From regional classics to historic desserts.

Those, you see, are a few of thenon-negotiables of our cuisine.

We know to ask an Appalachian about soup beans, but a Kentuckian about burgoo.

Smith Island Cake

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Read on for the mostfamous foodsfromevery Southern statesome just may surprise you.

These fried pickles are the first of their kind.

It’s characteristically served with biscuits and makes for the perfect way to spruce up leftover biscuits for dessert.

Alabama White BBQ Sauce

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Some Florida historians believe the pie was invented in the Florida Keys in the late 1800s.

Meet Brunswick stew’s Kentucky cousin, the burgoo.

Most will tell you that the roux is the most important aspectand they’re correct.

The Lane Cake

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Mississippi: Fried Catfish

Frying up fresh catfish is something Mississipians do when feeling friskyor just whenever.

To do it right, serve it on a plate with pickled vegetables, cornbread, and greens.

Additionally, coating the catfish in cornmeal is more traditional than other ingredients, lending a super crispy finish.

Fried Pickle Chips

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An Oreo cookie crust is a necessity, followed by more fluffy and indulgent layers.

Tip: Be sure to get “burnt ends” and a side of BBQ beans.

With a tender, custard center and warmly spiced flavors, sweet potato pie is a particular holiday favorite.

Southern Living Chocolate Gravy ready to serve with biscuits

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Oklahoma: Cowboy Steak

Just askRee Drummondwho happens to live on a bonafide cattle ranch in Oklahoma.

This state is the place to get a steak.

The fillings might vary, but fried pies are characteristically hand-held and perfectly crisp.

Creamed Chipped Beef & Toast on a white plate with blue linen

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Melted Parmesan and cheddar, the Lowcountry bounty of briny shrimp, and creamy grits are a dreamy combination.

How ultimate, you might wonder?

Try 12 layers of moist, buttery cake held together with fluffy coconut filling.

peach pie on a table with a bowl of peach pie with an ice cream sccop

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Tennessee: Nashville Hot Chicken

It all started in Nashville in the 1930s with Thornton J.

Prince III cheated on his lover.

He took one bite and loved it.

Southern Living Cuban Sandwich on a plate to serve with a pickle and chips

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The rest is a fiery-mouthed history.

The result is a rich, chocolaty treat that’s iconic in Texas.

Because it’s no soup, and if they think so you’ve found a phony.

Heavenly Key Lime Pie

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Soup beans are pinto beans that have been simmered with water, salt, pepper, andif desiredham.

Southern Living Fresh Peach Cobbler in a bowl to serve with ice cream

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Kentucky Slow-Cooker Burgoo

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Apple-Bourbon Pie Recipe

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Southern Living Chicken and Sausage Gumbo plated serving with a glass of water and extra sliced green onions

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Mardi Gras King Cake

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Fried Delacata Catfish

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Mississippi Mud Pie

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Kansas City BBQ Sauce

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Sweet Potato Pie - Southern Living

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Cast-Iron Cowboy Steak

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Fried Apple Pies on a wire rack

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Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits

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Southern Living Coconut Chiffon Cake on a platter with a serving cut out beside it

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Southern Living Nashville Hot Chicken on a platter to serve with slices of bread, pickle slices, and glasses of beer

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apple stack cake

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Southern Living Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy on a plate to serve with broccoli

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Texas Sheet Cake With Fudge Icing

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Ham-and-Bean Soup

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Classic Chess Pie

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Soup Beans

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Southern Living - Shoofly Pie with a slice out

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