What is Kentucky known for food | What to eat in Kentucky

Welcome to our blog where we explore the mouth-watering cuisine of Kentucky! The state of Kentucky is known for its rich culinary heritage and unique blend of Southern, Midwestern, and Appalachian influences. From finger-licking fried chicken to savory hot browns and tangy burgoo stew, Kentucky is a food lover’s paradise.

In this post, we will delve into what Kentucky is famous for food-wise and explore some of the best local dishes that you simply must try when visiting the state. So whether you are a die-hard foodie or just looking to satisfy your taste buds, join us on a delicious journey as we discover the best of Kentucky’s culinary delights. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of Kentucky’s mouth-watering cuisine!

What is Kentucky famous for food

1.Hot Brown

A classic open-faced sandwich that originated in Louisville, made with roasted turkey, bacon, Mornay sauce, and tomatoes.

The Hot Brown is a famous open-faced sandwich that was created at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky in the 1920s. The sandwich consists of a thick slice of toasted bread topped with sliced turkey, bacon, and a creamy Mornay sauce, which is made with milk, cheese, and butter. The sandwich is then baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly and served with a slice of tomato on top.

The Hot Brown was created by Chef Fred Schmidt as a way to serve the hotel’s late-night guests a hot meal that was both hearty and elegant. The dish quickly became popular in Louisville and eventually gained national attention as a classic Kentucky dish.

Today, the Hot Brown is a staple of Kentucky cuisine and is served in restaurants throughout the state. Many variations of the dish exist, with some chefs adding their own twists to the original recipe, such as using different meats like ham or chicken or adding additional toppings like avocado or peppers.

The Hot Brown has become such an iconic dish in Kentucky that it is celebrated every year during the “Hot Brown Hop,” a food festival in Louisville that features restaurants throughout the city serving their own versions of the sandwich.

2.Burgoo

Burgoo is a thick, stew-like dish that is a traditional part of Kentucky cuisine. It is made with a variety of meats, typically including beef, pork, and lamb, as well as a mixture of vegetables like corn, beans, and tomatoes. Burgoo also often includes a combination of seasonings and spices, and is typically cooked for several hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

Burgoo has a long history in Kentucky, dating back to the 18th century, when it was often made by hunters and settlers using whatever ingredients were available. Today, it is a beloved dish that is often served at community gatherings like church picnics, county fairs, and other events.

In addition to its traditional ingredients, burgoo recipes can vary widely depending on the region and the cook. Some versions of the dish use chicken or game meats like venison or rabbit, while others add in ingredients like lima beans, okra, or even beer or bourbon.

While burgoo is often served as a standalone dish, it is also a popular ingredient in other Kentucky dishes like the famous “Hot Brown” sandwich, which features turkey, bacon, Mornay sauce, and a slice of tomato on top of bread, with a scoop of burgoo on the side.

3.Bourbon

Bourbon is a type of American whiskey that is closely associated with the state of Kentucky. It is made from a mixture of at least 51% corn, with the remaining ingredients typically consisting of rye, barley, or wheat. The mixture is then fermented, distilled, and aged in new, charred oak barrels for a minimum of two years.

The unique combination of ingredients and aging process gives bourbon its distinct flavor profile, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. To be labeled as bourbon, the whiskey must be produced in the United States and meet several other criteria, including being distilled at no more than 80% alcohol by volume (ABV) and bottled at no less than 40% ABV.

Kentucky has a long and rich history of producing bourbon, with the first distilleries in the state dating back to the late 18th century. Today, Kentucky is home to more than two-thirds of the world’s bourbon production, with many famous brands like Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, and Woodford Reserve all produced in the state.

Bourbon is not only a popular beverage in Kentucky but is also a cultural icon and a major part of the state’s tourism industry. Visitors can take tours of bourbon distilleries, sample different varieties of bourbon, and learn about the history and traditions of this beloved Kentucky spirit.

4.Kentucky Fried Chicken

Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) is a fast food restaurant chain that was founded in 1952 by Harland Sanders in Louisville, Kentucky, United States. Although KFC has expanded globally and can be found in many countries around the world, its headquarters remains in Louisville, Kentucky.

KFC is a popular fast food chain in Kentucky, and there are many KFC restaurants located throughout the state. In fact, KFC is considered to be a cultural icon in Kentucky, and is often associated with the state’s culinary heritage.

Visitors to Kentucky can find KFC locations in many cities and towns throughout the state, including Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, Owensboro, and Paducah. Some KFC locations in Kentucky may also offer menu items that are unique to the state, such as the Kentucky Fried Chicken & Waffles sandwich, which features a chicken breast served between two Belgian waffles.

5.Derby Pie

Derby Pie is a popular dessert that originated in Kentucky and is closely associated with the Kentucky Derby, a famous horse race held annually in Louisville. The pie is made with a filling of chocolate chips, pecans, and a bourbon-based custard, which is then baked in a pie crust.

