20 Texan Recipes That Anyone Who Lives There Will Defend Until Their Dying Breath
Can we admit something? We love Texan recipes as much as Texans love being from Texas — which is to say, a lot! Whether you're strolling through Austin, Dallas, Houston, or somewhere way off in Hill Country, there's very little the state can't cook up. Texas has stolen our hearts (and stomach capacity) for their BBQ, desserts, and even some drinks, and we think it's about time to spread the word. Chances are, that if you've got a Texan in your life, these are the 20 recipes they'll 100% defend until their dying breath.
Much like Midwestern food and Southern food, Texas has its own style of comfort food that Texans feel very proud of. Chicken spaghetti, Frito pie, King Ranch chicken, and Texas chili (no beans allowed!) are recipes that are tried-and-true and not to be messed with. The same is true of all the cowboy-approved recipes that have come out of Texas, like cowboy caviar and cowboy candy. Stick to our recipe and you'll have two jars of Texan-approved condiments you'll want to put on pretty much everything, especially these breakfast tacos.
It just wouldn't be Texas-level hospitality if you don't end your meal with a sweet treat, right? So be sure to serve up slices of German chocolate cake (yes, it's actually technically Texan chocolate cake), Texas sheet cake, or pecan pralines. But if you're anything like us, your dream dessert is simply buttering up a few extra copycat Texas Roadhouse rolls with hearty dollops of Texas cinnamon butter.
Cowboy Caviar
The concept–dare we say dip–originated in the South, specifically Texas, thanks to Helen Corbitt, a popular chef and cookbook author. Her recipe was simple: black-eyed peas, onion, garlic, oil, and vinegar. We like ours with black beans because, why not? It’s also loaded with red onion, corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, orange bell peppers, and avocado. The soft beans, crunchy onion and pepper, and creamy avocado satisfy all the tastebud expectations.
Get the Cowboy Caviar recipe.
German Chocolate Cake
Despite it's name, this layer cake actually originated in Texas in the 50s. It's a sweet, not-too-chocolatey cake that is filled and frosted with rich, sticky coconut and pecan filling. The toasted coconut and pecans mixed with evaporated milk and butter to make a custardy, almost caramel-like filling that is dangerously delicious.
Get the German Chocolate Cake recipe.
Carnitas Tamale Pie
Delish started something extra special by inverting the classic tamale pie to give it a cornbread crust instead of a cornbread topping. We did it for the chicken tamale pie too, and we loved the idea so much that we kept the trend going with this Instant Pot carnitas version. This method provides a sturdy bottom that helps the tamale pie cut and lift like a slice of loaded pizza, leaving the shredded pork surface open for extra toppings like fresh tomatoes and scallions.
Get the Carnitas Tamale Pie recipe.
Texas Sheet Cake
There's a reason why sheet cakes are our go-to easy dessert here at Delish. They're big enough to feed a crowd, simple to throw together, and require very little decorating. One of the most classic examples of this simple dessert is the Texas sheet cake. This chocolate cake is rich, extra-fudgy, and topped with plenty of toasty pecans. It's a classic dessert for very good reason: it was made for chocolate lovers, and it's ready in under an hour.
Get the Texas Sheet Cake recipe.
Ranch Water
It’s no surprise that this refreshing cocktail was born in often-sweltering Western Texas. A sort of effervescent, less-sweet version of a Margarita, only 3 ingredients are required for Ranch Water: tequila, lime juice, and seltzer. (Preferably Topo Chico; some claim it’s not a real Ranch Water without it!) We like adding a splash of orange liqueur like Cointreau for a little added sweetness and citrus flavor, but it can be left out or substituted for ¼ ounce simple syrup.
Get the Ranch Water recipe.
Chicken Spaghetti
A nostalgic classic for many across Texas and Oklahoma, cheesy chicken spaghetti is the staple weeknight dinner you can rely on. hicken, spaghetti, and veggies combine with a creamy, cheesy sauce for a baked and bubbling casserole that’s just as perfect for busy weeknights as it is for parties. The best part? The leftovers almost taste even better.😉
Get the Chicken Spaghetti recipe.
Cowboy Candy (Candied Jalapeños)
Giddy up! Cowboy Candy (aka candied jalapeños) are spicy, tangy, salty, and sweet—the perfect condiment for topping everything from Bloody Marys to migas to grilled creamed corn. The combination of fiery heat from the jalapeño and the nearly caramelized coating from the sugar makes these truly unputdownable.
Get the Cowboy Candy (Candied Jalapeños) recipe.
