12 Unforgettable Ohio Dishes That Show Why The State’s Food Scene Is One Of A Kind

Ohio might not be the first place you think of when someone mentions amazing food, but this Midwestern state has created some seriously delicious dishes over the years.

From sweet treats to savory comfort foods, Ohio’s culinary contributions reflect the diverse communities and rich traditions that have shaped the region.

I’m excited to share these iconic foods with you because they tell the story of Ohio’s unique culture and creativity in the kitchen.

1. Cincinnati Chili

When you first hear about chili served over spaghetti, it might sound a little strange, but trust me on this one. Cincinnati chili is a completely different animal from Texas-style chili, featuring Mediterranean spices like cinnamon, chocolate, and allspice that create an unexpectedly sweet and savory flavor profile.

You can order it in different ways, known as “ways” ranging from two-way to five-way. A three-way includes spaghetti, chili, and cheese, while a five-way adds onions and beans to the mix. Local chains like Skyline and Gold Star have been serving this regional specialty for decades.

The dish originally came from Macedonian immigrants in the 1920s who wanted to share their unique take on American chili. It’s become such a beloved part of Cincinnati culture that locals eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner without thinking twice.

2. Buckeyes

If you love peanut butter cups, you’ll absolutely flip for these Ohio treats. Buckeyes are chocolate-dipped peanut butter balls that look just like the nuts from Ohio’s state tree, and they’re ridiculously easy to make at home.

The candy features a creamy, sweet peanut butter center that’s partially dipped in chocolate, leaving a circle of peanut butter exposed at the top. This design mimics the appearance of actual buckeye nuts, which are poisonous but share the same brown-and-tan color pattern. You’ll find them at bake sales, holiday parties, and Ohio State football tailgates throughout the year.

Making buckeyes has become a family tradition for many Ohioans, with recipes passed down through generations. The simple combination of peanut butter, powdered sugar, butter, and chocolate creates an addictive sweet that perfectly represents Ohio’s down-to-earth food culture.

3. Polish Boy

Cleveland’s Polish Boy is one of those sandwiches that sounds wild but tastes absolutely amazing when you actually try it. This massive creation starts with a grilled kielbasa sausage nestled in a bun, but that’s just the beginning of the story.

The sandwich gets piled high with french fries, coleslaw, and barbecue sauce, creating a combination of textures and flavors that somehow works perfectly together. It originated in Cleveland’s Slavic Village neighborhood, reflecting the city’s strong Polish heritage and working-class roots. You can find variations at local restaurants and food trucks throughout the Cleveland area.

The Polish Boy represents the kind of creative, no-nonsense approach to food that defines Ohio cuisine. It’s filling, affordable, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect meal after a long day or a night out with friends.

4. Goetta

Are you ready for a breakfast sausage that’s unlike anything you’ve tried before? Goetta is a Cincinnati specialty made from ground meat, steel-cut oats, and spices, formed into a loaf and sliced for frying.

German immigrants brought this recipe to Ohio in the 19th century as a way to stretch their meat supply further. The oats give goetta a unique texture that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside when pan-fried properly. You’ll typically find it served alongside eggs and toast at breakfast restaurants throughout the Cincinnati area.

Local company Glier’s has been making goetta commercially since 1946, and there’s even an annual Goettafest celebrating this regional delicacy. The savory, slightly nutty flavor might take a bite or two to appreciate, but once you’re hooked, you’ll understand why Cincinnatians are so passionate about their goetta.

5. Shredded Chicken Sandwiches

These aren’t your typical chicken sandwiches with a breaded patty or grilled breast. Ohio’s version features tender, slow-cooked chicken that’s shredded and mixed with a creamy, slightly tangy sauce before being piled onto soft buns.

You’ll find these sandwiches at church festivals, school fundraisers, and community events throughout Ohio, especially in the northern and central regions. The chicken is usually cooked until it falls apart easily, then combined with a sauce made from butter, vinegar, and seasonings that keeps everything moist and flavorful. They’re simple, comforting, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

What makes these sandwiches special is their connection to Ohio’s community gatherings and family traditions. Many people have fond memories of eating them at summer festivals while listening to polka bands or playing carnival games with friends.

6. Sauerkraut Balls

How do you make sauerkraut appealing to people who think they don’t like it? You bread it, fry it, and turn it into bite-sized balls of deliciousness, that’s how.

Sauerkraut balls combine chopped sauerkraut with ground sausage, cream cheese, and seasonings, then get rolled into balls, breaded, and deep-fried until golden and crispy. The result is a tangy, savory appetizer that’s become a staple at Ohio bars, restaurants, and parties. They’re especially popular in areas with strong German heritage, like Akron and Canton.

The crispy coating gives way to a warm, creamy center with just the right amount of sauerkraut tang to keep things interesting. I recommend serving them with spicy mustard for dipping, which adds another layer of flavor. These little treats prove that Ohio knows how to honor its German roots while creating something uniquely its own.