Derby Pie was created in the 1950s by the Kern family, who owned the Melrose Inn in Prospect, Kentucky. They developed the recipe as a variation of the popular Southern pecan pie and named it “Derby Pie” to capitalize on the popularity of the Kentucky Derby. The recipe has since become a closely guarded family secret and is trademarked by the Kern family.

Today, Derby Pie is a beloved dessert throughout Kentucky and beyond. It is often served at events like the Kentucky Derby, and many restaurants and bakeries offer their own variations of the pie. Despite its popularity, the trademark on the name has led to legal battles over the years, with some establishments using the name “Derby Tart” or “Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie” to avoid infringing on the Kern family’s trademark.

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6.Country Ham

Country ham is a type of cured ham that is a staple of Kentucky cuisine. It is made by dry-curing the hind leg of a pig with salt and other seasonings, then smoking and aging the meat for several months.

Country ham is typically sliced thinly and served as a breakfast meat or as a sandwich filling. It is also often served as a main course, either baked or grilled and accompanied by sides like grits, biscuits, or green beans.

Country ham has a rich and salty flavor and is often compared to prosciutto or other European-style cured hams. It is a popular ingredient in many Kentucky dishes, including the famous Hot Brown sandwich, which features country ham, turkey, Mornay sauce, and bacon.

Country ham has a long history in Kentucky and the surrounding regions, dating back to the early days of settlement in the area. Today, it is a beloved food that is celebrated at events like the Kentucky State Fair and the annual Country Ham Festival in Cadiz, Kentucky.

7.Beer Cheese

A spread made with cheddar cheese, beer, garlic, and spices. It is typically served with crackers or vegetables.

Beer cheese is a popular spread in Kentucky that is made from a mixture of sharp cheddar cheese, beer, garlic, and spices. The exact recipe can vary, but the basic ingredients are cheese and beer. The mixture is typically blended together until it forms a smooth spreadable consistency and served with crackers, pretzels, or vegetables.

Beer cheese is believed to have originated in the 1940s at a restaurant called the Driftwood Inn in Winchester, Kentucky. The spread quickly became popular throughout the state and is now considered a staple of Kentucky cuisine.

In addition to being a popular appetizer, beer cheese is also used as a topping for burgers and sandwiches. It is often served at events like the Kentucky Derby and is a favorite of locals and visitors alike.

Today, there are many variations of beer cheese available, with different cheeses, beers, and spices used to create unique flavors. However, the basic recipe remains the same, and beer cheese continues to be a beloved spread in Kentucky and beyond.

8.Spoonbread

Spoonbread is a traditional dish in Kentucky cuisine that is similar to cornbread but with a softer, more pudding-like texture. It is made from a mixture of cornmeal, eggs, milk, and sometimes sugar or other flavorings like cheese, herbs, or spices. The batter is baked until it rises and forms a slightly crispy top crust.

Spoonbread is typically served hot and eaten with a spoon, hence the name. It is often served as a side dish with meats and vegetables, and it is a popular comfort food in Kentucky and throughout the Southern United States.

The origins of spoonbread are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the Appalachian region of the Southern United States. It has since become a staple of Southern cuisine and can be found on the menus of many restaurants and diners throughout Kentucky and the surrounding states.

In addition to being a beloved comfort food, spoonbread is also often served at special occasions and holiday meals, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is a versatile dish that can be flavored in a variety of ways, and its soft texture and delicious taste make it a favorite of many.

9.Benedictine Spread

Benedictine Spread is a popular dip or spread in Kentucky cuisine. It is a mixture of cream cheese, cucumber, and green food coloring, with some variations adding onion or garlic. The spread is typically used as a filling for sandwiches or as a dip for crackers and vegetables.

Benedictine Spread was invented in the early 20th century by Jennie Carter Benedict, a well-known chef and cookbook author in Louisville, Kentucky. She created the spread as a way to add a refreshing twist to traditional tea sandwiches, and it quickly became popular throughout the region.

Today, Benedictine Spread is a staple in Kentucky cuisine and can be found on the menus of many restaurants and delis.

10.Fried Catfish

Fried catfish is a popular dish in many Southern and Cajun cuisines, and it is often served in Kentucky as well. Kentucky is known for its freshwater fisheries, and catfish can be found in many of its lakes and rivers.

In Kentucky, fried catfish is often served with hushpuppies, coleslaw, and tartar sauce. Some restaurants may also offer it as a sandwich, with the fried catfish fillet placed between two slices of bread or a bun.

While there may not be a specific dish called “Kentucky Fried Catfish” like the KFC trademarked term, fried catfish is certainly a beloved and popular dish in Kentucky cuisine.