12 Famous Missouri Foods You Have to Try

Missouri may be famous for its rolling hills and friendly charm, but ask any local what truly makes this state shine, and they’ll say—the food. From Kansas City’s legendary barbecue to St. Louis’s quirky pizza and irresistible Gooey Butter Cake, Missouri’s cuisine celebrates comfort, creativity, and community.

Every dish has a story. Some were born from happy accidents in small-town bakeries, while others came straight from the pitmasters who turned barbecue into an art form. Together, they create a rich culinary legacy that’s as heartwarming as a Sunday family meal.

This list of 12 Famous Missouri Foods takes you through the must-try dishes that define the Show-Me State—each with its own flavor, tradition, and charm. Whether you’re a foodie looking for inspiration or a home cook craving comfort, these recipes are sure to make you fall in love with Missouri’s soul-satisfying cuisine.

No.1. Kansas City-Style Barbecue Ribs

There’s barbecue, and then there’s Kansas City barbecue. These ribs are the pride of Missouri—smoky, saucy, and impossibly tender. Each rack is rubbed with a flavorful blend of spices, then slow-smoked over hickory wood until the meat practically melts off the bone. What truly sets it apart, though, is the sauce: thick, sweet, tangy, and brushed on generously until it caramelizes into a sticky glaze.

Locals take their barbecue seriously, with joints like Arthur Bryant’s, Gates Bar-B-Q, and Joe’s Kansas City leading the charge. You’ll often find ribs served with baked beans, white bread, and a side of slaw—simple, honest comfort food at its best.

The first bite tells you everything you need to know: the perfect harmony of smoke, spice, and sweetness that defines Kansas City’s culinary pride. Whether you’re a barbecue purist or a weekend griller, this dish is pure Missouri magic.

No.2. St. Louis-Style Pizza

Thin, crispy, and cut into neat squares, St. Louis-style pizza is unlike any pizza you’ve ever tried. Its defining feature? The cheese. Instead of mozzarella, this pizza uses Provel—a blend of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone that melts into a silky, smoky layer of cheesy bliss.

The crust is cracker-thin, giving each bite a satisfying crunch. Toppings range from pepperoni and sausage to mushrooms and onions, but many purists prefer it plain to savor that signature Provel flavor. Another twist? It’s cut into squares, earning it the nickname “party cut”—perfect for sharing.

This pizza’s roots run deep in St. Louis’s Italian-American community, where generations have enjoyed it at family gatherings, sports nights, and neighborhood pizzerias like Imo’s. It’s more than a meal—it’s a hometown tradition.

No.3. Toasted Ravioli

St. Louis gave the world a lot of delicious things, but toasted ravioli might be its greatest gift. Imagine tender pasta pockets filled with seasoned beef or cheese, coated in golden breadcrumbs, and fried until perfectly crisp. Dip them in marinara sauce, and you’ve got a crunchy, savory bite that’s downright addictive.

The story goes that toasted ravioli was invented by accident at a restaurant in The Hill, St. Louis’s Italian neighborhood, when a cook mistakenly dropped ravioli into a deep fryer. One bite later, the “mistake” became a culinary icon.

Today, it’s impossible to attend a St. Louis gathering without a platter of these crispy delights. Whether served as an appetizer or party snack, they deliver the perfect balance of crunch and comfort.

For home cooks eager to recreate this Missouri classic, explore how The Encyclopedia of Power Foods helps you transform familiar favorites into nutrient-rich, satisfying dishes that still taste indulgent.

No.4. Gooey Butter Cake

Few desserts capture the soul of Missouri quite like Gooey Butter Cake. Born from a happy baking accident in St. Louis during the 1930s, this cake has since become a beloved symbol of Midwestern comfort. The story goes that a baker accidentally used too much butter and sugar in a coffee cake recipe, resulting in a dessert that was—well—gooey, buttery, and absolutely irresistible.

At first glance, it looks simple: a golden crust with a soft, custard-like center dusted with powdered sugar. But one bite reveals a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s sweet without being cloying. Served warm or at room temperature, it’s perfect alongside coffee, milk, or tea.

In St. Louis, no family gathering, bake sale, or holiday table feels complete without it. Every bakery seems to have its own take—some adding cream cheese, others enhancing it with fruit swirls or chocolate.

No.5. Springfield-Style Cashew Chicken

Springfield, Missouri, may not be the first place you’d expect to find a world-famous Chinese-inspired dish, yet Springfield-Style Cashew Chicken has become a local legend. Created in the 1960s by Chef David Leong, a Chinese immigrant who wanted to appeal to Midwestern tastes, this dish perfectly bridges two culinary worlds.

Unlike traditional stir-fried versions, Springfield-style cashew chicken features deep-fried chunks of crispy chicken drizzled with a thick, savory brown gravy and topped with roasted cashews and green onions. It’s rich, comforting, and packed with flavor in every bite.

Served over steamed rice, it quickly became a hometown staple—and soon, restaurants across Missouri began serving their own versions. It’s proof that some of the best dishes are born from blending cultures and flavors.

No.6. Pork Steaks

Ask any Missourian what’s on the grill during summer, and chances are, they’ll say pork steaks. This cut, taken from the pork shoulder, is thick, marbled, and perfect for grilling or smoking. Unlike thinner cuts, pork steaks stay juicy and flavorful—even after hours on the fire.

In St. Louis, pork steaks are basted in tangy barbecue sauce and slow-cooked until tender enough to cut with a fork. The sauce caramelizes beautifully, creating that signature sticky glaze locals can’t get enough of. Pair it with corn on the cob, coleslaw, and potato salad, and you’ve got the quintessential Missouri backyard feast.

