Some of the most mouthwatering food comes from the same place famous for crafting Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey – Tennessee. With southern hospitality and a penchant for crafting some of the most delicious food in the Southern United States, this state has quite a few foods it is famous for, from banana pudding to country-fried steak. The best part is that you don’t need to participate in a local cornbread eating contest to indulge in Tennessee’s food offerings.
Below, you’ll find a list of the most famous food in Tennessee and where to find these delicious offerings.
Nashville Hot Chicken
A must-try famous food in Tennessee is Nashville hot chicken. This fried chicken is famous for its sweat-inducing heat and crispy exterior. Made with a spicy cayenne sauce, this fried chicken is usually served on a bun with pickles. The background of this sandwich is quite unique, as it was supposedly created by a scorned girlfriend attempting to get revenge on a boyfriend. Since its creation, Nashville hot chicken has become a staple in Music City with multiple restaurants, like Red’s Hot Chicken offering this fiery food.
This is a great option for a hearty, satisfying meal after camping or glamping in Tennessee.
Country Ham
While country ham is eaten throughout the US during holidays, Tennessee (and the southern states) are enamored with this main dish. Often, it’s an option you’ll find at cafes throughout the state, served alongside dishes like mashed potatoes, southern greens, biscuits, or cornbread.
Country ham is created by a dry-curing process which helps enhance the flavor and provide a salty taste. It’s typically plated with a dark brown gravy known as red eye gravy, for the fat circles which appear on top of the gravy. Try this dish at locations like The Loveless Cafe, which is famous for its comforting soul food options.
Fried Pickles
Though you can find fried pickles in multiple locations around the US, they were supposedly created in the South. Sliced, battered, and deep-fried, these tangy pickle rounds are a favorite among locals and visitors in Tennessee. Depending on the restaurant you order at, you may find the pickles are created using a blend of flour and spices instead of a batter. Either way, this appetizer/side dish is a must-try while in the state. Don’t forget to dip them in ranch or ketchup, as they typically come with a sauce. For fried pickles with a twist, head to 2Pickles Cafe & Restaurant in La Vergne, Tennessee.
Baked Beans
At the base of the Great Smoky Mountains lies Chestnut Hill, a town famous for being the birthplace of Bush’s Baked Beans. The company still calls this town its home base, providing delicious baked beans throughout the country.
This side dish has become quite popular in Tennessee, making appearances at nearly all BBQ restaurants, and even as a side for picnics, meals, potlucks, and more. While baked beans vary in seasoning and flavor, the recipes crafted in Tennessee typically run sweeter than in other states. Take a trip to Bar-B-Que Caboose Cafe for delicious BBQ with a side of baked beans.
Fried Pies
These delicious fried pies appear similar to turnovers or empanadas. However, they’re created with a buttermilk dough for a richer flavor and flakey crust. Both savory and sweet fillings are added to the inside of fried pies before they’re deep-fried until golden and ready to eat. Some popular fillings include fried chicken and waffles, carrot cake, and pimento cheese & bacon.
However, you can also expect typical pie flavors, such as cherry and apple as well. Perfect for on-the-go, these pies are available throughout Tennessee at various cafes and restaurants. One of the highest-rated fried pie spots is Dutch Maid Delights Bakery, which crafts its pies fresh every day.
Tennessee Mountain Cake
This southern dessert is a classic famous food in Tennessee, also referred to as a stack cake. This recipe originated in Appalachia and is made with multiple layers of dough cooked outside a cake pan (sometimes on a cake pan, but never in). These layers are stacked on each other (as their name suggests), with a sweet apple filling between each section.
At one time, this cake was part of a wedding tradition in which the bride’s neighbors would each bring a layer of homemade cake. It was then assembled at the wedding, providing insight into the bride’s popularity. Now, it’s typically made by a single baker in their home (or in a bakery) and left overnight in the fridge to gain moisture from the apple filling. Often, these cakes are dusted with powdered sugar before they are served. The Village Bakery in Knoxville is famous for its stack cakes, which are made with Tennessee green apples.
