Top 11 Food Dishes That Are Absolute Symbols of Indiana

If you are from Indiana, you know the state is popular for a variety of reasons. Known as the “Crossroads of America, Indiana is the 19^th state in the United States. It features vast farmlands, especially those of corn and soybeans, as well as steel mills and a thriving limestone industry.

Indiana has more acreage dedicated to honoring armed service members than anywhere else in America! Some notable sites of this nature include Monument Circle and the Indiana World War Memorial Plaza Historic District. It also offers an array of activities, museums, and parks — one of the most popular being Indiana Dunes National Park. Along with that, Indiana is the birthplace of the Indianapolis 500, otherwise known as the Indy 500. World-famous figures include the “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson, and the “Master of Fried Chicken,” Colonial Sanders. With that said, the state is well-known for quite a few of its signature food dishes.

Food & Wine magazine gave Indianapolis the title of one of “America’s Next Great Food Cities” back in 2022. With its renowned culinary diversity, the “Hoosier State” boasts fulfilling sandwiches and scrumptious sides. From fried chicken to delicious cream pies, these recipes showcase the top 11 signature food dishes that are absolute symbols of Indiana. Check out these fan-favorite recipes to get a taste of what this Midwestern state has to offer!

11. Wonder Bread

Though not technically a signature food dish in and of itself, Wonder Bread had to make it on this list! Introduced in Indianapolis back in 1921, Taggart Baking Company created a new kind of bread that would shake the nation. With a goal to create bread that was unlike any of its competitors, they wanted their product to be all-white, light, fluffy, and truly “Wonder” – ful. The International Balloon Race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway served as inspiration for Elmer Cline, the lead baker. With seemingly weightless hot air balloons breezing through the sky, a sense of — I’ll let you guess — “wonder” was evoked in him. They even became the source of inspiration for the famous red, yellow, and blue balloons that make up the classic Wonder Bread logo.

“The Greatest Thing Since Sliced Bread”

Leading up to the big reveal, Taggart promoted this special bread with ads that insisted “Wonder” was coming soon. Then — on May 21, 1921 — the debut of Wonder Bread made history. It was the first major brand to distribute sliced bread, and when it was first released to the public, they sold it pre-wrapped as well. That is why many people credit Wonder Bread for being “the greatest thing since sliced bread”. Wonder Bread even helped the government with its nationwide initiative to provide more nutritionally balanced food products to Americans by enriching their products with vitamins and minerals. That is why the brand adopted the “Builds Strong Bodies 12 Ways” slogan.

Additionally, Wonder Bread was one of the first to include calcium propionate and sorbic acid. Some thought these additions were to boost the bread’s nutritional value, but they were actually added to extend its shelf life. We still use these additives today to prevent the growth of mold and other microorganisms in items like bread, pastries, and other baked goods. So if you ever find yourself enjoying a sandwich made with Wonder Bread, just know that you have Indiana to thank!

10. Indiana-Style Sweet Corn

Indiana’s sweet corn is something most of you have probably already tasted before. This signature food dish is corn on the cob, picked at peak ripeness. Doing this ensures the corn has the sweetest, most juicy kernels. Boiling the corn cobs in water for three to five minutes is just enough time to perfect them. The resulting texture is tender and full of that classic corn sweetness! Serving the corn on the cob slathered in butter and sprinkled with a pinch of salt is traditional.

9. Pork and Beans

Back in 1894, Gilbert Vancamp — an Indiana grocer — invented pork and beans using his wife’s recipe. Originally created to feed Union troops, this simple food combination gained popularity during the Civil War. Along with being easy to store and quick to prepare, pork and beans were nutritionally rich and highly caloric. This made it perfect for soldiers because it would fill their stomachs while also providing them with much-needed energy. Growing in popularity in subsequent years, Vancamp’s son Frank also produced the now-famous recipe for pork and beans in tomato sauce. Following the explosion in popularity of this simple side dish, Indiana went on to become the leading producer of canned baked beans in the United States.

Today, you can still find VanCamp’s pork and beans on the shelves of grocery stores like Walgreens, Kroger, and Walmart – allowing you to get a taste of what his original recipe was like way back then! Pair your pork and beans with other Southern staples like fried chicken, BBQ pulled pork, country-style ribs, cornbread, corn on the cob, and hush puppies to create an iconic Indiana spread that even locals would be proud of!