Breakfast Tacos
A good breakfast taco is a thing of beauty all across Texas. Not only will these keep you full until lunch, they've also been known to cure a mean hangover. (Hair of the dog, à la a Michelada, anyone?) Pickled red onions aren't necessary, but they do add a nice crunch.
Get the Breakfast Tacos recipe.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls
You may go to Texas Roadhouse to order a steak, but we all know the best part of the meal is the basket of dinner rolls. These soft, pillowy squares come to the table fresh from the oven, and the accompanying cinnamon-honey butter is worth the trip alone. This copycat recipe is just as tender and fluffy as the original, but you can enjoy it from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Get the Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls recipe.
BBQ Brisket
You don't need a fancy smoker to make a top-notch Texas-style BBQ Brisket. Instead, use your grill, and then and serve it with your favorite sides like baked mac & cheese, potato salad, and cornbread.
Get the BBQ Brisket recipe.
Duck Carnitas Tacos With Salsa Macha
In this recipe, the duck legs are cooked low and slow in duck fat, aromatic chiles, oranges, and Mexican Coke to flavor the meat. At Nixta, Rico’s taqueria in Austin, Texas, they slow-cook the duck for about 12 hours, but for home cooks, 4 hours will be plenty of time to achieve that meat-falling-off-the-bone effect. Don’t forget to garnish the duck with thinly sliced watermelon radish and, of course, Rico’s signature salsa macha. Throw together a michelada or margarita to really round out this meal.
Get the Duck Carnitas Tacos With Salsa Macha recipe.
Cowboy Caviar Couscous Salad
Also known as Texas caviar, the dish combines fresh vegetables, beans, and corn to make a colorful meal that can be enjoyed with chips or as a standalone dish. But once you add some pearl couscous? It becomes the star of any picnic or potluck.
Get the Cowboy Caviar Couscous Salad recipe.
Best-Ever Texas Toast
Texas Toast is one of those things that is great to get from the freezer aisle, but even better when made from scratch. It's the perfect accompaniment to a delicious, Italian dinner or the ideal thing to add to your buffet line at the cookout. We know it may seem like overkill to include fresh garlic and garlic powder, but we think adding both adds an extra dimension of garlicky goodness that will have you reaching for another slice in no time.
Get the Best-Ever Texas Toast recipe.
Best Frito Pie
Originally created in Mexico but popularized in Texas and most of the American Southwest, Frito Pies (not actually pies, but we love) are comfort food perfection. The other name for them (and maybe the more fun one) is walking taco.
Get the Best Frito Pie recipe.
Texas Cinnamon Butter
Texas Roadhouse fans—this is the copycat recipe you’re going to want to keep in your back pocket. This spiced homemade butter is inspired by the one served with the chain’s famous rolls, but we recreated it with the sole purpose of putting it on practically everything. It truly couldn’t be easier to make: You whip softened butter, honey, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla with a hand mixer until creamy—that’s it!
Get the Texas Cinnamon Butter recipe.
King Ranch Chicken
There is something so comforting about a casserole. This one—a sort of Tex-Mex amalgamation of chilaquiles and Midwestern chicken casseroles—comes together quickly and is perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.
Get the King Ranch Chicken recipe.
Homemade Tortillas
Fair warning—once you’ve made homemade flour tortillas, you can never go back to store-bought. Plus, you may be surprised to learn just how easy it is to make tortillas at home. All you need are 4 ingredients and 45 minutes—seriously, that’s it. This recipe aces perfectly fluffy tortillas that are made to be filled with all your favorite fillings (quesadillas, tacos, burritos...here you come).
Get the Homemade Tortillas recipe.
Pecan Pralines
Pralines are a delicious Texan caramel-like candy made with sugar, butter, vanilla, and some form of dairy (like heavy cream or evaporated milk, which is our choice). You can make them with any nut, but pecan is classic.
Get the Pecan Pralines recipe.
Chicken-Fried Steak
Picture this: juicy, tender beef, a crispy, salty breaded exterior, and plenty of velvety, rich gravy. It's a Texas comfort food masterpiece, and we are here for it.
Get the Chicken-Fried Steak recipe.
Best Texas Chili Recipe
The most important part of Texas chili? Absolutely no beans! But rest assured, this meat-centered chili still has plenty of depth, thanks to chuck roast, bacon, plenty of spices, and a bit of your favorite lager-style beer. Serve with a hunk of Texas-sized cornbread and you'll have a comfort food classic on your hands.
Get the Best Texas Chili Recipe recipe.
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