15+ Texas Recipes to Savor and Share

Texas has a rich and diverse food culture that reflects its history and traditions. Each recipe tells a story and brings people together around the table.

Whether you crave classic favorites or are looking to try something new, Texas recipes offer a variety of flavors and ingredients. This article invites you to explore the tastes of the Lone Star State, making your cooking experience exciting and memorable.

1) Chicken-Fried Steak

Chicken-fried steak is a classic dish that many Texans love. It features a tenderized cut of beef, usually top round or chuck steak. You’ll coat it in seasoned flour and fry it until it’s crispy and golden brown.

This dish is often served with creamy gravy poured over the top. It’s perfect for breakfast or a hearty dinner. You can enjoy it with sides like mashed potatoes or green beans.

To make your chicken-fried steak, gather these ingredients:

Ingredients

• 2 lb (900 g) Top Round or Chuck Steak, cut ¼” – ½” thick
• ⅔ cup (80 g) flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Pepper
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Cooking Instructions

1. Tenderize the steak if not already done.
2. Mix flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, whisk eggs and heavy cream.
4. Dip steak in egg mixture, then coat with flour.
5. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
6. Fry the steak for about 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
7. Serve with creamy gravy.

2) Texas Sheet Cake

Texas Sheet Cake is a delicious, easy-to-make dessert. It’s a rich chocolate cake baked in a large pan, making it perfect for gatherings. The cake is topped with a warm, fudgy icing that melts in your mouth.

You will love how simple it is to prepare. The combination of butter, cocoa, and buttermilk adds flavor and moisture. Plus, the cake is often sprinkled with chopped pecans for extra crunch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup salted butter
• 1 cup water
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups white sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a pot, melt butter and stir in water and cocoa powder.
3. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Add buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla. Mix well.
5. Pour batter into a greased jelly roll pan.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
7. While the cake bakes, make the icing by melting butter and mixing in cocoa, followed by powdered sugar and warm water.
8. Pour icing over the warm cake and let it set before serving.

3) Frito Pie

Frito Pie is a beloved Texas dish that brings comfort and flavor. It’s simple to make and perfect for family gatherings or game days. The combination of crunchy Fritos, savory chili, and melted cheese makes it a favorite among many.

To prepare Frito Pie, you start with a base of Fritos corn chips. Then, you layer chili on top, usually made with beef, tomatoes, and spices. Finally, a generous sprinkle of cheese adds richness to the dish.

You can customize it with toppings like onions or jalapeños for extra flavor. Frito Pie is not only tasty but also fun to eat!

Ingredients

• Fritos corn chips
• Chili (bean or no bean)
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sliced onions (optional)
• Jalapeños (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a baking dish, layer the Fritos.
3. Pour chili over the Fritos.
4. Sprinkle cheese on top.
5. Bake for 15 minutes, until cheese melts. Enjoy!

4) Texas Caviar

Texas Caviar is a colorful and tasty dish. It’s often enjoyed as a dip with chips or as a side dish. This recipe is quick to make and perfect for gatherings.

To make Texas Caviar, you’ll need a mix of beans, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Ingredients

• 2 cans black-eyed peas, drained
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 2 cups corn, fresh or frozen
• 1 cup red onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, minced (optional)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine black-eyed peas, black beans, corn, red onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, tomatoes, and cilantro.
2. In a smaller bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss to combine.
4. Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

5) Cowboy Caviar

Cowboy Caviar is a fun and colorful dish that is perfect for parties or a casual snack. It combines beans, corn, and fresh vegetables in a zesty dressing. You can make it quickly and easily, making it a great choice for busy days.

The base often includes black-eyed peas, black beans, diced tomatoes, and corn. You can add bell peppers and onions for extra crunch. A tangy dressing pulls it all together, bringing out the flavors.

This dish is not just tasty; it’s also healthy and packed with nutrients. Serve it with tortilla chips for dipping or as a topping for tacos.

