Unlike Wisconsin with its famous cheese or Alaska with its salmon, Tennessee does not have just one recognizable food icon. Foodies definitely know the state for its hot chicken sandwich, but I believe there are too many amazing dishes to pick a single favorite.
I have selected 14 of the best Tennessee meals, sides, and desserts for you to enjoy. From savory barbecue to sweet treats, you will find plenty to love on this list.
1. Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches
Nashville saw the potential in its signature spicy bird and decided to make the most of it. This recipe takes that famous hot chicken and serves it in sandwich form, which happens to be the most popular way to eat it.
You will place the meat on a brioche bun and top it with pickles and coleslaw. Those additions help cool down your mouth after the heat hits.
2. Country Sausage Gravy
Southerners truly know how to make the best country sausage gravy. This version is thick, creamy, and loaded with large pieces of meat.
It is a hearty dish that sticks to your ribs. The recipe includes a bit of spice, but you can remove the red pepper if you prefer it milder.
3. Nashville Hot Fried Chicken Tenders
Here is another way to enjoy hot chicken, but this time in the form of tenders. You get the same intense heat and amazing flavor as the original.
The only difference is that it comes in a smaller package.
4. Memphis Barbecue Chicken Wings
These wings use just five ingredients to achieve a result that is saucy and crisp on the outside while remaining tender inside. You can have them ready to eat in under an hour.
They make an ideal appetizer for a summer barbecue or watching the big game.
5. Nashville Chicken Mac And Cheese
I had to include this recipe because it is simply too delicious to skip. This creamy pasta dish is filling enough to serve as a complete meal instead of just a side.
It combines soft chunks of chicken with your favorite shredded cheese, such as Colby Jack or cheddar. You get gooey mac and cheese with a crunchy breadcrumb layer and a touch of Nashville spice.
6. Nashville Style Hot Fried Chicken
One author describes this dish as experiencing heaven and hell in a single bite, which is quite accurate. The crust is perfectly seasoned and crisp, while the meat inside stays juicy and tender.
Be warned that the heat level is intense enough to bring tears to your eyes. However, the taste is so amazing that you cannot help but take another bite.
Making this at home allows you to adjust the cayenne and hot sauce if you prefer a milder experience.
7. Memphis Dry Rub
You can whip up this seasoning blend in just five minutes. It calls for many items from your spice rack, including smoked paprika, brown sugar, and garlic powder.
The mix also uses oregano, celery seed, mustard powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. The result is an earthy, smoky, and herb-filled rub that tastes fantastic on ribs.
8. Slow Cooker Memphis Style Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Nothing beats a sweet and savory pulled pork sandwich for a summer meal. The lean roast becomes tender enough to shred with your fingers before you coat it in a sweet hickory sauce spiked with Tabasco.
You will elevate the dish by topping it with homemade coleslaw that balances sweetness with the tang of apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard. Serve these on buns alongside roasted vegetables or chips.
9. Homemade Moon Pies
Moon Pies originated in Chattanooga, so many locals have their own method for making them. I find that this specific recipe gets the closest to the authentic version.
You get a chocolatey, spongy treat with that classic marshmallow center. While the process takes over three hours, much of that time is for letting the dough rise to achieve that fluffy texture and large shape.
10. Barbecued Baked Beans
These Southern-style beans are incredibly filling and packed with flavor. Achieving that taste does require a bit of extra effort.
While the beans themselves only call for onions, oil, and the legumes, the homemade sauce demands more ingredients. It isn’t difficult labor, but it does take some time to prepare.
Your guests will certainly appreciate the work you put into this dish.
11. Tangy Memphis BBQ Sauce
While Nashville rules the hot chicken scene, Memphis is the place for barbecue. You can create that signature tangy and smoky flavor right in your own kitchen with this guide.
The process takes only fifteen minutes to complete. You will need just nine common ingredients from your pantry to make it happen.
12. Nashville Hot Chicken Quesadillas (and Tacos)
You can incorporate Nashville hot chicken into Mexican favorites like tacos or quesadillas. These quesadillas turn out spicy, cheesy, and satisfying.
The recipe includes blue cheese crumbles and dill pickles to add a distinct Southern touch.
13. Tennessee Onions
An onion casserole might sound strange at first, but one bite will change your mind. This dish combines garlic and three types of cheese with Vidalia onions that stay crunchy yet tender.
The flavor is wonderfully cheesy with the sweetness of the onions shining through. You can serve it as a side or pile it onto a burger for a delicious topping.
14. Memphis-Style Pork Ribs
This meal requires ribs and a Memphis dry rub blend. You can use a homemade mix for an herbal, smoky taste or buy a pre-made version online.
Alternatively, this specific recipe offers a sweeter and spicier profile by swapping smoked paprika for sweet paprika. It also incorporates cayenne and cumin for a different flavor kick.
Both options result in an incredibly delicious meal.