Who's up for a round of remembering the good old days in Pennsylvania? Sled riding down steep hills, walking to school in a foot of snow, and the smell of dinner wafting from the kitchen to the bedroom. We Pennsylvanians sure are spoiled when it comes to amazing food. Like these 10 classic Pennsylvania dishes most of us ate - and loved - growing up.
1. Philly cheesesteak
The Philly cheesesteak is synonymous with PA and Philadelphia, in particular. And, how could it not be one of the classic Pennsylvania foods? A generous helping of steak smothered with cheese and sandwiched on a hoagie roll. What more could we want?
2. Shoofly pie
Three cheers for the Pennsylvania Dutch who introduced us to shoofly pie way back in the 1800s. Traditionally a breakfast dish, the molasses pie is the perfect way to start or end the day.
3. Pierogies
Did your grandma, aunts, or mom make homemade pierogies in their kitchen when you were a kid? That's probably how pierogies became such a classic dish in PA.
4. Potpie
What's one of the very best comfort foods in Pennsylvania? Well, potpie, of course. A Pennsylvania Dutch tradition, potpie is typically made with chicken or turkey and homemade noodles. Do you add vegetables to your potpie? If so, what kind?
5. Hoagies
Everyone else may refer to them as subs, but we love our hoagies. All kinds of hoagies, too. Italian hoagies. Veggie hoagies. Turkey hoagies. You name it, we can pretty much turn it into a hoagie, right?
6. Red beet eggs
Red beet eggs may be an acquired taste but they're definitely a PA favorite. When do you eat red beet eggs?
7. Dippy eggs
Virtual hands up if you start your day with dippy eggs! The popular breakfast meal - also known as over easy fried eggs - is one of the best iconic Pennsylvania dishes. It's perfect for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner.
8. Haluski
What immediately comes to mind when you think of - or even better, smell - haluski? Your grandparents' house? A family dinner? A family reunion? The popular Polish dish has become a classic in PA.
9. Scrapple
So, maybe not everyone who grew up in PA loves scrapple or can even tolerate it. But it certainly does have its fair share of fans. If you're a fan of scrapple, what do you eat yours with? Maple syrup? On a sandwich? With a side of scrambled or dippy eggs?
10. Whoopie pies (gobs)
We can't have a list of classic Pennsylvania dishes without including one of our favorite desserts - the whoopie pie or gob, depending on which you prefer. What's a better pick me up than biting into a rich gob in the middle of the day? Or topping off a meal with a whoopie pie? We Pennsylvanians sure do have good taste.
What are some other classic Pennsylvania dishes that you love? Share your thoughts and recipes with us in the comments below!
Love dining out? Click here to read more about an iconic BBQ joint in PA.
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