Missouri’s culinary landscape is a rich tapestry of flavors, reflecting the state’s diverse cultural heritage and agricultural bounty. From savory barbecue to sweet desserts, the Show-Me State has carved out a unique niche in American cuisine. Missouri is famous for its Kansas City-style barbecue, St. Louis-style pizza, and gooey butter cake, among other iconic dishes.
These regional specialties have put Missouri on the map for food enthusiasts across the nation. Kansas City barbecue is renowned for its thick, sweet, and tangy sauce, while St. Louis-style pizza features a thin, crispy crust and Provel cheese. Gooey butter cake, a happy accident originating in St. Louis, has become a beloved dessert far beyond state lines.
Other notable Missouri foods include toasted ravioli, a St. Louis invention, and Springfield-style cashew chicken. The state’s culinary offerings also extend to beverages, with Fitz’s root beer and locally crafted beers gaining popularity. These dishes and drinks not only satisfy hunger but also tell the story of Missouri’s history and cultural influences.
Historical Roots of Missouri Cuisine
Missouri’s culinary heritage reflects its position as a crossroads of American culture. The state’s food traditions have been shaped by Native American, French, German, and African American influences.
Native American tribes introduced corn, squash, and beans to the region. These staples formed the foundation of early Missouri cuisine.
French settlers in St. Louis brought their culinary techniques, contributing to dishes like toasted ravioli. German immigrants later introduced sausages and beer-making traditions.
African American foodways significantly impacted Missouri cuisine, particularly in developing barbecue styles. This influence is especially evident in Kansas City Barbecue, known for its sweet, thick sauce.
St. Louis-Style Ribs emerged as a distinct barbecue style, characterized by their unique cut and preparation method. The city’s diverse immigrant population contributed to this culinary innovation.
Missouri’s agricultural heritage played a crucial role in shaping its cuisine. The state’s fertile soil and favorable climate allowed for the cultivation of various crops and livestock.
The advent of railways in the 19th century further diversified Missouri’s food scene. It facilitated the transport of ingredients and the exchange of culinary ideas across regions.
These historical factors have collectively contributed to Missouri’s rich and varied food culture, creating a unique culinary identity that persists to this day.
Iconic Missouri Dishes
Missouri’s culinary landscape boasts a diverse array of iconic dishes that have become synonymous with the state’s food culture. From sweet treats to savory delights, these foods showcase the unique flavors and influences that have shaped Missouri’s cuisine.
Gooey Butter Cake
This decadent dessert originated in St. Louis during the 1930s. A happy accident by a local baker, gooey butter cake features a dense, buttery cake base topped with a gooey, custard-like layer. The cake’s signature texture comes from its high butter content and the use of cream cheese in the topping.
Traditional recipes call for a yellow cake mix base, but variations now include chocolate, pumpkin, and fruit flavors. Dusted with powdered sugar, this sweet treat is often enjoyed as a breakfast pastry or dessert.
Gooey butter cake has gained popularity beyond Missouri’s borders, with bakeries across the country offering their own versions of this St. Louis classic.
Toasted Ravioli
St. Louis lays claim to the invention of toasted ravioli, a crispy appetizer that has become a staple in many local restaurants. Despite its name, these ravioli are actually deep-fried, not toasted.
The dish consists of breaded meat-filled ravioli, fried until golden brown and crispy. Served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, toasted ravioli offer a satisfying blend of textures and flavors.
Legend has it that toasted ravioli were created by accident in the 1940s when a chef at a St. Louis restaurant dropped regular ravioli into hot oil instead of water.
St. Louis-Style Pizza
St. Louis-style pizza stands out with its thin, crisp crust and unique cheese blend. The crust is made without yeast, resulting in a cracker-like texture that can support a generous amount of toppings without becoming soggy.
The pizza’s most distinctive feature is its cheese topping, known as Provel. This processed cheese is a combination of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone, creating a gooey, tangy flavor profile unique to St. Louis.
Typically cut into squares rather than triangular slices, St. Louis-style pizza is often topped with a sweet tomato sauce and a variety of ingredients, from traditional pepperoni to more adventurous options like pickles.
