If You’re From Utah, These 12 Classic Dishes Hit Home

Let’s be honest, Utah isn’t exactly well-known for its culinary innovations. But if you grew up in the Beehive State, there are some foods that you probably can’t imagine living without. Most of which you likely ate at family gatherings, church functions, or at hole-in-the-wall restaurants that all the locals known and love.

From our famous casseroles to our "scones," and, of course, our dirty soda, here are 12 Utah foods that are super popular among those of us from here. Plus, the best restaurants to get these iconic meals if you're not keen on making them at home. Which do you still enjoy today?

1. Funeral Potatoes

It doesn’t seem like a casserole made with canned soup would taste good, but somehow, when you mix it with frozen hash browns, sour cream, and cheese, then top it with cornflakes, it’s just amazing. While this dish got its name because Mormon women tend to serve it at funeral luncheons, Utahns now make it for dinner at home. Get funeral potatoes at Garage on Beck in Salt Lake City.

2. Pastrami Burger

Utahns didn’t invent the pastrami burger, but we definitely appreciate it. Several locally-owned burger chains offer this delicacy, including Crown Burgers, Astro Burgers, JCW’s, Lucky 13, and many more. It's often filled with thick, juicy slices of pastrami, topped with mustard, lettuce, onion, and tomato, and served with a side of crispy fries.

3. Lion House Rolls

The historic Lion House Pantry restaurant shut down in 2020, but its legacy of the most buttery, fluffy dinner rolls lives on. Once you’ve had a Lion House Roll, all others pale in comparison. They almost look like crescent rolls, but are uniquely shaped and delicious in their own special way. Many Utah families make these for dinner—you can find all sorts of recipes for them online.

4. Jello Salad

The two words "jello" and "salad" should never go together, but in Utah, it’s a thing. Combine Jell-O (typically lime) with apples or shaved carrots and call it a salad. Of course, it doesn't contain any actual nutrition that real salads do, but that crunch of fresh produce in the middle will make you think otherwise. It's wildly popular around here.

5. Homemade Raspberry Jam on a Mile High Biscuit

Get yourself some Bear Lake raspberries and turn ‘em into jam. Then, put it on a Mile High Biscuit from Ruth’s Diner and you've got yourself the perfect Utah breakfast. You truly can't replicate this scrumptious combo anywhere else in the U.S. You can try, by making your own biscuits, but Ruth's just knows how to make them super crumbly and moist. And if you don't want to make jam, Chad's Raspberry Kitchen is the place to go.

6. Ice Cream

Utahns don’t mess around with ice cream. There are plenty of places to grab this sweet treat, but Aggie Ice Cream @ The Creamery—located on Utah State University's campus—is a local favorite. You also can’t go wrong with the confections at Leatherby’s Family Creamery or the thick shakes at Iceberg Drive Inn. Order a banana split or marvelously massive sundae, and let your taste buds run wild.

7. Utah Scones

When people in other parts of the country hear "scones," they think of a hard, fairly tasteless cookie that’s served with tea or coffee. In Utah, a scone is a fluffy, pillowy bit of fried dough that’s served with a side of honey butter. It's a delicacy you're sure to find at most local restaurants during breakfast or brunch, or even at family or church gatherings. They also make a fabulous dessert, in our opinion. Sticky Nikki's, a food truck in Vernal, makes them with fruit toppings.

8. Navajo Tacos

Navajo tacos are constructed with the same fried dough mentioned above, but topped with seasoned ground beef, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, green onions, and salsa. You can get these in other states in the Southwest, but let’s be honest... they taste better when you’re surrounded by beautiful Utah scenery. Grab one at Black Sheep Cafe in Provo or Navajo Hogan in South Salt Lake.

9. Dirty Sodas

The dirty soda trend has made its way to other states, but no one knows how to do it like Utah. We practically invented the dirty soda, which is a combination of your favorite carbonated drink, cream, and a variety of fruity syrups. It may not be for everyone, but for Utahns, mixing Diet Coke and coconut syrup is practically "mixology," especially if you don't drink alcohol. Soda shops are all over the state, but the most popular has to be Swig (menu pictured above).

10. Fry Sauce

We know fry sauce is technically a condiment, but let's be honest, it's something Utahns are really passionate about. Plus, it tastes pretty darn good on those pastrami burgers. Fry sauce is typically a mix of ketchup and mayo with some kind of seasoning, but each spot tends to have its own special sauce. Make sure you order extra when you go to Lucky 13 or Patty Shack in Taylorsville.

11. Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler

With all the Boy Scouts in Utah, it’s no wonder that we’re experts at Dutch oven cooking. Peach cobbler seems to be a favorite, and we have to admit that it does taste better when made in these massive cast-iron pots. (Or maybe that’s because we just hiked 20 miles, so any dessert would taste fabulous?) Either way, the peach cobbler comes out super sweet, bubbly, and absolutely mouth-watering. Get it at The Dutch Oven Shoppe in Brigham City with a side of ice cream, and you'll be in heaven.

12. Zucchini Everything

Zucchini bread, zucchini casserole (made with cream cheese!), even zucchini cookies. These hardy vegetables do well in Utah’s climate, meaning every gardener on the block seems to have a huge surplus come August. We love to bake and cook with this versatile and delicious veggie—it's bound to be on most local restaurant menus in some form.

Which of these Utah foods do you enjoy the most? Are there any on this list you've never tried before? Whether you just moved to Utah or have lived here your whole life, consider taking a road trip to try these foods out yourself and experience the restaurants that make them. Only In Your State's itinerary planner can offer some nearby suggestions.