7 Mouthwatering Ohio Recipes You Must Try

From the Buckeye State's rich farmland to its bustling urban centers, Ohio is a state with a diverse and delightful culinary tradition. Each region in Ohio has its signature dishes that reflect the history, culture, and local ingredients of the area. Whether you're an Ohio native or just passing through, there are several Ohio recipes you simply must try to get a true taste of this vibrant state. Here, we delve into seven mouthwatering Ohio recipes that will make your palate sing with delight.

Buckeye Candy

Buckeye candy is Ohio’s own twist on a classic treat, representing the state’s passion for football and its love for peanut butter. This confection looks like the nut of the buckeye tree, which is the state tree of Ohio and an emblem for The Ohio State University.

• 2 cups creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup shortening or vegetable oil

Steps:

1. Combine peanut butter, butter, and sugar until smooth.
2. Roll into 1-inch balls, placing a toothpick in each.
3. Chill balls until firm.
4. Melt chocolate and shortening, then dip each ball, leaving a small peanut butter circle visible on top.
5. Let chocolate set.

🍴 Note: Chilling the peanut butter balls helps prevent them from falling apart when dipped in chocolate.

Cincinnati Chili

If you haven’t experienced Cincinnati chili, you’re missing out on a culinary delight. Known for its unique sweet-spicy flavor, it’s served over spaghetti with a variety of toppings, creating the famous “two-way,” “three-way,” “four-way,” and “five-way” dishes.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 2 cups water
• 1 (29 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans (optional)
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon allspice
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon cloves
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked spaghetti, finely shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions

Steps:

1. Cook the ground beef in water until it separates into small crumbles.
2. Add tomato sauce, spices, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2 hours.
3. Serve over spaghetti, adding toppings as desired.

🌶 Note: Traditionally, you cook the beef in water, not oil, to help break it into fine crumbles, which is key for the dish's texture.

Ohio Shaker Lemon Pie

This tangy-sweet pie has a history dating back to the Shaker communities of Ohio. It’s distinctive for its whole lemon filling, rind included, which is macerated with sugar to soften and sweeten it.

Ingredients:

• 2 large lemons
• 2 cups white sugar
• 4 eggs, beaten
• Pie dough for a double-crust pie
• ¹⁄₄ cup melted butter

Steps:

1. Slice lemons very thinly, removing seeds.
2. Mix with sugar and let sit overnight.
3. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
4. Roll out pie dough and line a pie dish.
5. Mix lemon mixture with eggs and butter, pour into crust.
6. Cover with top crust, seal edges, cut vents, and bake at 450°F for 15 minutes, then reduce to 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes.

Sour Cream Apple Pie

Apple pie is an American classic, but Ohio’s version with sour cream adds a unique, creamy tang that elevates it above the rest. This pie showcases the state’s famous apple orchards.

Ingredients:

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
• 5 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith or similar)
• ³⁄₄ cup sour cream
• ¹⁄₂ cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon salt
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¹⁄₂ cup sugar for the topping
• ¹⁄₃ cup flour for the topping
• ¹⁄₄ cup butter, melted

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix sour cream, sugar, flour, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg; fold in apples.
3. Pour into pie crust, sprinkle with topping made from sugar, flour, and butter.
4. Bake for 10 minutes, reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C), and bake for another 40 minutes.

🥧 Note: Pre-baking the pie shell for 10 minutes before adding the filling can help prevent a soggy bottom.

Fried Lake Erie Perch

Lake Erie, bordering Ohio, is famous for its perch. These delicate fish are often fried to perfection, offering a taste of the state’s rich waters.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs fresh perch fillets
• 1 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk
• ¹⁄₂ cup cornmeal
• Oil for frying

Steps:

1. Season the perch with salt and pepper.
2. Set up a breading station: flour, egg wash (egg mixed with milk), and cornmeal.
3. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
4. Dredge the perch in flour, dip in egg wash, then coat in cornmeal.
5. Fry until golden brown, drain on paper towels.

Ohio Maple Syrup Baklava

A sweet twist on the traditional Middle Eastern dessert, this version uses Ohio’s maple syrup, giving it a unique flavor profile.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb walnuts or pecans
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 package phyllo dough
• 1 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup Ohio maple syrup
• ¹⁄₂ cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Chop nuts finely and mix with cinnamon.
3. Layer phyllo dough with butter in a baking dish, placing nuts between layers.
4. Cut into squares or diamonds before baking for 50 minutes or until golden.
5. Simmer syrup ingredients and pour over baklava when hot.

Wagyu Beef Burgers

Ohio is known for its agriculture, and that includes raising high-quality Wagyu beef. These burgers offer a richer, more flavorful experience than your average burger.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground Wagyu beef
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 brioche buns
• Toppings of choice (lettuce, tomato, cheese, etc.)

Steps:

1. Form beef into 4 patties, slightly larger than the buns.
2. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Cook patties on a grill or skillet to desired doneness.
4. Assemble burgers with chosen toppings.

As we’ve journeyed through the culinary landscape of Ohio, we’ve explored a variety of dishes that showcase the state’s rich food heritage. From the sweet indulgence of Buckeye Candy to the unique flavors of Cincinnati Chili, each recipe tells a story of tradition, innovation, and the love for good food. Whether you’re a fan of sweet treats like Shaker Lemon Pie or prefer the savory tastes of Wagyu Beef Burgers, Ohio has something to offer every palate. These recipes not only highlight the ingredients available in Ohio but also embody the state’s commitment to culinary excellence.

Now, let’s delve into some frequently asked questions about Ohio’s culinary delights: