The Bacon Dish Each State Loves Most
Bacon has a way of winning over diners no matter where they live, yet each state gravitates toward its own signature creation.
Some regions lean sweet, others savory or spicy, but all celebrate that unmistakable sizzle in their own style.
Local traditions, beloved diners, and long-standing family recipes shape what ends up on the plate, turning a simple ingredient into a point of pride.
1. Alabama: Bacon-Wrapped Fried Chicken
Southern comfort meets pure indulgence when chicken gets the bacon treatment. Alabama takes its fried chicken seriously, but wrapping it in bacon strips before frying? That’s next-level genius.
The bacon crisps up beautifully while the chicken stays juicy inside. Every bite delivers that perfect salty-smoky punch that makes you forget about counting calories.
2. Alaska: Bacon-Crusted Salmon
Wild salmon gets a smoky upgrade in the Last Frontier. Alaskans know their seafood, and adding a bacon crust to fresh-caught salmon creates magic on a plate.
The salty bacon complements the rich fish perfectly, creating a flavor combo that’s both sophisticated and hearty. It’s wilderness dining at its finest, bringing together land and sea.
3. Arizona: Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs
Street food royalty reigns in the desert. These Sonoran-style hot dogs wrapped in bacon and grilled to perfection are an Arizona obsession.
Topped with pinto beans, onions, tomatoes, and jalapeños, they’re messy and magnificent. You’ll find them at food carts across Phoenix and Tucson, where locals swear by their late-night magic.
4. Arkansas: Bacon and Cheese Grits
Grits get the royal treatment when bacon enters the picture. Arkansas elevates this humble Southern staple by stirring in sharp cheddar and topping it with crispy bacon crumbles.
It’s breakfast comfort food that sticks to your ribs and warms your soul. The creamy, cheesy base paired with smoky bacon creates pure morning bliss.
5. California: Bacon Avocado Toast
California puts its trendy spin on bacon with this Instagram-worthy creation. Creamy avocado meets crispy bacon on artisan sourdough, creating the ultimate brunch dish.
Add a poached egg and some microgreens, and you’ve got the Golden State in edible form. It’s healthy-ish, photogenic, and absolutely delicious – peak California vibes.
6. Colorado: Bacon Green Chili Burger
Mountain living demands hearty food, and Colorado delivers. This burger stacks beef, bacon, and the state’s famous green chili into one glorious handheld meal.
The spicy chili cuts through the richness of bacon and beef perfectly. After a day on the slopes, nothing hits quite like this flavor-packed creation.
7. Connecticut: Bacon Clam Pizza
New Haven’s legendary white clam pizza gets even better with bacon. This isn’t your typical pizza—it’s a Connecticut treasure that combines fresh clams, garlic, olive oil, and crispy bacon.
The bacon adds a smoky depth that complements the briny clams beautifully. One bite explains why people drive hours for this unique creation.
8. Delaware: Bacon Scrapple Sandwich
Delaware doubles down on pork with this breakfast powerhouse. Scrapple, a Mid-Atlantic favorite made from pork scraps and cornmeal, pairs with bacon for ultimate morning indulgence.
Fried until crispy and sandwiched between bread, it’s not fancy but it’s unforgettable. Locals have been starting their days this way for generations.
9. Florida: Bacon-Wrapped Gator Bites
Only in Florida would you wrap alligator in bacon. These adventurous appetizers turn swamp meat into something surprisingly delicious.
The bacon adds familiar smoky flavor to the mild, slightly chewy gator meat. Served with spicy remoulade, they’re a must-try for anyone brave enough to embrace Florida’s wild side.
10. Georgia: Bacon Pecan Pie
Georgia takes its state nut seriously, and adding bacon to pecan pie is pure Southern innovation. Sweet, nutty filling gets a salty-smoky twist from candied bacon pieces.
The combination sounds wild but tastes like genius. It’s the kind of dessert that starts conversations and converts skeptics with every single bite.
11. Hawaii: Bacon Spam Musubi
Hawaii’s beloved Spam musubi gets a bacon boost. This portable snack wraps rice, Spam, and bacon in a nori seaweed belt for ultimate island fusion.
It’s salty, satisfying, and perfect for beach days or hiking adventures. Locals grab these from convenience stores, proving that simple ingredients can create something truly special.
12. Idaho: Bacon Loaded Baked Potato
Idaho grows America’s best potatoes, so naturally they know how to dress them up. A massive baked spud loaded with butter, sour cream, cheese, and mountains of bacon is state pride on a plate.