7. Paw Paw Fruit

It’s hard to believe that North America’s largest native fruit grows right here in Ohio, but the paw paw is real and absolutely worth seeking out. This tropical-tasting fruit has a custard-like texture and flavor that’s been compared to a mix of banana, mango, and melon.

Paw paws grow wild in Ohio’s forests and along streams, typically ripening in September and October for a brief harvest window. The fruit has green skin that turns yellowish when ripe, and the flesh inside is creamy and sweet. You won’t find them in most grocery stores because they bruise easily and don’t ship well.

Ohio even hosts an annual Paw Paw Festival in Albany that celebrates this unique fruit with tastings, cooking demonstrations, and contests. Trying paw paw connects you to Ohio’s natural history in a delicious way.

8. City Chicken

Despite the name, city chicken contains absolutely no chicken at all. This Depression-era dish features cubes of pork or veal threaded onto wooden skewers, breaded, and then fried or baked until golden brown.

The dish got its name because chicken was expensive during the Great Depression, so urban dwellers used cheaper meats arranged to look like chicken drumsticks. Ohio families, particularly in Cleveland and Youngstown, adopted this recipe and have kept it alive through generations. You’ll typically find it served with mashed potatoes and gravy for a complete comfort food experience.

Making city chicken requires some patience as you bread each skewer carefully and cook them until tender. The result is a crispy exterior with juicy, flavorful meat inside that reminds Ohioans of family dinners at grandma’s house. It’s a testament to Ohio’s resourcefulness and tradition of making the most of what you have.

9. Pierogies

Though pierogies originated in Eastern Europe, Ohio has adopted these stuffed dumplings as its own, especially in areas with large Polish populations. These half-moon shaped pockets of dough can be filled with potatoes and cheese, sauerkraut, meat, or even sweet fillings like fruit.

You’ll find pierogies at church festivals, Polish restaurants, and family dinner tables throughout Ohio, particularly in Cleveland and Toledo. They’re typically boiled first, then pan-fried with butter and onions until the edges get crispy and golden. Serving them with sour cream and applesauce is traditional and adds contrasting flavors that complement the filling perfectly.

Many Ohio families still make pierogies from scratch for special occasions, gathering in the kitchen to pinch the edges and share stories. This hands-on tradition connects younger generations to their heritage while creating delicious food everyone can enjoy together.

10. Banana Split

Did you know the banana split was invented right here in Ohio? Back in 1907, a young pharmacist named Ernest Hazard created this iconic dessert at his drugstore in Wilmington, Ohio.

The original recipe featured a banana sliced lengthwise with three scoops of ice cream nestled between the halves, then topped with chocolate syrup, strawberry topping, pineapple, whipped cream, nuts, and cherries. This extravagant dessert quickly became popular across America and remains a classic treat today. Wilmington still celebrates its claim to fame with an annual Banana Split Festival.

Creating a proper banana split is an art form that requires balancing flavors, textures, and temperatures. The cold, creamy ice cream contrasts beautifully with the fresh banana and warm toppings. When you enjoy a banana split anywhere in the world, you’re tasting a piece of Ohio’s sweet contribution to American food culture.

11. Fried Bologna Sandwich

Before you dismiss this as just a regular cold cut sandwich, let me explain what makes Ohio’s version special. We’re talking about thick-cut bologna fried in a skillet until the edges curl up and get crispy, creating what Ohioans affectionately call a “bologna cup.”

The frying process transforms the meat, adding a smoky, caramelized flavor that’s completely different from cold bologna. You’ll typically find it served on white bread with yellow mustard, though some people add cheese, pickles, or onions. This simple sandwich has been a lunch staple in Ohio households for generations, especially in working-class communities.

What makes this sandwich truly Ohio is the nostalgia attached to it. Many people remember eating fried bologna sandwiches as kids, and the taste immediately transports them back to simpler times. It’s unpretentious, affordable, and satisfying in a way that fancy sandwiches just can’t match.

12. Tomato Pie

Summer in Ohio means gardens overflowing with tomatoes, and tomato pie is the perfect way to use them. This savory pie features fresh tomatoes layered in a flaky crust with a mixture of mayonnaise, cheese, and herbs spread on top before baking.

Unlike pizza, tomato pie has a traditional pie crust and the tomatoes are the star ingredient rather than just a topping. The mayonnaise-cheese mixture creates a golden, tangy layer that complements the sweet acidity of ripe tomatoes beautifully. You’ll find variations throughout Ohio, with some recipes adding bacon, onions, or different cheese combinations.

This dish represents Ohio’s connection to home gardening and seasonal eating. When August arrives and tomato plants are producing faster than anyone can eat them fresh, making tomato pie becomes a delicious solution. It’s best served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for potlucks and picnics.