Our Best Recipes from West Virginia (2024)

Home Recipes Cooking Style Comfort Food

Our Best Recipes from West Virginia (1)Caroline StankoUpdated: Mar. 19, 2024

    We found the best recipes from West Virginia—all submitted by local home cooks. From a savory shepherd's pie to fluffy apple cake, these recipes let you travel to the wild and wonderful West Virginia without leaving your kitchen.

    1/27

    Taste of Home

    Turkey White Chili

    Growing up in a Pennsylvania Dutch area, I was surrounded by excellent cooks and wonderful foods. I enjoy experimenting with new recipes like this change-of-pace chili. —Kaye Whiteman, Charleston, West Virginia

    Go to Recipe

    2/27

    Aunt Lou's Fresh Apple Cake

    My Great-Aunt Lou made a luscious fresh apple cake recipe that became a family tradition. My mom makes it for our annual beach trip to the Outer Banks. —Cristy King, Scott Depot, West Virginia

    Go to Recipe

    3/27

    Taste of Home

    Creamed Green Beans

    A family favorite for years, this special green bean recipe is a cinch to double and can be assembled ahead of time. When my nephews are coming for dinner, it’s an absolute must! —Betty Shaw, Weirton, West Virginia

    Go to Recipe

    4/27

    Taste of Home

    Saucy Skillet Lasagna

    Thanks to no-cook noodles, this skillet lasagna makes a fresh, filling, flavorful and fast entree for any Italian meal. —Meghan Crihfield, Ripley, West Virginia

    Go to Recipe

    5/27

    Taste of Home

    Glazed Cranberry Biscuits

    My family likes biscuits for breakfast. One Sunday, I decided to make those golden goodies extra special by adding white chips, dried cranberries and a simple orange glaze. —Lori Daniels, Beverly, West Virginia

    Go to Recipe

    6/27

    Taste of Home

    Seasoned Fries

    These fries are always popular with my meat-and-potatoes bunch. The cheesy seasoning can easily double as a flavorful baked potato topper, too.—Maribeth Edwards, Follansbee, West Virginia

    7/27

    Berry Granola Pancakes

    My son and I like to make this breakfast favorite together. You can leave the berries out of the mix and sprinkle them on top, or sub in chocolate chips or nuts instead. —Elizabeth Stewart, Crab Orchard, West Virginia

    Go to Recipe

    8/27

    Taste of Home

    Strawberry Shortcake Puffs

    When my wonderful friend Kelly brought me a pint of strawberries, I didn’t want to just eat them straight (tempting as it was). I decided to make strawberry shortcake with my own pretty, elegant spin. These light and airy puff pastry stacks let the fruit shine. —Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, West Virginia

    Go to Recipe

    9/27

    Apple Butter Cake Roll

    This is a new take on a pumpkin roll. Her spicy gingerbread cake might make you think back fondly to Christmas at Grandma's! —Debbie White, Williamson, West Virginia

    Go to Recipe

    10/27

    Eggs Florentine Casserole

    For our Christmas brunch, I make this variation on a classic eggs Florentine recipe, adding sausage and spinach to make a snappy casserole. Sometimes I mix in fresh peppers or green chiles, so play with it. —Karen Weekley, Washington, West Virginia

    Go to Recipe

    11/27

    Upside-Down Apple Cake with Butterscotch Topping

    This cake is a favorite of mine. I love the smell of the apples and butterscotch as it is baking. It fills the house with a perfect autumn aroma. —Sabrina Haught, Spencer, West Virginia

    Go to Recipe

    12/27

    Taste of Home

    Garlic Parmesan Asparagus

    Pair any entree with this fresh side dish for a truly succulent meal. With subtle garlic, melted butter and a hint of Parmesan cheese, what’s not to love? —Tara Ernspiker, Falling Waters, West Virginia

    Go to Recipe

    13/27

    Cranberry-Apple French Toast

    My husband's breakfast club at work raves about this make-ahead French toast. Pop it in the oven in the morning to get your day off to a sweet, bubbly start. —Mara Faulkner, Martinsburg, West Virginia

    Go to Recipe

    14/27

    Peanut Butter Cream Pie

    During the warm months, it's nice to have this fluffy, no-bake peanut butter pie that's a snap to make. Packed with flavor, this pie gets gobbled up even after a big meal! —Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia

    Go to Recipe

    15/27

    Smothered Round Steak

    Try less expensive round steak and gravy served over egg noodles for a hearty meal. Meaty and chock full of veggies, this slow-cooker creation will take the worry out of what's-for-supper any weeknight. Kathy Garret - Camden, West Virginia

    Go to Recipe

    16/27

    Graham Streusel Coffee Cake

    I use this sweet coffee cake recipe often. It's quick and easy to make. —Blanche Whytsell, Arnoldsburg, West Virginia

