The Most Popular Food in Indiana, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the food you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 28, 2024 06:37
In the heart of the Midwest, the tastes and culinary preferences can vary as much as the weather. By creating a ranked list of the most popular foods in Indiana, residents and visitors alike get a clearer insight into what might tingle their taste buds while traversing the state. This list offers a dynamic snapshot of local food favorites, influenced by the rich agricultural history and diverse cultural influences found throughout the region.
Engaging with this list not only guides your dining choices but also gives you a chance to weigh in on your favorite dishes. Each vote helps paint a more accurate picture of Indiana's culinary landscape, encouraging a broader appreciation of its food culture. So, whether you're a lifelong Hoosier or just passing through, your participation in shaping this culinary ranking is invaluable.
What Is the Most Popular Food in Indiana?
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155votes
Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Nick FreiensteinThis sandwich is a staple of Indiana cuisine and is often referred to as the state's official sandwich. It is made with a breaded and fried pork tenderloin, served on a bun with various condiments like mayo, pickles, and lettuce.The Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich is a beloved culinary creation in Indiana. It features a thick, juicy and tender pork tenderloin cutlet that has been breaded and deep-fried to perfection. This sandwich is typically served on a soft, toasted bun and can be customized with a variety of condiments and toppings to suit individual preferences.- Size: Generously large
- Bread: Soft, toasted bun
- Pork Tenderloin Thickness: Aim for ½ to ¾ inch thickness
- Breading: Crispy and well-seasoned
- Deep-frying: Deep-fried until golden brown and crispy
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230votesThis pie is a classic Indiana dessert that originated in the Amish community. It is made with a filling of cream, sugar, and flour, and often has a cinnamon topping.Sugar Cream Pie is a classic dessert that originated in Indiana. It is a single-crust pie made with a rich, creamy filling and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. The filling consists of a custard-like mixture made primarily from sugar, cream, and flour, resulting in a smooth and sweet texture. The pie is usually baked until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. It is often served chilled or at room temperature.
- Primary Ingredients: Sugar, cream, flour
- Crust: Single-crust pie
- Texture: Smooth and creamy
- Flavor: Sweet
- Topping: Sprinkle of cinnamon
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37votes
Evan-Amos · CC0Fried Chicken
African American slavesIndiana is well known for its famous fried chicken, which is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Many restaurants throughout the state specialize in this dish.Fried chicken is a popular dish in America consisting of chicken pieces that are coated in a seasoned batter or breading and deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. The chicken is typically seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs, which create a flavorful and savory taste. It is a comfort food that is enjoyed by people of all ages and is often served with a side of mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits.- Crispiness: The fried chicken should have a crispy and golden brown exterior while remaining tender and juicy on the inside.
- Flavorful seasoning: The chicken should be seasoned with a combination of spices and herbs, such as paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Cooking method: The chicken is deep-fried in oil at a high temperature, resulting in a crispy and crunchy texture.
- Variations: Fried chicken can be prepared using different cuts of chicken, such as drumsticks, wings, or breasts. It can also be seasoned differently based on regional preferences.
- Accompaniments: Fried chicken is often served with various side dishes like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, biscuits, or cornbread.
Fried Chicken in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular chicken dish
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular food in Kansas
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular comfort food
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular meal at Popeyes
- Position 3 of 10 in Most beloved food in America
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular food in Brooklyn
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411votes
SimpleFoodie · Public domainIndiana is one of the largest producers of corn in the United States, so it is no surprise that corn on the cob is a popular dish in the state. It is often grilled or boiled and served with butter and salt.Corn on the Cob is a classic American dish made from corn ears that are boiled or grilled and then served with various toppings. It is a popular food choice during Fourth of July celebrations, as it is simple to prepare and enjoyed by people of all ages.- Preparation method: Boiled or grilled
- Serving style: On the cob
- Toppings: Butter, salt, pepper, mayonnaise, cheese, herbs, lime, chili powder, etc.
