7 Classic Kentucky Dishes Everyone Who Grew Up There Loves

Kentucky cuisine is wholly, wonderfully, and deliciously unique. It's a little Southern and a little Appalachian, with regional flavors and ingredients thrown in for good measure. Kentucky's favorite dishes are barbecue and fried chicken, pimento cheese sandwiches, and honey-topped cornbread. From burgoo stew and fried chicken to biscuits and gravy, these classic Kentucky dishes define the comfort food locals grew up loving.

1. Burgoo Stew: Kentucky’s Hearty One-Pot Tradition

Burgoo is a Kentucky favorite; this stew is made with a tasty combination of pork, beef, chicken, corn, carrots, onion, celery, and lima beans. While there are numerous homemade variations of this classic, Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn is known far and wide for its amazing burgoo stew, served with two cornbread muffins and crackers.

2. Kentucky Fried Chicken: Crispy, Juicy, and Unforgettable

Whether you grew up with Grandma's pan-fried chicken or a bucket from the Colonel, fried chicken is a classic Kentucky dish that's earned the state the status of an icon. From roadside stops to Sunday dinners, you can't miss fried chicken on a Kentuckian plate.

3. Banana Pudding: The Dessert Every Kentucky Kid Knows

This Nilla Wafer-topped dessert is a delicious masterpiece that's creamy and soul-satisfying. Whether you call it "banana pudding" or "banana pie," this is one of those Kentucky dishes that shows up at every family reunion and cookout. With layers of vanilla pudding, soft cookies, and sliced bananas, banana pudding is a dessert that blends sweetness and comfort in every bite.

4. Fried Bologna Sandwiches: A Bluegrass Classic

Don't hate on bologna! This deli outcast is a staple in every Kentucky kid's lunchbox, and even better when fried. Starnes Bar-B-Q does this 'wich right, which is always, always served on white bread. When you visit, you will always find this delicacy at barbecue joints and small-town diner spots.

5. Cornbread: The Side Dish That Shows Up Everywhere

Whether you make it from a mix or from scratch, in a cast-iron skillet or cake pan, no proper Kentucky meal would be complete without cornbread – served with butter and honey, of course. Whether you like it sweet or savory, there is no doubt that cornbread pairs perfectly with stews, barbecue, beans, and soup on every Kentuckian plate.

6. Biscuits and Gravy: A Kentucky Breakfast Staple

Whether you take your biscuits and gravy au natural or part of an epic brunch plate, you can't go wrong with this dynamic duo. From weekend family tables to diners, Fluffy biscuits smothered in rich sausage gravy are Kentucky's favorite cuisine.

7. Pimento Cheese: The Spread Every Southern Table Needs

Hailed as the "pâté of the South," pimento cheese is a delightfully sweet and spicy spread that we put on just about anything, and is especially dreamy with country ham, a la Wallace Station. Whether tucked into sandwiches, spread on crackers, or paired with country ham, there's no doubt Kentuckians love these comfort foods.

What are your favorite classic Kentucky foods? Share them with your fellow foodies via this nomination page. Did this listing make you crave a taste of the Bluegrass State and plan a visit? Be sure to use our itinerary planner to map out must-visit restaurants, food destinations, and diner spots in Kentucky. And don't forget to stop by these 12 Bucket-List Worthy Spots in Kentucky to sample these dishes.