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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

    What is the most popular food in West Virginia? ›

    Pepperoni Rolls

    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 dessert is WV known for? ›

    WEST VIRGINIA: Shoofly pie

    While West Virginia has no official state dessert, shoofly pie is commonly regarded as one of the state's most famous — and delicious — dishes.

    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 food is popular in 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. ...
    • Honey. ...
    • Molasses. ...
    • Buckwheat Pancakes.
    Mar 1, 2022

    What is the most famous dish in Virginia? ›

    Virginia is known for its southern-style fare including oysters, peanuts, BBQ, country ham, blue crabs, trout, apples, and Brunswick stew. Many recognize these Virginia foods but don't know the origin or how they became a tradition on our tables.

    What is West Virginia favorite candy? ›

    What is West Virginia's favorite Halloween candy?
    StateTop Candy3rd Place
    VAButterfingerHot Tamales
    DCM&M'sBlow Pops
    WATootsie PopsM&M's
    WVHershey's Mini BarsHot Tamales
    47 more rows
    Oct 5, 2023

    What is the food desert in West Virginia? ›

    For a long time, residents of Clay County have lived without ready access to a full service grocery store. Clay County is often considered one of the worst food deserts in the state. In November 2021, a Par Mar store fitted with grocery products opened in Maysel to help meet the demand for a grocer.

    What is the dessert capital of the United States? ›

    Miami takes the cake at No. 1 overall, with the most dessert, ice cream, and gelato shops per square mile in our ranking. The Magic City has plenty of other magical treats to try, with a top-three ranking in half of all the Access factors and a second-place rank for recent National Pie Championships.

    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 ...

    What is the state fruit of West Virginia? ›

    State Fruit - Golden Delicious Apple

    Designated as the official state fruit by Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 7, adopted by the Legislature on February 20, 1995. Anderson Mullins discovered this apple variety in Clay County in 1905.

    What does West Virginia produce the most? ›

    West Virginia's leading farm commodities include beef cattle, broiler chickens, hay, dairy products, apples, corn, and turkeys.

    Why is West Virginia so special? ›

    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 the main nickname of West Virginia? ›

    West Virginia also derives its nickname from a range of mountains - the Appalachians. It is called the Mountain State.

    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 is traditional Appalachian food? ›

    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.

    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 the state food of Virginia? ›

    Virginia. The Old Dominion State is happy to be known for its cured country ham—the perfect addition to a breakfast plate full of eggs, biscuits and gravy, and grits. We're talking salty ham here; it's not for the faint of heart.

    What is the most produced food in Virginia? ›

    VIRGINIA'S TOP 20 FARM COMMODITIES – CALENDAR YEAR 2022
    RANKCOMMODITYCASH RECEIPTS ($)
    1Broilers1,602,080,000
    2Cattle and Calves482,253,000
    3Turkeys453,838,000
    4Dairy Products, Milk395,640,000
    16 more rows

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