The 50 Most Controversial Recipes in Every State

1. Alabama’s Controversial Recipe: White BBQ Sauce

Unlike traditional red barbecue sauces, Alabama’s white sauce is mayo-based, causing quite a stir among BBQ purists.

2. Alaska’s Controversial Recipe: Reindeer Sausage

This Alaskan specialty raises eyebrows due to its main ingredient, but locals swear by its rich, gamey flavor.

3. Arizona’s Controversial Recipe: Sonoran Hot Dogs

Wrapped in bacon and topped with an array of Mexican-inspired condiments, these hot dogs challenge traditional notions of the American classic.

4. Arkansas’ Controversial Recipe: Fried Catfish

While beloved by many, the muddy flavor of catfish and its preparation method spark debates among seafood enthusiasts.

5. California’s Controversial Recipe: Avocado Toast

This simple dish has become a symbol of millennial culture and a point of contention in discussions about food trends and affordability.

6. Colorado’s Controversial Recipe: Rocky Mountain Oysters

These deep-fried bull testicles are a polarizing delicacy that often shocks those unfamiliar with Western cuisine.

7. Connecticut’s Controversial Recipe: New Haven-style Pizza

The thin, charred crust and minimal toppings of this pizza style divide opinion among pizza lovers nationwide.

8. Delaware’s Controversial Recipe: Scrapple

This mixture of pork scraps and cornmeal is a breakfast staple in Delaware but remains an acquired taste for many.

9. Florida’s Controversial Recipe: Key Lime Pie

The debate over authentic ingredients and preparation methods for this tangy dessert continues to spark heated discussions.

10. Georgia’s Controversial Recipe: Peach Cobbler

While beloved by many, the proper way to make this dessert, including crust type and peach preparation, is hotly debated.

11. Hawaii’s Controversial Recipe: Spam Musubi

This sushi-like snack featuring Spam has both devoted fans and vocal critics, reflecting Hawaii’s unique culinary fusion.

12. Idaho’s Controversial Recipe: Potato Salad

The inclusion of unconventional ingredients like pickles or eggs in this potato dish often leads to heated debates.

13. Illinois’ Controversial Recipe: Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza

This thick, casserole-like pizza divides opinion on whether it should even be considered pizza at all.

14. Indiana’s Controversial Recipe: Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

The massive size of this breaded pork sandwich, often larger than the bun, sparks debates about practicality and portion sizes.

15. Iowa’s Controversial Recipe: Maid-Rite Sandwich

This loose meat sandwich, often compared to a sloppy joe without sauce, puzzles those unfamiliar with Iowa’s culinary traditions.

16. Kansas’ Controversial Recipe: Burnt Ends

These crispy, flavorful bits of brisket are either considered a delicacy or a waste of good meat, depending on who you ask.

17. Kentucky’s Controversial Recipe: Burgoo

This hearty stew’s traditional ingredients, which sometimes included squirrel or opossum, spark debates about modern adaptations.

18. Louisiana’s Controversial Recipe: Gumbo

The inclusion of okra and the proper thickness of this iconic dish are constant sources of culinary disagreement.

19. Maine’s Controversial Recipe: Lobster Roll

The great debate between warm butter and cold mayonnaise as the proper dressing for lobster rolls continues to divide seafood lovers.

20. Maryland’s Controversial Recipe: Crab Cakes

The amount of filler versus crab meat and the proper seasoning blend are hotly contested topics among Maryland natives.

21. Massachusetts’ Controversial Recipe: Clam Chowder

The thick, creamy New England style faces off against Manhattan’s tomato-based version in an ongoing culinary rivalry.

22. Michigan’s Controversial Recipe: Coney Dogs

The origin and proper preparation of these chili-topped hot dogs are subjects of fierce debate in Michigan.

23. Minnesota’s Controversial Recipe: Tater Tot Hotdish

This comfort food casserole is either loved or loathed, with debates over ingredients and its place in modern cuisine.

24. Mississippi’s Controversial Recipe: Fried Green Tomatoes

The authenticity and origin of this Southern dish are often disputed, sparking debates about cultural appropriation in cuisine.

25. Missouri’s Controversial Recipe: Toasted Ravioli

This St. Louis specialty, which isn’t actually toasted but deep-fried, confuses and delights in equal measure.

