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.
18 Tantalizing Texas Recipes
Texas Chili Recipe
There's nothing better than a delicious bowl of homemade Texas chili. This is one of those classic Texas recipes that's super easy to make. Perfect for game day or whenever you feel a craving for savory Texas food.
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.
Pork Tamales Recipe
These pork tamales are made with delicious, succulent pork in green Chile sauce, wrapped in homemade masa, inside corn husks. You gotta try tamales while visiting Texas!
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.
Texas Kolache (Klobasnek) Sausage Rolls
The Texas-Czech culture is strong, and you'll find it in the foods we eat in the Lone Star State. The Texas kolache is a beloved finger food that's perfect for picnics, breakfast, midday snacks, or a handy road trip food.
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.
Texas Twinkies
Texas Twinkies are the best of the best smoked jalapeño poppers wrapped in bacon. Warm and smokey with a bit of savory creaminess from the cheese filling, you’ll be popping these Texas Twinkies like candy. And did we mention, they're wrapped in BACON!
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.
Beef Queso Dip Recipe
Do you want to know the secret to a great queso? Add beef! This delicious beef queso dip recipe blends all the best flavors for a savory appetizer that keeps you reaching for just one more tortilla chip.
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!
Homemade Chicken Fajitas
These homemade chicken fajitas are a crowd-pleaser when it comes to classic Tex-Mex dinner recipes. You don't need to go out to a restaurant to enjoy a sizzling dish of fajitas, and the best part is that this recipe is easy-peasy to make.
Tex-Mex Enchiladas with Chili Gravy
Tex-Mex Enchiladas with Chili Gravy are cheese enchiladas smothered with beef chili con carne, enchilada sauce, and lots and lots of gooey cheddar cheese! When you taste these, you wonder how you ever lived without chili gravy on your enchiladas.
The word enchilada is derived from the Spanish verb "enchilar,” meaning “to season with chili.”
Tex-Mex Sour Cream Sauce
This tangy cheese sauce is easy to make and it's so versatile. With only a few simple ingredients, this Tex-Mex Sour Cream Sauce is the perfect companion to migas, tamales, or chicken enchiladas.
Classic Texas Burger
If you haven't tried a classic Texas burger yet, then you are missing out on one of the tastiest creations known to humankind. Sure, you've tasted burgers; now it's time to learn how to make 'em the Texas way!
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.
Cowboy Caviar Recipe
For a tasty (and healthy) summertime snack, you can't beat Cowboy Caviar for the perfect blend of flavors and the tangy zing of jalapeno and lime. It's quick, colorful, and flavorful, and it keeps well in the fridge. Give it a try!
Texas Style Smoked Brisket (Complete Guide)
If you want to know how to cook Texas-style brisket, this guide is loaded with tips to walk you through the entire process. From selecting the best brisket to preparing, trimming, seasoning, and cooking brisket, grab your favorite beverage and read the whole article to get familiar with everything about Texas-style smoked brisket.
Smoked Brisket Burnt Ends
What are Smoked Brisket Burnt Ends? First you take slow smoked brisket cubes, then braise them in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. This results in a tender, candied, melt-in-your mouth brisket. Learn all the secrets with this Brisket Burnt Ends recipe.
Crock Pot BBQ Brisket
When you want Texas brisket but you don't have a smoker, don't worry! You can make mouth-watering, tender, juicy beef brisket in a crock pot. That's right, you prep it and then dump it all in the crock pot and slow cook it all day. This is an easy recipe with BIG Texas brisket flavor, check it out!
Instant Pot Charro Beans
This Instant Pot Charro Beans recipe begins with pinto beans, onion, garlic, and bacon. There's more to it but what a great start, you had me at BACON! The Charro beans (also known as Cowboy Beans) savory dish is easy to make, only 15 minutes prep time and 1-hour cooking time.
How to Build a Texas-Style Charcuterie Chalet
If you've ever wanted to take your charcuterie board skills to the next level, let me introduce you to the Charcuterie Chalet. Instead of an artful arrangement of sliced meats and cheeses, you can build a cute chalet, and in this Texas-style recipe, it includes a queso swimming pool. This recipe is both yummy and FUN!
Texas Trash Pie
When it's time for a truly Texas dessert, you have to go with Texas Trash Pie. It's sweet and gooey and crunchy, and it's so EASY to make. You probably have most of the ingredients in your cupboard already.
Texas Pecan Pound Cake with Praline Frosting
Texas pecan pound cake is the perfect marriage of Texas pecans and Louisiana praline. This is a real Southern-style dessert that is deeply satisfying for your sweet tooth.
Texas Sheet Cake Recipe
Texas Sheet Cake is an easy-to-make chocolate cake that's sure to please when you have a crowd to feed. This recipe features a milk chocolate butter cream frosting that provides the perfect finish to a sweet and chocolaty dessert.
Save this to Pinterest for later!
More Recipes to Try
Taco Recipes
18 Delicious Meat Taco Recipes
10 Tasty Fish (and Seafood) Taco Recipes
Low Carb Recipes
15 Delicious Low Carb Dessert Recipes