Ingredients

• 1 can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn, drained
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup Italian dressing

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine black-eyed peas, black beans, corn, tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onion.
2. Pour the Italian dressing over the mixture.
3. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
4. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

6) German Chocolate Cake

German Chocolate Cake is a deliciously rich dessert that’s sure to impress. It features layers of moist chocolate cake with a sweet coconut pecan frosting.

To make this cake, you will need German chocolate, butter, sugar, eggs, and buttermilk for the batter. The frosting comes from a combination of coconut, pecans, and more butter.

This recipe is perfect for birthdays or special occasions. Its unique flavor will keep everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

• 4 oz. German chocolate
• ½ cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 ¾ cups flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt the German chocolate and set aside to cool.
3. Cream butter and sugar together.
4. Add eggs, one at a time, and mix well.
5. Stir in the melted chocolate and buttermilk.
6. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt; add to wet ingredients.
7. Pour into greased pans and bake for 30-35 minutes.

7) Carnitas Tamale Pie

Carnitas tamale pie is a delicious blend of flavors that you’ll love. It’s a comforting dish made with seasoned pork and a cornbread topping. This pie is perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

You start with slow-cooked carnitas, which are tender and flavorful. Layer them in a baking dish and top with a cornbread mix. Bake until golden and enjoy the warm, savory aroma filling your kitchen.

This dish brings a bit of Texas to your table. It’s satisfying and easy to make, making it a great choice for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked carnitas
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk milk, eggs, and oil.
4. Combine both mixtures until smooth.
5. Spread carnitas in a baking dish and pour the batter on top.
6. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until golden.

8) Chocolate-Bourbon Pecan Tart

This Chocolate-Bourbon Pecan Tart combines the rich flavors of chocolate and bourbon with crunchy pecans. It’s perfect for gatherings or a treat at home.

Start by making a buttery crust to hold all the delicious filling. You’ll mix eggs, corn syrup, sugar, and bourbon, adding pecans and chocolate chips for extra flavor.

Bake until the center is set, and the crust is golden brown. Let it cool before serving for the best texture.

Ingredients

• 1 pie crust
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup corn syrup
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup bourbon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the pie crust in a tart pan.
3. In a bowl, beat the eggs, corn syrup, sugar, melted butter, bourbon, and salt.
4. Stir in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips.
5. Pour the filling into the crust.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the center is set.
7. Cool the tart before slicing and serving.

9) Texas Twinkies

Texas Twinkies are a delicious treat that combines creamy and smoky flavors. You will love how jalapeños are stuffed with a flavorful mixture and wrapped in bacon. They make a great appetizer for parties or a fun night in.

For this recipe, you will need large jalapeños, cream cheese, smoked brisket, and bacon. Some people also like to add BBQ sauce for extra flavor. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

• 12-16 large jalapeños
• 16 ounces cream cheese
• 1 pound smoked brisket
• 2 packs of regular-cut bacon
• BBQ sauce (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your smoker to 250°F (121°C).
2. Cut the jalapeños in half and remove the seeds.
3. Mix cream cheese and chopped smoked brisket in a bowl.
4. Fill each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture.
5. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with 2 slices of bacon.
6. Place on the smoker and cook for about 1 hour, until the bacon is crispy.
7. Serve warm with BBQ sauce if desired.

10) Pressure-Cooker Easy Pork Posole

Pressure-Cooker Easy Pork Posole is a comforting Mexican dish. It features tender pieces of pork, savory spices, and hearty hominy. This meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without a lot of fuss.

To make it, you simply add your ingredients to the pressure cooker. In no time, you’ll have a warm, flavorful soup ready to enjoy. Serve it with some fresh toppings like cilantro and lime for extra flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pork shoulder, cubed
• 1 can hominy
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Set the pressure cooker to sauté mode.
2. Add pork and brown on all sides.
3. Mix in onions and garlic until soft.
4. Add hominy, broth, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Seal the pressure cooker and cook on high for 30 minutes.
6. Release pressure and serve hot.