26. Montana’s Controversial Recipe: Bison Burgers

The use of lean bison meat in burgers sparks debates about taste, texture, and the ethics of using this iconic American animal for food.

27. Nebraska’s Controversial Recipe: Runza

This meat and cabbage-filled bread pocket is beloved by locals but often puzzling to outsiders.

28. Nevada’s Controversial Recipe: Buffalo Wings

While not native to Nevada, the debate over the best buffalo wing sauce in Las Vegas casinos is fierce and ongoing.

29. New Hampshire’s Controversial Recipe: Apple Cider Donuts

The proper texture and amount of cider flavor in these fall treats are subjects of heated discussion among New Englanders.

30. New Jersey’s Controversial Recipe: Pork Roll

Also known as Taylor Ham, this processed meat product divides New Jersey residents on its name and preparation methods.

31. New Mexico’s Controversial Recipe: Green Chile

The heat level and proper use of this state vegetable in various dishes spark passionate debates among New Mexicans.

32. New York’s Controversial Recipe: Bagels

The ongoing argument about what constitutes a “real” New York bagel continues to divide opinion nationwide.

33. North Carolina’s Controversial Recipe: Eastern vs. Western BBQ

The state is divided over vinegar-based versus tomato-based barbecue sauces, each claiming superiority.

34. North Dakota’s Controversial Recipe: Knoephla Soup

This German-Russian dumpling soup is either a comforting reminder of heritage or an outdated dish, depending on who you ask.

35. Ohio’s Controversial Recipe: Buckeyes

These peanut butter and chocolate confections spark debates about the proper ratio of ingredients and their resemblance to the nuts they’re named after.

36. Oklahoma’s Controversial Recipe: Fried Okra

The slimy texture of okra is either loved or hated, with passionate arguments on both sides.

37. Oregon’s Controversial Recipe: Marionberry Pie

The use of this locally developed blackberry variety in pies sparks debates about tradition versus innovation in fruit desserts.

38. Pennsylvania’s Controversial Recipe: Cheesesteaks

The choice of cheese (Provolone vs. Cheez Whiz) and the inclusion of bell peppers are hotly debated topics among Philadelphians.

39. Rhode Island’s Controversial Recipe: Coffee Milk

This unique state drink, made with coffee syrup and milk, puzzles outsiders and divides opinion on its appeal.

40. South Carolina’s Controversial Recipe: Shrimp and Grits

The proper preparation and seasoning of this Low Country dish are subjects of ongoing culinary debate.

41. South Dakota’s Controversial Recipe: Chislic

This dish of cubed and fried meat (usually lamb) sparks debates about the best meat to use and proper serving methods.

42. Tennessee’s Controversial Recipe: Hot Chicken

The level of spiciness and the proper way to achieve it in this Nashville specialty are constant sources of disagreement.

43. Texas’ Controversial Recipe: Brisket

The perfect smoking time, wood choice, and seasoning for brisket are subjects of fierce debate among Texas pitmasters.

44. Utah’s Controversial Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

This cheesy potato casserole, often served at gatherings, divides opinion on its ingredients and cultural significance.

45. Vermont’s Controversial Recipe: Maple Syrup

While not controversial in itself, debates rage over the best grade and proper uses of this iconic Vermont product.

46. Virginia’s Controversial Recipe: Ham Biscuits

The type of ham and biscuit recipe used in this Southern staple are subjects of ongoing culinary disagreement.

47. Washington’s Controversial Recipe: Salmon

The best preparation method for the state’s prized salmon sparks heated debates among seafood enthusiasts.

48. West Virginia’s Controversial Recipe: Pepperoni Rolls

These simple bread and pepperoni snacks divide opinion on whether they deserve their status as the state food.

49. Wisconsin’s Controversial Recipe: Cheese Curds

The proper level of squeakiness and whether they should be eaten fresh or fried are hotly debated topics in America’s Dairyland.

50. Wyoming’s Controversial Recipe: Bison Chili

The use of bison meat in this hearty dish sparks debates about tradition versus innovation in Western cuisine.

From coast to coast, these controversial recipes showcase the diverse and passionate food culture of the United States. While they may divide opinion, they also unite communities through shared culinary traditions and spirited debates. Whether you’re a food purist or an adventurous eater, these dishes offer a taste of each state’s unique flavor and history.