It’s hearty enough to be a meal by itself. Simple ingredients, executed perfectly – that’s Idaho’s style.
13. Illinois: Bacon Deep Dish Pizza
Chicago’s famous deep dish gets even more decadent with bacon. This isn’t just pizza – it’s a towering masterpiece of crust, cheese, sauce, and crispy bacon layers.
You’ll need a fork and knife to tackle this beast. One slice fills you up, but somehow you always find room for more of this iconic Chicago creation.
14. Indiana: Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Indiana’s famous breaded pork tenderloin sandwich already hangs off the bun ridiculously. Adding bacon makes it even more over-the-top and absolutely worth the mess.
Pounded thin, breaded, fried, and wrapped in bacon, it’s Hoosier hospitality in sandwich form. Don’t even think about eating this neatly – embrace the chaos.
15. Iowa: Bacon-Wrapped Corn on the Cob
Iowa grows incredible corn, and wrapping it in bacon before grilling is farm-to-table perfection. The bacon fat bastes the corn as it cooks, creating unbelievable flavor.
Sweet kernels meet salty, smoky bacon in every bite. It’s summer cookout food that celebrates Iowa’s agricultural heritage while making everyone’s taste buds dance.
16. Kansas: Bacon Burnt Ends
Kansas City barbecue masters created bacon burnt ends, and they’re as addictive as they sound. Thick-cut bacon gets smoked, cubed, and glazed until caramelized and tender.
They’re candy-like in their sweetness but packed with smoky depth. Warning: you can’t eat just one piece of these bacon nuggets of pure joy.
17. Kentucky: Bourbon Bacon Jam
Kentucky combines its two greatest loves – bourbon and bacon – into spreadable magic. Slow-cooked bacon with bourbon, brown sugar, and spices creates a sweet-savory condiment that transforms everything it touches.
Spread it on biscuits, burgers, or just eat it by the spoonful. It’s Southern hospitality in a jar.
18. Louisiana: Bacon Jambalaya
Louisiana’s one-pot wonder gets a bacon boost. Traditional jambalaya already packs serious flavor, but adding bacon to the mix creates extra smokiness that enhances every ingredient.
The bacon fat becomes part of the cooking base, enriching the rice and spices. It’s Creole cooking that warms you from the inside out.
19. Maine: Bacon Lobster Roll
Maine’s iconic lobster roll reaches new heights with bacon. Sweet lobster meat mixed with mayo and topped with crispy bacon creates surf-and-turf perfection in a buttery toasted bun.
Some purists might protest, but one bite silences all doubters. It’s coastal luxury with a smoky twist that somehow just works.
20. Maryland: Bacon Crab Cake
Maryland’s treasured crab cakes get a controversial but delicious upgrade. Folding crispy bacon into jumbo lump crab meat adds texture and smoky flavor that complements the sweet crab.
Purists might argue, but bacon lovers rejoice. Pan-fried until golden, these cakes represent the best of land and sea meeting deliciously.
21. Massachusetts: Bacon Clam Chowder
New England clam chowder becomes even more comforting with bacon. The traditional creamy soup already includes salt pork, but adding crispy bacon on top provides textural contrast and extra flavor.
It’s chowder that sticks to your ribs on cold Boston days. Served in a bread bowl, it’s Massachusetts comfort at its finest.
22. Michigan: Bacon Pasty
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula loves its pasties, and bacon makes them even better. These handheld meat pies, brought by Cornish miners, traditionally hold beef and vegetables.
Adding bacon creates extra richness and flavor. They’re perfect for eating with one hand, making them ideal fuel for outdoor adventures in Michigan’s beautiful wilderness.
23. Minnesota: Bacon Hotdish
Minnesota’s beloved hotdish gets a bacon makeover. This casserole comfort food combines bacon, ground meat, vegetables, and a tater tot topping into pure Midwestern warmth.
It’s the kind of dish that shows up at every potluck and church supper. Simple, filling, and topped with crispy bacon – what’s not to love about this Minnesota staple?
24. Mississippi: Bacon Biscuits and Gravy
Southern breakfast reaches peak deliciousness when bacon joins biscuits and gravy. Mississippi cooks make rich sausage gravy even better by adding crispy bacon pieces and using bacon fat in the roux.
Poured over fluffy buttermilk biscuits, it’s morning magic. This breakfast will keep you full until dinner, guaranteed.
25. Missouri: Bacon Toasted Ravioli
St. Louis invented toasted ravioli, and adding bacon makes this appetizer even more craveable. Breaded and fried ravioli get topped with crispy bacon bits and parmesan cheese.
