is worth every minute.
7. Country Sausage Gravy
Nobody does sausage gravy quite like the South. This version is thick, creamy, and loaded with big chunks of succulent sausage.
It is real comfort food with a little bit of spice, but you can easily dial back the heat if you prefer it milder.
8. Nashville Hot Fried Chicken Tenders
Here is another hot chicken winner, but this time it is the tender edition! You get that same incredible flavor and intense heat in a smaller package.
It is just as delicious as the original but perfect for dipping.
9. Memphis Hot Dogs
Hot dogs are always a fun summer meal, but wrapping them in bacon takes things to a new level. Top these with barbecue sauce, cheese, and green onions for a serious flavor bomb.
It might not be the healthiest dinner option, but it is so good that you will definitely want seconds.
10. Tangy Memphis BBQ Sauce
Memphis knows its barbecue, and you can recreate those flavors right at home. This recipe lets you whip up a smoky, tangy sauce in just 15 minutes.
You only need nine pantry staples to make it happen.
11. Nashville Chicken Mac And Cheese
This creamy mac and cheese is filling enough to be the main course instead of just a side. It combines tender cubes of chicken with your favorite shredded cheese for an ooey-gooey masterpiece.
Top it with crunchy breadcrumbs and a dose of Nashville heat for a truly satisfying meal.
12. Slow Cooker Memphis Style Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Is there anything better for a summer cookout than a saucy pulled pork sandwich? This pork is so tender you can pull it apart by hand, and it gets smothered in a sweet hickory BBQ sauce with a splash of hot Tabasco.
Top it with a tangy homemade coleslaw to cut the richness and you are set.
13. Barbecued Baked Beans
These Southern-style beans are incredibly flavorful and filling, but they do require a little bit of extra love. The base is simple enough with beans and onions, but the homemade BBQ sauce is a labor of love.
It takes some time to pull together, but your guests will absolutely appreciate the effort.
14. Nashville Style Hot Fried Chicken
This recipe is described as heaven and hell in one bite, and that is pretty spot on. The crust is perfectly seasoned and crispy while the inside stays juicy, but the heat is no joke.
It is a mouth-on-fire experience that tastes so good you won’t be able to stop eating it.
15. Memphis Dry Rub
This dry rub comes together in just five minutes and uses a ton of great herbs and spices.
You will be digging into your spice rack for smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and celery seed. It is smoky and earthy and tastes absolutely fantastic on ribs.
16. Nashville Hot Chicken Quesadillas (and Tacos)
You can even enjoy that famous hot chicken in a quesadilla or taco! These are spicy, tangy, and wonderfully cheesy.
Adding dill pickles and blue cheese gives them a unique Southern flair that just works.
