What Food Is Ohio Known For? A Deep Dive into Buckeye State Cuisine
Ohio may not always be the first state that comes to mind when people think of American culinary traditions, but the Buckeye State has a rich and distinctive food culture that has produced some of the most unique and beloved dishes in the country. From its famous Cincinnati chili to its beloved buckeye candies, Ohio's food scene reflects the state's diverse immigrant heritage, agricultural abundance, and midwestern sensibilities.
Whether you are planning a visit to Ohio or simply curious about regional American cuisine, this guide will take you on a delicious journey through the foods that define the Buckeye State.
Cincinnati Chili: Ohio's Most Famous Dish
No discussion of Ohio food would be complete without Cincinnati chili, arguably the state's most iconic and distinctive culinary creation. Unlike the thick, hearty chili con carne found in Texas, Cincinnati chili is a thinner, sauce-like chili that features a unique blend of Mediterranean spices, including cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and chocolate. This unusual flavor profile reflects the Greek and Macedonian heritage of the immigrant restaurateurs who created it in the 1920s.
Cincinnati chili is traditionally served in specific ways, each identified by a numbering system. A two-way is chili served over spaghetti. A three-way adds a generous mound of finely shredded cheddar cheese on top. A four-way includes either diced onions or beans, and a five-way includes both onions and beans. This ordering system is central to the Cincinnati chili experience and is understood by locals as second nature.
The two most famous Cincinnati chili parlors are Skyline Chili and Gold Star Chili, both of which have multiple locations across the Cincinnati area and beyond. The friendly rivalry between Skyline and Gold Star fans is a beloved part of Cincinnati culture. Each chain has its loyal devotees who will passionately defend their preferred brand.
Buckeye Candies
Buckeye candies are perhaps the most beloved sweet treat in Ohio, named after the state tree whose nuts they are designed to resemble. These handmade confections consist of a creamy peanut butter center that is partially dipped in chocolate, leaving a circle of peanut butter visible on top to mimic the appearance of a buckeye nut.
Buckeye candies are a staple at Ohio holiday gatherings, potlucks, and football tailgates. They are particularly popular during Ohio State University football season, as the school's mascot is Brutus Buckeye and the team is known as the Buckeyes. Making buckeyes at home is a beloved tradition in many Ohio families, with recipes passed down through generations.
While simple to make, the best buckeyes require attention to the ratio of peanut butter to powdered sugar in the filling and the quality of the chocolate coating. The peanut butter center should be smooth, sweet, and slightly salty, while the chocolate coating should be thin and glossy.
Pierogies
Ohio's significant Eastern European immigrant population brought pierogies to the state, and they have become a beloved part of Ohio's food culture, particularly in Cleveland and other cities in the northeastern part of the state. These filled dumplings, typically stuffed with mashed potatoes, cheese, sauerkraut, or meat, are a comfort food staple in many Ohio households.
In Cleveland, pierogies are so popular that they have become a cultural symbol of the city. Local restaurants, church festivals, and community events regularly feature pierogies, and the annual Polish Festival in Slavic Village is one of the city's most popular food events. Pierogies are typically served pan-fried in butter with onions, though they can also be boiled and served with sour cream.
Many Ohio families have their own pierogi recipes and make them from scratch for holidays and special occasions. The process of making pierogies is often a communal activity, with family members gathering to roll dough, fill pierogies, and pinch them closed in an assembly line.
Polish Boy Sandwich
The Polish Boy is a unique Cleveland creation that perfectly encapsulates the city's melting pot of food traditions. This generously sized sandwich consists of a kielbasa sausage link placed in a bun and topped with french fries, coleslaw, and a generous drizzle of barbecue sauce. The combination of Eastern European sausage with Southern-style coleslaw and American barbecue sauce creates a flavor and texture experience that is distinctly Cleveland.
The Polish Boy originated in Cleveland's African American community and has become one of the city's most iconic street foods. It can be found at local eateries, food trucks, and cookouts throughout the Cleveland area. Despite its name, the sandwich is not of Polish origin but rather reflects Cleveland's multicultural food scene.
Skyline Coneys
While Skyline Chili is famous for its chili served over spaghetti, their coneys are equally beloved. A Skyline coney is a hot dog topped with Cincinnati chili, diced onions, and a generous mound of finely shredded cheddar cheese, all served in a steamed bun. The combination of the spiced chili, sweet onions, and melted cheese with the snap of a quality hot dog makes coneys one of Ohio's most satisfying fast foods.
Coneys are a social food in Ohio, often ordered in multiples and shared at gatherings. It is not uncommon for a table of diners at Skyline or Gold Star to order a dozen or more coneys along with ways of chili for a communal meal. The coney has become so ingrained in Ohio food culture that many Ohioans consider it an essential part of any visit to the state.
Sauerkraut Balls
Sauerkraut balls are a uniquely Ohio appetizer that reflects the state's strong German heritage. These deep-fried spheres consist of a mixture of sauerkraut, ground sausage or ham, cream cheese, and seasonings, coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried until golden and crispy. They are typically served with a mustard dipping sauce or ranch dressing.
Sauerkraut balls are a popular appetizer at Ohio restaurants, bars, and holiday parties. They are particularly common in the Akron and Canton areas, where German immigrant communities have had a lasting influence on local food culture. The combination of tangy sauerkraut, savory meat, and creamy cheese inside a crispy shell makes them an addictive snack.
Conclusion
Ohio's food culture is far more diverse and interesting than many people realize. From the Mediterranean-spiced Cincinnati chili to the Eastern European pierogies of Cleveland, from the beloved buckeye candies to the multicultural Polish Boy sandwich, Ohio has developed a distinctive culinary identity that reflects its rich immigrant heritage and midwestern character. Whether you are a lifelong Ohioan or a first-time visitor, exploring these iconic dishes is an essential part of experiencing everything the Buckeye State has to offer.