St. Paul Sandwich
The St. Paul Sandwich, despite its name, is a St. Louis creation with roots in Chinese-American cuisine. This unique sandwich consists of an egg foo young patty served between two slices of white bread.
The egg patty is made with beaten eggs, chopped onions, and bean sprouts, often mixed with meat or seafood. It’s then fried until golden and crispy. The sandwich is typically garnished with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayonnaise.
Found primarily in Chinese-American restaurants in St. Louis, the St. Paul Sandwich offers a fusion of flavors and textures that reflect the city’s diverse culinary influences.
The Slinger
The Slinger is a hearty diner dish that originated in St. Louis. This gut-busting meal is the ultimate comfort food, often consumed late at night or as a hangover cure.
A traditional Slinger consists of two hamburger patties, hash browns, and eggs, all smothered in chili and topped with cheese and onions. Some variations include additional toppings like jalapeños or substitute the hamburger patties with other meats.
While not for the faint of heart, the Slinger has become a beloved local specialty, embodying the bold and indulgent spirit of Missouri’s cuisine.
Missouri’s Contribution to Barbecue
Missouri has made significant contributions to barbecue culture, with distinct styles and techniques that have gained national recognition. The state’s barbecue traditions are centered around slow-cooked meats and flavorful sauces.
Kansas City-Style Barbecue
Kansas City-style barbecue is a cornerstone of Missouri’s culinary identity. This style is characterized by its use of a variety of meats, including beef, pork, chicken, and even mutton. The meats are slow-smoked over wood, typically hickory, to achieve a tender texture and smoky flavor.
Kansas City barbecue sauce is thick, sweet, and tangy, often made with tomato and molasses. The sauce is typically applied during and after cooking, creating a caramelized glaze on the meat. Popular dishes include ribs, brisket, and pulled pork.
Many barbecue restaurants in Kansas City have gained fame for their unique recipes and techniques. The tradition dates back to the early 1900s, with Henry Perry often credited as the “father” of Kansas City barbecue.
St. Louis-Style Ribs
St. Louis-style ribs are a distinctive cut of pork spare ribs. They are trimmed to remove the cartilage, sternum bone, and rib tips, resulting in a rectangular rack that’s easier to cook and eat. This cut has become popular beyond Missouri due to its uniform shape and meaty texture.
The ribs are typically seasoned with a dry rub before cooking. They’re then slow-cooked over low heat, often finished with a sweet and sticky barbecue sauce. The result is tender, flavorful meat that easily pulls away from the bone.
St. Louis-style ribs are often served alongside local side dishes like baked beans, coleslaw, or potato salad. This style of ribs has become a staple in barbecue competitions and restaurants across the country.
Burnt Ends
Burnt ends are a beloved specialty of Kansas City barbecue. These flavorful morsels are made from the pointed end of a beef brisket. After the brisket is smoked, the point is separated and cut into cubes.
These cubes are then returned to the smoker for additional cooking. This process renders more fat and creates a crispy exterior while maintaining a tender, juicy interior. The result is intensely flavored pieces of beef with a mix of textures.
Burnt ends are often served as a standalone dish, in sandwiches, or as a topping for baked beans. Their popularity has grown beyond Missouri, with many barbecue enthusiasts considering them a delicacy. Some Kansas City restaurants have even started offering “burnt ends” made from other meats like pork or sausage.
Distinctive Flavors and Ingredients
Missouri’s culinary identity is shaped by unique flavors and ingredients that set its cuisine apart. Local specialties incorporate distinctive elements that have become synonymous with the state’s food culture.
Provel Cheese
Provel cheese is a quintessential St. Louis ingredient, most famously used on Imo’s Pizza. This processed cheese blend combines cheddar, Swiss, and provolone. It has a low melting point, creating a gooey texture when heated. Provel’s tangy flavor and smooth consistency make it a polarizing but beloved topping for St. Louis-style pizza. The cheese’s unique properties allow it to form a nearly-liquid layer that cools into a distinctive, plasticky texture. Many locals consider Provel an integral part of authentic St. Louis cuisine.
