17 Homemade Classics That Are Tailor-Made For A Kansan’s Tastebuds

If you're anything like me, you get hungrier the colder it is outside. Or, you just love food! Either way, the home cooked meals we grew up with stay in our memories forever, but are hard to find outside the home. In no particular order, here are some of those homemade classics made just for Kansans.

1. Chili with a cinnamon roll

At some point, we figured out that the best way to eat chili is to follow it with a big ol' cinnamon roll. Sounds crazy, but it tastes amazing!

2. Kansas City barbecue

It doesn't matter where the sauce goes, but smoked meat covered in that sweet barbecue is all we need for a great evening.

3. Ham and bean soup

It's simple to make, and easy enough you can stretch a few ingredients a long way. Leftovers, anyone?

4. Homemade pies

It doesn't matter if it's fruit, cream, or pudding pie, they're all delicious paired with a homemade crust.

5. Puppy chow

Puppy chow (or "muddy buddies") is a chex, peanut butter, chocolate, and powdered sugar treat you'll never forget. Once you've had your first handful, you're in for a ride.

6. Biscuits and gravy

This is a breakfast staple for any Kansas household, and if you ever go through a small town for brunch, you'll find this on the menu every time.

7. Chicken fried steak

We love our chicken fried, and whether it's steak or chicken, it better be covered in white gravy. Anything else, and you're a crazy person.

8. Homemade ice cream

It gets hot during the summer for sure, and ice cream is pretty easy to make even without a churn like this one.

9. Chicken and noodles

My family always serves it over mashed potatoes, but some people are happy to have it alone. I suppose it depends on how much broth you leave in it!

10. Loose meat sandwiches

Whether it's a sloppy joe or a Nu-Way burger, many Kansans are fond of this sandwich that needs a steady pair of hands.

11. Fried fish

Odds are you've gone fishing before if you're a Kansan. Therefore, it only makes sense that you catch your dinner and make "fish fry Fridays" a tradition.

12. Tomato sandwiches

Fresh-from-the-garden tomatoes on white bread is the classic way, but there's some dispute over whether miracle whip or mayo is the best condiment to pair with it. What do you think?

13. Casseroles

It doesn't really matter what's in it, but there's a fine line between monster food and a dish that's scary good. Here in Kansas, casseroles are a great gift for anyone who's just had a major life event and shouldn't be troubled to cook for themselves.

14. Homemade breads

Warm bread straight from the oven is the best feeling in the world for many Kansans. It's like a hug that you can eat!

15. Bierocks

My family has a German recipe passed down for years, and every time I bite into one, it's like heaven.

16. Pickled watermelon rind

This dish seems to be localized to a few areas of Kansas, but once you've tried it, you're hooked.

17. Fried chicken

Considering we have entire road trips dedicated to fried chicken, it's no wonder that it's on this list as well. I mean, who doesn't like fried chicken?

Do you know of any other meals you'd add to this list? Also, if you'd like any of my personal recipes, just comment below or email me. Otherwise, feel free to check out these restaurants in Kansas that'll serve up chicken and noodles just how remember.