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18 Tasty Tantalizing Texas Recipes

In Texas, we like to use seasoning in our cooking, we enjoy spicing things up every now and again, and we LOVE Tex-Mex! If you’re new to Texas, you’ll want to acquaint yourself with how to make real Texas chili, find out exactly what goes on a classic Texas burger, and learn a few other secrets to Texas-style recipes.

When I moved to Austin years ago, I discovered a whole new world of food. I found some delicious Texas recipes, and I’m still discovering new and interesting ways to combine foods.

This collection of Texas recipes is for anyone who loves the cuisine of the Lone Star State or is curious about how to make these famous Texas foods. Bon appetit, y’all.

Southern style Texas recipes, including Texas caviar, brisket burnt ends, Texas Twinkies, and chicken fajitas.

18 Tantalizing Texas Recipes

Did you know that chili is the state food of Texas? In 1977, the Texas legislature proclaimed chili as the state dish “in recognition of the fact that the only real ‘bowl of red’ is that prepared by Texans.” While some folks might disagree with that statement, they will find Texas chili delicious.

The word tamale is derived from an Aztec word of the Nahuatl language, tamalli, meaning wrapped food, and the origin of the dish in Mesoamerica dates back thousands of years.

Czech immigrants introduced kolaches to Texas in the 1800s, and today, kolaches are one of the most popular foods in Texas, with both sweet and savory options to enjoy.

Jalapeno peppers are low in calories but rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Jalapenos are loaded with vitamin C—about 17 mg in a single jalapeno pepper. That’s over 20 percent of what the average adult woman needs per day in vitamin C.

The true origin of Chile con Queso is much disputed, with some claiming it originated in Arkansas, others claiming California, and many pointing to Texas as the home of the original Chile con Queso. What we can all agree on is the fact that chips and queso are delicious and somewhat addictive!

The word enchilada is derived from the Spanish verb "enchilar,” meaning “to season with chili.”

In the late 1800s, Fletcher Davis (Old Dave) made hamburgers at his café in Athens, Texas, and brought them to the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, selling them at “Old Dave’s Hamburger Stand.” He served them on homemade bread with mustard, onions, and pickles. Voila! The classic Texas burger was born.