- Variations: Grilled corn, Mexican street corn (elote)
- Texture: Tender and juicy kernels
Corn on the Cob in other rankings- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular food in Kansas
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular side dish in America
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523votesSimilar to Sugar Cream Pie, Hoosier Pie is a dessert made with a flaky crust and a filling of custard and sugar.Hoosier Pie is a traditional dessert that originated in the state of Indiana in the United States. It is a rich and decadent pie that has become an iconic favorite among Hoosiers. The pie has a buttery and flaky crust, filled with a creamy and sweet custard-like filling. The top of the pie is sprinkled with a generous layer of cinnamon, giving it a slightly spicy and aromatic flavor. Hoosier Pie is often enjoyed plain, but it can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Crust: Buttery and flaky
- Filling: Creamy and sweet custard-like
- Topping: Cinnamon sprinkle
- Serving style: Plain, with whipped cream, or with vanilla ice cream
- Popular in: Indiana
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615votesIndiana Style Chili is a meaty and hearty chili that is often made with ground beef, kidney beans, and a variety of spices. It is typically served over spaghetti noodles and topped with cheese and onions.Indiana Style Chili is a unique regional variant of chili that is popular in the state of Indiana. It is characterized by its thick, meaty texture and slightly sweet and tangy flavor. The chili is typically made from ground beef and a variety of spices, including chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. It is often served over spaghetti or hot dogs and topped with shredded cheddar cheese and diced onions.
- Meat Type: Ground beef
- Spices: Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, etc.
- Texture: Thick and meaty
- Flavor Profile: Slightly sweet and tangy
- Serving Style: Over spaghetti or hot dogs
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711votesIndiana is the second-largest producer of popcorn in the United States, so it's no surprise that popcorn is a popular snack in the state.Popcorn is a light and fluffy snack made from dried corn kernels that have been heated until they burst open. It is typically seasoned with salt or a variety of flavors like caramel, butter, or cheese. The result is a crispy and addictive snack that is enjoyed by people of all ages.
- Nutritional content: Popcorn is low in calories and fat, making it a healthier alternative to many other snacks. It is also a good source of fiber.
- Popping method: Popcorn kernels pop when heated due to the moisture inside turning into steam. This causes the kernel to expand and create the characteristic airy texture.
- Varieties: Popcorn comes in various shapes and sizes, including butterfly, snowflake, and mushroom varieties. Each has its own unique popping characteristics.
- Popcorn machines: Specialized machines are available to cook popcorn, ranging from stovetop pans to electric poppers. These machines ensure even heating and prevent burnt or unpopped kernels.
- Common flavors: While salted popcorn remains a classic favorite, other popular flavors include butter, caramel, cheese, chocolate, and even spicy variations.
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810votesGrilled cheese sandwiches are a comfort food favorite in Indiana. They are typically made with American cheese and served with tomato soup.Grilled Cheese is a classic comfort food made by toasting melted cheese between two slices of buttered bread. It is a simple yet delicious dish that is loved by people of all ages. The warm, gooey cheese inside the crispy bread creates a perfect combination of textures and flavors.
- Bread: Usually made with white bread, but variations with sourdough, whole wheat, or rye bread are also common.
- Cheese: A variety of cheeses can be used, such as cheddar, American, Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella.
- Butter: The bread is typically buttered on the outside, giving it a crisp and golden brown exterior.
- Cooking Method: Traditionally cooked on a stovetop or griddle, though it can also be made in a toaster, sandwich press, or oven.
- Variations: Many variations exist, including adding ingredients like bacon, tomato, avocado, or ham.
