In the United States, finding a great meal that doesn’t cost much is very simple. Each state offers unique dishes that showcase its roots and culture. These inexpensive cuisines allow you to enjoy flavor and tradition. Planning a trip across the country becomes so delicious. Without spending a lot of money, you’ll be able to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Food really does tell a story, doesn’t it? These cuisines are no exception; they tell of their past. The delicious flavors you want can’t always be found at a fancy restaurant. The local diner or truck often has the best food. Now let’s take a look at the top seven states. We’ll see what makes their cheap eats stand out.
1. **Pulled Pork Sandwich with Alabama White Sauce (Alabama)**: Bold flavors are important in Southern Alabama. The Pulled Pork Sandwich with Alabama White Sauce is a must-order here. The white sauce sets Alabama apart. It adds a creamy flavor to the pork. This sauce is mayonnaise based and has a rich flavor. It complements the smoky tender pork.
It’s perfect when enjoyed with sauteed green tomatoes. Dessert Pecan Pie rounded out the dish.
Recipe details: Double Barbecued Pulled Pork Sandwiches / Slow Cooker
Level: Unknown Servings: 20
Total weight: 2630.7 g Calories: 6154.8 kcal
Energy: 6154.8 kcal Protein: 239.5 g
Carbs: 241.5 g Fat: 467.6 g
Dish Tags: american, sandwiches, lunch/dinner, Low-Carb, Peanut-Free, Tree-Nut-Free, Soy-Free, Shellfish-Free, Crustacean-Free, Gluten, Wheat, Sulfites, FODMAP
Ingredients:
1 (3 – 3 1/2 lb.) boneless center cut pork loin roast, trim off most of fat and any silver skin (sinew)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 (1 oz.) envelope Hidden Valley Ranch Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix®
coarse ground black pepper to taste
half a stick of butter (4 Tbl.)
1 (18 oz.) bottle Sweet Baby Ray’s Original Barbecue Sauce®
hamburger buns
soft butter or butter-flavored no-stick spray such as Crisco®
For Alabama White BBQ Sauce:
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 – 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar (*to tase / see note)
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. creole mustard (can sub regular table mustard)
1/2 tsp. prepared horseradish
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. Frank’s Red Hot Sauce®
1/8 tsp. cajun seasoning such as Slap Ya Mama®
1/16 tsp. cayenne
Get the recipe: Double Barbecued Pulled Pork Sandwiches / Slow Cooker
2. **Halibut and Smoked Salmon Chowder (Alaska)**: Alaska is rich in seafood, and for good reason. The fresh fish caught in its clean waters is amazing.Halibut and Smoked Salmon Chowder is a staple here. Halibut is often referred to as the most flavorful white fish. Its delicate texture makes it easy to flake.
The smoked salmon chowder is rich and hearty in flavor. It is loaded with the smoky flavors of Alaska. Serve with Alaskan beer and berry cobbler.
3. **Sonoran Hot Dogs (Arizona)**: Arizona food is a great blend of Native American and Mexican influences.Sonoran Hot Dogs showcase this blend perfectly. This hot dog is native to the Mexican state of Sonora. It is wrapped in bacon, grilled and served in a roll. The hot dog is also topped with beans, onions and tomatoes. It is also topped with jalapenos and mayonnaise.
The flavors are a mix of spicy, tangy and savory. If you get a chance you must try this delicious dish. Top it off with a prickly pear margarita and you’re good to go.
Recipe details: Sonoran Hot Dog Recipe
Cook time: Unknown Total time: 75
Level: Unknown Servings: 10
Total weight: 1279.0 g Calories: 2759.2 kcal
Energy: 2759.2 kcal Protein: 74.5 g
Carbs: 184.7 g Fat: 195.4 g
Dish Tags: american, sandwiches, lunch/dinner, Sugar-Conscious, Peanut-Free, Tree-Nut-Free, Soy-Free, Fish-Free, Sulfites
Ingredients:
For the Hot Dogs:
4 beef hot dogs
4 slices thin-cut bacon
2 tablespoons salted butter
4 sandwich rolls
1/2 cup refried beans
1 avocado, diced
1 tomato, diced
1 red onion, diced
1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
Fresh cilantro , for garnish
For the Cilantro-Lime Crema:
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Get the recipe: Sonoran Hot Dog Recipe
4. **Fried Catfish and Possum Pie (Arkansas)**: Arkansas cuisine is very good, if not famous.Fried Catfish and Possum Pie is the signature dish there. The fried catfish is crispy and flavorful. It also goes well with purple shelled peas. Cornbread is also a perfect match with this dish.