8. Reuben Sandwich

The Reuben is another signature food dish, made popular primarily by the evolving deli scene in Indianapolis. Though the origins of this sandwich sway between New York and Nebraska, it is still a popular food dish among Indiana residents. People traditionally make the Reuben sandwich by piling a generous portion of savory Irish corned beef between two slices of griddled Jewish marbled rye bread. With the addition of crunchy, tangy German sauerkraut, melty Swiss cheese slices, and zesty Russian dressing — a dressing made from mayonnaise, ketchup, sour cream, horseradish, and dill relish — you have yourself a Reuben! The salty, mildly acidic flavors combine perfectly for a truly irresistible sandwich. Reubens delivers a unique, crave-worthy flavor experience that will have you hooked after just one bite!

7. Dutch Babies (Also Known As German Pancakes)

Nearly a quarter of Indiana’s population is of German descent. This is mainly because, between 1820 and 1890, a large number of German immigrants moved to Indianapolis. This group was among some of the first non-English-speaking immigrants in America. Their specialized skills and Indiana’s thriving farmland culture were two factors that drew them to the state. Because there were so many Germans moving there, these early migrations shaped the culture and traditions of Indianapolis and the state as a whole. Today, many restaurants and cafes are offering German delicacies, but one of the most popular by far is the delicious Dutch Baby.

What’s the Difference? American Pancakes vs. German Pancakes

Other names for Dutch babies are German pancakes, hooligans, or hootenannies. Dutch babies differ greatly from American pancakes. German pancakes use a lot more eggs and include no added leavening agent, unlike American pancakes, which integrate baking powder and/or baking soda into the recipe to give them that fluffy finished texture. As a result, German pancakes are lighter, with a texture somewhere between an American pancake and crêpes. The batter bakes in the oven in a seasoned cast iron skillet. Generously topped with hot butter, this allows the pancake to fry as it bakes. This leaves the Dutch Baby with crispy edges, a caramelized bottom, and a somewhat custard-like center. Alternatively, the American pancake is cooked on the stovetop or griddle. This creates a completely different pancake texture.

People often serve German pancakes rolled up and filled with jam, jelly, or Nutella. Additionally, you can finish them with cinnamon and sugar, powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or syrup. Overall, they are very different from American pancakes in terms of their ingredients, texture, and preparation method. If you find yourself in Indiana or simply spot a Dutch Baby on a menu somewhere, give it a try to unlock an all-new culinary experience!

6. Country-Fried Steak (Also Known as Chicken-Fried Steak)

Country-fried steak is another signature food dish in Indiana, taking inspiration from Wiener Schnitzel. Along with Dutch Babies, we can also thank the Germans for this popular dish made of breaded, fried beef. In the 1800s, at the time this recipe was first created, tough beef was readily available and much cheaper than other cuts of meat. This made it the perfect protein option to use in this twist on the German classic dish. Since country-fried steak uses the cheapest meat, it can also be made with chicken or pork. Sometimes, you can find this item referred to as “chicken-fried steak” on menus due to its resemblance to fried chicken.

Traditionally, country-fried steak is served with a flavorful, peppery white gravy. The key ingredient in this gravy is the pan drippings. Mashed potatoes, green beans, and cornbread are other popular pairings. For breakfast, it is popular to serve this Indiana classic with eggs and fried potato cubes or hash browns. All in all, country-fried steak is the best option if you are looking for a hearty meal guaranteed to fill you up for hours!

5. Southern Indiana-Style Fried Catfish

Many people from the South enjoy fried catfish. While Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Louisiana are the most popular places to get catfish from, Indiana is also known for its abundance of catfish offerings. Home to the white (Ameiurus catus), blue (Ictalurus furcatus), channel (Ictalurus punctatus), and flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) varieties, locals can find this fried delicacy in many places. From casual family-style restaurants, seafood shops, or even fast-food chains, expect Indiana-style fried catfish to be somewhere on the menu. With a tender, flaky texture, catfish has a mild, almost sweet flavor to it. Additionally, it does not have as strong a taste as other fish, unlike salmon and mackerel. This makes it exceptionally versatile and easy to pair with a variety of seasonings, sides, and toppings.