Vess Soda
Vess Soda, founded in St. Louis in 1916, offers a range of flavors that have become local favorites. The brand’s cream soda and fruit-flavored varieties are particularly popular. Vess is known for its iconic glass bottles and retro branding. The company’s slogan, “The Billion Bubble Beverage,” emphasizes its fizzy nature. Vess Soda remains a staple at St. Louis barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings. Its enduring presence in the region makes it a nostalgic choice for many Missourians.
Famous Desserts and Treats
Missouri boasts several iconic sweet treats that have gained national recognition. Two standout desserts showcase the state’s culinary creativity and love for frozen delights.
Frozen Custard
Frozen custard reigns supreme in Missouri’s dessert scene. This rich, creamy confection contains egg yolks, giving it a smoother texture than traditional ice cream. St. Louis-based Ted Drewes popularized frozen custard with their famous “concrete” – a shake so thick it’s served upside down.
Ted Drewes has been a local institution since 1930, drawing crowds for its silky-smooth custard. Flavors range from classic vanilla to unique seasonal offerings. The custard’s density allows it to hold toppings without melting quickly, making it perfect for mix-ins and sundaes.
Concrete
The concrete took frozen custard to new heights. This ultra-thick shake gets its name from its ability to stay in an inverted cup. Ted Drewes coined the term “concrete” for their signature dessert.
Concretes feature frozen custard blended with mix-ins like fruit, candy, or nuts. Popular flavors include the “All Shook Up” with peanut butter and banana, and the “Cardinal Sin” with tart cherries and hot fudge. Many local shops now offer their own concrete variations, cementing its status as a Missouri staple.
Beverage Traditions in Missouri
Missouri’s beverage scene blends iconic national brands with locally crafted favorites. The state has made significant contributions to both the beer and soda industries, shaping drinking habits across America.
Budweiser
Budweiser, a pillar of American beer culture, has deep roots in Missouri. Founded in St. Louis in 1852, Anheuser-Busch has grown into one of the world’s largest breweries. The company’s flagship beer, Budweiser, is synonymous with Missouri’s brewing heritage.
Anheuser-Busch’s historic brewery in St. Louis offers tours, showcasing the beer-making process and the brand’s history. The Clydesdales, Budweiser’s iconic mascots, are housed at the brewery and have become a beloved symbol of the brand.
Budweiser’s influence extends beyond Missouri, shaping America’s beer preferences for over a century. The brand’s impact on Missouri’s economy and cultural identity remains significant.
Local Craft Sodas
Missouri boasts a rich tradition of craft sodas, with Vess Soda standing out as a local favorite. Founded in St. Louis in 1916, Vess has become an integral part of Missouri’s beverage landscape.
Vess offers a wide range of flavors, from classic cream soda to unique options like whistle orange. The brand’s iconic glass bottles and retro designs evoke nostalgia for many Missourians.
Other local soda brands have emerged, contributing to Missouri’s craft beverage scene. These small-batch producers often use regional ingredients and cater to local tastes, creating a diverse and thriving soda market in the state.
Missouri’s craft soda tradition reflects the state’s appreciation for homegrown flavors and its entrepreneurial spirit in the beverage industry.
Shopping and Souvenirs
Missouri offers various food-related shopping and souvenir options for visitors. Local grocery stores and specialty shops stock regional products like barbecue sauces, spice blends, and gooey butter cake mixes.
Travelers can purchase bottles of Driver’s BBQ Sauce, available in Original and Spicy varieties. This sauce, created by a Missouri barbecue champion, makes an excellent gift for food enthusiasts.
Beer lovers might consider picking up craft brews from 4 Hands Brewing as souvenirs. Their specialty beers, like Chocolate Milk Stout and Passion Fruit Prussia, showcase Missouri’s brewing expertise.
For those seeking unique gifts, locally made kettle beef seasonings or St. Louis-style pizza kits can serve as tasty reminders of Missouri cuisine. Travel bags or weekender bags are practical choices for storing these edible souvenirs.
Food-themed clothing items, such as t-shirts featuring iconic Missouri dishes, offer wearable mementos. Baseball caps adorned with local restaurant logos or food festivals make for casual, everyday reminders of a Missouri visit.
Farmers markets throughout the state provide opportunities to purchase fresh, locally grown produce and artisanal food products. These markets often feature handmade crafts and food-related items that double as meaningful gifts or personal keepsakes.
