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 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.

    Why is West Virginia famous for? ›

    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 produce is West Virginia known for? ›

    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 foods are unique to 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 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 drink was made in West Virginia? ›

    Moonshine may be the native spirit of West Virginia, but it was refreshing to discover a distiller that is making a quality product and distributing it on a national level. It was July when I was introduced to a bottle of Smooth Ambler's Contradiction.

    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.

    Why are pepperoni rolls only in WV? ›

    In 1927, Giuseppe “Joseph” Argiro first offered the pepperoni roll as a lunch for local coal miners. He eventually started to sell them at the Country Club Bakery in Fairmont, West Virginia. These rolls were a perfect meal for the miners because they had protein and fat to keep them energized.

    What is unique to West Virginia? ›

    West Virginia is the only state in the Union to have acquired its statehood by proclamation of the President of the United States. West Virginia is the only state completely within the Appalachian Mountain range, aptly given the nickname the Mountain State. West Virginia is the third most forested state.

    What is the famous person of West Virginia? ›

    The most recognized celebrity from the Mountain State, according to the study is Country Music Star Brad Paisley. Born in Glen Dale in Marshall County in 1972, Paisley first debuted in the country music scene in 1999. Paisley became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2001.

    What did West Virginia used to be called? ›

    In 1863, the western region was admitted to the Union as a new separate state, initially planned to be called the State of Kanawha, but ultimately named West Virginia.

    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.

    What fruit grows in WV? ›

    Beginning a Backyard Orchard

    Apples, peaches, pears, plums and cherries are now all available either as dwarfs, semi-dwarfs, or both. These new small-sized trees can also be used to replace flowering shrubs and hedge plants in a landscape plan.

    Who is the largest employer in West Virginia? ›

    Detailed List Of The 100 Biggest Companies In West Virginia
    RankCompanyEmployees
    1West Virginia University7,500
    2American Public Education5,800
    3Huntington Alloys Corporation4,999
    4Ogden Newspapers3,500
    75 more rows
    Mar 19, 2024

    What is Virginia's most popular food? ›

    Virginia is home to iconic foods. The famous cuisines include oysters, blue crab, Brunswick skew, mac & cheese, peanuts, apples, trout, and shrimp.

    What drink is West Virginia known for? ›

    West Virginia: Gin and tonic

    You may associate a gin and tonic with a chic pub in London, but West Virginia is no stranger to this botanical blend.

    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 West Virginia's main crop? ›

    Over 80% of West Virginia's total agricultural production fall in the livestock products category, including the top five commodities produced in the state. The most important crop is hay, presumably to feed livestock.

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