    Go to Recipe

    17/27

    Lemonade Icebox Pie

    You will detect a definite lemonade flavor in this refreshing lemon icebox pie. High and fluffy, this dessert has a creamy smooth consistency that we really appreciate. It's the dessert that came to mind immediately when I put together my favorite summer meal. —Cheryl Wilt, Eglon, West Virginia

    Go to Recipe

    18/27

    Taste of Home

    Skillet Chicken Stew

    It's been 20 years now since I adapted this from a recipe for beef stew. We like it so much that, in all that time, I have never changed any ingredients or amounts - unless it was to double them! Our home's on a river, and my husband, our three boys and I enjoy camping and boating. — Valerie Jordan, Kingmont, West Virginia

    Go to Recipe

    19/27

    Trail Mix Cookie Cups

    My granddaughter helped create these cookie cups for the first time by using ingredients from my pantry and fridge. We used trail mix to jazz them up. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia

    Go to Recipe

    20/27

    Amish Baked Oatmeal

    The first time I had this treat was at a bed-and-breakfast in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. To me, it tasted just like a big warm-from-the-oven oatmeal cookie! —Colleen Butler, Inwood, West Virginia

    Go to Recipe

    21/27

    I love Mexican-inspired food. I also enjoy experimenting with recipes like this one and making them healthier—and downright good! —Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, West Virginia

    Go to Recipe

    22/27

    Frozen Chocolate Cheesecake Tart

    I first made this irresistible dessert for some dinner guests. They were overwhelmed by it's rich flavor and appearance. My husband commented that it was the best dessert he had ever eaten in his whole life. —Heather Bennett, Dunbar, West Virginia

    Go to Recipe

    23/27

    24/27

    Thick Sugar Cookies

    This thick and cakelike sugar cookie is similar to those sold at bakeries. My children often request these for their birthdays and are always happy to help decorate them. —Heather Biedler, Martinsburg, West Virginia

    Go to Recipe

    25/27

    Taste of Home

    Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes

    When I added garlic to this recipe, I discovered it gave the potatoes a unique flavor. My greatest compliment came from a neighbor who's a retired chef—he said this is the best potato dish he'd ever tasted!—Leah Brandenburg, Charleston, West Virginia

    Go to Recipe

    26/27

    Taste of Home

    Magic Macaroons

    Peanut butter, candy corn and macaroons are three of my favorite things, so I combine them all to make one magical sweet that's perfect for Halloween. —Jeanette Nelson, Bridgeport, West Virginia

    Go to Recipe

    27/27

    Our local deli makes terrific roast beef sandwiches. This pinwheel appetizer re-creates the taste. My family says the pinwheels have so many flavors for such a little treat. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia

    Go to Recipe

    Originally Published: July 10, 2018

    Our Best Recipes from West Virginia (27)

    Caroline Stanko

    Caroline has been with Taste of Home for the past seven years, working in both print and digital. After starting as an intern for the magazine and special interest publication teams, Caroline was hired as the third-ever digital editor for Taste of Home. Since then, she has researched, written and edited content on just about every topic the site covers, including cooking techniques, buzzy food news, gift guides and many, many recipe collections. Caroline also acts as the editorial lead for video, working with the Test Kitchen, videographers and social media team to produce videos from start to finish.When she’s not tip-tapping on a keyboard, Caroline is probably mixing up a killer co*cktail, reading a dog-eared library book or cooking up a multi-course feast (sometimes all at once). Though she technically lives in Milwaukee, there is a 50/50 chance Caroline is in Chicago or southwest Michigan visiting her close-knit family.

    Our Best Recipes from West Virginia (2024)

    FAQs

    Our Best Recipes from West Virginia? ›

    According to wvtourism.com, the pepperoni roll was developed by an Italian baker around the year 1930 as an easy meal for coal miners to carry in their lunch boxes, and it still remains popular today. It is so popular that it is West Virginia's official state food.

    What is West Virginia's famous dish? ›

    According to wvtourism.com, the pepperoni roll was developed by an Italian baker around the year 1930 as an easy meal for coal miners to carry in their lunch boxes, and it still remains popular today. It is so popular that it is West Virginia's official state food.

    What food was invented in West Virginia? ›

    Created in West Virginia by Italian immigrants needing a hearty, delicious and, most importantly, non-perishable lunch to take underground while working the coal mines, pepperoni rolls are now the state's official food.

    What is the state of West Virginia known for? ›

    Located in the Appalachian region, West Virginia has some of the most rugged land in the country. The state's rolling mountains, hills and valleys earned it the nickname of the Mountain State, and it is well-known for its range of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, skiing and whitewater rafting.

    What produce is West Virginia known for? ›

    Ingredients like ramps (a type of wild onion), morels (a wild mushroom), venison, and apples are staples resulting from the foraging traditions passed down through generations. Pioneered by Native Americans and later adopted by settlers, these foods have become a part of West Virginia's culinary traditions.