People prepare catfish by coating it in crispy cornmeal batter, frying it to perfection, and serving it with hushpuppies and coleslaw. They commonly season the batter with garlic and cayenne pepper, which imparts the dish with the most tantalizing taste. Another bonus to this meal is the nutritional benefits catfish have. This fish is low in calories and packed with lean protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. So even though this catfish dish is fried, it still packs a nutritional punch! If you ever get hungry while traveling through the state, stop by the famous Knob Hill Tavern or The Tin Fish to get a taste of Indiana’s classic fried catfish!

4. Southern Indiana-Style BBQ Pork

When you think of Indiana, barbeque might not be the first thing you think of — but it should be! Southern Indiana is home to an expansive barbecue food scene. While it offers many tasty dishes, the BBQ pork is one of the most popular. This dish consists of slow-cooked, hickory-smoked pork shoulder. Finished on the grill, the result is a tender and juicy piece of meat that packs a flavorful punch. The tangy barbecue sauce perfectly complements the smokiness of the meat, which is reminiscent of bacon.

While the exact recipe varies from cook to cook, the key ingredients of this dish are always the same: pork, sauce, and hickory smoke. Traditionally served on a soft hamburger bun with a side of homemade coleslaw, Southern Indiana BBQ pork is the perfect meal. Craving some locally-made, slow-cooked barbecue? Stop by Big Hoffa’s, a local fan-favorite restaurant that has claimed the title for having the best BBQ in the state!

3. Southern Indiana-Style Fried Chicken

A local aphorism in Indiana quotes, “If Colonel Sanders had been born in southern Indiana, he would have been a general!” That is because, as many locals in the state would agree, their fried chicken is more than just finger-licking good! The approach taken in frying Indiana’s fried chicken sets it apart from other southern varieties. People from Indiana use flour instead of batter to coat the chicken before it’s fried. Additionally, lard is used to fry the chicken instead of oil. This gives it a richer flavor and a crispier crust. Served “family-style,” Indiana-style fried chicken is often paired with a generous serving of mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, coleslaw, and bread rolls.

Fried chicken and waffles is another popular dish enjoyed throughout Indiana. Combining two classic comfort foods, the savory, salty fried chicken pairs perfectly with the sweet waffles. With both ingredients doused in a serving of maple syrup, this unorthodox dish is great for those looking for something sweet, salty, and packed with bold flavor.

2. Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

Nick Freienstein created the breaded pork tenderloin sandwich in Huntington, IN, over 100 years ago. With increasing popularity throughout the state, it even holds the title of the official state sandwich in Indiana. Like the country-fried steak, the inspiration for this dish came from the German Weiner Schnitzel. This Hoosier classic consists of thinly pounded pork tenderloin coated in breadcrumbs and cornmeal. That unique process gives each cutlet a perfectly crisp crunch with each bite. After it’s fried, it is brushed with a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce. The fried cutlet is then grilled to further enhance its flavor. Pork tenderloin sandwiches are served on fluffy Kaiser rolls with fresh lettuce, grilled onions, and pickles. Kaiser rolls are not your cup of tea? Try out a breaded pork tenderloin sandwich on some slices of Wonder Bread to create a tasty homage to two of Indiana’s greatest creations!

1. Indiana’s Iconic Sugar Cream Pie

Hopefully, you saved room for dessert because we saved the best dish for last! Called the Indiana Sugar Cream Pie, this sweet treat is unlike anything else you can find anywhere else. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is both simple and crave-worthy. Vanilla extract, sugar, and heavy cream are combined to make the richest, creamiest filling possible. The flaky, buttery taste of the crust pairs perfectly with the indulgent filling to offset the pie’s overall sweetness.

Sugar cream pie is the official state pie of Indiana. This sweet treat can be found in many restaurants and bakeries, especially those in Amish Country. This is because early Quakers created the recipe around the same time it became an official U.S. state. Next time you are exploring the cities of Newcastle, Portland, Richmond, or Winchester, try a bite of Indiana’s classic sugar cream pie!

Summary of Top 11 Signature Dishes of Indiana