DES MOINES, IOWA — The National Pork Board is encouraging Americans to let their taste buds explore the most popular pork dishes in every state. The Pork Board, and the 60,000 US pig farmers it represents, has released the results of a new consumer survey showing the top pork dishes in each state. These favorites highlight the unique, diverse and delicious pork flavors loved by people across the country.   

“We know ribs and chops will always be staples, but we really wanted to go beyond specific cuts of meat to better understand how pork shows up in the favorite traditional dishes across the US,” said Angie Krieger, vice president of domestic marketing at the National Pork Board. “There’s such a strong connection between food, culture and regional identity, and pork clearly has a strong ability to connect us to our heritages, our traditions and each other. The United States of Pork offers the opportunity to explore the many flavors and styles of pork, not only in your state, but across America.” 

Each state’s top pork dish is featured on pork.org/porknation, where recipes and inspiration are easily found. Whether finding a local favorite from their state or exploring the flavors of other areas of the country, home cooks and travel planners alike can find both familiar and new favorite dishes. Krieger notes that the list includes a unique blend of restaurant favorites and traditionally homemade fare.  

Some interesting trends that emerged from the study include: 

Pork’s strong connection to regional history - the pork pasties of South Dakota or West Virginia’s pepperoni rolls are directly tied to filling hand-held meals for miners. Pork helped shape the early economies of many US states. 

Ethnic influences abound - Many dishes are influenced by the European traditions brought by early immigrants, as German sausages, pizza, and a variety of Italian sandwiches demonstrate. But the growing influence of Latino and Asian cultures cannot be overlooked, especially as the study dives deeper into the second and third most popular dishes in each state. 

Everyone agrees (and disagrees) on barbecue. And pizza - The distinct regional preferences in barbecue styles show how while we all may disagree on how to prepare it, there’s no disagreement that pork is preferred protein to go low and slow with. And while Illinois agrees that Chicago-style deep dish pepperoni pizza is the lake-front favorite, there will be an eternal debate on which Windy City establishment crafts the best pie. 

Sausage is King - It’s loved everywhere. From pepperoni, bratwurst, hot dogs, corn dogs, reindeer sausage (yes, it’s made with pork), to biscuits and sausage gravy, the savory, indulgent flavors that pork-based sausages provide are favorites from coast to coast. 

The most beloved pork dishes in each state are as follows: 

Alabama - Biscuits and Gravy 


Alaska - Reindeer Sausage 


Arizona - Pork Chimichangas 


Arkansas - Biscuits and Gravy 


California - Carnitas Burrito 


Colorado – Green Chile Ribs 


Connecticut - The New Englander Hot Dog 


Delaware - Scrapple 


Florida - Cubano 


Georgia - Low-Country Boil 


Hawaii - Manapua 


Idaho - Potato Ham Bake 


Illinois - Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza 


Indiana - Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich 


Iowa - Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich 


Kansas - BLT 


Kentucky - Hot Brown Sandwich 


Louisiana - Gumbo 


Maine - Maine Italian Sub Sandwich 


Maryland - Stuffed Ham 


Massachusetts - Boston Baked Beans 


Michigan – Detroit-Style Pepperoni Pizza 


Minnesota - Swedish Meatballs 


Mississippi - Mississippi Delta Hot Pork Tamales 


Missouri - Barbecue Pork Steaks 


Montana - Pork Chop Sandwich 


Nebraska – Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich 


Nevada - Charcuterie 


New Hampshire - Eggs Benedict 


New Jersey - Taylor Ham Pork Roll Sandwich 


New Mexico - Carne Adovada 


New York – White Hots 


North Carolina - Whole Hog Barbecue (Eastern-Style) 


North Dakota - Pulled Pork Sandwich 


Ohio - Cleveland-Style Barbecue 


Oklahoma - Smoked Bologna Sandwich 


Oregon - Corn Dogs 


Pennsylvania - Italian Hoagie 


Rhode Island - Grinders 


South Carolina - Pork Hocks & Collards 


South Dakota - Pork Pasties 


Tennessee - Memphis Wet Ribs 


Texas - Sausage Kolaches/Klobasniky 


Utah - Green Chile Pork Tacos 


Vermont - Maple Baked Beans 


Virginia - Country Ham 


Washington - Seafood Chowder 


West Virginia - Pepperoni Rolls 


Wisconsin - Brats 


Wyoming - Pig Candy (Candied Bacon)