Dipped in marinara sauce, they’re the perfect bar snack. It’s Italian-American fusion with a Missouri twist that keeps people coming back for more.
26. Montana: Bacon Elk Burger
Montana combines wild game with bacon for the ultimate frontier burger. Lean elk meat benefits from bacon’s fat and flavor, creating a burger that’s both healthy and indulgent.
Topped with more bacon strips, it’s Big Sky Country on a bun. This is how Montanans do burgers—wild, hearty, and absolutely delicious.
27. Nebraska: Bacon Runza
Nebraska’s state sandwich gets better with bacon. The traditional runza stuffs bread dough with beef, cabbage, and onions, but adding bacon creates extra savory goodness.
These handheld pockets are perfect for eating on the go. Baked until golden, they’re warm, filling, and uniquely Nebraskan – comfort food you can hold.
28. Nevada: Bacon Shrimp Cocktail
Las Vegas takes the classic shrimp cocktail and wraps it in bacon for casino-style glamour. Giant shrimp get the bacon treatment, grilled until the bacon crisps and the shrimp turn pink.
It’s retro Vegas meets modern indulgence. Served with cocktail sauce, it’s the kind of appetizer that makes you feel lucky.
29. New Hampshire: Bacon Maple Pancakes
New Hampshire combines its maple syrup heritage with bacon for breakfast perfection. Fluffy pancakes studded with crispy bacon pieces get drenched in pure maple syrup.
Sweet and salty unite in every forkful. It’s the kind of breakfast that makes you understand why people love New England mornings, especially during fall foliage season.
30. New Jersey: Bacon Pork Roll Sandwich
New Jersey adds bacon to its beloved pork roll for the ultimate breakfast sandwich. Pork roll, a Garden State staple, pairs with bacon, egg, and cheese on a kaiser roll.
It’s meat on meat on meat, and somehow it works perfectly. This is diner food that fuels New Jersey mornings from shore to city.
31. New Mexico: Bacon Green Chile Stew
New Mexico’s famous green chile stew becomes even heartier with bacon. Smoky bacon adds depth to the spicy green chile broth filled with pork and potatoes.
It’s warming, flavorful, and perfectly represents New Mexican cuisine. Served with a warm tortilla, this stew is comfort in a bowl with serious Southwest flavor.
32. New York: Bacon Egg and Cheese
New York City’s bodega classic is simple perfection. Crispy bacon, fluffy scrambled eggs, and melted cheese on a toasted roll creates the ultimate grab-and-go breakfast.
Every New Yorker has their favorite spot. It’s unpretentious, affordable, and absolutely delicious—the sandwich that fuels the city that never sleeps.
33. North Carolina: Bacon Pulled Pork Sandwich
North Carolina’s legendary pulled pork gets a bacon topping. Slow-smoked pork shoulder dressed in vinegar sauce and topped with crispy bacon creates barbecue heaven.
Add coleslaw for crunch, and you’ve got the ultimate Carolina sandwich. It’s pork on pork, and in this state, that’s not excessive – it’s tradition.
34. North Dakota: Bacon Knoephla Soup
North Dakota’s German heritage shines in knoephla soup, made even better with bacon. This creamy soup features potato dumplings swimming in a rich broth studded with bacon.
It’s comfort food for harsh winters. Warm, filling, and flavored with smoky bacon, it’s the kind of soup that makes cold prairie nights bearable.
35. Ohio: Bacon Buckeye Candy
Ohio’s famous buckeye candy goes savory with bacon. These peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate get topped with candied bacon for sweet-salty perfection.
It sounds weird but tastes amazing. The combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and bacon creates an addictive treat that represents Ohio’s willingness to experiment with its beloved candy.
36. Oklahoma: Bacon Chicken Fried Steak
Oklahoma’s chicken fried steak reaches new levels with bacon gravy. The crispy breaded steak gets smothered in creamy gravy made with bacon and bacon drippings.
It’s indulgent, unapologetic, and absolutely delicious. Served with mashed potatoes, this dish represents Oklahoma’s approach to food – bigger and better with bacon.
37. Oregon: Bacon Donut
Portland’s famous donut scene embraces bacon in the most delicious way. Maple-glazed donuts topped with crispy bacon strips create the ultimate sweet-savory breakfast treat.
What started as quirky has become iconic. The combination of fluffy donut, sweet glaze, and salty bacon is pure Oregon innovation that spread nationwide.
38. Pennsylvania: Bacon Scrapple Hash
Pennsylvania Dutch country doubles down on pork with this hearty hash. Crispy scrapple cubes mixed with bacon, potatoes, and onions create a breakfast that sticks with you all day.