Possum pie has a funny name. There are no possums in this layered dessert. It is filled with cream cheese and chocolate pudding. This popular pie showcases the culinary charm of Arkansas.
5. **Tri-Tip Sandwich (California)**: Food does vary throughout California. However, the Tri-Tip Sandwich is beloved by many Californians. This beef sandwich originated in the city of Santa Maria. It is popular at barbecue joints and on the side of the road.
The smoked meat is delicious on its own. Serve it with a tomato avocado salad. It’s also excellent with a glass of local wine.See’s Candy Boxes are also a good downer.
Recipe details: Texas Toast Tri-Tip Sandwich – Independence Day Celebration
Cook time: Unknown Total time: 65
Level: Unknown Servings: 4
Total weight: 1805.1 g Calories: 3528.6 kcal
Energy: 3528.6 kcal Protein: 316.1 g
Carbs: 225.5 g Fat: 148.8 g
Dish Tags: american, sandwiches, lunch/dinner, High-Fiber, Egg-Free, Peanut-Free, Tree-Nut-Free, Soy-Free, Shellfish-Free, Gluten, Wheat, Sulfites, FODMAP
Ingredients:
FOR THE BASIC RUB:
1 Tablespoon Black Pepper
1 Tablespoon Granulated Garlic
½ teaspoons Cayenne Pepper (Use Sparingly Or Not At All)
1 Tablespoon Ground Cumin
2 Tablespoons California Mild Chili Powder
4 Tablespoons Kosher Salt
2 Tablespoons White Granulated Sugar
2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
2 Tablespoons Paprika
FOR THE SANDWICHES:
3 pounds (2 1/2 To 3 Pound Size) Beef Tri-tip
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
8 slices Frozen Texas Toast (w/ Cheesy Garlic Topping)
FOR THE TRI-TIP RUB:
2 Tablespoons SYD Basic Meat Rub (recipe Below)
1 Tablespoon Granulated Garlic (or 2/3 Tablespoon Garlic Powder)
1-½ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
FOR THE SPICY DRIZZLE:
¼ cups Favorite BBQ Sauce
2 Tablespoons Sour Cream
1 Tablespoon Sriracha Sauce Or Favorite Hot Sauce
Get the recipe: Texas Toast Tri-Tip Sandwich – Independence Day Celebration
6. **Bison Burger Smothered in Green Chile (Colorado)**: Coloradans put green chile in everything they do. And the Bison Burger Smothered in Green Chile takes it to the next level as a result. This burger is full of flavor and reflects Colorado’s history. The green chile adds spice to the meat.
It also calls for chili-dipped fries. And a cold New Belgium beer to go with it. Finish with a side of peach to round out a truly Colorado meal.
7. **White Clam Pizza (Connecticut)**: Connecticut may be small, but it’s big on food, and White Clam Pizza showcases Connecticut’s innovative spirit. This unique pizza was born in New Haven. It has a thin crust and is filled with fresh clams. Garlic, olive oil and cheese are also featured in this dish.
Follow it up with a hot lobster roll for a classic New England flavor. Don’t forget to have a soda and crackers when you’re done eating. Connecticut cuisine may seem unassuming, but it sure tastes good.
Recipe details: White Pizza with Clams
Cook time: Unknown Total time: 35
Level: Unknown Servings: 5
Total weight: 829.7 g Calories: 2369.2 kcal
Energy: 2369.2 kcal Protein: 103.0 g
Carbs: 237.7 g Fat: 110.6 g
Dish Tags: italian, main course, lunch/dinner, Balanced, Pescatarian, Mediterranean, Egg-Free, Peanut-Free, Tree-Nut-Free, Sulfites
Ingredients:
1 pound prepared pizza dough, preferably whole-wheat
4 large cloves garlic
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
¾ cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan or Asiago cheese
6 ounces fresh clam strips (not rinsed) or two 6-ounce cans chopped clams, rinsed
⅓ cup diced red onion
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Get the recipe: White Pizza with Clams
Eating great food is like going into the heart of your local area. These cheap eats showcase a wide range of American flavors with ease. Whether you’re exploring the beaches, mountains or cities across America. There is always a signature cuisine waiting to be savored. Each cuisine will tell you a little story. Hit the road now and bring a big appetite. Get an in-depth look at traditional American cuisine without spending a lot of money.
Related posts:
Signature Dishes In Every State
See How Much McDonald’s Signature Big Mac Costs in Every State
15 best US restaurants for 2025 revealed — and 3 are in New York