11) Texas Toast Garlic Bread

Texas toast garlic bread is a delicious and easy side dish. Perfect for any meal, it brings a buttery, garlicky flavor to the table. You can enjoy it with pasta, burgers, or just on its own.

To make Texas toast, you will need thick slices of bread. The best part is slathering them with a mix of butter and garlic. Cooking it until golden brown adds a nice crunch.

This simple recipe is sure to please your family. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Ingredients

• 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 slices white bread, cut 1-inch thick

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the softened butter with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the mixture on both sides of each bread slice.
4. Place the bread on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

12) Carne Guisada

Carne guisada is a popular Tex-Mex dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table. This beef stew features tender chunks of meat simmered in a rich sauce.

To make carne guisada, you start with beef, typically chuck roast. This meat is cooked slowly with spices, tomatoes, and sometimes peppers to enhance the taste. As it cooks, the flavors mix, creating a delicious, hearty meal.

Serve carne guisada with rice, beans, or tortillas for a complete dish. It’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1-2 jalapeños, chopped (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon cumin

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Sear the beef cubes until browned on all sides.
3. Add onion, garlic, tomatoes, and jalapeños. Stir for a few minutes.
4. Pour in beef broth and add spices. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 2 hours.
6. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.

13) Huevos Rancheros

Huevos rancheros is a classic Mexican breakfast that you can easily make at home. It features fried tortillas topped with eggs and a flavorful salsa.

To start, you’ll want to fry some corn tortillas until they are crispy. Cook your eggs to your liking, whether that’s sunny-side up or over-easy.

For the salsa, you can blend tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños for a fresh taste. Pour it over the eggs and serve with refried beans for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• Corn tortillas
• Eggs
• Refried beans
• Tomatoes
• Onions
• Jalapeños
• Olive oil
• Salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan.
2. Fry the corn tortillas until crispy.
3. Fry the eggs in the same pan.
4. Blend or mix tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños for salsa.
5. Assemble by placing eggs on tortillas and topping with salsa and refried beans.

14) Breakfast Tacos

Breakfast tacos are a tasty way to start your day. They are popular in Texas and are easy to make. You can fill them with beans, eggs, bacon, or sausage.

To make a classic breakfast taco, use flour tortillas. Heat the tortillas in a pan while you prepare your fillings. Scramble some eggs and add cooked bacon or sausage for a hearty breakfast.

You can also keep it simple with just refried beans and cheese. Melt some cheddar cheese on top for extra flavor. Try adding diced potatoes or roasted peppers for more variety.

These tacos are great for breakfast on the go. Fill them with your favorites and enjoy!

Ingredients

• Flour tortillas
• Eggs
• Bacon or sausage
• Refried beans
• Cheddar cheese
• Potatoes (optional)
• Bell peppers (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook bacon or sausage until done. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, scramble the eggs until cooked.
4. Warm the tortillas in the skillet.
5. Assemble the tacos with your choice of ingredients.

15) Brisket and Sausage with White Bread

Brisket and sausage is a classic Texas dish. It’s hearty and perfect for gatherings. The smoky flavor of the brisket pairs wonderfully with savory sausage.

You can enjoy this combo on soft white bread. The bread helps soak up the juices, making each bite delicious. Add some pickles and onions for extra crunch and flavor.

To create this meal, you’ll need a grill or smoker. Once everything is cooked, slice the brisket and sausage. Load them onto the bread with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

• 1 pound brisket
• 1 pound hot smoked sausage
• 4 slices of white bread
• Pickles
• Onions

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).

2. Season your brisket and sausage.

3. Smoke the brisket for about 6-8 hours.

4. Cook the sausage until heated through.

5. Slice the brisket and sausage.

6. Serve them on white bread with pickles and onions.