Top it with fried eggs for perfection. It’s simple, filling, and represents Pennsylvania’s no-nonsense approach to morning meals.
39. Rhode Island: Bacon Stuffed Quahog
Rhode Island’s famous stuffed quahogs get better with bacon. These giant clams stuffed with breadcrumbs, herbs, and bacon create a uniquely Ocean State appetizer.
Baked until golden and crispy on top, they’re beach food at its finest. The bacon adds smokiness that enhances the briny clam flavor beautifully.
40. South Carolina: Bacon Shrimp and Grits
South Carolina’s Lowcountry classic becomes even more amazing with bacon. Creamy grits topped with plump shrimp and crispy bacon creates the ultimate Southern comfort dish.
The bacon adds smoky depth to the delicate shrimp. It’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner – this dish works anytime and represents South Carolina’s coastal cuisine perfectly.
41. South Dakota: Bacon Bison Burger
South Dakota pairs its native bison with bacon for an unforgettable burger. Lean, flavorful bison meat gets topped with crispy bacon, creating a taste of the Great Plains.
The bacon adds necessary fat to the lean meat. It’s a burger that celebrates South Dakota’s heritage while delivering serious flavor in every bite.
42. Tennessee: Bacon Hot Chicken
Nashville’s famous hot chicken gets a bacon twist. Spicy fried chicken topped with bacon strips creates a flavor explosion that’s both fiery and smoky.
The bacon provides a brief respite from the heat before the spice kicks back in. Served on white bread with pickles, it’s Tennessee’s gift to spicy food lovers everywhere.
43. Texas: Bacon Brisket Tacos
Texas combines its two greatest loves – brisket and bacon – in taco form. Smoky brisket topped with crispy bacon creates a meat-lover’s dream wrapped in a warm tortilla.
Add some pico de gallo and you’re set. It’s Tex-Mex meets barbecue in the most delicious way possible, because everything’s bigger and better in Texas.
44. Utah: Bacon Funeral Potatoes
Utah’s famous funeral potatoes become even more comforting with bacon. This cheesy potato casserole topped with cornflakes and bacon is a staple at every gathering.
Despite the morbid name, it’s celebration food. Creamy, crunchy, and loaded with bacon, it’s the kind of dish that makes Utahns feel right at home.
45. Vermont: Bacon Cheddar Apple Pie
Vermont combines apples, cheddar, and bacon in one surprising pie. This savory-sweet creation layers tart apples with sharp Vermont cheddar and candied bacon.
It’s weird, wonderful, and totally Vermont. The combination challenges your taste buds in the best way, proving that maple syrup isn’t the state’s only culinary innovation.
46. Virginia: Bacon Country Ham Biscuits
Virginia doubles down on cured pork with these breakfast biscuits. Salty country ham paired with crispy bacon stuffed into fluffy buttermilk biscuits creates Southern breakfast royalty.
It’s simple but incredibly satisfying. The combination of two different pork preparations shows Virginia’s deep appreciation for properly cured and prepared meats.
47. Washington: Bacon Coffee-Crusted Salmon
Washington combines its coffee culture with bacon and salmon. This Pacific Northwest creation crusts fresh salmon with coffee grounds and bacon for complex, sophisticated flavor.
The coffee adds earthiness while bacon brings smokiness. It’s unexpected and absolutely delicious, representing Seattle’s innovative culinary scene and abundant seafood.
48. West Virginia: Bacon Pepperoni Roll
West Virginia’s coal miner favorite gets a bacon upgrade. These portable bread rolls traditionally stuff pepperoni inside, but adding bacon makes them even more substantial.
They’re perfect for lunch pails and road trips. Baked fresh, they’re warm, meaty, and uniquely West Virginian—simple food that fuels hard work.
49. Wisconsin: Bacon Beer Cheese Soup
Wisconsin combines its famous cheese and beer with bacon for ultimate comfort soup. Sharp cheddar melted into beer creates a rich base, topped generously with crispy bacon.
Served with pretzel croutons, it’s pub food perfection. This soup represents everything Wisconsin loves—dairy, beer, and of course, bacon in abundance.
50. Wyoming: Bacon Elk Chili
Wyoming’s wild game chili gets richer with bacon. Lean elk meat combines with bacon, beans, and spices for a chili that warms you after a day outdoors.
The bacon adds necessary fat and smoky flavor. It’s cowboy cooking at its finest, perfect for cold mountain nights when you need something hearty and satisfying.
