Nebraska may not be known worldwide as a center of haute cuisine, but we sure do know how to make some amazing down-home dishes. These iconic Nebraska foods were all either invented or perfected in the Cornhusker State (because we improve everything we try our hands at, of course). Looking to give your friends or family an authentic Nebraska dining experience? These foods are your answer.

1. Pork tenderloin sandwich

This wasn't invented here, but DANG it tastes amazing at all of our local hole-in-the-wall restaurants.

2. Rocky Mountain oysters

We may not be in the Rocky Mountains, but thanks to all of Nebraska's ranches, we have an abundance of raw materials for making these.

3. Dorothy Lynch dressing

Try it on fries, chicken, fish, steak, sandwiches, vegetables ... maybe just stick a straw right into the bottle. It's that tasty.

4. Kool-Aid

This is technically a beverage and not a food, obviously, but it's a Nebraska invention and it's a vital part of any Nebraska foods feast.

5. Raisin pie

When I was a kid, I worked at the church food stand at the county fair every year with my grandma. Raisin pie was one of the most popular sellers — and chances are that if you live outside of the Midwest, you've never heard of it.

6. RIBS!

Nebraska doesn't have a signature barbecue style like Kansas City, Memphis, or the Carolinas, but that doesn't mean we can't cook up a mean rack of ribs that'll make your mouth water.

7. Steak

Huge, juicy, tasty steaks from happy cows raised right here in Nebraska. There's no tastier beef!

8. Cheese frenchees

Or frenchies, or frenchys, or however you like to spell them. They're basically deep-fried grilled cheese sandwiches and they will rock your world. This is one of our favorite Nebraska foods.

9. Reuben sandwiches

Another Nebraska invention, the Reuben has gained nationwide popularity. Some other states have tried to claim it as their own iconic dish (we're looking at you, New York), but we know the truth.

10. Cheeseburger pizza

It took a Nebraskan to come up with the brilliant idea to combine two of the best fast foods in the world: pizza and cheeseburgers. The result is crazy delicious.

11. Butter brickle ice cream

Did you know this was a Nebraska invention as well? You can get butter brickle ice cream all over the country now, but it was invented at the Blackstone Hotel in Omaha — the same birthplace as the Reuben.

12. Runzas

How could we leave out Runza? If you're in a pinch for time, go to the restaurant. If you've got time to spare, make your own homemade cabbage and beef bierocks — the German meat dish Runzas were based on.

Well, there you have them: some of the most Nebraskan foods you'll ever find. What do you consider to be the most iconic Nebraska dishes? What do you think should be the Nebraska state food? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

If you love great Nebraska food, then you definitely need to check out the best restaurants in the state. Check out our list featuring 20 of the best restaurants in Nebraska. Are there any restaurants you think are missing?