Grilled Cheese in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular sandwich in the United States
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular sandwich
- Position 8 of 10 in Most popular burger at In-N-Out
- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular burger at Five Guys
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96votes
Apple Cider Donuts
Connecticut Apple OrchardsIndiana has many apple orchards, and apple cider donuts are a popular treat during the fall season. They are made with apple cider and are often coated in cinnamon sugar.Apple Cider Donuts are a beloved treat in Connecticut, known for their sweet and tangy flavor. These donuts are made using apple cider, which gives them a distinct taste and moist texture. They are often dusted with cinnamon sugar, adding a warm and comforting touch.- Flavor: Sweet and tangy
- Texture: Moist and soft
- Main Ingredient: Apple cider
- Topping: Cinnamon sugar
- Shape: Round with a hole in the center
Apple Cider Donuts in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular food in New Hampshire
- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular food in Connecticut
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1010votesA Beef Manhattan is a sandwich made with roast beef, mashed potatoes, and gravy. It's a classic comfort food dish that is popular in many Indiana diners.The Beef Manhattan is a classic dish originated in Indiana. It is a hearty open-faced sandwich consisting of thinly sliced roast beef placed on top of a slice of bread, typically white bread. The sandwich is then smothered in a savory brown gravy made from pan drippings and served with a side of mashed potatoes. The Beef Manhattan is known for its rich flavors and comforting qualities.
- Bread: White bread
- Meat: Thinly sliced roast beef
- Gravy: Savory brown gravy
- Serving Style: Open-faced
- Accompaniment: Mashed potatoes
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular food
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Local ingredients and producePopular Indiana foods often feature locally sourced ingredients and take advantage of the state's abundant agriculture and diverse culinary traditions. Some popular items include corn, apples, melons, tomatoes, and pork.
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Cultural and historical influencesIndiana's food traditions have been shaped by various cultural groups, including Native Americans, Swiss, German, and Amish communities. This history has a significant influence on the type of food that is popular in Indiana.
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Regional specialtiesSome foods are specific to certain regions within Indiana, such as Sugar Cream Pie (also known as Hoosier Pie) or the pork tenderloin sandwich. These regional dishes are often popular throughout the entire state.
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Food festivals and eventsAnnual food events, such as the Indiana State Fair, often showcase popular local dishes and help to solidify their status as beloved Indiana foods.
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Local food establishments and restaurantsPopular dishes can often be identified by the prevalence of these foods on restaurant menus and in local food establishments, as well as by their longstanding culinary traditions in the state.
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Online reviews and social mediaOnline reviews and social media platforms can provide insights into which foods are particularly popular or well-loved within Indiana. This can be useful in gauging the preferences of locals and visitors alike.
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Traditional dishes and comfort foodPopularity can also be measured by the prevalence of traditional dishes and comfort foods that are commonly associated with Indiana, such as corn casserole, beer cheese soup, and biscuits and gravy.
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Food trendsTracking food trends within Indiana is another key factor in determining popularity. This can include the growth of specific food movements, such as farm-to-table dining, or the presence of signature Indiana dishes in national food publications and media outlets.
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Local food awards and recognitionFinally, recognizing local food awards and achievements is another way to determine the popularity of certain dishes in Indiana. This can include local food competitions, such as the Indiana Brewers' Cup, or statewide acclaim for specific restaurants and chefs.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular food in Indiana. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or food is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1827 views
- 169 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each food once every 24 hours. The rank of each food is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular food in indiana
Indiana is a state in the Midwest region of the United States known for its diverse agricultural products and cuisine. From hearty Midwestern fare to international flavors, Indiana's food scene has something for everyone. With its fertile soil and abundant water resources, Indiana is a leading producer of corn, soybeans, pork, and dairy products. These ingredients are often featured in the state's signature dishes, such as breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches, corn on the cob, and milkshakes. However, Indiana's food culture is not limited to traditional Midwestern fare. The state boasts a thriving food scene with an array of cuisines, including Italian, Mexican, and Asian. With so many options, it's no surprise that Hoosiers have strong opinions about their favorite foods. So, what is the most popular food in Indiana? Let's find out!
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