14 Food Dishes That Are Absolute Symbols of Tennessee

The Great Smoky Mountains, a rich musical history, the Grand Ole Opry, and Tennessee whiskey are just a few of the things that the state of Tennessee is known for. With such a wide range of tourist attractions that call this state home, it’s no surprise that their food and drink are some of the best in the country. Today, we’ll discuss 14 foods that completely embody the state of Tennessee.

1. Nashville Hot Chicken

Arguably the most well-known food from the state of Tennessee, Nashville Hot Chicken has taken the nation by storm in recent years. This smoky, flavorful meal is available in many restaurants across the country, but no one does it quite like those in Nashville.

2. Moon Pies

Chattanooga Bakery in Tennessee is responsible for the creation of the Moon Pie. In 1917, Earl Mitchell, the genius behind this confection, first conceptualized the idea after a miner in Kentucky pitched what kind of cookie he’d love to have with lunch. The rest is history!

3. Biscuits and Gravy

Biscuits and gravy go together like macaroni and cheese; they’re simply meant to be. This classic dish is found all across southern kitchens, but the flavor can’t be beat when it’s made with Tennessee Pride sausage.

4. Meat and Three

Another Tennessee staple, meat and three, is a meal that consists of one meat and three sides. This simple dish is believed to have originated in Nashville in the early 1900s and has stayed the same ever since. If you’ve never heard of meat and three before, don’t worry. Although this term is popular in the Southern United States, it’s relatively uncommon in other parts of the world.

5. Pumpkin Pie

It’s no secret that pumpkin pie is popular all around the world, but no one makes it quite like the people in Tennessee! In fact, it could soon become the official state pie of Tennessee. According to WATE, a bill proposed by Rep. Lowell Russell, “…would officially designate pumpkin pie as a symbol of the Volunteer State due to its history in the state and the nation.”

6. Goo Goo Clusters

The Goo Goo Cluster was America’s first “combination candy bar,” and its birthplace was right in Nashville, Tennessee! It consists of marshmallows, chocolate, caramel, nougat, and peanuts. This treat has been around for over 100 years and it’s still flying off the shelves as if it was the first day it was released.

7. Barbecue

It’s no secret that Tennesseans love their barbecue. From ribs that fall off the bone to stacked-up sandwiches, there’s no limit to how many ways this dish can be served up. Tennessee has perfected the art of barbecue. If you’re visiting this state in the future, this food is an absolute must-eat.

8. Stack Cake

The Tennessee apple stack cake is the centerpiece of any southern dessert spread. This dessert consists of many layers of spiced, soft cake with apple filling spread between them. Although Kentucky claims to have invented the original stack cake, Tennesseans are most famous for their twist on it.

9. Country Ham

Any Tennessee restaurant menu would be lacking without the inclusion of country ham. Unlike regular ham, country ham is dried over a longer period of time, which intensifies the flavors. In addition, the gravy is made from the ham drippings, amplifying the richness further.

10. Cornbread

Half the meals on this list would feel incomplete without a side of warm cornbread! Luckily, Tennesseans have got this food down to a science. It is a common side dish present on many dinner tables throughout the state, and few can beat it.

11. Fried Catfish

Tennessee is big on farm-to-table cuisine, so it’s no surprise that catfish is one of their main dietary staples. Catfish farming is popular in many of the states surrounding Tennessee, making it easily accessible and incredibly fresh.

12. Banana Pudding

After a hardy meal, you’ll likely crave something sweet. Banana pudding is another Tennessee staple that will leave crowds feeling satisfied. The state of Tennessee is so passionate about banana pudding that they have an entire festival dedicated to it each year!

13. Fried Pie

No Southerner is a stranger to a good old-fashioned fried pie. This dessert is popular in many southern states, but Tennessee has been making them for decades. Some are savory and others are sweet, but all are undeniably delicious.

14. Honorable Mention: Drinks That Are Absolute Symbols of Tennessee

With all this delicious food, you’re going to need something to wash it down with! Luckily, Tennessee is known globally for several iconic drinks. This state is the birthplace of Jack Daniels, which is arguably the most iconic of all. Enthusiasts can go on whiskey-tasting tours in several cities. For those who prefer to mask the taste of alcohol, the Tennessee Bushwacker is a boozy milkshake that has become the unofficial drink of the state. If alcohol isn’t your thing, don’t worry. Tennessee sweet tea is famous for its flavor across the nation and will leave you satisfied.