13 Sandwiches That Belong in Every State’s Story
Every state has its own story told best between slices of bread. These thirteen sandwiches are more than just recipes; they’re traditions, memories, and proof that every bite carries the identity of a place and its people.
Runza
In Nebraska, the Runza ties back to the state’s German roots. Cabbage and beef tucked inside soft dough; comfort that’s been passed down from one generation of prairie cooks to the next. Get the recipe here.
Chopped Cheese
Born on the grills of Harlem bodegas, the chopped cheese became a New York symbol of quick comfort and community. Simple ingredients, but a story that speaks to everyday life in the city. Get the recipe here.
Hot Brown Sandwich
Louisville’s elegant Hot Brown was first created for late-night hotel guests. It’s Southern hospitality in open-faced form; creamy, rich, and proud of its Kentucky roots. Get the recipe here.
Italian Beef Sandwich
Born in Chicago’s stockyards, the Italian Beef sandwich tells a story of hard work and frugality turned into comfort food. Dunked in jus, it’s pure Midwestern toughness with a soft heart. Get the recipe here.
Crab Cake Sandwich
Maryland’s Eastern Shore wouldn’t be itself without crab. This sandwich honors that coastline; simple, briny, and perfectly at home near the docks. Get the recipe here.
Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
Legend has it this fiery favorite started as revenge gone right. Nashville’s hot chicken sandwich became a fiery badge of Southern pride; spicy, bold, and unapologetically local. Get the recipe here.
Chow Mein Sandwich
Fall River, Massachusetts took Chinese-American food and made it uniquely theirs. Crispy noodles in a bun; it’s a blend of cultures that only small-town creativity could invent. Get the recipe here.
Pork Roll Egg and Cheese
New Jersey mornings start with this salty, crispy sandwich. It’s breakfast, nostalgia, and state pride all rolled into one toasted bun. Get the recipe here.
Loose Meat Sandwich
In Iowa diners, nothing beats a loose meat sandwich. No cheese, no frills; just ground beef, onions, and the kind of familiarity that feels like home. Get the recipe here.
Muffuletta Sandwich
New Orleans loves its stories, and the Muffuletta is one worth retelling. Italian immigrants layered meats, cheese, and olive salad to feed dockworkers; a true Crescent City creation. Get the recipe here.
Pueblo Slopper
In Pueblo, Colorado, locals serve their burgers drowned in green chile. The Slopper might be messy, but it’s the kind of chaos people proudly gather around. Get the recipe here.
Benedictine
Kentucky’s tea-time classic proves that regional food can be refined. Cool cucumber spread and soft bread; simple, refreshing Southern charm. Get the recipe here.
Fish Fry Sandwich
In Wisconsin, Friday nights mean one thing: a crispy fish fry. This sandwich keeps that Midwestern ritual alive; golden, flaky, and ready for the next family gathering. Get the recipe here.