The dish rose to fame in the 1950s when local grocery chains started promoting it as an affordable, hearty alternative to beef steaks. Since then, it’s become an essential part of Missouri’s barbecue culture.

To elevate your next cookout with smarter, nutrient-packed marinades and side dishes, The Encyclopedia of Power Foods is the ultimate guide to flavor, balance, and better grilling.

No.7. Kansas City Burnt Ends

In Kansas City, barbecue isn’t just food—it’s a way of life. And among its many smoky treasures, burnt ends reign supreme. Once considered leftovers from brisket, these caramelized, smoky nuggets of beef have become the city’s most sought-after delicacy.

Burnt ends are made from the flavorful “point” of the brisket. After hours of slow smoking, pitmasters cut off the ends and return them to the smoker, allowing the exterior to become perfectly crisp while the inside remains tender and juicy. The result? Bite-sized cubes bursting with rich, smoky flavor and sticky sweetness from the sauce that glazes them.

Kansas City locals line up at iconic joints like Joe’s Kansas City and Arthur Bryant’s just to get a plate. Served with baked beans, pickles, and a slice of white bread, burnt ends are barbecue bliss.

No.8. Fried Catfish

Nothing says “Missouri comfort food” like a platter of crispy fried catfish. Thanks to the state’s many rivers and lakes, this Southern-inspired favorite has long been a staple at family fish fries and roadside diners alike.

Fresh catfish fillets are dipped in buttermilk, dredged in seasoned cornmeal, and fried to a golden crisp. The coating crackles with every bite, revealing tender, flaky fish inside. It’s often served with hush puppies, coleslaw, fries, and a side of tangy tartar sauce for the perfect flavor balance.

Fried catfish embodies everything Missourians love about their food—simple, hearty, and made to share. Whether you’re enjoying it at a small-town diner or cooking it up at home, it always brings people together around the table.

No.9. St. Paul Sandwich

Only in Missouri could a sandwich like this exist. The St. Paul Sandwich is one of those quirky, delicious inventions that somehow just works. It’s made with an egg foo young patty—essentially a Chinese-style omelet with bean sprouts and onions—tucked between slices of white bread with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayonnaise.

Created by Chinese-American restaurateurs in St. Louis, this unique mash-up was designed to make traditional Chinese flavors more appealing to American diners. The result? A comforting, savory sandwich that’s crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and full of flavor in every bite.

Served in countless local eateries and takeout spots, the St. Paul Sandwich perfectly represents Missouri’s culinary creativity—where East meets Midwest in the most delicious way possible.

For those who love uncovering the origins of cross-cultural dishes and exploring nutrient-dense ingredients, The Encyclopedia of Power Foods is a fascinating resource for blending flavor, history, and health.

No.10. Missouri Apple Pie

Few desserts feel more like home than a slice of Missouri Apple Pie. With its golden, buttery crust and tender apple filling, it’s the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and spice. Missouri’s fertile land produces some of the juiciest apples in the Midwest—especially the Jonathan and Granny Smith varieties that lend this pie its signature tang.

The filling is a comforting mix of sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg, baked until the juices bubble and the crust turns crisp and flaky. It’s the kind of dessert that perfumes your entire kitchen and makes everyone wander in asking, “Is it ready yet?”

Best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, Missouri Apple Pie captures the cozy, nostalgic essence of family gatherings and fall festivals.

No.11. Cheese Garlic Bread

St. Louis’s Imo’s Pizza may be known for its thin crust and Provel cheese, but locals will tell you—the Cheese Garlic Bread is every bit as iconic. This indulgent side dish starts with buttery bread brushed generously with garlic butter, topped with a thick layer of Provel, and baked until the edges crisp and the cheese melts into gooey perfection.

Each bite delivers the perfect mix of crunch, creaminess, and rich garlic flavor. It’s comfort food in its purest form, often served alongside pizza or enjoyed on its own as an irresistible appetizer. You’ll find fans across Missouri who swear it’s impossible to stop at just one slice.

Cheese Garlic Bread embodies the warmth and hospitality of Missouri cooking—unpretentious, flavorful, and made for sharing.

No.12. Frozen Custard

If you ever find yourself in St. Louis on a summer evening, there’s one tradition you can’t miss—Ted Drewes Frozen Custard. Unlike ordinary ice cream, frozen custard is made with egg yolks, giving it a luxuriously smooth texture and rich flavor that keeps people lining up around the block.

Ted Drewes, an institution since the 1930s, serves custard so thick it’s famously called a “concrete”—a frozen blend of custard and mix-ins like chocolate, fruit, or candy that’s dense enough to hold upside down without spilling. Every spoonful is creamy, cold, and deeply satisfying, whether you choose classic vanilla or a flavor-packed special.

It’s more than dessert—it’s a piece of Missouri history. Locals and visitors alike cherish this sweet, nostalgic experience that captures the joy of simple pleasures.

If you love understanding the balance between indulgence and nutrition, The Encyclopedia of Power Foods is the perfect guide for learning how to enjoy rich, satisfying treats while staying mindful of your health.

Conclusion

From smoky barbecue to sweet Gooey Butter Cake and everything in between, Missouri’s culinary legacy tells a story of creativity, community, and comfort. Each dish on this list reflects the heart of the Show-Me State—a place where food is more than sustenance; it’s a way of bringing people together.

Whether you’re biting into a crisp piece of fried catfish, savoring the sticky sweetness of burnt ends, or indulging in a slice of apple pie fresh from the oven, you’re tasting generations of history and hospitality.

Missouri food is honest, hearty, and deeply satisfying—the kind of cooking that feeds both body and soul. So whether you’re exploring the state’s iconic restaurants or recreating these classics at home, one thing’s for sure: every bite comes with a generous helping of Missouri pride.