    What foods are unique to West Virginia? ›

    West Virginia's signature foods are so amazing they have their own festivals built around them.
    • Pepperoni Rolls. ...
    • Maple Syrup. ...
    • Golden Delicious Apples. ...
    • Black Walnuts. ...
    • Strawberries. ...
    • Ramps. ...
    • Honey. ...
    • Molasses.
    Mar 1, 2022

    What is Virginia's signature dish? ›

    BBQ & Country Ham

    Since the 17th century when settlers learned the Native peoples' art of smoking meats, Virginia country hams began to earn an international reputation. Most famous are Smithfield hams, which, by law, must be cured within Smithfield's town limits. Ham Biscuits are a staple at any Virginia gathering.

    What are popular Appalachian meals? ›

    Staples of Appalachian cuisine that are common in other regional cuisines of the south and in soul food include peanut brittle, sweet potato pie, pork chops, biscuits and gravy, fried chicken, chicken and dumplings, collard greens, cracklings, and ham hocks.

    What are special products made in West Virginia? ›

    Cedar Run Maple Syrup, Uncle Bunk's, Dark Hallow Sauce, Fire Creek, WV Fruit & Berry, Mountain State Honey, J&J Wing Sauce, Mountain Roaster Coffee, Yoder's Country Kettle, Blue Smoke Salsa, Tarbilly's Grillin Sauce, Smith Candy, Lisa Dawn's WV Coal Candy, Appalachian Mountain Specialty Foods, Leavitt Farm Moonshine ...

    Is West Virginia known for BBQ? ›

    No matter your taste in BBQ, West Virginia BBQ is sure to please. Home to some of the finest bbq in America, its restaurants boast unparalleled smoked meat dishes that simply cannot be beat! From Wheeling in the north all the way to Princeton in the southeast, here are eight of the best BBQ spots in Almost Heaven.

    What is unique to West Virginia? ›

    As the United States' third most-forested state, West Virginia is known for its timber and protected woodlands. It's also famous for its salt: Wild buffalo and deer gathered to lick natural salt deposits, and Native Americans and colonists gathered salt to cure butter and preserve meats.

    What is one fun fact about West Virginia? ›

    West Virginia was admitted to the Union on June 20, 1863, by proclamation signed by President Abraham Lincoln. Tourism is the state's leading industry. For many years, coal was the leading industry. Marshall University, located in Huntington, was named for Chief Justice John Marshall of the United States Supreme Court.

    What is West Virginia number 1 in? ›

    West Virginia ranked 1st highest in the nation in the prevalence of heart attack (7.5%) and coronary heart disease (8.0%).

    What fruit is native to West Virginia? ›

    West Virginia has dozens of native berry plants, ranging from trees and shrubs to vines and herbs. Blackberries, blueberries, huckleberries, strawberries, serviceberries, and raspberries are the most sought after by humans and wildlife.

    Who is the most famous person in West Virginia? ›

    One of the most well-known figures from the state is Chuck Yeager, a legendary pilot who was the first person to break the sound barrier. Another famous West Virginian is Brad Paisley, a country music superstar who has won multiple Grammy Awards. Other notable names include Jennifer Garner, Don Knotts, and Jerry West.

    What fruit grows best in West Virginia? ›

    Some of our recommended trees to grow in West Virginia include Japanese plum varieties as well as other fruit trees.
    • Golden Delicious Apple Tree (first found in Clay County, West Virginia, in 1914)
    • Glenglo™ Peach Tree (discovered in Martinsburg, West Virginia)
    • Methley Plum Tree.
    • American Persimmon Tree.
    • Danube Cherry Tree.

    What is Virginia's most popular food? ›

    To get you started, these are some of the most famous foods in Virginia that you simply must try if you visit this beautiful state.
    • Homemade peach cobbler. Wikimedia. ...
    • Apple pie. katie/flickr. ...
    • Brunswick stew. Joe Loong/flickr. ...
    • Chesapeake Bay crabs. Ron Dollete/flickr. ...
    • Devilled eggs. ...
    • Smithfield country ham and all the fixin's.
    Sep 18, 2022

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Gov. Deandrea McKenzie

    Last Updated:

    Views: 5805

    Rating: 4.6 / 5 (66 voted)

    Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Gov. Deandrea McKenzie

    Birthday: 2001-01-17

    Address: Suite 769 2454 Marsha Coves, Debbieton, MS 95002

    Phone: +813077629322

    Job: Real-Estate Executive

    Hobby: Archery, Metal detecting, Kitesurfing, Genealogy, Kitesurfing, Calligraphy, Roller skating

    Introduction: My name is Gov. Deandrea McKenzie, I am a spotless, clean, glamorous, sparkling, adventurous, nice, brainy person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.